Virulence genotype and nematode-killing properties of extra-intestinal Escherichia coli producing CTX-M beta-lactamases.

This study evaluated the virulence potential of Escherichia coli isolates producing CTX-M beta-lactamases. During a 24-month period, 33 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli, including 14 CTX-M-producers, were isolated from urinary tract infections at Nîmes University Hospital, France. The prevalence of 14 major virulence factors (VFs) was investigated by PCR and compared with the prevalence in a group of 99 susceptible E. coli isolates. Ten VFs were less prevalent (p <0.05) in the ESBL isolates than the susceptible E. coli, while iutA and traT were more prevalent in ESBL isolates (p <0.05). Moreover, the CTX-M-producing isolates had significantly fewer VFs than TEM-producing isolates. A novel infection model using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was developed to assess the virulence properties of extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains in vivo. C. elegans infection assays, using 14 ESBL-producing E. coli and ten susceptible E. coli isolates, indicated that the ability to kill nematodes correlated with the presence of VFs, and that CTX-M-producing isolates had relatively low virulence in vivo. Overall, the results suggested that hospital-acquired CTX-M-producing E. coli, although adapted for survival in an antibiotic-rich environment such as the hospital milieu, have a relatively low intrinsic virulence potential.

[Haemophilus parainfluenzae meningitis in an 8-year-old boy]. / Méningite à Haemophilus parainfluenzae chez un enfant de 8 ans.

Invasive infections caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae, a saprophyte of the respiratory tract, are exceptional and should arise suspicion of abnormalities in immunocompetence. So far, about thirty cases of H. parainfluenzae meningitis affecting neonates, infants or adults have been published. A case of such meningitis in an 8-year old boy without any risk factor is reported here.

[Developmental outcome of 5-year-old children born to opiate-dependent mothers: effects of a multidisciplinary intervention during pregnancy]. / Devenir à 5 ans des enfants de mères dépendantes aux opiacés : effets d'un suivi multidisciplinaire pendant la grossesse.

BACKGROUND: Studies on infant outcomes of opiate-dependent pregnant women find a high rate of premature mother-child separation and to a lesser extent developmental delay. The specific role of in utero heroin exposure in the determination of the developmental outcome seems to be less important than the home environment. OBJECTIVE: Describe the health and development of 5-year-old children whose drug-addict mothers allowed an early multidisciplinary intervention (medical and psychological) in the maternity hospital and neonatology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven children (62% of the initial cohort) were seen in consultation with their parents. Growth and development was compared with a control group of 374 children of the same age. Comparisons were made between the children's and parents' state (social, medical, drug addiction, etc.) upon discharge from the maternity hospital and 5 years later. A study was conducted on those lost to follow-up. RESULTS: The rate of placement in 5 years was very low (13%). Seven children showed a developmental delay, 21 no disorder, and nine some problems. Anxiety (37%) and overweight (48%) were the only disorders differentiating them from the control group. Compliance with the care provided in the maternity hospital was the only item significantly related to the development of the 5-year-old children (P=0.05). DISCUSSION: The hypothesis of an attachment disorder in those with the greatest need is raised. The likely relations between the quality of the care in the maternity hospital, mother-child relations, and the attrition of the cohort are also discussed. CONCLUSION: Management of the symptoms as well as social and psychological care during pregnancy and neonatal hospitalization for opiate-dependent pregnant women facilitates a long-lasting relation with childhood professionals, avoids court-ordered placements, and reduces the appearance of developmental disorders in these children.

TEM-109 (CMT-5), a natural complex mutant of TEM-1 beta-lactamase combining the amino acid substitutions of TEM-6 and TEM-33 (IRT-5).

Escherichia coli CF349 exhibited a complex beta-lactam resistance phenotype, including resistance to amoxicillin and ticarcillin alone and in combination with clavulanate and to some extended-spectrum cephalosporins. The double-disk synergy test was positive. CF349 harbored an 85-kb conjugative plasmid which encoded a beta-lactamase of pI 5.9. The corresponding bla gene was identified by PCR and sequencing as a bla(TEM) gene. The deduced protein sequence revealed a new complex mutant of TEM-1 beta-lactamase designated TEM-109 (CMT-5). TEM-109 contained both the substitutions Glu104Lys and Arg164His of the expanded-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) TEM-6 and Met69Leu of the inhibitor-resistant TEM-33 (IRT-5). TEM-109 exhibited hydrolytic activity against ceftazidime similar to that of TEM-6 (k(cat), 56 s(-1) and 105 s(-1), respectively; K(m) values, 226 and 247 microM, respectively). The 50% inhibitory concentrations of clavulanate and tazobactam (0.13 microM and 0.27 microM, respectively) were 5- to 10-fold higher for TEM-109 than for TEM-6 (0.01 and 0.06 microM, respectively) but were almost 10-fold lower than those for TEM-33. The characterization of this novel CMT, which exhibits a low level of resistance to inhibitors, highlights the emergence of this new ESBL type.

Unexpected enzyme TEM-126: role of mutation Asp179Glu.

The clinical isolate Escherichia coli CF884 exhibited low-level resistance to ceftazidime (4 mug/ml) by a positive double-disk synergy test and apparent susceptibility to cefuroxime, cefotaxime, cefepime, cefpirome, and aztreonam. The enzyme implicated in this phenotype was a novel 180-kb plasmid-encoded TEM-type extended-spectrum beta-lactamase designated TEM-126 which harbors the mutations Asp179Glu and Met182Thr. TEM-126 exhibited significant hydrolytic activity (k(cat), 2 s(-1)) and a K(m) value of 82 muM against ceftazidime. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that the substitution Asp179Glu induces subtle conformational changes to the omega loop which may favor the insertion of ceftazidime in the binding site and the correct positioning of the crucial residue Glu166. Overall, these results highlight the remarkable plasticity of TEM enzymes, which can expand their activity against ceftazidime by the addition of one carbon atom in the side chain of residue 179.

[Detection of pneumococci with reduced susceptibility to penicillin G using the ATB++STREP strip]. / Détection des pneumocoques de sensibilité diminuée à la pénicilline G avec la galerie ATB STREP.

Antibiotic susceptibility of 104 clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae was routinely tested using ATB STREP strips (Bio-Mérieux), and interpreted with ATB PLUS Expert V 2.3.1 software. In parallel, CMI of penicillin G was determined by Etest, strains with MIC < or = 0.06 mg/l were classified as penicillin susceptible. ATB system proved to be both sensitive and specific for the detection of strains of reduced susceptibility to penicillin G, accurately detecting 70 out of the 71 susceptible strains, and all of the 33 resistant strains. However the level of resistance cannot be deduced from ATB results.

Susceptibility of new beta-lactams to the expanded-spectrum beta-lactamase CTX-1.

Forty-three clinical isolates of enterobacteria were selected for the production of the new plasmid-mediated expanded-spectrum beta-lactamase CTX-1. The geometric means of MICs were ranged as follows: ticarcillin, greater than 4096 mg/l; ticarcillin + clavulanic acid (2 mg/l), 64-87 mg/l; LY 163892, 8.0-69.1 mg/l; cefotaxime, 5.7-26.4 mg/l; temocillin, 8.0-21.8 mg/l; Ro 158074, 4.0-18.7 mg/l aztreonam, 1.0-14.4 mg/l and BMY 28142, 1.4-2.8 mg/l. Moxalactam, imipenem and CM 40876 were resistant to hydrolysis and MICs were lower than 2.0 mg/l. A high protective effect on cefotaxime (MIC less than or equal to 0.5 mg/l) was obtained by sulbactam (4 mg/l). Escherichia coli transconjugants from each species showed similar levels of MICs.

Spondylitis and osteomyelitis caused by Kingella kingae in children.

Two cases of documented osteoarticular infections caused by Kingella kingae in children are reported. The main bacteriological characteristics and antibiotic susceptibilities of these two isolates are described. The pathology of K. kingae, particularly in bones and joints, is reviewed.

Klebsiella pneumoniae and other Enterobacteriaceae producing novel plasmid-mediated beta-lactamases markedly active against third-generation cephalosporins: epidemiologic studies.

Analysis of the enzymes produced by clinical isolates of multiresistant Klebsiella pneumoniae from hospitals in France revealed two novel broad-spectrum beta-lactamases. The first, characterized by an isoelectric point of 6.3 and a high hydrolytic activity on cefotaxime, is designated CTX-1. This beta-lactamase was encoded by a 95-kilobase plasmid (incompatibility group 7M) and cotransferred with resistance to tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and aminoglycosides (AAC [6']-IV). From 1984 to June 1987, 490 CTX-1-producing strains of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated. The second plasmid-mediated beta-lactamase (CAZ-1) was isolated in 1987 from three K. pneumoniae strains more resistant to ceftazidime than to other third-generation cephalosporins. This broad-spectrum beta-lactamase differed from CTX-1 by its isoelectric point--close to 5.6--and its high hydrolytic activity on ceftazidime and was encoded by a 150-kilobase plasmid. It was demonstrated that these expanded-spectrum beta-lactamases are TEM derivatives.

Comparative in-vitro activity of meropenem against clinical isolates including Enterobacteriaceae with expanded-spectrum beta-lactamases.

Meropenem, a new parenteral carbapenem, was tested in vitro by an agar-dilution method against 373 standard strains (aerobes and anaerobes) and against nine expanded-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing strains and their transconjugants (5 CTX-1, 2 CAZ-1, 2 CAZ-2). Meropenem was compared with methicillin, imipenem, piperacillin, cefoxitin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin and metronidazole. Meropenem and imipenem exhibited an extended spectrum of activity, with low MICs. Only methicillin-resistant staphylococci, and Pseudomonas (Xanthomonas) maltophilia were resistant. Of the carbapenems, imipenem was more active against methicillin-susceptible staphylococci, streptococci and Enterococcus faecalis, but meropenem was markedly more active against all the Enterobacteriaceae and some pseudomonads. Both had similar activity against Ps. aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp. and anaerobes. The carbapenem MICs were very low for Enterol acteriaceae producing the expanded-spectrum beta-lactamases. Against CTX-1-producing strains resistant to cefotaxime and ceftazidime and against CAZ-1 or CAZ-2-producers highly resistant to ceftazidime meropenem was the most active, with MICs lower (0.03-0.12 mg/l) than those of imipenem (0.06-0.5 mg/l), for wild type producers and their transconjugants.

Nucleotide sequences of CAZ-2, CAZ-6, and CAZ-7 beta-lactamase genes.

CAZ-2, CAZ-6, and CAZ-7 are plasmid-mediated beta-lactamases that are markedly active against ceftazidime. The corresponding structural genes were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction. Nucleotide sequences were determined by direct sequencing of the amplified products. Analysis of the nucleotide and the deduced amino acid sequences showed that CAZ-2, CAZ-6, and CAZ-7 are derived from TEM-2 by three, four, and two amino acid substitutions, respectively. All these substitutions are located at positions 102, 162, 235, 236, and 237 (Sutcliffe numbering), which are known to extend the substrate range of beta-lactamases. These substitutions are Lys-102, Ser-162, and Ser-236 in CAZ-2; Lys-102, Ser-162, Thr-235, and Lys-237 in CAZ-6; and Lys-102 and His-162 in CAZ-7. These results indicate that the nucleotide sequence of CAZ-2 is identical to that of TEM-8. The nucleotide sequence of CAZ-7 possesses the two mutations described in TEM-16 by the oligotyping method. In contrast, the combination of mutations encountered in CAZ-6 has not yet been described, and this enzyme was designated TEM-24.

Effects of Ser130Gly and Asp240Lys substitutions in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase CTX-M-9.

In CTX-M-9 extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), an S130G mutation induced a 40- to 650-fold increase in 50% inhibitory concentrations but decreased hydrolytic activity against cefotaxime. A D240K mutation did not modify enzymatic efficiency against ceftazidime. Residue K240 could interact with Q270 and therefore not with ceftazidime, in contrast with what was observed with certain TEM/SHV-type ESBLs.

Factors associated with antimicrobial resistance among clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae: 1-year survey in a French university hospital.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for nosocomial infections. Both resistance to multiple antibiotics and the expression of virulence factors are likely to be involved in the physiopathological process. In this study, 227 isolates of K. pneumoniae collected over a 1-year period in a teaching hospital in Clermont-Ferrand, France, were investigated for their antibiotic resistance pattern and the presence of several potential virulence traits. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) indicated that most of the isolates were phylogenetically unrelated. When tested in an in vitro adhesion assay with Int-407 intestinal cells, the median adhesion index was 5.5x10(4) bacteria/cm(2) (range, 2.0x10(2)-3.4x10(5)). Isolates resistant to cefoxitin, chloramphenicol, and quinolones showed significantly lower adhesion indexes. The frequency of mutagenesis conferring resistance to rifampicin was low for most of the isolates. The median mutagenesis frequency was 1.0x10(-8) (range, 2.5x10(-9)-3.2x10(-6)) at 24 h and 1.1x10(-8) (range, 1.8x10(-9)-1.2x10(-5)) at 7 days. In contrast, isolates resistant to cefoxitin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline showed a significantly greater ability to mutate. These results suggest a link between adhesion capabilities and resistance to certain antibiotics. They furthermore indicate that strains with a high mutagenesis capacity are more likely to acquire antibiotic resistance genes. The high pathogenicity island of Yersinia was detected in 16.3% of the strains and was more often associated with isolates resistant to nalidixic acid and augmentin.

[In vitro antibacterial activity of piperacillin-tazobactam combination on hospital isolates and regression curve]. / Activité antibactérienne de l'association pipéracilline + tazobactam sur les bactéries hospitalières et courbe de concordance.

Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of piperacillin (P) in combination with 4 micrograms/ml of tazobactam (T) were evaluated by agar dilution for 1,245 strains isolated in 4 hospitals. In addition antibiograms by agar diffusion were performed with disks loaded of 75 micrograms of P + 10 micrograms of T. For naturally non beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (E), MIC 50 and 90% of P + T were (microgram/ml): E. coli 1-2; P. mirabilis: 0.5-1; activity was practically identical on plasmid mediated penicillinase (Pase) producing strains. Strains of K. pneumoniae only resistant (R) to amino- and carboxypenicillins (C) had MICs less than or equal to 4 (mode MIC 2); MICs of strains R to cephalothin and/or cefotaxime were 2 to 16 (mode MIC 4). For chromosomal cephalosporinase (Case) producing species, MICs of P + T were less than or equal to 8, including for acquired Pase producing strains, but were greater than or equal to 16 for Case hyperproducing strains. Strains of P. aeruginosa susceptible (S) to C were inhibited by 1 to 16 (with MIC 4) and strains R to C by 8 to greater than 128. MICs were generally 2 to 32 for A. baumannii S to C at 0.12 to greater than 128 for strains R to C. Haemophilus, S or R to ampicillin, were inhibited by 0.008 to 2 (MIC 50 and 90: 0.016-0.12). S. aureus S to methicillin (M), Pase producing on not, were inhibited by 0.5 to 2 (mode MIC 1) and strains R to M by 8 to greater than 128. Activity of P + T for coagulase-Staphylococci was similar.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Identification of CTX-2, a novel cefotaximase from a Salmonella mbandaka isolate.

A strain of Salmonella mbandaka isolated from the feces of an Algerian infant showed a reduced susceptibility to cefotaxime (MIC, 8 mg/liter). This strain produced two transferable beta-lactamases of pIs 5.3 and 5.6. The novel beta-lactamase with a pI of 5.3 inhibited by clavulanic acid showed cefotaxime hydrolysis and was therefore designated CTX-2.

Prevalence of beta-lactamases among 1,072 clinical strains of Proteus mirabilis: a 2-year survey in a French hospital.

beta-Lactam resistance was studied in 1,072 consecutive P. mirabilis clinical strains isolated at the Clermont-Ferrand teaching hospital between April 1996 and March 1998. The frequency of amoxicillin resistance was 48.5%. Among the 520 amoxicillin-resistant isolates, three resistance phenotypes were detected: penicillinase (407 strains [78.3%]), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (74 strains [14. 2%]), and inhibitor resistance (39 strains [7.5%]). The penicillinase phenotype isolates were divided into three groups according to the level of resistance to beta-lactams, which was shown to be related to the strength of the promoter. The characterization of the different beta-lactamases showed that amoxicillin resistance in P. mirabilis was almost always (97%) associated with TEM or TEM-derived beta-lactamases, most of which evolved via TEM-2.

Clinical relevance of Proteus mirabilis in hospital patients: a two year survey.

A retrospective study was performed on 1072 non-duplicate isolates of Proteus mirabilis, taken in the period April 1996 to March 1998, and on 100 patient charts randomly selected during the same period. P. mirabilis isolates accounted for 7.7% of Enterobacteriaceae. The isolates were predominantly from urine (70.2%); of the total, 38.0% were penicillinase-producing isolates, 6.9% were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates and 3.6% produced inhibitor-resistant beta-lactamase (IRB). ESBL-producing isolates were observed in long-stay and intensive care and IRB-producing isolates in paediatric units. Of the 95 patients whose charts were examined, 69 had a confirmed infection, which in 42 cases was nosocomial.

TEM derivative-producing Enterobacter aerogenes strains: dissemination of a prevalent clone.

TEM-24 (CAZ-6) extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) was detected in 1988 in Clermont-Ferrand, France, in Klebsiella pneumoniae (bla(TEM-24)) and Enterobacter aerogenes (bla(TEM-24b)), and since 1994, a TEM-24-producing E. aerogenes clonal strain has been observed elsewhere in the country. To determine if the spread of this clonal strain was restricted to TEM-24-producing E. aerogenes strains, 84 E. aerogenes strains (non-TEM/SHV-producing strains, TEM-1- or -2-producing strains, and different ESBL-producing strains), isolated from 1988 to 1999 in Clermont-Ferrand (n = 59) and in 11 other French hospitals in 1998 (n = 25), were studied. A clonal strain was found for TEM-24- but also for TEM-3- and TEM-1- or 2-producing isolates. This study shows that there is a clonal strain dependent on acquisition of the TEM-type enzyme (TEM-24 and other TEM types).

Sequences of CAZ-3 and CTX-2 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes.

The nucleotide sequences of blaTEM genes coding for the extended-spectrum beta-lactamases CAZ-3 and CTX-2 were determined. The gene for CAZ-3 is identical to blaTEM-12b. The gene for CTX-2 differs from characterized blaTEM genes for extended-spectrum beta-lactamases by a new combination of already known mutations. We propose for CTX-2 the designation TEM-25.

Comparative study of five plasmid-mediated ceftazidimases isolated in Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Five plasmid-mediated beta-lactamases conferring a high level of resistance to ceftazidime were isolated from Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. These ceftazidimases (CAZ) differed in their isoelectric point (from 5.3 to 8.2) and were encoded by large self-transferable plasmids of 85 kb (CAZ-2, CAZ-3) or greater than or equal to 150 kb (CAZ-1, CAZ-4, CAZ-5). The 85 kb plasmids seemed closely related to pCFF04 encoding CTX-1 enzyme and belonged to the same incompatibility group 7 or M. These beta-lactamases hydrolysed all beta-lactams with the exception of cephamycins and carbapenems. For CAZ-1, CAZ-2 and CAZ-3 producers, MICs of ceftazidime (32-256 mg/l) were higher than MICs of cefotaxime (0.12-2 mg/l) and aztreonam (1-16 mg/l). For the strains producing the beta-lactamases CAZ-4 and CAZ-5, MICs of aztreonam were the highest (greater than or equal to 256 mg/l). The impaired activities of cephalosporins and monobactams were restored equally well by 2 mg/l of clavulanate, sulbactam and CL-298741 for CAZ-2 producing strains (wild type and transconjugant). Sulbactam (2 mg/l) had a lower protective effect than other inhibitors on ceftazidime for CAZ-1 and CAZ-3 producing K. pneumoniae. The protective effect of sulbactam (2 mg/l) was lower than that of the other inhibitors on all beta-lactams for CAZ-4 and CAZ-5 producers. The enzymes CAZ-1, CAZ-2 and CAZ-3 derived from TEM beta-lactamase whereas CAZ-4 and CAZ-5 derived from SHV-1 enzyme.