Dispersal of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a burn intensive care unit.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a pathogen of special concern in intensive care units (ICUs). The burn units are a very susceptible habitat to colonization and infection events by this organism. In this paper isolation of MRSA from a sepsis case and from samples of the care unit air is described, along with simultaneous circulation of two clones of MRSA. Some peculiar epidemiological features of MRSA in burn intensive care wards are confirmed.

Drug resistances in salmonella isolates from animal foods, italy 1998-2000.

We investigated the distribution of serotypes and patterns of drug resistance of 206 strains of salmonella isolated in southern Italy in the years 1998-2000 from raw food of animal origin, faeces of food animals and animal feed. To improve knowledge of mobile genetic elements carrying the resistance genes, some molecular features were also investigated within isolates resistant to three or more antibiotics. A high proportion of isolates, 52.2% and 37.7%, respectively, belonging to both Typhimurium and other serotypes of animal origin, proved to be multidrug resistant. The DT104 complex specific multidrug pattern of resistance was quite infrequent among isolates other than Typhimurium, but resistances to nalidixic acid and kanamycin were more frequent within these last ones (36.9% vs. 11.4% and 56.5% vs. 2.2%, respectively). Class I integrons were detected in isolates of Typhimurium and seven different serotypes. The relevance of food animal environment as a drug resistance reservoir and animal food as a potential resistance gene vehicle between the farm and human ecological niches is confirmed by our findings.

Antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella enteritidis, southern Italy, 1990-1998.

During 1990 to 1998, we identified multidrug-resistant isolates of Salmonella Enteritidis in southern Italy. Plasmids containing class I integrons and codifying for synthesis of extended- spectrum beta-lactamases were detected. Active surveillance for resistance to antimicrobial agents is needed to guard against the possible spread of resistant clones.

Endemic presence of Salmonella enterica serotype Cerro in southern Italy.

Molecular typing of salmonella strains isolated between 1997 and 1999 in southern Italy and carried out by the Southern Italy Centre for Enteric Pathogens, has shown a high frequency of Salmonella enterica serotype Cerro. This serotype is extremely rare i

Salmonella serovars identified at the Centre for Enterobacteriaceae of Palermo over the 5-year period 1983-87.

Salmonellosis is become an increasing public health problem in many countries. Serotyping and assessment of antibiotic resistance are useful tools, which assist in understanding the epidemiology of Salmonella infections. In this respect, the Centre of Enterobacteriaceae of Southern Italy provides helpful information on the changing pattern of Salmonella serovars in this geographic area. This paper reports the distribution of serovars and their antibiotic susceptibility in the years 1983-1987. In particular, because of their peculiar trends during this 5-year period, epidemiological features of Mbandaka, Corvallis, Dublin, Infantis and Wien serovars are described.

A study on oral rehydration therapy of diarrheal disease in western Sicily.

A longitudinal study to ascertain the most common therapeutic approach to diarrheal disease by general practitioners and pediatricians was carried out in Western Sicily. Data obtained showed that of 902 home-managed cases of diarrhea observed by 58 physicians during one year, 65.3% were treated with antibiotics, 8.0% with antimotility agents and 26.7% were not treated with any pharmacological agent (rehydration or diet). Although oral rehydration therapy was widely known by physicians in Western Sicily, only a few of them were willing to use it routinely as the principal and exclusive treatment.