Evaluation of silver nanoparticle-impregnated PMMA loaded with vancomycin or gentamicin against bacterial biofilm formation.

INTRODUCTION: Bone cement containing vancomycin or gentamicin is a therapeutic strategy for combating orthopedic infections: however, the activity of these antibiotics is narrow. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are nanocomponents with a wide spectrum, including multidrug-resistant bacteria. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of AgNP-loaded polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) on biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. METHODS: The effect of AgNP-loaded PMMA with and without vancomycin or gentamicin on biofilm production was quantitatively analyzed. S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. epidermidis were included as biofilm-producing microorganisms in the in vitro model. RESULTS: AgNP-loaded PMMA with antibiotics reduced the number of colony-forming units (CFUs; p<0.001). However, AgNP-loaded PMMA alone did not significantly reduce biofilm formation. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated the potential of AgNP-loaded PMMA. Notably, we observed that AgNP-loaded PMMA containing vancomycin or gentamycin exhibited significantly superior efficacy, with satisfactory activity against most biofilm-forming microbial agents examined.

Sonication as a tool for disrupting biofilms and recovering microorganisms in bladder catheters / Sonicação como uma ferramenta para romper biofilmes e recuperar microrganismos em cateteres vesicais

Abstract Introduction: Urinary catheter-related infection is commonly associated with bacterial biofilm. The impact of anaerobes is unknown, but their detection in the biofilm on this device has not been previously reported. This study aimed to evaluate the capability to recovery strict, facultative, and aerobic microorganisms in patients using bladder catheters from ICUs using conventional culture, sonication, urinary analysis, and mass spectrometry. Methods: Parallel, sonicated bladder catheters from 29 critically ill patients were compared with their routine urine culture. Identification was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Results: The positivity rate in urine (n = 2, 3.4%) was lower than that in sonicated catheters (n = 7, 13.8%). Conclusion: Bladder catheter sonication showed more positive culture results than urine samples for anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms. The role of anaerobes in urinary tract infection and catheter biofilm is discussed.

Resumo Introdução: A infecção relacionada ao cateter urinário é comumente associada ao biofilme bacteriano. O impacto dos anaeróbios é desconhecido, mas sua detecção no biofilme deste dispositivo não foi relatada anteriormente. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a capacidade de recuperar microrganismos estritos, facultativos e aeróbios em pacientes que utilizam cateteres vesicais de UTIs utilizando cultura convencional, sonicação, análise urinária e espectrometria de massa. Métodos: Paralelamente, foram comparados cateteres vesicais sonicados de 29 pacientes gravemente enfermos com sua urocultura de rotina. A identificação foi realizada utilizando dessorção/ionização a laser assistida por matriz com espectrometria de massa por tempo de voo. Resultados: A taxa de positividade na urina (n = 2; 3,4%) foi inferior à dos cateteres sonicados (n = 7; 13,8%). Conclusão: A sonicação do cateter vesical apresentou resultados de cultura mais positivos do que as amostras de urina para microrganismos anaeróbios e aeróbios. É discutido o papel dos anaeróbios na infecção do trato urinário e no biofilme do cateter.

Sonication as a tool for disrupting biofilms and recovering microorganisms in bladder catheters.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary catheter-related infection is commonly associated with bacterial biofilm. The impact of anaerobes is unknown, but their detection in the biofilm on this device has not been previously reported. This study aimed to evaluate the capability to recovery strict, facultative, and aerobic microorganisms in patients using bladder catheters from ICUs using conventional culture, sonication, urinary analysis, and mass spectrometry. METHODS: Parallel, sonicated bladder catheters from 29 critically ill patients were compared with their routine urine culture. Identification was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The positivity rate in urine (n = 2, 3.4%) was lower than that in sonicated catheters (n = 7, 13.8%). CONCLUSION: Bladder catheter sonication showed more positive culture results than urine samples for anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms. The role of anaerobes in urinary tract infection and catheter biofilm is discussed.

Different concentrations of vancomycin with gentamicin loaded PMMA to inhibit biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus and their implications.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate different concentrations of vancomycin and/or gentamicin loaded polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) against biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus. METHODS: Biofilm production of S. aureus in PMMA loaded with different concentrations of vancomycin and gentamicin were evaluated by quantitative analysis of biofilm cells, scanning electronic microscopy, viability assay, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and checkerboard. Statistical analysis was performed by Mann Whitney test. The difference in colony forming units per mL was significant when p < 0.05. RESULTS: All loaded PMMA presented a reduction in the number of colony forming units per mL (p < 0.05). The gentamicin-loaded PMMA could inhibits the grown of sessile cells (p < 0.05), where the group vancomycin 4 g + gentamicin 500 mg presented a better result. The Fourier transform infrared spectra showed no significant differences, and checkerboard of vancomycin and gentamicin showed synergism. CONCLUSION: Effects against adherence and bacterial development in PMMA loaded with antibiotics were mainly seen in the group vancomycin 4 g + gentamicin 500 mg, and synergic effect can be applied in antibiotic-loaded cement.

Detection of Microorganisms in Clinical Sonicated Orthopedic Devices Using Conventional Culture and qPCR.

Objective To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for 16S rDNA gene screening using sonicated fluid from orthopedic implants. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 73 sonicated fluids obtained from patients with infection associated with orthopedic implants. The samples were subjected to conventional culture and molecular testing using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and qPCR for 16S rDNA . The cycle threshold values were used to define a cut-off of the qPCR of the 16S rDNA for negative and positive cultures. Results No statistical differences were observed between the positive and negative culture groups based on the time from the first surgery to infection ( p = 0.958), age ( p = 0.269), or general comorbidities. Nevertheless, a statistical difference was found between the mean duration of antibiotic use before device removal (3.41 versus 0.94; p = 0.016). Bacterial DNA was identified in every sample from the sonicated fluids. The median cycle thresholds of the positive and negative cultures were of 25.6 and 27.3 respectively ( p < 0.001). As a diagnostic tool, a cycle threshold cut-off of 26.89 demonstrated an area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic of 0.877 ( p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion The presence of antimicrobial agents for more than 72 hours decreased culture positivity, but did not influence the qPCR results. Despite this, amplification of the 16S rDNA may overestimate infection diagnosis.

Detection of Microorganisms in Clinical Sonicated Orthopedic Devices Using Conventional Culture and qPCR / Detecção de microrganismos em dispositivos ortopédicos sonicados clínicos usando cultura convencional e qPCR

Abstract Objective To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for 16S rDNA gene screening using sonicated fluid from orthopedic implants. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 73 sonicated fluids obtained from patients with infection associated with orthopedic implants. The samples were subjected to conventional culture and molecular testing using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and qPCR for 16S rDNA. The cycle threshold values were used to define a cut-off of the qPCR of the 16S rDNA for negative and positive cultures. Results No statistical differences were observed between the positive and negative culture groups based on the time from the first surgery to infection (p= 0.958), age (p =0.269), or general comorbidities. Nevertheless, a statistical difference was found between the mean duration of antibiotic use before device removal (3.41 versus 0.94; p =0.016). Bacterial DNA was identified in every sample from the sonicated fluids. The median cycle thresholds of the positive and negative cultures were of 25.6 and 27.3 respectively (p< 0.001). As a diagnostic tool, a cycle threshold cut-off of 26.89 demonstrated an area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic of 0.877 (p≤ 0.001). Conclusion The presence of antimicrobial agents for more than 72 hours decreased culture positivity, but did not influence the qPCR results. Despite this, amplification of the 16S rDNA may overestimate infection diagnosis.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a sensibilidade e a especificidade da reação em cadeia de polimerase em tempo real quantitativa (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, qPCR, em inglês) para a triagem do gene rDNA 16S, com a utilização do fluido sonicado de implantes ortopédicos. Métodos Um estudo retrospectivo foi realizado em 73 fluidos sonicados obtidos de pacientes com infecção associada aos implantes ortopédicos. As amostras foram submetidas a cultura convencional e a teste molecular utilizando ionização e dessorção a laser assistida por matriz com espectrometria de massa por tempo de voo (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, MALDI-TOF MS, em inglês) e qPCR para o gene rDNA 16S. Os valores limiares do ciclo foram usados para definir um ponto de corte para a qPCR do gene rDNA 16S para culturas negativas e positivas. Resultados Não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos de cultura positiva e negativa com base no tempo desde a primeira cirurgia até a infecção (p= 0,958), na idade (p= 0,269), ou nas comorbidades em geral. No entanto, uma diferença estatística foi encontrada entre a duração média do uso de antibióticos antes da remoção do dispositivo (3,41 versus 0,94; p= 0,016). O DNA bacteriano foi identificado em todas as amostras dos fluidos sonicados. Os limiares do ciclo médio de culturas positivas e negativas foram de 25,6 e 27,3, respectivamente (p< 0,001). Como uma ferramenta de diagnóstico, um corte do limite do ciclo de 26,89 demonstrou uma área sob a curva da característica de operação do receptor de 0,877 (p ≤ 0,001). Conclusão A presença de agentes antimicrobianos por mais de 72 horas diminuiu a positividade da cultura, mas não influenciou os resultados da qPCR. Apesar disso, a amplificação do rDNA 16S pode sobrestimar o diagnóstico de infecção.

The impact of VITEK 2 implementation for identification and susceptibility testing of microbial isolates in a Brazilian public hospital.

Introduction. The use of automated systems in identification and susceptibility tests can improve antimicrobial therapy, and positively impact clinical outcomes with a decrease in antimicrobial resistance, hospitalization time, costs, and mortality.Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of an automated method for identification and susceptibility testing of microbial isolates.Methodology. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to analyse the results before and after the implementation period of a VITEK 2 system in a Brazilian university hospital. Based on data from medical records, patients with a positive culture of clinical samples from January to July 2017 (conventional method) and from August to December 2017 (automated method) were included in this study. Demographic data, hospitalization time, time interval between culture collection and results, culture results and site, susceptibility profile, minimum inhibitory concentration, and outcome data were evaluated. Chi-square and Fischer's tests were used in the analysis.Results. Of the total samples, 836 were considered valid by the inclusion criteria, with 219 patients before VITEK 2 system implementation group and 545 in the post-implementation group. The comparison between the two periods showed a reduction of 25 % of the time to culture reports, a decrease of 33.5 to 17.0 days of hospitalization, and a reduction in mortality from 44.3-31.0 %, respectively.Conclusion. The VITEK 2 system provided early access to appropriate antimicrobial therapy for patients and effected a positive clinical impact with a reduction in mortality and hospitalization time.

Evaluation of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans biofilms adherence to PEEK and titanium-alloy prosthetic spine devices.

BACKGROUND: Titanium and polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) interbody cages are commonly used for spine fusion. Few data are known about bacterial and yeast biofilms formation in these implants. The aim of this study was to compare Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans biofilm formation in the surface of two different interbody devices used routinely in spine surgery. METHODS: Six bodies of proof specimens of PEEK and titanium alloy were used for microbiological tests, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Experimental biofilm was produced with Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, followed by quantitative analysis of planktonic cells and sessile cells. The comparison between the medians of biofilm quantification between the two models was performed using the Mann-Whitney test and considered the statistical difference for a p < 0.05. RESULTS: In the S. aureus model, in both planktonic and sessile cell counts, titanium-alloy samples showed lower values for colony forming units per milliliter (UFC/mL) (p < 0.05). The evaluation through the optic density of planktonic and sessile cells showed lower values in the titanium-alloy samples, however, only statistically significant in planktonic cell count (p < 0.05). The count of planktonic yeast cells in PEEK was similar to titanium-alloy samples, while the count of sessile yeast cells in titanium alloy was lower when compared to PEEK (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Titanium-alloy models were associated with less staphylococcal and Candida biofilm formation when compared with PEEK.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Penetration of Vancomycin During Continuous Infusion Therapy in Patients With Nosocomial Ventriculitis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the utility of a commercial kit used to measure serum vancomycin concentrations to determine vancomycin concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples and evaluate CSF penetration when administered as a continuous high-dose infusion in patients with nosocomial ventriculitis. METHODS: This study included patients with external ventricular drain infection who were admitted to the intensive care unit between January 2018 and September 2020. After validation, CSF samples from 33 patients were collected. All patients received 30 mg/kg of vancomycin as a loading dose followed by 60 mg/kg as a maintenance dose in continuous infusion; all CSF samples were collected at least 48 hours after the first dose. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were enrolled in this study. The median serum creatinine level was 0.66 mg/dL (0.5-0.92; n = 30), and median creatinine clearance was 119.2 mL/min (64.6-138.4; n = 13). The median serum vancomycin 24-hour area under the curve (AUC24h) was 838 mg*h/L (515-1010). The median CSF vancomycin concentration was 5.20 mg/L (1.95-12.4). Median serum vancomycin concentration was 34.9 mg/L (21.47-42.1), and median CSF/serum ratio was 18.6% (8.4-41.5). Acute renal injury occurred in 21% (n = 7) of the patients by the end of the therapy. In addition, the vancomycin CSF/serum ratio was positively correlated with the median serum creatinine level (r = 0.670; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Commercial vancomycin kits used to measure serum samples may be used to evaluate vancomycin concentrations in the CSF. Vancomycin penetration into CSF was 18.6%.

Development and validation of a risk score for predicting positivity of blood cultures and mortality in patients with bacteremia and fungemia.

INTRODUCTION: Bacteremia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Predictors of mortality are critical for the management and survival of hospitalized patients. The objective of this study was to determine the factors related to blood culture positivity and the risk factors for mortality in patients whose blood cultures were collected. METHODS: A prospective 2-cohort study (derivation with 784 patients and validation with 380 patients) based on the Pitt bacteremia score for all patients undergoing blood culture collection. The score was obtained from multivariate analysis. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve of the cohort derivation and the cohort validation groups was calculated, and the difference was assessed using a log-rank test. Mortality-related factors were older age, extended hospitalization, > 10% of immature cells in the leukogram, lower mean blood pressure, elevated heart rate, elevated WBC count, and elevated respiratory rate. These continuous variables were dichotomized according to their significance level, and a cut-off limit was created. RESULTS: The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.789. The score was validated in a group of 380 patients who were prospectively evaluated. CONCLUSION: Prolonged hospitalization, body temperature, and elevated heart rate were related to positive blood cultures. The Pitt score can be used to assess the risk of death; however it can be individualized according to the epidemiology of each hospital.

Direct detection of microorganisms in sonicated orthopedic devices after in vitro biofilm production and different processing conditions.

BACKGROUND: The gold standard for microbial detection in prosthetic joint infections is the multiple culture of the peri-prosthetic tissue. The fluid cultures after sonication can improve the recovery of the microorganisms. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sonication technique with a plastic bag and the effect of refrigeration on microorganism detection with conventional culturing, MALDI-TOF MS and qPCR assay on an orthopedic screw model. METHODS: We produced biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans on orthopedic screws, which were stored under different conditions and temperatures before sonication. After sonication, the mass spectrometry by MALDI-TOF, qPCR and culture protocols was performed using the sonicated fluid, for detecting the microorganisms involved in the biofilm. RESULTS: The bacterial bioburden decreased by approximately one log after the refrigeration period, in the screws containing P. aeruginosa and S. aureus biofilms. All the microorganisms involved in the screw biofilms were detected with MALDI-TOF and qPCR. Significant reductions in CFU counts occurred only in groups stored in the plastic bag, indicating that changes in temperature and humidity may favor cell death. However, this variation is not important for this model as it did not affect the detection owing to the high counts obtained. CONCLUSION: Microbial identification by MALDI-TOF in sonicated fluid is feasible. With qPCR, there were no differences between the detection in the screws processed immediately or after refrigeration. It is necessary to consider whether or not the refrigeration period would affect microbial recovery in an explanted prosthesis.

Comparison of intermittent versus continuous-infusion vancomycin for treating severe patients in intensive care units.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare pharmacokinetic characteristics between intermittent infusion and continuous infusion of vancomycin for critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units. METHODS: Intermittent therapy was administered for 60minutes and prescribed as a loading dose of 30mg/kg and continued with 15mg/kg q12h. Continuous infusion was prescribed as a loading dose of 30mg/kg followed by 30mg/kg on constant infusion pump. Blood samples from vancomycin intermittent infusion group were collected 1h before third dose, 1h, 8h and 24h after third dose infusion. Blood samples from vancomycin continuous infusion group were collected 1h after loading dose, 12h, 24h, 36h, and 48h after continuous infusion initiation. RESULTS: Median serum concentration of continuous infusion group at 24-hour was 23.59µg/mL [14.52-28.97], while of intermittent infusion group at 23-hour was 12.30µg/mL [7.27-18.12] and on 25-hour was 17.58µg/mL [12.5-22.5]. Medians AUC24-48h were 357.2mg.h/L and 530.2mg.h/L for intermittent infusion and continuous infusion groups, respectively (p=0.559). CONCLUSION: Vancomycin CI reached steady state earlier, which guaranteed therapeutic levels from the first day and made it possible to manage therapeutic drug monitoring faster.

Comparison of intermittent versus continuous-infusion vancomycin for treating severe patients in intensive care units

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to compare pharmacokinetic characteristics between intermittent infusion and continuous infusion of vancomycin for critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units. Methods Intermittent therapy was administered for 60 minutes and prescribed as a loading dose of 30 mg/kg and continued with 15 mg/kg q12 h. Continuous infusion was prescribed as a loading dose of 30 mg/kg followed by 30 mg/kg on constant infusion pump. Blood samples from vancomycin intermittent infusion group were collected 1 h before third dose, 1 h, 8 h and 24 h after third dose infusion. Blood samples from vancomycin continuous infusion group were collected 1 h after loading dose, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h after continuous infusion initiation. Results Median serum concentration of continuous infusion group at 24-hour was 23.59 µg/mL [14.52-28.97], while of intermittent infusion group at 23-hour was 12.30 µg/mL [7.27-18.12] and on 25-hour was 17.58 µg/mL [12.5-22.5]. Medians AUC24-48h were 357.2 mg.h/L and 530.2 mg.h/L for intermittent infusion and continuous infusion groups, respectively (p = 0.559). Conclusion Vancomycin CI reached steady state earlier, which guaranteed therapeutic levels from the first day and made it possible to manage therapeutic drug monitoring faster.

Evaluation of in vitro activity of ceftolozane-tazobactam against recent clinical bacterial isolates from Brazil - the EM200 study.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of antibiotic resistance is increasing and there are few effective antibiotics to treat infections caused by resistant and multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro activity of ceftolozane-tazobactam against clinical bacterial isolates from Brazil. METHODS: A total of 673 Gram-negative bacterial isolates including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other Enterobacterales collected from 2016 to 2017 were tested, most of them isolated from patients in intensive care units. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC50/90) were determined by broth microdilution for amikacin, aztreonam, cefepime, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, ceftolozane-tazobactam, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, colistin, ertapenem, imipenem, levofloxacin, meropenem, and piperacillin-tazobactam using dried panels. Antimicrobial susceptibility results were interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute criteria. RESULTS: Susceptibility rates to ceftolozane-tazobactam ranged from 40.4% to 94.9%. P. aeruginosa susceptibility rate to ceftolozane-tazobactam was 84.9% (MIC50/90, 1/16µg/mL) and 99.2% to colistin. For E. coli, ceftolozane-tazobactam inhibited 94.9% (MIC50/90, 0.25/1µg/mL) of the microorganisms. The susceptibility rate of K. pneumoniae to ceftolozane-tazobactam was 40.4% (MIC50/90, 16/>32µg/mL). Other Enterobacterales have shown susceptibility rates of 81.1% (MIC50/90, 0.5/16µg/mL) to ceftolozane-tazobactam, 93.9% to meropenem, 90.9% to amikacin (90.9%), and 88.6% to ertapenem. In non-carbapenemase producing isolates, AmpC mutations were found three isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Ceftolozane-tazobactam has shown relevant activity against a large variety of the analyzed microorganisms collected from multiple centers in Brazil, showing promising results even in multidrug resistant strains.

Risk factors for plantar foot ulcer recurrence in patients with diabetes - A prospective pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) with established recurrence risk factors evaluating patients from United States or Europe. There are scarce studies in developing countries about these risks. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with DFU recurrence in a Brazilian prospective cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort of patients with healed DFU followed from January 2014 to June 2017 in Curitiba, Brazil. Periodic home visits from a specialist nurse in DFU were performed during the period of the study to evaluate recurrence of ulcer. The presence of risk factors in the group of patients that developed an ulcer in the follow-up period was compared with the presence of these factors in the group of patients without recurrence. At enrollment, 35 subjects presented a previous ulcer distal with complete healing to follow-up. RESULTS: From 35 patients, 15 were male (43%) and the mean age was of 65.8 ± 10.9 years (48-85 year). Most patients were married with a low income (

Detection and quantification of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus in cadaveric tissue donors using different molecular tests.

BACKGROUND: Tissues from cadaveric donors are used in several clinical circumstances, and the transmission of infectious diseases has been reported. Cadaveric donor (CD) blood sample analysis is challenging due to its poor quality. However, studies have demonstrated the usefulness of molecular based methods, and the lack of studies using available commercial molecular tests was reported. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance, specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of different commercial molecular tests for HIV and HCV detection and quantification in CD through spiked samples. STUDY DESIGN: 20 CD and 20 blood donor samples were tested using 1,000 copies/mL and 1,000 IU/mL of lyophilized standards of HIV and HCV, respectively. Samples were analyzed by different molecular kits: XPERT HCV Viral Load and HIV-1 (Cepheid), COBAS® TaqMan® HIV-1 and COBAS® TaqMan® HCV Test, v2.0 (Roche), and artus® HI Virus-1 QS-RGQ and artus® HCV RG RT-PCR Kit (Qiagen). RESULTS: HIV and HCV in CD were detected by RT-PCR-based quantitative kits. The tests performed by the Cepheid and the Roche kits showed the most accurate, sensitive and specific results, however, a wide variability between the assays and kits was observed. The Qiagen kits did not demonstrate satisfactory results. CONCLUSIONS: CD evaluation showed great variability. The Cepheid and Roche kits were more sensitive for detecting HIV on CD and Cepheid was the most efficient kit for HCV quantification in CD. The Roche and Cepheid kits can be used to screen tissue donors for HIV and HCV.

Anaerobic bioburden in transport solution of human cardiovascular tissues.

Although reports of infections caused by anaerobes after tissue transplantation are uncommon, contamination of allografts may result in substantial complications. Anaerobic incubation and testing of organ transport solution (TS) are not routine. The aim of this study was to determine the bioburden of strict anaerobic bacteria and oxygen tension of heart-TS. Forty TS from different donors were evaluated cultured using membrane filtration (MF), direct inoculation on broth and automated blood culture bottle (ABCB). Bacterial identification was performed by MALDI-TOF. The transport conditions were simulated to verify the bacterial recovery. A sterile bag fulfilled with 250 ml-1 of sterile saline was spiked with 100 CFU ml-1 of Clostridium perfringens and the fluid recovered 0 h, 1 h, 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h for culture and oxygen measurement. Strict anaerobic bacteria were not isolated in heart-TS. The recovery of C.perfringens spiked in heart-TS was 100% using automated blood culture bottles. MF method detected >100 CFU only after 6 h of spiking. The manual culture was not able to recover C.perfringens after the process. The percentage of O2 measures varied from 77.6 to 87.9%. MF or ABCB are better than direct inoculation for recovery of anaerobes from heart-TS. Although all samples from heart donors were negative for anaerobes (probably due to low incidence of contamination), C.perfringens were all recovered in the simulated transport condition.

Efficacy of Ceftriaxone 1 g daily Versus 2 g daily for The Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Ceftriaxone has been recommended as a first-line treatment for various infections; however, the doses for pneumonia have not been a consensus in randomized clinical trials. To compare ceftriaxone 1 g daily efficacy to other ceftriaxone dosing regimens in community-acquired pneumonia. Area covered: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS. Randomized controlled trials of ceftriaxone in community-acquired pneumonia were included. Outcomes included clinical cure in modified intention-to-treatment, clinically and microbiologically evaluable patients. Expert opinion: Ceftriaxone dosages of 1 g daily are as safe and effective as other antibiotic regimens for community-acquired pneumonia. Twenty-four articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twelve studies evaluated ceftriaxone regimens at a dosage of 2 g daily and 12 studies evaluated ceftriaxone at a dosage of 1 g daily. The odds-ratio of clinical cure in the modified intention-to-treatment patients administered either ceftriaxone (4666 patients) or a comparator (4411 patients) was 0.98 (95% CI [0.82-1.17]). Comparator regimens showed similar efficacy to ceftriaxone regimens of 1 g daily, with an odds ratio of 1.03 (95% CI [0.88-1.20]). Dosages higher than ceftriaxone 1 g daily did not result in improved clinical outcomes for community-acquired pneumonia patients (OR 1.02, 95% CI [0.91-1.14]).