EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Analysis of the potentially pathogenic bacteria of lower respiratory tract infections in children per-, during and post-COVID-19: a retrospective study
Xu X, Meng L, Li J, Zhang Y, Liu B, Jiang W and Hao C
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant changes in lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). This study aimed to characterize potentially pathogenic bacterial infections in paediatric patients hospitalized for LRTIs per-, during and post-COVID-19.
High diversity of strain clonality and metallo-β-lactamases genes among carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales in Taiwan
Lee JA, Kuo YW, Du SH, Lee TF, Liao CH, Huang YT and Hsueh PR
This study aimed to investigate the genetic and clinical characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) isolates carrying metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) genes.
Rectal colonization with multidrug-resistant organisms and risk for bloodstream infection among high-risk Greek patients
Karakosta P, Meletis G, Kousouli E, Protonotariou E, Tarpatzi A, Vourli S, Georgiou PC, Mamali V, Skoura L, Zarkotou O and Pournaras S
Studies link multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) rectal colonization to increased infection risk, data from Greece, a country with high rates of MDRO, are limited.
Minocycline susceptibility in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: a closer look at institutional data amid CLSI breakpoint revisions
Crowley PD, Mira P and Saleh OMA
In this letter we respond Bakthavatchalam et al's brief report on susceptibility of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia to Minocycline in the setting of new susceptibility breakpoints. We outline our institution's experience with this organism and new data of susceptibility with the breakpoint of < 1 mg/L from the past 5 months showing 93.8% of 144 isolates remained susceptible.
AdeABC, AdeFGH, and AdeIJK efflux pumps as key factors in tigecycline resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii: a study from Western Balkan hospitals
Novović K, Radovanović M, Gajić I, Vasiljević Z, Malešević M, Šapić K and Jovčić B
The present study investigated the role of resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) efflux pumps in tigecycline resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates recovered from three Western Balkan countries (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro).
Retraction Note: Acquisition of multidrug-resistant bacteria and encoding genes among French pilgrims during the 2017 and 2018 Hajj
Hoang VT, Dao TL, Ly TDA, Gouriet F, Hadjadj L, Belhouchat K, Chaht KL, Yezli S, Alotaibi B, Raoult D, Parola P, Baron SA, de Santi VP, Rolain JM and Gautret P
In-vitro activity of newly-developed β-lactamase inhibitors avibactam, relebactam and vaborbactam in combination with anti-pseudomonal β-lactam antibiotics against AmpC-overproducing clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates
Le Terrier C, Raro OHF, Saad AM, Nordmann P and Poirel L
Overproduction of the intrinsic chromosomally-encoded AmpC β-lactamase is one of the main mechanisms responsible for broad-spectrum β-lactam resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our study aimed to evaluate the in-vitro activity of anti-pseudomonal β-lactam molecules associated with the recently-developed and commercially-available β-lactamase inhibitors, namely avibactam, relebactam and vaborbactam, against P. aeruginosa isolates overproducing their AmpC.
Incidence, clinical manifestations and characterization of Enterovirus in the last decade (2014-2023) in Asturias (Spain). Effect of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Rojo-Alba S, González-Alba JM, Martínez ZP, Varela CO, Álvarez MAA, Fernández PR, Pérez MR, García EG, Boga JA, García SM and Álvarez-Argüelles ME
Enteroviruses (EVs) are a large group of genotypes that cause a variety of pathologies, some of them very serious. This study analyzed the last 10 years (2014-2023) of EVs diagnosis and classification. In 166,674 samples collected, EVs were found in 9,535 (5.7%) by rt-RT-PCR, and 332 (3.5%) were classified by Sanger methods. Symptoms were analyzed in 7623 cases. EVs were found in 5718/63,829 (8.9%) before, 1384/42,373 (3.3%) during and 2433/60,472 (4%) after the Covid pandemic (p < 0.0001), and in 7249/69,700 (10.4%) children under 6 years and in 2286/96,974 (2.35%) in oldest (p < 0.0001). The positive rate of EVs was high but decreased during the Covid period. In the youngest children EVs-A (associated with exantematohous disorders as well as respiratory manifestations and febrile syndromes) was most common, while EVs-B (frequent in neurological symptoms) was most common in children aged 6-15 years and EVs-D (associated to respiratory manifestations) in adults.
Analysis of serotype distribution and characteristics of nonhemolytic and nonpigmented strains among group B Streptococcus isolates in a southern Taiwan local hospital
Cheng HF, Kuo ZY, Lin CC, Chen HF, Lo HR, Shyu HW and Wang YF
Group B streptococci (GBS) are Gram-positive bacteria that are a leading cause of neonatal infections. Most invasive isolates are β-hemolytic, and hemolytic activity is critical for GBS virulence. Although nonhemolytic GBS strains are occasionally isolated, they are often thought to be attenuated in virulence. Recent studies have observed that many nonhemolytic and nonpigmented (NH/NP) strains originated from invasive infections, including bacteremia and meningitis, in neonates or adults. The mutations causing the NH/NP phenotype are predominantly localized in the cyl operon and abx1 gene. Previous studies on group B streptococci in Taiwan have focused on the serotype and genotype distribution. In this study, we investigated the serotype distribution of the NH/NP strains and detected the mutations of abx1.
Management and prevention of Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in the context of evolving antimicrobial resistance trends
Marshall HS, Molina JM, Berlaimont V, Mulgirigama A, Sohn WY, Berçot B and Bobde S
To describe the relationships between Neisseria meningitidis (NM) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) at genetic, population, and individual levels; to review historical trends in antimicrobial resistance (AMR); to review the treatment and preventive landscapes and explore their potential impact on AMR.
Investigation of clonal relationship in hospital-associated Candida parapsilosis isolates
Ergon MC, Gürbüz ED, Arslan N, Alp S, Dereli MD and Özkütük AA
We aimed to investigate the clonal relationship and antifungal susceptibility of C. parapsilosis isolated from hospitalized patients and to determine whether it is due to transmission or not and the spread status of resistant isolates.
Murine typhus as the leading cause of non-focalized fever in the Canary Islands
Vélez-Tobarias M, Torres-Vega AM, Carmelo E, Morais-Martín J, Pérez JA, Gonzalo-Hernández C, Clot G and Ascaso-Terrén C
This prospective study aims to diagnose the etiology of non-focalized fever lasting between 5 and 28 days in the islands of La Palma and El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain) during 2021, using serology and PCR.
Overview of Pediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections: has risk perception for RSV changed in children with comorbid conditions?
Yilmaz D, Tasar S, Tuz AE, Eroz NA, Oncel EK, Aksay AK and Yilmaz N
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the primary etiology of lower respiratory tract infection in children. The fluctuating incidence of RSV, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, has shifted the spotlight onto preventive strategies. Our study aims to investigate both the risk factors and clinical symptoms of RSV.
Dose optimization of piperacillin/tazobactam, cefepime, and ceftazidime for carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates in Türkiye
Buyukyanbolu E, Gill CM, Genc L, Karakus M, Comert F, Otlu B, Aktas E and Nicolau DP
Although CRPA may test susceptible to other β-lactams such as ceftazidime (CAZ), cefepime (FEP), and piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP), reduced potency has been observed. We assessed the adequacy of EUCAST Susceptible (S) or Susceptible Increased Exposure (SIE)/(I) doses for CAZ, FEP, and TZP against CRPA clinical isolates.
Current knowledge of vertebral osteomyelitis: a review
Zou X, Li X, He K, Song Q and Yin R
As life expectancy increases worldwide, the elderly population in every country is growing in both the size and proportion. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the microbiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic approaches to vertebral osteomyelitis, summarizing the latest evidence to guide effective treatment.
Incidence of colistin heteroresistance among carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan
Zulfiqar A, Hanif F, Irfan R, Qasim A and Usman J
The emergence of colistin-resistant and heteroresistant strains of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) complicates treatment and exacerbates the global health crisis of drug-resistant bacteria. This study aims to investigate the incidence and clinical implications of colistin heteroresistance in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from a tertiary hospital in Pakistan.
The impact of fluconazole use on the fungal and bacterial microbiomes in recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (RVVC): a pilot study of vaginal and gastrointestinal site interplay
Bradfield Strydom M, Nelson TM, Khan S, Walpola RL, Ware RS and Tiralongo E
Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (RVVC) is a problematic clinical condition for which fluconazole treatment is commonly prescribed. This study investigated the interkingdom vaginal and gastrointestinal microbiomes of RVVC patients who use fluconazole intermittently or as longer-term maintenance therapy for symptom management and compared them to healthy controls.
A prospective analysis of clinical and parasitological outcomes after treatment or a wait-and-see approach of Dientamoeba fragilis infection in an adult general practice population
Hazenberg HMJL, Mank TG, Band C, Euser SM and van Soest EJ
Dientamoeba fragilis is a protozoan frequently encountered in stool samples globally. It is debated whether Dientamoeba fragilis carries pathogenic capacities. This study prospectively analyses clinical and parasitological outcomes after treatment or a wait-and-see approach of Dientamoeba fragilis infection in a general practice adult population.
EchiNam: multicenter retrospective study on the experience, challenges, and pitfalls in the diagnosis and treatment of alveolar echinococcosis in Belgium
Plum PE, Ausselet N, Kidd F, Noirhomme S, Garrino MG, Dili A, Hayette MP, Detry O, Leonard P, Motet C, Hites M, Bourgeois M, Montesinos I and Delaere B
The aim of this retrospective study was to collect epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, imaging, management, and follow-up data on cases of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) diagnosed and/or followed up within the Namur Hospital Network (NHN) in order to gather information on the challenges, pitfalls, and overall experience in the diagnosis and treatment of AE.
Changes in the epidemiology of neonatal bacteremia during the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, China
Rao J, Wang X, Deng S, Tang F and Li C
To investigate the incidence, pathogen distribution, and antibiotic susceptibility of early- and late-onset neonatal bacteremia, and to analyze pathogen trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ceftazidime-avibactam tolerance and persistence among difficult-to-treat KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates from bloodstream infections
Abichabki N, Gaspar GG, Bortolato LR, Lima DAFS, Silva LN, Pocente RHC, Ferreira JC, Ogasawara TC, Pereira D, Guerra RR, Wilhelm C, Barth P, Martins AF, Barth A, Braga GUL, De Martinis ECP, Bengtsson-Palme J, Bellissimo-Rodrigues F, Bollela VR, Darini ALC and Andrade LN
Tolerance and persistence occur "silently" in bacteria categorized as susceptible by antimicrobial susceptibility testing in clinical microbiology laboratories. They are different from resistance phenomena, not well-studied, and often remain unnoticeable. We aimed to investigate and characterize ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) tolerance/persistence in 80 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from bloodstream infections.