Natural antibiotic susceptibility of Enterobacter spp., with special reference to Enterobacter aerogenes and Enterobacter intermedius strains

The natural susceptibility to 71 antibiotics of 44 strains of Enterobacter aerogenes and 12 strains of Enterobacter intermedius was examined using a microdilution procedure in Isosensitest broth (for all strains) and cation-adjusted Mueller Hinton broth (for some strains). Both species were naturally sensitive or sensitive and intermediate to tetracyclines, all tested aminoglycosides, several penicillins and cephalosporins, carbapenems, aztreonam, quinolones, folate-pathway inhibitors, chloramphenicol and nitrofurantoin. Uniform natural resistance was found to cefoxitin and to antibiotics to which most other Enterobacteriaceae are also intrinsically resistant, e.g. several macrolides, lincosamides, streptogramins and glycopeptides. Major species-specific differences in susceptibility affecting clinical assessment criteria were found with amoxycillin, amoxycillin-clavulanate, some narrow-spectrum cephalosporins and fosfomycin. With the exception of penicillin G, oxacillin and cefoxitin, E. intermedius was naturally sensitive or naturally sensitive and intermediate (azlocillin) to all beta-lactams tested. Natural antibiotic susceptibility patterns of E. aerogenes and E. intermedius were analyzed with regard to the underlying mechanisms. The data were compared with the results from two recent studies dealing with natural susceptibilities of other clinically-relevant Enterobacter spp. With reference to beta-lactam susceptibility patterns, it can be assumed that all human-affecting Enterobacter species examined produce species-specific, chromosomally-encoded beta-lactamases of the AmpC type. The naturally-expressed amount of enzyme depends on the species.     

Natural Antibiotic Susceptibility of Ewingella americana Strains

Abstract

The natural susceptibility of 20 Ewingella americana strains to 72 antibiotics was examined. MIC values were determined using a microdilution procedure in cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth. Evaluation of natural antibiotic susceptibility was performed applying the German standard (where applicable). β-Lactamases were examined with a conventional nitrocefin colony testing procedure, activity and induction assays, and SDS-PAGE. Ewingella strains were naturally resistant or of intermediate susceptibility to cefaclor, loracarbef, cefazoline, cefuroxime, cefoxitin, benzylpenicillin, oxacillin, fosfomycin, erythromycin, roxithromycin, clarithromycin, lincosamides, dalfopristin-quinupristin, ketolides, linezolid, glycopeptides, fusidic acid and rifampicin. Uniform natural sensitivity was found with acylureidopenicillins except for azlocillin, ticarcillin, several cephalosporins, carbapenems, aztreonam, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, quinolones, azithromycin, folate-pathway inhibitors and chloramphenicol. Strains of E. americana were naturally sensitive or of intermediate susceptibility to aminopenicillins (with and without β-lactamase inhibitors), azlocillin and nitrofurantoin. All ewingellae yielded β-lactamases; testing of representative strains revealed that these enzymes belong to Ambler class C. Inducibility of β-lactamase was shown for E. americana ATCC 33852^T, CCUG 35675 and CCUG 42782.

The present study describes a database concerning the natural susceptibility of E. americana strains to a range of antibiotics, which can be applied to validate forthcoming antibiotic susceptibility tests of these bacteria. It enlarges the number of Enterobacteriaceae expressing naturally-occurring AmpC β-lactamases.     

Natural antibiotic susceptibility of Ewingella americana strains

The natural susceptibility of 20 Ewingella americana strains to 72 antibiotics was examined. MIC values were determined using a microdilution procedure in cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth. Evaluation of natural antibiotic susceptibility was performed applying the German standard (where applicable). Beta-lactamases were examined with a conventional nitrocefin colony testing procedure, activity and induction assays, and SDS-PAGE. Ewingella strains were naturally resistant or of intermediate susceptibility to cefaclor, loracarbef, cefazoline, cefuroxime, cefoxitin, benzylpenicillin, oxacillin, fosfomycin, erythromycin, roxithromycin, clarithromycin, lincosamides, dalfopristin-quinupristin, ketolides, linezolid, glycopeptides, fusidic acid and rifampicin. Uniform natural sensitivity was found with acylureidopenicillins except for azlocillin, ticarcillin, several cephalosporins, carbapenems, aztreonam, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, quinolones, azithromycin, folate-pathway inhibitors and chloramphenicol. Strains of E. americana were naturally sensitive or of intermediate susceptibility to aminopenicillins (with and without beta-lactamase inhibitors), azlocillin and nitrofurantoin. All ewingellae yielded beta-lactamases; testing of representative strains revealed that these enzymes belong to Ambler class C. Inducibility of beta-lactamase was shown for E. americana ATCC 33852T, CCUG 35675 and CCUG 42782. The present study describes a database concerning the natural susceptibility of E. americana strains to a range of antibiotics, which can be applied to validate forthcoming antibiotic susceptibility tests of these bacteria. It enlarges the number of Enterobacteriaceae expressing naturally-occurring AmpC beta-lactamases.     

Natural antibiotic susceptibility of Proteus spp., with special reference to P. mirabilis and P. penneri strains

The natural susceptibility of 102 Proteus mirabilis and 35 Proteus penneri strains to 71 antibiotics was examined. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by applying a microdilution procedure in IsoSensitest broth (for all strains) and cation-adjusted Mueller Hinton broth (for some strains). P. mirabilis and P. penneri were naturally resistant to penicillin G, oxacillin, all tested macrolides, lincosamides, streptogramins, glycopeptides, rifampicin and fusidic acid. Both species were uniformly, naturally sensitive to all tested aminoglycosides, acylureidopenicillins, some cephalosporins, carbapenems, aztreonam, quinolones, sulfamethoxazole and co-trimoxazole. Species-specific differences in natural susceptibility affecting clinical assessment criteria were seen with tetracyclines, several beta-lactams, chloramphenicol and nitrufurantoin. P. mirabilis was naturally resistant to all tested tetracyclines, and was naturally sensitive to all beta-lactams, except penicillin G and oxacillin. Strains of P. penneri were naturally sensitive or of intermediate susceptibility to tetracyclines, and naturally resistant to amoxicillin (but sensitive or of intermediate susceptibility to aminopenicillins in the presence of beta-lactamase inhibitors) and some cephalosporins (i.e. cefaclor, cefazoline, loracarbef, cefuroxime, cefotiam, and cefdinir). P. penneri was less susceptible than P. mirabilis to chloramphenicol; P. mirabilis was less susceptible than P. penneri to nitrofurantoin. Major medium-dependent influences on the MICs were seen with fosfomycin. The present study describes a database concerning the natural antibiotic susceptibility of P. mirabilis and P. penneri strains to a range of antibiotics, which can be applied to validate forthcoming antibiotic susceptibility tests of these bacteria. It was shown that ten of fifteen amoxicillin-sensitive P. mirabilis strains produced beta-lactamases at a low level, supporting the thesis of the presence of a naturally-occurring beta-lactamase in this species. Natural susceptibility patterns are compared with those of a recent study, dealing with natural susceptibilities of species of the P. vulgaris complex.     

Natural antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Kluyvera ascorbata and Kluyvera cryocrescens strains and review of the clinical efficacy of antimicrobial agents used for the treatment of Kluyvera infections

The natural susceptibility of 58 K. ascorbata and 24 K. cryocrescens strains to 71 antimicrobial agents was investigated. MIC values were determined with a microdilution procedure in cation-adjusted Mueller Hinton broth (for all strains) and IsoSensitest broth (for some strains). Both species were naturally sensitive or of intermediate susceptibility to tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, quinolones, antifolates, chloramphenicol, nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, aminopenicillins plus beta-lactamase inhibitors, acylureidopenicillins, carbapenems, aztreonam and some cephalosporins. Uniform natural resistance was found with several macrolides, lincosamides, streptogramins, glycopeptides, rifampicin, fusidic acid, linezolid, penicillin G, oxacillin, and amoxicillin. To the latter agent, some strains of both species were also of intermediate susceptibility. Species-related differences in natural susceptibility affecting clinical assessment criteria were seen with azithromycin, cethromycin, telithromycin, ticarcillin and some cephalosporins, to which K. ascorbata was less susceptible than K. cryocrescens. Medium-related differences in susceptibility were restricted to a few antibiotics. A data base about the natural susceptibility of the two most common Kluyvera spp. to a wide range of antimicrobial agents is presented. It can be used for the validation of forthcoming susceptibility trials of these microorganisms. Although some susceptibilty patterns might be helpful for the phenotypical separation of K. ascorbata from K. cryocrescens, they do not allow a separation of these species. The literature dealing with the clinical efficacy of antimicrobial agents used for the treatment of Kluyvera infections is discussed.     

Enterobacter spp. Infections Complicating the Course of HIV Disease

Abstract

Through a retrospective review of clinical and laboratory data of 2517 consecutive patients with HIV disease hospitalized since 1991, 13 patients were identified (0.52%), who suffered from a confirmed Enterobacter spp. infection (urinary tract disease in 7 cases, sepsis in 4 patients, and pneumonia in 2 cases). A severe immunodeficiency was recognized in all cases, as expressed by a mean CD4+ lymphocyte count <60 cells/μL, and frequently, a prior diagnosis of AIDS. Bloodstream infection proved linked to a lower mean CD4+ cell count, a more frequent occurrence of leukopenia-neutropenia, and nosocomial origin of the infecting pathogen. Hospital-acquired Enterobacter spp. disease was more frequent than community-acquired, and was significantly associated with leukopenia-neutropenia, and a diagnosis of AIDS. Antibiotic susceptibility assays showed a resistance rate to ampicillin and cephalothin involving >90% of tested strains, and a higher (but varied) sensitivity to other ß-lactams, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and cotrimoxazole. Adequate chemotherapy provided clinical and bacteriological success in all evaluated patients, in the absence of mortality or relapses. Only 34 episodes of HIV-associated Enterobacter spp. infection have been reported to date in 11 different literature studies. Our data point out that also Enterobacter spp. organisms may have an appreciable pathogenic potential in patients with HIV disease, especially in those with a low CD4+ lymphocyte count, leukopenia-neutropenia, who are hospitalized. Despite the unpredictable antibiotic susceptibility profile of these organisms, HIV-related Enterobacter spp. disease may be properly managed through rapid identification and timely and appropriate antimicrobial treatment.     

Emergence of colistin resistance in Enterobacter aerogenes from Croatia

A colistin-resistant Enterobacter aerogenes [study code 12264] was isolated from the tracheal aspirate of a 71-year-old male patient in the General Hospital [GH] in Pula, Croatia. The patient was previously treated in University Hospital Centre in Rijeka with colistin in order to eradicate Acinetobacter baumannii isolate, susceptible only to colistin and tigecycline. Genes encoding ESBLs [bla_TEM, bla_SHV, bla_CTX-M, bla_PER-1] were screened by PCR. The strain was shown to possess bla_CTX-M-15 and bla_TEM-1 genes. To asses genes possibly involved in resistance to colistin the chromosomal enconding mgrB gene and the plasmid-mediated mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes were screened as described previously. Mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes were not detected and mgrB gene presented a wild-type sequence. PCR-based Replicon typing method [PBRT] conducted on an E. aerogenes isolate, showed that the strain carried an IncN plasmid. Adaptive mechanisms such as changes of the bacterial cell outer membrane that cause porin decrease or presence of an efflux pump, due to selection pressure exerted by the therapeutic administration of colistin, could be responsible for the development of colistin resistance in our strain, as recently reported in E. aerogenes from France. Due to effective infection control measures, the colistin-resistant strain did not spread to other patients or hospital wards. This is the first report of an ESBL-producing, colistin-resistant E. aerogenes in clinically relevant samples such as endotracheal aspirate and blood culture, showing the presence of this rare resistance profile among Gram-negative bacteria.     

Avibactam reverts the ceftazidime MIC90 of European Gram-negative bacterial clinical isolates to the epidemiological cut-off value

Abstract

Objectives:

Ceftazidime-avibactam consists of the beta-lactam ceftazidime and the novel non-beta-lactam beta-lactamase inhibitor avibactam. The effect of avibactam on the ceftazidime MIC frequency distribution of Gram-negative European clinical isolates was observed and compared to European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) MIC frequency distributions and epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFFs) listed for ceftazidime.

Methods:

Ceftazidime and ceftazidime-avibactam MICs were determined using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) reference broth microdilution methods for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Serratia spp., Enterobacter spp., and Proteus mirabilis isolates collected from medical centres in Europe during 2009.

Results:

The MIC₉₀ values for ceftazidime and ceftazidime-avibactam against P. aeruginosa isolates from a 2009 European surveillance programme were >32 and 8 mg/l, respectively. That is, the presence of avibactam reverted the ceftazidime MIC₉₀ for P. aeruginosa to the ECOFF. Similarly, the MIC₉₀ values for ceftazidime against E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Serratia spp., and P. mirabilis were also reduced to the ECOFF by the presence of avibactam. Avibactam reduced the ceftazidime MIC₉₀ value against collected Enterobacter spp. to 1 mg/l (>32-fold reduction). No ECOFF has been defined for Enterobacter spp. however, it is 1 mg/l for Enterobacter aerogenes and Enterobacter cloacae.

Conclusions:

The presence of avibactam reverted the ceftazidime MIC₉₀ for Gram-negative bacteria to the ECOFF.     

Antimicrobial Resistance and Prevalence of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Among Clinical Isolates of Gram-Negative Bacteria in Riyadh

Abstract

The activity of ciprofloxacin, imipenem and 12 other commonly used antibiotics was evaluated against 106 documented clinical isolates from a medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The resistance rates to ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, aztreonam and ceftazidime were 42, 25, 24 and 21%, respectively. Apart from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, all isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and imipenem. Complete cross resistance among tested β-lactam groups was uniformly evident in Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundii and P. aeruginosa. On the other hand, penicillins and second generation cephalosporins showed cross resistance among Escherichia coli and Klebseilla pneumoniae isolates. Induction experiments indicate that 70 and 62% of P. aeruginosa and E. cloacae or C. freundii produce class I cephalosporinase, respectively.

Among all tested isolates, plasmid mediated extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) was detected in one isolate of K. pneumoniae. The plasmid mediated β-lactamase is transferable and inhibited by β-lactamase inhibitors. The transconjugates not only expressed resistance to extended spectrum β-lactams and aztreon-am but also toward tested aminoglycoside antibiotics, with the exception of gentamicin. The obtained transconjugates conferred high level resistance to cef-tazidime and aztreonam but considerably low resistance to ceftriaxone and cefotaxime. The isoelectric point for the extended-spectrum β-lactamase is 8.2.     

Update of the Activity of Cefditoren and Comparator Oral β-lactam Agents Tested Against Community-Acquired Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates (USA, 2004-2006)

Abstract

Cefditoren and other orally administered cephalosporins are infrequently included in resistance surveillance studies. Here we evaluated 359 contemporary (2004-2006) strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, including penicillin-intermediate (12.0%) and -resistant (22.8%) subsets from United States patients by reference broth microdilution methods. Cefditoren was the most potent cephalosporin tested (MIC₅₀, 0.015 mg/L), including against penicillin-intermediate strains (MIC₅₀, 0.12 mg/L), and was two-, fourand eight-fold more active than cefuroxime, cefdinir and cefprozil, respectively. Penicillin- resistant strains were largely resistant to all tested β-lactams. We confirm the continued spectrum and potency for cefditoren against S. pneumoniae that surpasses that of other orally administered cephalosporins.     

High Prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Production Among Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Isolated at a University Hospital in Turkey

Abstract

β-lactam susceptibility and β-lactamase patterns of a random sample of 44 Klebsiella pneumoniae strains that had been isolated from nosocomial infections at Dokuz Eyliil University Hospital in Izmir, were investigated. All strains were amoxycillin resistant but in the presence of clavulanic acid 26 became sensitive. Similarly 39 of the strains were resistant to ceftazidime and cefo-taxime; clavulanic acid restored sensitivity to ceftazidime in 28 and to cefo-taxime in 25 of these resistant strains. Extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production was positive in 84% of the isolates as determined by the double disk synergy test. Isoelectric focusing revealed that each strain produced one to four β-lactamases, pI 7.6 enzymes being the most prevalent. Other enzymes with pIs of 8.4, 8.2, 5.4, 7.8 were also detected. Resistance to ceftazidime was transferred from 18 of the 44 isolates to the recipient Escherichia coli K-12 at 37°C. The transconjugants were examined for their plasmid content and the plasmids were characterized by their size and resistance profile. Fourteen different restriction pattern groups were identified with Eco R1. The results indicate a high prevalence of ESBL production in nosocomial K. pneumoniae isolates in Izmir and have major implications concerning the clinical use of later generation cephalosporins.     

First Report of a Novel Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase KOXY-2 Producing Klebsiella oxytoca that Hydrolyses Cefotaxime and Ceftazidime

Abstract

Klebsiella oxytoca strains MU946294N and MB193997E were isolated from patients in Scotland. Strain MU946294N was resistant to pencillins, monbactams and cephalosporins. Isolate MB193997E displayed a β-lactam resistance phenotype consistent with chromosomal β-lactamase overproduction. No bla _TEM, bla _SHV or bla _CTX-M genes could be amplified in either strain; however, amplification by PCR was found with primers for the bla _OXY-2 gene. This β-lactamase gene in MU946294N differed by one mutation from the all other bla _OXY genes previously reported, with an amino acid substitution Alanine237 Threonine enhancing the binding of cefotaxime. Strain MB193997E showed mutations at positions 255 and 283, neither of which affect function. Based on rpoB and gyrA characterization, both strains were assigned to the KoII phylogenic group but they were completely dissimilar from each other by PFGE. This study is the first to report the substitution of Alanine to Threonine at position 237 in a OXY-2 β-lactamase and this enhances resistance to cefotaxime.     

Natural antibiotic susceptibility of Rahnella aquatilis and R. aquatilis-related strains

A database is described of the natural susceptibilities of 70 Rahnella strains to 71 antibiotics. MIC values were determined by a microdilution procedure and evaluated by a table calculation program. Rahnella aquatilis and R. aquatilis-related strains were naturally resistant to amoxycillin, ticarcillin, fosfomycin and to antibiotics to which other species of Enterobacteriaceae are also intrinsically resistant, i.e. macrolides (except azithromycin), benzylpenicillin, oxacillin, rifampicin, fusidic acid, lincosamides and glycopeptides. Rahnella strains were also naturally resistant or intermediate to cefazolin, cefuroxime and loracarbef. All rahnellae were naturally sensitive or intermediate to doxycycline, minocycline, aminoglycosides, some penicillins and cephalosporins, carbapenems, aztreonam, quinolones, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, cotrimoxazole, chloramphenicol and nitrofurantoin. Bimodal or broad MIC distributions were seen for several antibiotics, e.g. quinolones and cephalosporins. With the exception of quinolones no differences in natural antibiotic susceptibility were seen between reference strains of Rahnella genomovar 1 (n=6) and 2 (n=7). Reference strains of genomovar 1 were pyrase-positive and more susceptible to quinolones than reference strains of genomovar 2, which were pyrase-negative. By discrimination of all rahnellae in the pyrase-positive and pyrase-negative strains the MIC distributions for quinolones became smaller and unimodal. Under the conditions described pyrase might be a parameter to differentiate strains of Rahnella genomovars 1 and 2.     

Plasmid Profiles of Acinetobacter and Enterobacter Species of Hospital Origin: Restriction Endonuclease Analysis of Plasmid DNA and Transformation of Escherichia coli by R Plasmids

A total of 37 multi-resistant strains (20 Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and 17 Enterobacter cloacae) were isolated from patients of the Intensive Care Units. All the isolates were examined for resistance to a battery of antimicrobial agents by the disk diffusion method. Plasmid profiles and restriction endonouclease analysis of plasmid DNA by EcoR1 revealed the spread of one A. calcoaceticus and two E. cloacae endemic strains. Transformation experiments on Escherichia coli competent cells by three plasmids established the presence of R plasmids in the multi-resistant isolates.     

Antibiotic Susceptibility of Respiratory Pathogens Recently Isolated in Italy: Focus on Cefditoren

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antibiotic susceptibility of respiratory pathogens recently isolated in italy to commonly used antibiotics including cefditoren. Six clinical microbiological laboratories collected, between January and September 2009, a total of 2,510 respiratory pathogens from subjects with community- acquired respiratory tract infections (CARTI). Cefditoren, out of all the beta-lactams studied, had the lowest MIC₉₀ against 965 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae examined, followed by cefotaxime and ceftriaxone (2% resistance in penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP)). Against 470 Haemophilus influenzae, independently of their production of beta-lactamases or ampicillin resistance, cefditoren was the oral cephalosporin with the best in vitro activity, comparable to that of the injectable cephalosporins and levofloxacin. Higher MIC₉₀s were found for the macrolides (4 - 16 mg/L) and cefaclor (4 - 32 mg/L). As was foreseeable, Streptococcus pyogenes (225 strains) was uniformly sensitive to all the beta-lactam antibiotics, but the elevated miC90 values reduced (<75%) susceptibility of this pathogen to macrolides. Beta-lactamase-negative Moraxella catarrhalis (100 strains) had reduced susceptibility only to the macrolides, while the 250 beta-lactamase-producing strains also had reduced susceptibility to cefuroxime. Levofloxacin showed the lowest MIC₅₀/MIC₉₀ values in the producing strains, whereas cefditoren, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone in the non-producers. As regards the enterobacteriaceae, cefditoren and levofloxacin had the lowest MIC₉₀s against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Cefditoren and the third-generation injectable cephalosporins had the lowest MIC₉₀s against Escherichia coli (100% susceptibility) while levofloxacin was less active (86% susceptibility).

In conclusion, cefditoren's wide spectrum and high intrinsic activity, as well as its capacity to overcome most of the resistance that has become consolidated in some classes of antibiotics widely used as empiric therapy for CARTI, allows us to suggest that cefditoren might be included in the european guidelines as one of the first-choice antibiotics in the treatment of CARTI.     

Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases Conferring Resistance to Monobactams and Oxyimino-Cephalosporins in Clinical Isolates of Serratia marcescens

Abstract

We studied antibiotic resistance patterns and extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESβLs) production in Serratia marcescens strains isolated in our hospital during 1993. We examined 210 S. marcescens isolates. Of these, 172 were obtained from 49 patients admitted to an intensive care ward; 157 out of 172 were obtained from February to October and presented the same pattern of antibiotic resistance, including monobactams and oxyimino-cephalosporins. The remaining 15 out of 172 isolates (obtained from September to December) were susceptible to all drugs tested, with the exception of first generation cephalosporins. Thirty-eight additional isolates were recovered, during the same period, from 28 patients admitted to wards other than the intensive care unit; also these strains showed the high susceptibility pattern reported above.

Epidemic strains of S. marcescens produced three different types of β-lactamase with pI 5.4, 5.5, and 8.4. In contrast, non-epidemic strains produced only one type of β-lactamase with pI 8.4. Conjugation experiments showed that the β-lactamases having a pI of 5.4 and 5.5 (but not the one with pI 8.4) were plasmid-mediated. Since the β-lactamase with pI 5.5 was capable of hydrolyzing monobactams and oxyimino-cephalosporins it was classified as ESβL. Electrophoretic analysis showed that plasmids obtained from multiresistant strains were of about 54 kb; these plasmids appeared also to code for aminoglycoside resistance. Our data indicate that the plasmid-mediated production of ESβLs may contribute to the epidemic spread of Serratia marcescens in high-risk wards.     

Epidemiology of Antibiotic Resistance in Human Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae in Sicily

Summary

The Authors have studied the antimicrobial susceptibility of 1073 clinical isolates of various genera of Enterobacteriaceae (collected during the period July-December 1988) to ampicillin, piperacillin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, aztreonam, imipenem, gentamicin, amikacin, netilmicin, norfloxacin, and ciprofloxacin.

Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by Bauer--Kirby disk diffusion method. Of 1073 tested bacteria, 704 (65.6%) produced beta-lactamase detectable by nitrocefin test. The highest percentage of resistant strains occurred with ampicillin (70%) followed by piperacillin (24%) and cefotaxime (19%). Lower percentages of resistant strains were found for gentamicin (10%), aztreonam (8%), netilmicin (7%), norfloxacin (5%) and amikacin (4%). Two percent of the strains were resistant to ciprofloxacin and 0.5% to imipenem.

The incidence of resistance in Klebsiella sp., Entero-bacter sp., E.coli and Proteus sp. was compared to that found among 872 strains isolated during July-Dec. 1984. In all the Enterobacteriaceae, mainly Enterobacter sp., the increase in the resistance was high for ampicillin, piperacillin and cefotaxime and lower for gentamicin.     

Enterobacter spp. infections complicating the course of HIV disease

Through a retrospective review of clinical and laboratory data of 2517 consecutive patients with HIV disease hospitalized since 1991, 13 patients were identified (0.52%), who suffered from a confirmed Enterobacter spp. infection (urinary tract disease in 7 cases, sepsis in 4 patients, and pneumonia in 2 cases). A severe immunodeficiency was recognized in all cases, as expressed by a mean CD4+ lymphocyte count <60 cells/microL, and frequently, a prior diagnosis of AIDS. Bloodstream infection proved linked to a lower mean CD4+ cell count, a more frequent occurrence of leukopenia-neutropenia, and nosocomial origin of the infecting pathogen. Hospital-acquired Enterobacter spp. disease was more frequent than community-acquired, and was significantly associated with leukopenia-neutropenia, and a diagnosis of AIDS. Antibiotic susceptibility assays showed a resistance rate to ampicillin and cephalothin involving >90% of tested strains, and a higher (but varied) sensitivity to other beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and cotrimoxazole. Adequate chemotherapy provided clinical and bacteriological success in all evaluated patients, in the absence of mortality or relapses. Only 34 episodes of HIV-associated Enterobacter spp. infection have been reported to date in 11 different literature studies. Our data point out that also Enterobacter spp. organisms may have an appreciable pathogenic potential in patients with HIV disease, especially in those with a low CD4+ lymphocyte count, leukopenia-neutropenia, who are hospitalized. Despite the unpredictable antibiotic susceptibility profile of these organisms, HIV-related Enterobacter spp. disease may be properly managed through rapid identification and timely and appropriate antimicrobial treatment.     

Maternal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolates in Argentina

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vaginal Escherichia coli colonization and perianal carriage of Enterobacteriaceae resistant to third generation cephalosporins in pregnant women. Vaginal and perianal samples from 259 pregnant women were studied. Vaginal swabs were inoculated onto MacConkey agar plates and perianal swabs were inoculated onto CHROMagar extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) plates. The minimal inhibitory concentration of the isolates was determined using the Epsilometer test method. The phenotypic detection of ESBLs was performed by the combined disc method using cefotaxime versus cefotaxime plus clavulanate. The prevalence of vaginal E. coli colonization during pregnancy was 14·3%. The resistance rate to ampicillin, gentamicin, and cefotaxime was 48·6, 10·8, and 0·8%, respectively. Enterobacteriaceae resistant to third generation cephalosporins were recovered in 7·3% of all perianal specimens. Among them, 5·4% of pregnant women were colonized with E. coli ESBL-producer strains. The present study revealed that colonization with Enterobacteriaceae resistant to third generation cephalosporins is significant in pregnancy. ESBL-producing E. coli were the most prevalent organisms. Screening strategies designed to monitor for ESBL-producing E. coli could be useful in endemic areas to prevent perinatal transmission and the introduction of multiresistant strains to the maternity ward.     

Fourth Generation Cephalosporins in the Antimicrobial Chemotherapy of Surgical Infections

Abstract

Surgical infections include a variety of entities such as secondary peritonitis, intra-abdominal abscesses, obstetric and gynecological infections as well as bone-joint and soft-tissue infections. By definition the term “surgical infection” implies that surgery itself plays the major role in therapy, while antimicrobial chemotherapy is only supplementary. Broad-spectrum empirical regimens employed include the combination of a 1^st or 2^nd generation cephalosporin plus clindamycin or metronidazole ± aminoglycoside (depending on the severity of the condition). Cefepime and cefpirome are new 4^th generation parenteral cephalosporins with a spectrum of activity which makes them suitable for the treatment of infections caused by a wide variety of bacteria. They are active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with activity comparable to or greater than that of cefotaxime or ceftazidime respectively. Cefepime in particular is also very active against strains of Enterobacter and Pseudomonas spp resistant to these two agents. In comparison with 3^rd generation cephalosporins, cefepime appears to be less likely to induce resistance, due to a lower rate of hydrolysis by ß-lactamases, a low affinity for these enzymes and more rapid permeation into the cell. Despite the fact that a 4^th generation cephalosporin is well-suited for the treatment of polymicrobial infections, the following should be kept in mind: (I) MRSA strains and Bacteroides fragilis group are not included in their spectrum of activity. (II) Cefpirome is the only cephalosporin with in vitro activity against Enterococci. (III) Severe surgical infections of nosocomial origin, and particularly in settings where Enterobacter spp predominate, represent the major indication for empirical use of a 4^th generation cephalosporin in combination with a nitroimidazole.