Association of ward-level antibiotic consumption with healthcare-associated Clostridioides difficile infections: an ecological study in five German university hospitals, 2017 –2019
ConclusionsIn the German university hospital setting, monthly ward-level carbapenem consumption seems to increase the HAHO-CDI incidence density predominantly on haematological-oncological wards. Furthermore, other patient-specific factors seem to be equally important to control HAHO-CDI. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - August 1, 2023 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Assessing the conversion of electronic medical record data into antibiotic stewardship indicators
ConclusionsThe calculation of indicators assessing treatment decisions from EMRs was feasible. However, better data structure and processing within EMR systems are crucial for improving the validity of the results. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - August 1, 2023 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of antimicrobial resistance in Nocardia species
ConclusionsOur study provides a comprehensive understanding ofNocardia species diversity, antibiotic resistance patterns, and the molecular basis of antimicrobial resistance. Resistance appears to follow species-related patterns, suggesting a lesser role forde novo evolution or transmission of antimicrobial resistance. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - August 1, 2023 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Cefepime in vivo activity against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales that test as cefepime susceptible or susceptible-dose dependent in vitro: implications for clinical microbiology laboratory and clinicians
ConclusionsData indicate to avoid cefepime for the treatment of serious infections caused by CRE isolates that test as cefepime susceptible or SDD. Data also provide evidence that isolates with the same antibiotic MIC may have different pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles due to their antimicrobial resistance mechanism. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - July 31, 2023 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Pseudomonas aeruginosa increases the susceptibility of Candida albicans to amphotericin B in dual-species biofilms
ConclusionsWe propose that in dual-species biofilms,P. aeruginosa simultaneously induces mitochondrial oxidative stress, while down-regulating key detoxification enzymes, which preventsC. albicans mounting an appropriate oxidative stress response to amphotericin B, leading to fungal cell death. This work highlights the importance of understanding the impact of polymicrobial interactions on antimicrobial susceptibility. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - July 31, 2023 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Diagnostic and antibiotic stewardship lessons: an outpatient assessment of symptomatic reflex urinalysis ordering accuracy using an electronic best-practice alert
ConclusionsUTI and ASB remain challenging to categorize despite a meticulous method that applied acceptable criteria. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - July 26, 2023 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Impact of veterinary antibiotics on plasmid-encoded antibiotic resistance transfer
ConclusionsWe showed here that some antibiotics used in veterinary medicine may induce transfer of plasmid-encoded resistance and therefore may contribute to the worldwide spread of antibiotic resistance genes. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - July 24, 2023 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Hospitalizations and severe complications following acute sinusitis in general practice: a registry-based cohort study
ConclusionsSevere complications of acute sinusitis were rare and no protective effect of high prescribing practice among GPs was found. Recommendations to further reduce antibiotic prescribing are generally encouraged, except for high-risk groups. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - July 24, 2023 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and therapeutic drug monitoring of ceftazidime/avibactam administered by continuous infusion in patients with MDR Gram-negative bacterial infections —authors’ response
Instituto de Salud Carlos III10.13039/501100004587INT21/00009 (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - July 21, 2023 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

An artesunate pharmacometric model to explain therapeutic responses in falciparum malaria
ConclusionsA within-host pharmacometric model is proposed in which it is hypothesized that some malaria parasites enter a temporary drug refractory state after exposure to artemisinin antimalarials, which is followed by delayed parasite death or reactivation. The model fitted the observed sequential parasite density data from patients with acuteP. falciparum malaria, and it supported reduced ring stage activity in artemisinin-resistant infections. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - July 20, 2023 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

CHROMAgar ™ LIN-R as an efficient screening tool to assess the prevalence of linezolid-resistant enterococci in German hospital patients—a multicentre study approach, 2021–2022
ConclusionsCHROMAgar ™ LIN-R represents a simple and efficient LRE screening tool in hospital settings. A high proportion of false-positive results demands validation of linezolid resistance by a reference method. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - July 20, 2023 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Cefepime pharmacokinetics in critically ill children and young adults undergoing continuous kidney replacement therapy
ConclusionsSince most patients failed to attain stringent targets of 100%fT  >  4×  MIC, model-informed precision dosing may benefit such patients. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - July 19, 2023 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Rapid expansion of Neisseria gonorrhoeae ST7827 clone in Australia, with variable ceftriaxone phenotype unexplained by genotype
ConclusionsThe rapid dissemination and establishment of this clone at the population level is a new and concerning demonstration of the agility of this pathogen, and underscores concerns about similar incursions and establishment of MDR clones. Moreover, it is notable that in this context the AMR genotype –phenotype correlates remain unclear, which requires further investigation to enable better understanding of genomic aspects of AMR inN. gonorrhoeae. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - July 15, 2023 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Making the case for precision dosing: visualizing the variability of cefepime exposures in critically ill adults
ConclusionCreatinine clearance estimates alone are inadequate for predicting cefepime exposures. Wide variations in cefepime exposure exist among ICU patients, even for those with similar kidney function estimates. Current population adjustment schemes based solely on creatinine clearance will result in unintended high and low exposures leading to safety and efficacy concerns, respectively. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - July 14, 2023 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Molnupiravir for the treatment of non-severe COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized trials with 34  570 patients
ConclusionsMolnupiravir was found to be effective in non-severe COVID-19, but the efficacy varied with age and sex. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - July 12, 2023 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research