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This article presents the case of a 37-year-old man who presented for localized swelling and tenderness of his left leg below the knee. He suspected a spider bite. Examination revealed an area of erythema with a fluctuant area in the middle. His pulse rate was 115 and his blood pressure was 116/78 mm Hg. The clinical problem is discussed with a focus on soft-tissue infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Necrotic skin lesions are a common presentation of staph infection and are often incorrectly attributed to bites by brown recluse spiders or insect bites. Therapy options are presented from topical applications to surgery.

Background: combinations of drugs has been proposed as an alternative for oxacillin-resistant staphylococci infections, however, limited information about in vitro combinations are available for multi-resistant strains. The objective of this study was to describe the interaction of beta-lactams in combination with vancomycin or amikacin against 26 oxacillin and amikacin-resistant nosocomial Staphylococcus spp. isolates. Methods: activity of dicloxacillin plus amikacin, cephalothin plus amikacin, cephalothin plus vancomycin, imipenem plus vancomycin and vancomycin plus amikacin was evaluated by checkerboard synergy tests and the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FIC) was calculated. Results: dicloxacillin plus amikacin, and cephalothin plus amikacin were synergistic or partially synergistic in 84.6% and 100% respectively. For nearly half of the isolates the mean concentrations of dicloxacillin, cephalothin and amikacin at which FIC indexes were calculated were achievable therapeutically. Vancomycin plus amikacin had synergistic effect only against two isolates, and partially synergistic in 38.6%. For the combinations vancomycin plus cephalothin and vancomycin plus imipenem the effect was additive in 76.9% and 80.7% respectively. Conclusion: in this study the checkerboard analysis showed that amikacin in combination with cephalothin or dicloxacillin was synergistic against most of the resistant strains of S. aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Vancomycin in combination with a beta-lactam (cephalothin or imipenem) showed additivity. An indifferent effect predominated for the combination vancomycin plus amikacin. Even though a synergistic effect is expected when using a beta-lactam plus amikacin combination, it is possible that the effect cannot be clinically achievable. Careful selection of antimicrobial combinations and initial MICs are mandatory for future evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methillin resistant staphylococci (MRS) are significant pathogens, and they are cause of morbidity and mortality in a worlwide. This resistance is mediated by the production of an altered penicillin-binding protein (PBP2a), which has a low affinity for beta-lactam antibiotic, and the gene encoding is mecA. Just a few antimicrobial agentes are available for the treatment of these infections, to date the majority of all these isolates remain susceptible to vancomycin, only drug of choise in our country for treatment of infecctions cused by MRS. The present study, was carried out in order to determine the isolation frcuency of MRS in the hospital pediatrics "William Soler". A total of 128 staphylococcal isolates (32 Staphylococcus aureus y 96 coagulase-negative Staphylococci) from clinical specimens were studied. Species identification of sthaphylococci was based in the Rapi Stha (Biomeriux). The MIC values, the oxacillin agar screen and the resistance patterns of MRS against other antibiotic was determined using the recommended by the guide NCCLS. The mecA gene detection was carried out for a polymerase chain reation. The 15% of Staphylococcus aureus and 43 % coagulase- negative Staphylococci were intrinsic methicillin resistant MIC>2 µg/mL, whit the presence of the mecA gene. The MRS have a cross-resistance to other antibiotic families in special to macrolides; vancomycin resistance was not found. We recommended isolate patients with methillin resistant staphylococci infections in this hospital to prevent the spread of these organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vancomycin hydrochloride (VCM) is a glycopeptide antibiotic used for the treatment of infections caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococci. It is water soluble, having a high molecular weight, and poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Mixtures of VCM with Labrasol and d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) were prepared to improve oral absorption of VCM. Administration of VCM solution to rat ileum at a dose of 20 mg/kg did not result in detectable plasma VCM concentration. Formulation containing 50% of Labrasol resulted in a Cmax value of 5.86±0.97 μg/ml and an AUC0–6h value of 16.06±1.78 μg h/ml. Addition of TPGS to VCM solution at 12.5% concentration also increased the plasma VCM concentration with a Cmax value of 4.98±0.45 μg/ml. But the AUC0–6h (9.87±1.90 μg h/ml) was significantly lower than that obtained with Labrasol. The addition of 5.0 and 25.0% TPGS to solutions of VCM containing 50% of Labrasol did not result in any significant increase either in Cmax or AUC0–6h of VCM. Whereas the addition of 12.5% of TPGS has resulted in an increase in Cmax and AUC0–6h by 2.2 and 2.4 times, respectively, suggesting that this concentration of 50% Labrasol and 12.5% TPGS (1:0.25) was optimum for improving intestinal absorption of VCM. A dose dependent decrease in the Cmax and AUC0–6h values was observed when the dose of absorption enhancers was decreased by 50% with formulation containing Labrasol and TPGS in 1:0.25 ratio. The results of the study indicate that formulations containing Labrasol and TPGS improve intestinal absorption of hydrophilic macromolecular drug, VCM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

PURPOSE. To determine the effectiveness of lysostaphin treatment of experimental endophthalmitis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). METHODS. In one experiment, rabbits were injected in the mid-vitreous with 50 or 200 CFU of S. aureus; untreated groups and groups injected intra-vitreally at 8 or 24 hours postinfection with vehicle or lysostaphin (0.1 mg/ml) were compared in terms of CFU/ml vitreous at 24 or 48 hours postinfection. Histopathology of untreated and treated eyes was also compared. To quantify the potency of lysostaphin, additional rabbits were injected with 50 CFU of S. aureus and untreated eyes and eyes treated at 8 hours with 0.001, 0.01 or 0.05 mg/ml were compared in terms of CFU/ml vitreous at 24 hours postinfection. RESULTS. Vitreous of untreated eyes or vehicle-treated eyes injected with 50 or 200 CFU of S. aureus contained 5–10 million CFU/ml at 24 or 48 hours postinfection. All eyes treated with lysostaphin at 8 hours postinfection had less than 1 log CFU/ml in the vitreous (P ≥ 0.0001). Similarly, eyes treated with lysostaphin at 24 hours postinfection had approximately 1 log of CFU/ml at 48 hours postinfection. None of the untreated eyes were sterile and 88% or 50% of the eyes treated at 8 or 24 hours postinfection, respectively, were sterile. Eyes treated with lysostaphin at 8, but not 24, hours postinfection had less pronounced pathologic changes than the untreated eyes (P = 0.002). A significant reduction in the CFU/ml vitreous at 24 hours postinfection was obtained by treating infected eyes at 8 hours postinfection with lysostaphin at concentrations of ≥0.001 mg/ml (P ≤ 0.0034). CONCLUSIONS. Lysostaphin is effective in treating experimental endophthalmitis mediated by MRSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes a case of a 57-year-old woman diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. Multiple trauma sustained by the patient; Surgeries undergone by the patient; Treatment for S. aureus; Clinical manifestations of the staphylococcal toxins.

Unlabelled: A retrospective evaluation of the clinical and laboratory impact of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CONS) bacteremia in preterm infants was carried out. The study population included all preterm infants (n = 31) in whom two or more blood cultures were positive for CONS within a period of 4 d, with negative blood cultures 1 wk before and 1 wk after the CONS bacteremia. Clinical manifestations and the results of laboratory tests 7 d before and after the positive blood cultures, and on the first day of sepsis, were recorded and compared. During CONS bacteremia, the infants demonstrated apnoea and bradycardia (88%) and a need for oxygen (59%) and ventilatory support (69%). Significant laboratory findings were leukopenia below 5,000 cells/mm3 (12%), leukocytosis above 30,000 cells/mm3 (39%), and thrombocytopenia below 150,000/mm3 (25%). These clinical and laboratory manifestations differed significantly during the bacteremia infection compared with the week before and after.Conclusion: CONS bacteremia is a clinically significant infection in preterm infants, causing episodes of apnoea and bradycardia, and a need for ventilatory support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tests the hypothesis that interferon-gamma protects against biomaterial-associated Staphylococcus infection in mice. Quantitative culturing of the catheter segments and tissue homogenates; Number of adherent colony-forming units of Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62a cultured from subcutaneously implanted catheter segments.

Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is a cutaneous infection which usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. We report a case of EG of the eyelid treated with escharotomy and skin grafting, highlighting the importance of surgical management. A 2-year-old Asian Indian female presented to us with right upper lid edema with a large necrotic area. The child received intravenous cefotaxime for a week and the necrotic area turned to a well-defined eschar. Escharotomy with wound debridement and skin grafting was done. The present case highlights the importance of surgical intervention to prevent the sequelae of scarring of upper lid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Veterinary Journal / Revue Vétérinaire Canadienne is the property of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Human and bovine lactoferrins (Lfs) and bovine lactoferrin hydrolysate (LH) were assessed in vitro and in vivo for their antibacterial effects on Staphylococcus aureus . Lactoferrins showed weak in vitro antibacterial activity while Fe-saturated Lfs and LH showed no activity. Lactoferrin-treated mice (1 mg, i.v.) when injected i.v. with 106 staphylococci, showed 30–50% reduction in kidney infections, and viable bacterial counts in the kidneys decreased 5–12-fold. The inhibitory effect was dose-dependent up to 1 mg Lf. Lactoferrins were effective when given 1 day prior to the bacterial challenge, after which there was no significant effect even at doses up to 5 mg. Apo- and Fe-saturated forms of human and bovine Lfs were all equally effective, while LH was not protective. Human and bovine Lfs with different degrees of iron saturation (9–97%) were found to be equipotent. Feeding mice with 2% bLf in drinking water also reduced the kidney infections by 40–60%, and viable bacterial counts, 5–12-fold. The results suggest a potential for the use of Lfs as natural antibacterial proteins for preventing bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 510 isolates of Micrococcaceae, 500 of staphylococci and 10 micrococci, detected in 485 (3.3%) of 14,860 consecutive blood cultures obtained from patients at a Swedish university hospital and 2 local hospitals were identified to species level and investigated for antibiotic susceptibility. The 5 most frequently isolated species were Staphylococcus epidermidis (54.8%), S. aureus (28.0%), S. hominis (3.4%), S. warneri (3.2%) and S. haemolyticus (2.8%). All isolates of S. aureus were oxacillin sensitive. Great diversity in antibiotic resistance among coagulase negative staphylococci between hospitals and different ward units in the university hospital was observed. The frequency of antimicrobial resistance among S. epidermidis correlated with the antibiotic consumption at different ward units, in particular for ciprofloxacin (p<0.001) and co-trimoxazole (p<0.004). The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring antibiotic consumption and resistance patterns of nosocomial staphylococci in order to avoid emergence and spread of multi-resistant bacteria within the hospital environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine the clinical features of a large number of unselected UK hospital patients with confirmed septic arthritis and to determine those features associated with a poor outcome.Study Design: Retrospective, case-note survey.Setting: A single English Health District.Patients: All patients admitted to hospital in Nottingham during the period 1 January 1982 to 31 December 1991 with confirmed septic arthritis were included.Outcome Measures: Death, osteomyelitis and recorded functional impairment.Results: The spectrum of causative organisms remains similar to that seen in previous studies with the Gram positive organisms Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococci responsible for 74% of cases, gonococcal infections though were less common. Culture of joint aspirates and or blood were positive in 82% of cases, with the Gram stain demonstrating the causative organism in 50% of cases. Pre-existing joint disease was evident in 35% of cases. The mortality remains high at 11.5% with a significant additional morbidity of 31.6%. Multivariate analysis suggests that important predictors of death are: confusion at presentation, age > or = 65 years, multiple joint sepsis or involvement of the elbow joint, and of morbidity are: age > or = 65 years, diabetes mellitus, open surgical drainage, and Gram positive infections other than S aureus.Conclusions: Septic arthritis continues to be associated with a considerable degree of morbidity and mortality. These results confirm the importance of obtaining synovial fluid and blood for culture before starting antimicrobial treatment. The apparent poorer outcome found with surgical intervention is in line with some previous suggestions but should be interpreted with caution in light of the retrospective nature of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Rifampin-containing regimens are able to cure staphylococcal implant-related infections based on in vitro and in vivo observations. However, this evidence has not been proven by a controlled clinical trial.Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a rifampin combination in staphylococcal infections associated with stable orthopedic devices.Design: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial conducted from 1992 through 1997.Setting: Two infectious disease services in tertiary care centers in collaboration with 5 orthopedic surgeons in Switzerland.Patients: A total of 33 patients with culture-proven staphylococcal infection associated with stable orthopedic implants and with a short duration of symptoms of infection (exclusion limit <1 year; actual experience 0-21 days).Intervention: Initial debridement and 2-week intravenous course of flucloxacillin or vancomycin with rifampin or placebo, followed by either ciprofloxacin-rifampin or ciprofloxacin-placebo long-term therapy.Main Outcome Measures: Cure was defined as (1) lack of clinical signs and symptoms of infection, (2) C-reactive protein level less than 5 mg/L, and (3) absence of radiological signs of loosening or infection at the final follow-up visit at 24 months. Failure was defined as (1) persisting clinical and/or laboratory signs of infection or (2) persisting or new isolation of the initial microorganism.Results: A total of 18 patients were allocated to ciprofloxacin-rifampin and 15 patients to the ciprofloxacin-placebo combination. Twenty-four patients fully completed the trial with a follow-up of 35 and 33 months. The cure rate was 12 (100%) of 12 in the ciprofloxacin-rifampin group compared with 7 (58%) of 12 in the ciprofloxacin-placebo group (P=.02). Nine of 33 patients dropped out due to adverse events (n=6), noncompliance (n=1), or protocol violation (n=2). Seven of the 9 patients who dropped out were subsequently treated with rifampin combinations, and 5 of them were cured without removal of the device.Conclusion: Among patients with stable implants, short duration of infection, and initial debridement, patients able to tolerate long-term (3-6 months) therapy with rifampin-ciprofloxacin experienced cure of the infection without removal of the implant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the usefulness of nasal mupirocin as a preventive method for recurrent staphylococcal nasal colonization and skin infection in immununodeficient patients. Methodology for the studies; Recurrent furunculosis and folliculitis cited as common skin infections; What the skin infections are caused by; Effect of nasal mupirocin ointment on yearly incidence of staphylococcal nasal colonization and skin infection.

Determines the simplified treatment of acute staphylococcal osteomyelitis of childhood. Simplification and cost-reduction treatment of pediatric acute staphylococcal osteomyelitis by keeping the surgery to a minimum. shortening hospitalization and the course of antimicrobials; Patients' baseline characteristics; Laboratory characteristics.

Discusses a case of basilic and axillary vein suppurative thrombophlebitis associated with septic thrombosis of the subclavian vein from a peripherally inserted central venus catheter (PICC). Asian male teenager with severe anorexia nervosa as patient; Two forms of bloodstream infection associated with intravascular devices; Causative microorganisms.

Between 1979 and 1982 we reviewed 1000 consecutive admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit of this hospital. Sixty five infants had positive blood cultures. Mortality was 70% among 17 infants who had septicaemia in the first 48 hours of life and for whom appropriate treatment may have been too late because of difficulties of early diagnosis. In the remaining 48 infants mortality was 12%, septicaemia occurred later, and was associated with Staphylococcus epidermidis (56%) and with the presence of an intravascular catheter (50%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mupirocin was introduced into clinical practice in the UK in 1985, and has proved to be an extremely effective treatment of skin infections and one of the most successful topical antibiotics for the clearance of nasal Staphylococcus aureus isolates including those resistant to methicillin. It is currently registered for use in more than 90 countries worldwide. Unfortunately resistance was described shortly after its initial use. Many of the issues regarding its use are reviewed here, together with the mechanisms, genetics, surveillance and epidemiology of resistance, particularly in staphylococci. The various factors that increase resistance and how they might be controlled are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ten years ago we published a study of 50 adults with severe community acquired pneumonia admitted to our intensive care unit and subsequently introduced guidelines for the management of severe community acquired pneumonia which are largely in accordance with those of the British Thoracic Society. The results of a follow up study are now reported in order to assess their impact on the outcome of this disease.Methods: Fifty seven cases of severe community acquired pneumonia admitted to our ICU between 1984 and 1993 were studied. Causal pathogens, clinical and laboratory features of severity, antibiotic therapy and mortality were studied and, where possible, compared with results from the previous study.Results: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila and Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequent causes of severe community acquired pneumonia, as in the previous study. The intensity of microbial investigation has increased, particularly with regard to pneumococcal and Legionella antigen testing, the latter allowing earlier diagnosis of Legionella infection than previously. In spite of this, no pathogen was identified in 33% of cases compared with 18% previously. Indices of severity of illness were widely recognised, and a decrease in unplanned transfers to the ICU following "unexpected" cardiorespiratory arrest from 25% to 7% (p < 0.02) was found. Antibiotic therapy largely reflected guideline recommendations with 98% receiving a beta-lactam agent and 91% erythromycin. The overall mortality was 58% compared with 54% previously.Conclusions: Management guidelines for severe community acquired pneumonia have been widely adopted but without a reduction in mortality in our hospital. Factors other than early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotics, or prompt ICU transfer may influence the outcome in severe community acquired pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate the relation between resistance to methicillin and virulence in strains of Staph. aureus by estimating the survival at day 30.Design: Case control analysis.Setting: Inpatients at a major Cancer Referral Center.Patients: 21 patients with methicillin-resistant Staph. aureus (MRSA) bactaeremia and 45 patients with methicillin-susceptible Staph. aureus (MSSA) bactaeremia, all treated with vancomycin.Measurements and Main Results: Fewer MRSA than MSSA patients were neutropenic (p = 0.04), but more MRSA patients were hospitalized in intensive care units (p = 0.03), had had surgical episodes (p = 0.06). MRSA patients also had more microbiological samples cultured (p = 0.007). The outcome of the bacteriemic episodes in 14 MRSA and 14 MSSA patients matched for these four factors showed that blood cultures from MRSA patients remained positive significantly longer (p = 0.04), but that survival and length of hospital stay were not significantly different.Conclusions: These results do not indicate that methicillin-resistance in Staph. aureus is associated with increased virulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirteen episodes of Staphylococcus epidermidis sepsis occurred over a 20-month period in 11 patients receiving general surgical and medical care. These episodes were characterized by fever, toxicity, multiple positive blood cultures, and uniformly colonized intravascular catheters. An additional 16 patients had possible sepsis. Four associated deaths occurred; all three patients autopsied had multiple pulmonary abscesses in which gram-positive cocci were profusely present. In individual patients, prolonged episodes of septicemia were confirmed by multiple blood culture isolates of S. epidermidis, identical in antibiotic resistance pattern, phage type, and biotype. A prominent feature of the S. epidermidis isolates was resistance to many commonly used antimicrobial agents. Case-control studies and review of laboratory records indicated a significant association between multiply resistant S. epidermidis blood isolates and prolonged hospitalization and parenteral hyperalimentation. Most of these patients were hospitalized in the intensive care unit; nose and hand cultures taken from the personnel showed frequent carriage of multiply resistant S. epidermidis Staphylococcus epidermidis associated with intravascular devices may produce life-threatening bloodstream infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the resurgence of the use of vancomycin which was virtually discarded after development of antistaphylococcal penicillins. Advantages over other antimicrobial agents; Way to minimize problems caused by vancomycin; Analysis of the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin; Therapy complication caused by ototoxicity; Infections due to staphylococcus epidermidis.

Presents medical cases which illustrate important points in the therapy of staphylococcal infection with nafcillin. Diagnosis of staphylococcal pneumonia and empyema in a 66-year-old male; Occurrence of superficial thrombophlebitis secondary to intravenous nafcillin administration on a 64-year-old male; Intravascular thrombosis due to complication of staphylococcal septicemia.

Investigates the use of combined Fucidin and penicillin preparations for the treatment of fulminating staphylococcal infections. Types of infections included in the treatment program; Number of patients who developed resistance after treatment; Comparison with the effectiveness of penicillin administered alone.

Studies in vitro sensitivity of staphylococcal isolates of semi-synthetic penicillin for general use in the United States. Comparison of activity; Staphylococcal resistance to bactericidal action; Comparison with other antibiotics.

Describes several cases of severe staphylococcal infections treated with vancomycin. 27-year-old male; 32-year-old male with fever and heart murmur; 69-year-old male; Patient characteristics; Patient response; Drug dose and duration of treatment.

The article presents a study regarding several types of staphylococcal skin infection, including secondary infection and sycosis barbae. The results of the administration of penicillin to the infections are discussed, as well as the increasing drug resistance of the infections as indicated by antibiograms.

Intramuscular epinephrine autoinjectors are the first-line therapy for anaphylaxis.[1] With increasing rates of food allergies, rates of prescriptions for epinephrine autoinjectors have also risen.[1] Accidental epinephrine administration is an infrequent complication, occurring once per 50 000 autoinjectors prescribed.[2] About 45% of patients injured are children younger than 11 years.[1] Fingers are the most common sites of accidental injections, with temporary and mild consequences. A small area of erythema is noted on the lateral aspect of the left knee at the site of accidental epinephrine autoinjector administration. After discharge from hospital, the patient continued to carry his epinephrine autoinjector. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents a case study of a male term infant who acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization through vertical transmission. His mother who had developed pustules on her breasts and arms was given oral clindamycin. The article discusses the need to address the challenges of interpreting a single blood culture positive for MRSA in such infants, MRSA infections' treatment in neonates, and the prevention of future MRSA infections in the mother-infant pair.

Objectives To compare the activity of tedizolid (formally known as torezolid and TR-700) with that of 15 agents against a collection of linezolid-resistant staphylococci (164 coagulase-negative staphylococci and 5 Staphylococcus aureus). Methods Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using the broth microdilution method following the recommendations of the CLSI. Results All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and tigecycline. Based on the MIC90 values, the potency of tedizolid against coagulase-negative staphylococci was >16-fold greater than that of linezolid. Tedizolid retained activity against most of the linezolid-resistant staphylococci tested, including multidrug-resistant isolates with elevated linezolid MICs (32 to >128 mg/L). Of the isolates, 79.2% and 31.4% were inhibited by tedizolid at ≤4 mg/L and ≤2 mg/L, respectively. Conclusions The results of this study confirm the activity of tedizolid against linezolid-resistant staphylococci. This new oxazolidinone could have an important role as a potential therapeutic agent against multidrug-resistant staphylococci. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study aimed to evaluate the profile of antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from pyoderma in dogs treated at the city of Petrolina, compared to antibiotics used in veterinary medicine. The isolates were identified by biochemical tests and staining and tested for their susceptibility against 12 antimicrobial agents. 38 were isolated Staphylococcus spp. Only two (5%) isolates showed no resistance to any of the drugs tested, three (7%) showed resistance to one drug and 33 (86%) were multiresistant. The study shows alarming levels of antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus spp. of canine pyoderma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates represents the greatest post-transfusion infectious risk. Biofilm formation in this environment resulting from platelet-bacteria interactions can lead to non-uniform contaminant distribution and thus missed detection. As formation of platelet-bacteria aggregates is largely based on receptor-ligand interactions, we examined whether shielding these events would result in reduced biofilm formation by contaminant bacteria. We introduced methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) to covalently modify the platelet surface using a process termed 'PEGylation'. In the first study of its kind, we demonstrate that PEGylated platelet concentrates inoculated with Staphylococcus epidermidis display a significant reduction in bacterial binding and biofilm formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumocephalus is a rare condition, characterized by the presence of gas in the cranial cavity, resulting from trauma, tumors and surgical or diagnostic procedures. Intracranial infection, without any predisposing factor like trauma or surgical intervention as a cause of pneumocephalus is relatively uncommon. While, intracranial infections by gas producing organisms as a cause of pneumocephalus are well known, a spontaneous intracranial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus causing pneumocephalus is little known. We report here a child who developed pneumocephalus following staphylococcal lung infection with meningitis and eventually showed complete recovery. Meningitis should be considered as a possible cause of pneumocephalus in absence of trauma and surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal abscesses are infrequently encountered in children. We describe a girl diagnosed with bilateral renal abscess. Although ultrasonography and computerised tomography are used to establish the diagnosis, in our case magnetic resonance imaging proved to be a useful additional diagnostic method. Using percutaneous aspiration, we were able to establish the correct diagnosis and identify the causative micro-organism. The patient was successfully treated with a combined intravenous and oral course of antibiotics. In conclusion, renal abscesses can occur in children without a history of reflux or urinary tract infection; this should be kept in mind when evaluating a child with fever. In addition, full recovery can be achieved solely with antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the development of new class of antibiotics. It states that the emerging drug resistance of the pathogens prompted the need to discover new drugs that could combat microorganisms. Nicolaou and colleagues embarked another microbial natural product which leads to the exploration of new chemical class of bisanthraquinone antibiotics. The study by Nicolaou and colleagues is called BE43472B which posts a potential of an antibiotic against clinical isolates of drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. The study demonstrated a bactericidal activity of 99.9% against the pathogens.

The author reports on the treatment of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections. Reasons why the development of medications to treat MRSA have been slow are mentioned, such as the lack of microbial targets. Steps which have been taken by researchers in treating MRSA are discussed. According to the article, research is being done regarding the treatment of MRSA by inhibiting its creation of a virulence factor. Steps which need to be taken before MRSA can be treated in this manner are mentioned.

Background: Groin sepsis requiring mesh removal is said to be a rare complication of tension-free inguinal hernioplasty. Furthermore, late-onset deep-seated prosthetic infection seems to be an unexpected complication. The aim of this study was to report our experience on late mesh infection occurring years after open hernia repair.Methods: Between 1998 and 2005, 1,452 patients (954 men), median age 64 years (range 19-89) underwent groin hernioplasty using a tension-free polypropylene mesh technique. Five patients (0.35%) appeared with late mesh infection (between 2 and 4.5 years postoperatively). The patients' records were retrospectively reviewed for the purpose of this study. Antibiotic prophylaxis had been given in the five patients, while none of them had a prior history of wound infection.Results: The patients were re-operated and the meshes were removed. Pus was found in three patients and Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in one. There was no hernia recurrence and none of the patients had chronic groin pain for a period of 6-44 months postoperatively.Conclusion: From the results of this study, it appears that late-onset deep-seated prosthetic mesh infection is an important complication which has been rarely reported upon. Its true incidence is yet to be established. Late graft infection does not seem to correlate to neither the administration or not of antibiotic prophylaxis, nor to the presence or not of previous superficial wound infection. Furthermore, graft infection does not seem to correlate to neither the type of mesh inserted, nor to the fixation material. With the increasing use of synthetic materials for primary and recurrent hernia repair, the number of patients presenting with late mesh infections is likely to increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses a case of acute back pain and fever. Case history; Details of the case; Treatment options.

The article presents a case study of a 71-year-old woman with severe staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), a skin condition develop due to the exfoliative toxin (ET) produced by Staphylococcus aureus. Topics discussed include the administration of multiple treatment including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), the general malaise and rashes develop on the limbs and trunk, and the observation of the development of blister formation under stratum corneum.

Copyright of International Orthopaedics is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Editorial. Discusses the potential role for rifampin in successful treatment of staphylococcal device infections caused by staphylococcus. Reference to study by Zimmerli et al in the same issue; Background on rifampin; Use of an antimicrobial class called quinolones; Combination of quinolone and rifampin, which may offer a unique therapeutic approach to the treatment of prosthetic device infections.

Assesses whether Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from the axilla and nasal flora of healthy people could develop resistance to ciprofloxacin after a one-week course of this antibiotic. Excretion of this antibiotic in apocrine and eccrine sweat of healthy persons; Methods; Findings; Interpretation.

Objective: Intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage are the accepted methods of treating osteomyelitis complicated by abscess formation. The objective of this study was to determine whether percutaneous drainage of subperiosteal abscess is a potential treatment for osteomyelitis.Materials and Methods: Three pediatric patients with subperiosteal abscesses from acute osteomyelitis had percutaneous drainage with sonographic and fluoroscopic guidance using a Seldinger technique and an 8-F catheter.Results: Two patients required no further intervention and had the drainage catheter removed after 72 h. After completing a course of antibiotics they healed completely. One patient, after a week of purulent drainage, required open drainage including a bone debridement of an area of septic necrosis.Conclusion: Percutaneous drainage of subperiosteal abscess may be an alternative to surgical drainage when medical therapy alone is inadequate. Development of intraosseous abscess, necrosis or persistent drainage suggests further intervention may be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of a 2-year-old infant who developed a staphylococcal septicaemia that subsequently resulted in an epidural abscess and paraparesis. The significance of early diagnosis and the roles of anterior surgery to decompress the spinal cord, debride infection and correct deformity are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We did a retrospective study of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia--from removable foci of infection--treated with short course antimicrobial therapy. Patients with S. aureus endocarditis were excluded from our study. The majority of patients had sepsis from intravascular devices. After removal of the focus of bacteremia, antibiotics were administered for a mean period of 15.2 days. There were no relapses, and no patient developed endocarditis. A 10- to 21-day antibiotic regimen can be curative in S. aureus bacteremia associated with a removable focus of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]