| 1. |
- Fritzell, Peter, et al.
(author)
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Bacteria : back pain, leg pain and Modic sign—a surgical multicentre comparative study
- 2019
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In: European spine journal. - : Springer. - 0940-6719 .- 1432-0932. ; 28:12, s. 2981-2989
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: To compare bacterial findings in pain-generating degenerated discs in adults operated on for lumbar disc herniation (LDH), and mostly also suffering from low back pain (LBP), with findings in adolescent patients with non-degenerated non-pain-generating discs operated on for scoliosis, and to evaluate associations with Modic signs on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) has been found in painful degenerated discs, why it has been suggested treating patients with LDH/LBP with antibiotics. As multidrug-resistant bacteria are a worldwide concern, new indications for using antibiotics should be based on solid scientific evidence.Methods: Between 2015 and 2017, 40 adults with LDH/LBP (median age 43, IQR 33–49) and 20 control patients with scoliosis (median age 17, IQR 15–20) underwent surgery at seven Swedish hospitals. Samples were cultured from skin, surgical wound, discs and vertebrae. Genetic relatedness of C. acnes isolates was investigated using single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis. DNA samples collected from discs/vertebrae were analysed using 16S rRNA-based PCR sequencing. MRI findings were assessed for Modic changes.Results: No bacterial growth was found in 6/40 (15%) LDH patients, compared with 3/20 (15%) scoliosis patients. Most positive samples in both groups were isolated from the skin and then from subcutis or deep within the wound. Of the four disc and vertebral samples from each of the 60 patients, 235/240 (98%) were DNA negative by bacterial PCR. A single species, C. acnes, was found exclusively in the disc/vertebra from one patient in each group. In the LDH group, 29/40 (72%) patients had at least one sample with growth of C. acnes, compared to 14/20 (70%) in the scoliosis group. Bacterial findings and Modic changes were not associated.Conclusions: Cutibacterium acnes found in discs and vertebrae during surgery for disc herniation in adults with degenerated discs may be caused by contamination, as findings in this group were similar to findings in a control group of young patients with scoliosis and non-degenerated discs. Furthermore, such findings were almost always combined with bacterial findings on the skin and/or in the wound. There was no association between preoperative Modic changes and bacterial findings. Antibiotic treatment of lumbar disc herniation with sciatica and/or low back pain, without signs of clinical discitis/spondylitis, should be seriously questioned.
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| 2. |
- Darkahi, Bahman, et al.
(author)
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Biliary Microflora in Patients Undergoing Cholecystectomy
- 2014
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In: Surgical Infections. - : Mary Ann Liebert Inc. - 1096-2964 .- 1557-8674. ; 15:3, s. 262-265
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The management of acute cholecystitis requires a sound knowledge of the biliary microflora. Methods: Bile samples were taken for culture according to a standard routine during all cholecystectomies performed from April 2007 to February 2009 in the Department of Surgery at Enkoping Hospital. The use of antibiotics within the 3-mo period before surgery, indication for surgery, prophylactic antibiotics, and post-operative complications were recorded prospectively. Results: Altogether, 246 procedures were performed during the study period, of which 149 (62%) were done on women. The mean (SD) age of the study subjects was 49 +/- 16y. Bacterial growth was seen in cultures from 34 (14%) of the subjects. The mean age of subjects with positive cultures was 64y and that of subjects with negative cultures was 47y (p<0.001). Positive culture was seen in 16 (31%) of the 51 patients who underwent operations for acute cholecystitis, whereas positive cultures were obtained in 18 of 195 patients without acute cholecystitis (9%) (p<0.001). Resistance to ampicillin was recorded in three of 34 (9%) of the cultures with bacterial growth, to co-trimoxazole in one of the 34 (3%) cultures, to fluoroquinolones in one of the 34 (3%) cultures, and to cephalosporins in one of the 34 (3%) cultures. Resistance to piperacillin-tazobactam was not observed in any of the cultures. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, a positive culture was the only factor significantly associated with risk for post-operative infectious complications (p<0.05). Discussion: Bacterial growth in the bile is observed more often in patients undergoing surgery for acute cholecystitis. The microflora of the bile is probably important for the outcome of surgery, but further studies are required for assessing the effectiveness of measures for preventing infectious post-operative complications.
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| 3. |
- Fraenkel, Carl-Johan, et al.
(author)
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The First Swedish Outbreak with VIM-2-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Occurring between 2006 and 2007, Was Probably Due to Contaminated Hospital Sinks
- 2023
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In: Microorganisms. - : MDPI. - 2076-2607. ; 11:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an increasing clinical problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe the first outbreak of a Verona integron-borne metallo-ss-lactamase (VIM)-2-producing P. aeruginosa strain in Sweden and its expansion in the region. A cluster of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa appeared at two neighbouring hospitals in 2006. The isolates were characterized by PCR, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and whole-genome sequencing. Patient charts, laboratory records, and hygiene routines were reviewed, and patients, staff, and the environment were screened. The investigation revealed a clonal outbreak of a VIM-2-producing P. aeruginosa strain belonging to the high-risk clonal complex 111, susceptible only to gentamicin and colistin. No direct contact between patients could be established, but most of them had stayed in certain rooms/wards weeks to months apart. Cultures from two sinks yielded growth of the same strain. The outbreak ended when control measures against the sinks were taken, but new cases occurred in a tertiary care hospital in the region. In conclusion, when facing prolonged outbreaks with this bacterium, sinks and other water sources in the hospital environment should be considered. By implementing proactive control measures to limit the bacterial load in sinks, the waterborne transmission of P. aeruginosa may be reduced.
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| 4. |
- Gideskog, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Source Control of Gram-Negative Bacteria Using Self-Disinfecting Sinks in a Swedish Burn Centre
- 2023
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In: Microorganisms. - : MDPI. - 2076-2607. ; 11:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Several retrospective studies have identified hospital sinks as reservoirs of Gram-negative bacteria. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the bacterial transmission from sinks to patients and if self-disinfecting sinks could reduce this risk. Samples were collected weekly from sinks (self-disinfecting, treated with boiling water, not treated) and patients in the Burn Centre at Linkoping University Hospital, Sweden. The antibiotic susceptibility of Gram-negative isolates was tested, and eight randomly chosen patient isolates and their connected sink isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS). Of 489 sink samples, 232 (47%) showed growth. The most frequent findings were Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (n = 130), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 128), and Acinetobacter spp. (n = 55). Bacterial growth was observed in 20% of the samplings from the self-disinfecting sinks and in 57% from the sinks treated with boiling water (p = 0.0029). WGS recognized one transmission of Escherichia coli sampled from an untreated sink to a patient admitted to the same room. In conclusion, the results showed that sinks can serve as reservoirs of Gram-negative bacteria and that self-disinfecting sinks can reduce the transmission risk. Installing self-disinfecting sinks in intensive care units is an important measure in preventing nosocomial infection among critically ill patients.
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| 5. |
- Nokso-Koivisto, Johanna, et al.
(author)
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Otitis media : Interactions between host and environment, immune and inflammatory responses
- 2024
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In: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. - : Elsevier. - 0165-5876 .- 1872-8464. ; 176
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ObjectiveTo review and highlight progress in otitis media (OM) research in the areas of immunology, inflammation, environmental influences and host-pathogen responses from 2019 to 2023. Opportunities for innovative future research were also identified.Data sourcesPubMed database of the National Library of Medicine.Review methodsKey topics were assigned to each panel member for detailed review. Search of the literature was from June 2019 until February 2023. Draft reviews were collated, circulated, and discussed among panel members at the 22nd International Symposium on Recent Advances in Otitis Media in June 2023. The final manuscript was prepared and approved by all the panel members.ConclusionsImportant advances were identified in: environmental influences that enhance OM susceptibility; polymicrobial middle ear (ME) infections; the role of adaptive immunity defects in otitis-proneness; additional genes linked to OM; leukocyte contributions to OM pathogenesis and recovery; and novel interventions in OM based on host responses to infection. Innovative areas of research included: identification of novel bacterial genes and pathways important for OM persistence, bacterial adaptations and evolution that enhance chronicity; animal and human ME gene expression, including at the single-cell level; and Sars-CoV-2 infection of the ME and Eustachian tube.d
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| 6. |
- Edner, Ann, et al.
(author)
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Low risk of transmission of pathogenic bacteria between children and the assistance dog during animal-assisted if strict rules are followed
- 2021
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In: Journal of Hospital Infection. - : Elsevier. - 0195-6701 .- 1532-2939. ; 115, s. 5-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study explored the bacterial transmission between patients and dogs during dog assisted therapy (DAT). Twenty children (55% girls) with a median age of 7 years (range 3-17 years) were included. Two dogs assisted and the conditions were more restricted hygienically with dog 2. Samples from child and dog were collected and cultured before and after each DAT visit. The results showed that dog 1 transmitted bacteria repeatedly to the children. No bacteria were transmitted with dog 2. In conclusion, exchange of bacteria can occur between dog and child during DAT, but it can be reduced by simple infection control measures. (c) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Healthcare Infection Society.
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| 7. |
- Fraenkel, Carl-Johan, et al.
(author)
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In vitro activities of three carbapenems against recent bacterial isolates from severely ill patients at Swedish hospitals
- 2006
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0036-5548 .- 1651-1980. ; 38:10, s. 853-859
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To study the in vitro activity of imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem against common pathogens isolated from patients in intensive care, haematology and dialysis/nephrology units at 7 Swedish university hospitals, a total of 788 isolates were collected during 2002-2003. The distribution of the isolates was as follows: Escherichia coli (n = 140), Klebsiella spp. (n = 132), Proteus spp. (n = 97), Enterobacter spp. (n = 113), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 126), Acinetobacter spp. (n = 53) and Enterococcus faecalis (n = 127). The susceptibility to the 3 carbapenems was determined by E-test, and the MICs were interpreted according to SRGA criteria. All 3 carbapenems were highly active against Enterobacteriaceae. The overall susceptibility to imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem was 90%, 98% and 93%, respectively. Against Enterobacteriaceae, Enterobacter spp. excluded, ertapenem had an equal or lower MIC(90) than meropenem. Apart from being the most active carbapenem against Enterobacteriaceae, meropenem was also the most active carbapenem against P. aeruginosa, whereas imipenem was the most active drug against Acinetobacter spp. The carbapenems are still potent antibiotics. With the introduction of ertapenem, and an expected increase in the carbapenem consumption due to an increased prevalence of strains with extended-spectrum beta-lactamases, continuous surveillance of carbapenem resistance appears to be warranted, with special attention to P. aeruginosa, Enterobacter and Proteus spp.
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| 8. |
- Gideskog, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Cluster of S. maltophilia among patients with respiratory tract infections at an intensive care unit
- 2020
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In: Infection Prevention in Practice. - : Elsevier. - 2590-0889. ; 2:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is associated with respiratory tract infections in immunocompromised patients, and it has emerged as an important nosocomial patho- gen, with admission to intensive care units (ICUs) and ventilators as recognized risk factors.Aim: To describe the investigation of a sudden increase in patients with pneumonia caused by S. maltophilia at a Swedish ICU and the control measures taken.Methods: Lower respiratory tract cultures from patients admitted to the ICU were obtained, and environmental cultures were collected from sink drains and medical equipment. Isolates identified as S. maltophilia were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing (WGS).Findings: A total of 17 S. maltophilia isolates were found (four from patients and 13 from the environment). The WGS identified two outbreak clones, sequence type (ST) 361 and ST138, and seven unique ones. Most likely, the outbreak clones originated from two sinks, and transmission was enhanced by a calorimeter. After changing the sink and calorimeter routines, no more cases were registered.Conclusion: Acquisition of S. maltophilia from the hospital environment appears to be easy, especially if water is involved. To control this bacterium, better knowledge of its transmission routes in hospital environments is required.
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| 9. |
- Gideskog, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Outbreak of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Hospital Center for Children's and Women's Health in a Swedish County
- 2019
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In: Acta Pathologica, Microbiologica et Immunologica Scandinavica (APMIS). - : WILEY. - 0903-4641 .- 1600-0463. ; 127:4, s. 181-186
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The objective of this study was to investigate a sudden increase in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cases primarily in one maternity ward at the Center for Children's and Women's Health at Linkoping University Hospital, Sweden. Approximately 300 individuals including patients, their family members, and healthcare workers were screened for MRSA. The antibiotic susceptibility was tested and isolates polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive for the mecA gene were spa typed. Isolates with the same antibiogram and spa type were further whole genome sequenced. Compliance to current cleaning and hygiene routines was also controlled, and environmental samples collected. The results showed that a total of 13 individuals were involved in the outbreak. It was caused by a t386 MRSA strain (ST-1, NCBI-accession AB505628) with additional resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin. All cases were epidemiologically connected to the index patient, who had recently emigrated from a high-endemic area for MRSA. With improved cleaning and better compliance to basic hygiene routines, no further cases were reported. This study demonstrates how rapid an MRSA strain can disseminate in a ward with susceptible patients and insufficient cleaning and hygiene. For a better control of MRSA, clinical cultures and screening samples need to be obtained early and more extensively than according to the current recommendations.
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| 10. |
- Hasan, Badrul, et al.
(author)
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Dissemination of the multidrug-resistant extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli O25b-ST131 clone and the role of house crow (Corvus splendens) foraging on hospital waste in Bangladesh.
- 2015
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In: Clinical Microbiology and Infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1198-743X .- 1469-0691. ; 21:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Two hundred and thirty-eight faecal samples from crows foraging on hospital wastes were analysed for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae. ESBL-producing crow isolates were characterized and compared with 31 patient isolates. Among the crows, 59% carried ESBL producers. These included Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Raoultella terrigena and Enterobacter cloacae harbouring the genes for CTX-M-1, CTX-M-15, CTX-M-55, CTX-M-79, and CTX-M-14. Human isolates carried only the CTX-M-15 gene. Two-thirds of crow E. coli isolates and all human E. coli isolates were multidrug resistant. Crows and patients shared E. coli sequence types, including the epidemic E. coli O25b-ST131 clone. The scavenging behaviour of crows at poorly managed hospital waste dumps made them potential reservoirs of antibiotic resistance, including ESBLs.
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