June 23rd, 2011
Shapiro JA et al. – The pathogenesis of Staphylococcus epidermidis in foreign device–related infections is attributed primarily to its ability to form biofilms on a polymer surface. One mechanism proposed for the survival of organisms in a biofilm is the presence of persister cells. The authors results suggest that antibiotic tolerance in biofilms and in planktonic cultures of Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62a is due in part to the presence of persister cells. read more
June 19th, 2011
McNeil JC et al. – Staphylococcus aureus resistance to mupirocin is often caused by acquisition of a novel isoleucyl–tRNA synthetase encoded on the plasmid gene mupA. The authors tested S. aureus isolates from children at Texas Children’s Hospital with recurrent skin and soft tissue infections for mupirocin resistance and mupA. Of 136 isolates, 20 were resistant to mupirocin. 15 isolates carried mupA, and the gene was more common in methicillin–susceptible S. aureus than methicillin–resistant S. aureus. Seven of 20 mupirocin–resistant isolates displayed clindamycin resistance. read more
June 19th, 2011
Datta R et al. – Individuals who are known to have harbored MRSA for >1 year are at high risk for subsequent MRSA morbidity and mortality and should be considered to be targets for intervention, in addition to individuals who have newly acquired this pathogen. read more
June 19th, 2011
Schmitz GR et al.– In light of the data currently available, antibiotics and decolonization should be used selectively, not routinely, for treatment of most uncomplicated abscesses. Wound cultures are generally not necessary in the emergency department (ED), and all patients should be given return precautions for worsening symptoms. read more
June 5th, 2011
McNeil JC et al. – Staphylococcus aureus resistance to mupirocin is often caused by acquisition of a novel isoleucyl–tRNA synthetase encoded on the plasmid gene mupA. The authors tested S. aureus isolates from children at Texas Children’s Hospital with recurrent skin and soft tissue infections for mupirocin resistance and mupA. Of 136 isolates, 20 were resistant to mupirocin. 15 isolates carried mupA, and the gene was more common in methicillin–susceptible S. aureus than methicillin–resistant S. aureus. Seven of 20 mupirocin–resistant isolates displayed clindamycin resistance. read more
