Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Farhan Anwar, Marielle Clark, Jason Lindsey, Rachel Claus-Walker, Asad Mansoor, Evy Nguyen, Justin Billy, William Lainhart, Kareem Shehab, V. K. Viswanathan, Gayatri Vedantam
Summary: This study highlights the dominance of Toxin EIA-negative CDI specimens in a clinical setting and the high frequency of known virulent ribotypes in these specimens. Therefore, a careful reevaluation of the clinical relevance of diagnostically-discrepant specimens particularly in the context of missed CDI diagnoses and C. difficile persistence, is warranted.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Adriana Plankaova, Marie Brajerova, Vaclav Capek, Gabriela Balikova Novotna, Pete Kinross, Jana Skalova, Anna Soltesova, Pavel Drevinek, Marcela Krutova
Summary: This study investigated the epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in Slovakian hospitals after the emergence of ribotype 176 (027-like) in 2016. The results showed that the newly-predominant RT176 and endemic RT001 are driving the epidemiology of CDI in Slovakia. The use of fluoroquinolones and macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B antibiotics contributes to the spread of these epidemic lineages.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ahmed Mohamed Mostafa Abdrabou, Zia Ul Habib Bajwa, Alexander Halfmann, Alexander Mellmann, Anna Nimmesgern, Lena Margardt, Markus Bischoff, Lutz von Mueller, Barbara Gaertner, Fabian K. Berger
Summary: Clostridioides difficile is a major cause of nosocomial diarrhea in developed nations like Germany, with certain genotypes such as RT027 driving resistance to antibiotics like rifampicin and metronidazole.Continuous surveillance efforts are crucial in monitoring and addressing resistance patterns observed in these strains.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
D. R. Snydman, L. A. Mcdermott, C. M. Thorpe, E. J. C. Goldstein, A. N. Schuetz, S. Johnson, D. N. Gerding, L. Gluck, D. Bourdas, K. C. Carroll, C. K. Lancaster, K. W. Garey, Q. Wang, S. T. Walk, E. Duperchy, Jared A. Silverman
Summary: This study investigated the susceptibility of C. difficile isolates collected from six geographically dispersed medical centers in the United States between 2020 and 2021. The results showed that ridinilazole displayed excellent in vitro activity against all ribotypes of C. difficile, and remained active against strains resistant to other tested agents.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Su-Chen Lim, Natasza M. R. Hain-Saunders, Korakrit Imwattana, Papanin Putsathit, Deirdre A. Collins, Thomas Riley
Summary: This study found a close relationship between environmental Clostridium difficile isolates and those from humans, possibly indicating an environmental transmission route. Toxigenic strains isolated from water sources were mainly of the 014/020 ribotype, with susceptibility to most antibiotics. High-resolution core-genome analysis revealed recent genetic relationships between human and water isolates.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
T'ng Chang Kwok, Robert A. Dineen, William Whitehouse, Richard M. Lynn, Niamh McSweeney, Don Sharkey
Summary: The study aims to explore the incidence and 2-year outcomes of neonatal stroke across the entire population in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Using a purpose-built online platform, clinicians will notify and provide clinical information about neonatal stroke cases for analysis. The study will provide important information for a better understanding of the causes and management of neonatal stroke.
Article
Immunology
Christophe Luhata Lungayo, Rachel M. Burke, Aime Cikomola, Elisabeth Mukamba, Eleanor Burnett, Jacqueline E. Tate, John Samuel Otomba, Mbule K. Albert, Marcellin M. Nimpa, M. A. Dommergues, Elisabeth Pukuta, Jason M. Mwenda, Keith Shaba, Gilson K. Paluku, Aboubacar N'diaye, John Ditekemena, Odile Launay, Romain Jouffroy
Summary: Between 2009 and 2019, rotavirus-associated gastroenteritis was a significant burden among children under 5 admitted to sentinel sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a 60% rotavirus positivity rate. The most commonly identified genotypes were G1P[8]. Continued monitoring after the introduction of rotavirus vaccine will be essential to track any changes in epidemiology.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Aliaksandra Aniskevich, Iryna Shimanskaya, Iryna Boiko, Tatyana Golubovskaya, Daniel Golparian, Iryna Stanislavova, Susanne Jacobsson, Aliaksandr Adaskevich, Magnus Unemo
Summary: This study in Belarus found high levels of resistance to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline in Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates, while resistance to azithromycin was low and no resistance to ceftriaxone was identified. Ceftriaxone 1g can continue to be recommended as the first-line therapy for gonorrhoea in Belarus, with emphasis on timely updating and adherence to national treatment guidelines based on antimicrobial resistance data.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Theresa Enkirch, Sara Mernelius, Cecilia Magnusson, Sharon Kuhlmann-Berenzon, Malin Bengner, Thomas Akerlund, Kristina Rizzardi
Summary: This study investigated the molecular epidemiology of community-associated (CA) and hospital-associated (HA) Clostridioides difficile infections in a Swedish county. The results showed significant associations between different bacterial types and CA infections. The genome sequencing analysis revealed the transmission of CDI within and between hospitals and communities.
Article
Microbiology
Deirdre A. Collins, Stephen Marcella, Michael Campbell, Thomas V. Riley
Summary: This study aimed to determine the incidence rates and epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in Perth, Western Australia. The results showed a high incidence of CDI, with female patients experiencing a higher risk. The dominant molecular type of CDI was RT 014/020, but there was also high strain diversity, suggesting exposure to multiple reservoirs.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Barry J. McDonnell, Emma Rees, John R. Cockcroft, Thomas Beaney, Bethan Clayton, Phuong Le Kieu, Adrian J. B. Brady, Sandosh Padmanabhan, Linsay McCallum, Eamon Dolan, Eoin O'Brien, Maciej Tomaszewski, Aletta E. Schutte, Neil R. Poulter, Francesco P. Cappuccio
Summary: The UK and Republic of Ireland data demonstrate concerning levels of undiagnosed hypertension and sub-optimal blood pressure control in many individuals. This evidence supports a critical need for better systematic community and primary care screening initiatives.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL SUPPLEMENTS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Saied Ali, Sinead McDermott
Summary: This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of healthcare associated C. difficile infection (HA-CDI), and found no significant difference in HA-CDI rates and antimicrobial consumption between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 periods.
INFECTION PREVENTION IN PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Louise Kelly, Jennifer Walsh, Mairead Skally, Binu Dinesh, Karen Burns, Karina O'Connell, Stephen MacNally, Hilary Humphreys, Fidelma Fitzpatrick
Summary: This study aimed to review the diagnosis, management, and outcome of Candida meningitis/ventriculitis in our hospital over the past ten years. The results showed that Candida meningitis/ventriculitis is an uncommon infection associated with devices, requiring prolonged treatment and leading to increased morbidity, length of stay, and disability.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY
(2023)
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
J. Lowry, N. McEvoy, K. O'Connell, K. Burns, B. Dinesh, S. O'Donnell, G. F. Curley, F. Fitzpatrick
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Pathology
James Alan Donnelly, Miriam Russell, Gemma O'Brien, Ian O'Neill, Fidelma Fitzpatrick, Karina O'Connell
Summary: Point-of-care testing (POCT) provides rapid and accurate results for diagnosis and patient management. It is especially valuable for infectious agents as it allows timely interventions for infection prevention and control. However, careful governance is required for POCT implementation due to limited education of staff on laboratory quality control and assurance processes.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
C. De Santi, G. L. Cavalleri, S. W. Kerrigan, F. Fitzpatrick, K. McGrogan, J. Gilroy, R. Baxter, V. Quadu, K. Ryan, H. Humphreys
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Zeinab Ebrahimzadeh Mousavi, Kevin Hunt, Leonard Koolman, Francis Butler, Seamus Fanning
Summary: The powdered formula market is expanding rapidly, raising the need to maintain high hygiene standards for safety. Cronobacter species pose a risk to public health, especially vulnerable infants consuming contaminated formula. Assessing the risk is difficult due to factory heterogeneity, and there is a potential risk of bacterial growth during rehydration. New detection methods are emerging to track Cronobacter species, and this review explores their persistence, pathogenicity, detection, and regulatory framework for safe powdered infant formula.
Article
Microbiology
Pilar Marcos, Aoife Doyle, Paul Whyte, Thomas R. Rogers, Maire McElroy, Seamus Fanning, Jesus Frias, Declan Bolton
Summary: The aim of this study was to characterize C. difficile isolates in Ireland in terms of ribotype and antibiotic resistance. The most common ribotype along the food chain was 078, followed by variant RT078/4. Less common and novel ribotypes were also detected. Majority of the isolates showed resistance to at least one antibiotic, with a significant proportion displaying a multi-drug resistant phenotype.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Anne A. M. J. Becker, Stacie Munden, Evonne McCabe, Daniel Hurley, Seamus Fanning, Aspinas Chapwanya, Patrick Butaye
Summary: In order to achieve a consistent diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of uterine diseases in dairy cattle, researchers have focused on identifying the bacteria present in the uterus, known as the uterine microbiota. A study analyzed the uterine microbiota from healthy, pregnant, and diseased cows and found that the bacterial composition was more similar in healthy and pregnant cows compared to diseased animals. Endometritis, a major cause of infertility in dairy cows, results in significant economic losses. The study explored the endometrial microbiota and found significant differences in species diversity between healthy and diseased cows.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lisa Domegan, Carina Brehony, Fidelma Fitzpatrick, Karina O'Connell, Binu Dinesh, Jacqueline Cafferkey, Karen Burns
Summary: This study investigated the transmission patterns of a nosocomial carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) outbreak using social network analysis and genomics. The analysis revealed high-resolution transmission patterns involving two related OXA-48 plasmids, multiple species/genotypes, and potential super-spreading. Interventions successfully prevented intra-hospital spread. The findings highlight the importance of integrating social network analysis and genomics in the management of complex nosocomial outbreaks.
INFECTION PREVENTION IN PRACTICE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Judith Strawbridge, John Heritage, Marcela Krutova, Benoit Guery, Kerrie Davies, Fidelma Fitzpatrick, Jane Freeman
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tristan Russell, Guerrino Macori, Lauren Russell, Grace Mulcahy, Donal Sammin, Seamus Fanning, Gerald Barry
Summary: The meat processing industry has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The unique conditions in meat processing plants (MPPs) have the potential to increase SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Research has found that SARS-CoV-2 can persist on beef, pork, and salmon for at least 22 days at -20? and at least 12 days at +4?. However, no SARS-CoV-2 was detected in the food samples purchased from Irish supermarkets during the pandemic. These findings highlight the importance of implementing multiple measures to reduce the risk of airborne infections in MPPs.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY
(2023)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Emily Glynn, Fidelma Fitzpatrick, Binu Dinesh, Conor Mulrooney, Siobhain Kelly, Karen Burns, Karina O'Connell, Sinead O'Donnell, Ciara O'Connor
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Siobhan C. McCarthy, Guerrino Macori, Catherine M. Burgess, Geraldine Duffy, Seamus Fanning
Summary: This study presents the hybrid genome assemblies of four Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains isolated from the recto-anal junction of slaughter-age Irish sheep. In silico serotyping and genome analysis revealed that each strain carried a specific subtype of Shiga toxin, a complete locus of enterocyte effacement, and a rare O-island 122.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Joffrey van Prehn, Fidelma Fitzpatrick, Ed J. Kuijper
LANCET GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Zeinab Ebrahimzadeh Mousavi, Leonard Koolman, Guerrino Macori, Seamus Fanning, Francis Butler
Summary: This study characterized Cronobacter sakazakii strains through whole-genome sequencing and identified important features, such as virulence genes and multiple antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, the study compared the strains globally, contributing to a better understanding of Cronobacter outbreaks and the development of prevention and control strategies.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Mairead Skally, Maeve Leonard, Philip J. O'Halloran, Ben Husien, Kathleen Bennett, Karen Burns, Binu Dinesh, Hilary Humphreys, Fidelma Fitzpatrick
Summary: CDI in neurosurgery patients differs from the wider hospital, with greater awareness of CDI testing. Longer LOS impacted bed utilization with limited capacity. Robust surveillance supports proactive antimicrobial stewardship programs in this vulnerable population.
ACTA NEUROCHIRURGICA
(2023)
