Antibiotics-Basel最新文献

{"title":"Unveiling <i>Ralstonia</i> spp. in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Clinical Impacts and Antibiotic Resistance.","authors":"Julia Burzyńska, Aleksandra Tukendorf, Marta Fangrat, Katarzyna Dzierżanowska-Fangrat","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14030259","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14030259","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b><i>Ralstonia</i> spp., opportunistic Gram-negative bacilli, pose increasing risks for nosocomial infections, particularly in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This study investigates an outbreak caused by <i>Ralstonia mannitolilytica</i> in an NICU during the COVID-19 pandemic, examining colonization and infection risk factors, clinical outcomes, and antibiotic resistance. <b>Methods</b>: A retrospective analysis was conducted on neonates hospitalized in a tertiary NICU from 2020 to 2021. Colonization and infection were identified via microbiological testing of clinical samples. Risk factors, such as mechanical ventilation, vascular access, mode of feeding, and antibiotic use, were recorded. Environmental sampling identified potential contamination sources. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using EUCAST PK/PD breakpoints. <b>Results</b>: Among 36 neonates affected, 31 were colonized, and 5 developed infections, including bloodstream infection, pneumonia, surgical site infection, and urinary tract infection. Environmental investigations revealed contaminated water heaters as the primary sources. All isolates showed resistance to carbapenems and aminoglycosides but retained susceptibility to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The vast majority were susceptible to fluoroquinolones. <b>Conclusions</b>: This outbreak underscores the role of environmental water reservoirs, invasive procedures, and broad-spectrum antibiotics in <i>R. mannitolilytica</i> colonization and infection. Biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance complicate eradication and treatment. Heightened surveillance, rigorous infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship are crucial for mitigating risks in NICU settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939804/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artificial Intelligence in Bacterial Infections Control: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Rasha Abu-El-Ruz, Mohannad Natheef AbuHaweeleh, Ahmad Hamdan, Humam Emad Rajha, Jood Mudar Sarah, Kaoutar Barakat, Susu M Zughaier","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14030256","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14030256","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Artificial intelligence has made significant strides in healthcare, contributing to diagnosing, treating, monitoring, preventing, and testing various diseases. Despite its broad adoption, clinical consensus on AI's role in infection control remains uncertain. This scoping review aims to understand the characteristics of AI applications in bacterial infection control. <b>Results</b>: This review examines the characteristics of AI applications in bacterial infection control, analyzing 54 eligible studies across 5 thematic scopes. The search from 3 databases yielded a total of 1165 articles, only 54 articles met the eligibility criteria and were extracted and analyzed. Five thematic scopes were synthesized from the extracted data; countries, aim, type of AI, advantages, and limitations of AI applications in bacterial infection prevention and control. The majority of articles were reported from high-income countries, mainly by the USA. The most common aims are pathogen identification and infection risk assessment. The most common AI used in infection control is machine learning. The commonest reported advantage is predictive modeling and risk assessment, and the commonest disadvantage is generalizability of the models. <b>Methods</b>: This scoping review was developed according to Arksey and O'Malley frameworks. A comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted using broad search terms, with no restrictions. Publications focusing on AI in infection control and prevention were included. Citations were managed via EndNote, with initial title and abstract screening by two authors. Data underwent comprehensive narrative mapping and categorization, followed by the construction of thematic scopes. <b>Conclusions:</b> Artificial intelligence applications in infection control need to be strengthened for low-income countries. More efforts should be dedicated to investing in models that have proven their effectiveness in infection control, to maximize their utilization and tackle challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939793/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recent Advances in Biofilm Control Technologies for the Food Industry.","authors":"Jirapat Dawan, Song Zhang, Juhee Ahn","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14030254","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14030254","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biofilms remain a major challenge in the food industry due to the increased resistance of foodborne pathogens to antimicrobial agents and food processing stresses, leading to food contamination and significant health risks. Their resistance to preservation techniques, antimicrobial treatments, and processing conditions increases concerns regarding food safety. This review discusses recent developments in physical, chemical, and surface modification strategies to control and remove biofilms in food processing environments. Physical methods, such as thermal treatments, electric fields, and ultrasonic systems, have demonstrated their efficacy in disrupting biofilm structure and improving disinfection processes. Chemical treatments, including the use of sanitizers, disinfectants, acidulants, and enzymes, provide targeted approaches to degrade biofilm matrices and inhibit bacterial adhesion. Furthermore, surface modifications of food contact materials provide innovative solutions for preventing biofilm formation and enhancing food safety. These cutting-edge strategies not only improve food safety but also reduce contamination risk in food processing facilities. The review highlights the mechanisms, efficacy, and applicability of these techniques, emphasizing their potential to mitigate biofilm-associated risks and ensure food quality and safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939704/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143733163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pharmacokinetics of Doxycycline in Alpacas After Intravenous and Subcutaneous Administration.","authors":"José Martínez, Pedro Marín, David A Egas, Juan Llivi-Marcatoma, José Miguel Mira-Naranjo, Elena Badillo, María Teresa Yuste, Elisa Escudero, Juan Sebastián Galecio","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14030247","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14030247","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Doxycycline, a tetracycline-class antibiotic, is commonly used across various species to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria. However, pharmacokinetic data on its use in alpacas remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of doxycycline following intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) administration in alpacas. <b>Methods</b>: A randomized crossover study (n = 6) was employed, with dosages of 5 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg after intravenous and subcutaneous administration, respectively. Blood samples were collected at predetermined times up to 96 h after both routes of administration. Plasma doxycycline concentrations were determined using validated high-performance liquid chromatography with a UV detector and then analyzed based on non-compartmental pharmacokinetic methods. <b>Results</b>: All alpacas maintained optimal health and general condition throughout the trial period. After intravenous administration, the V_z value (0.90 L/kg) indicated a good distribution of this antibiotic in the alpacas. The maximum concentration value (C_max) after SC administration of doxycycline was 1.40 µg/mL, reached at 1.92 h. Low bioavailability (F = 36.83%) of doxycycline was observed after SC administration. <b>Conclusions</b>: PK/PD ratios calculated from the pharmacokinetic data obtained, at a dose of 20 mg/kg and SC route of administration, suggest that doxycycline administered every 24 h could be effective against bacterial infections with MICs of 0.125 and 0.5 µg/mL. However, multi-dose and pharmacodynamic studies are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of using doxycycline in alpacas.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939159/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143733179","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Snapshot of Antimicrobial Resistance in Semi-Wild Oryx: Baseline Data from Qatar.","authors":"Asma Mushahidur Rahman, Salma E Ahmed, Shayma A Osman, Radhia A Al-Haddad, Abdallah Almiski, Ristha Kamar, Hana Abdelrahman, Issmat I Kassem, Andrea Dogliero, Nahla O Eltai","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14030248","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14030248","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: The spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health concern. Wild animals can play an important role in the amplification and dissemination of AMR and in conservation efforts aiming at controlling diseases in vulnerable wild animal populations. These animals can serve as reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes and are key in the spread of AMR across ecosystems and hosts. Therefore, monitoring AMR in wild animals is crucial in tackling the spread of resistance in the environment and human population. This study investigated the phenotypic and genotypic resistance of <i>Escherichia coli</i> (<i>E. coli</i>) isolated from semi-wild oryx (<i>Oryx leucoryx</i>) in Qatar. <b>Methods:</b> One hundred fecal samples were collected from oryx in diverse natural reserves across Qatar. A selective agar medium was used to isolate <i>E. coli</i>, and the identity of the isolates was further confirmed using the VITEK^® 2 Compact system. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used to test antibiotic susceptibility. Genetic resistance determinants were identified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses and sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT). <b>Results:</b> The results revealed that 18% (<i>n</i> = 18) of the samples harbored <i>E. coli</i> with resistance to a single antibiotic, 28% (<i>n</i> = 28) were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and 2% (<i>n</i> = 2) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). No resistance was observed against colistin. <i>tetA</i> and <i>tetB</i> encode tetracycline resistance were the most frequently detected genes (57.7%). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to expand on AMR gene-PCR analyses and analyze the resistome of 12<i>E. coli</i> isolates. WGS identified several important antibiotic resistance determinates, including <i>bla_CTX-M</i>_-encoding Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) resistance, <i>soxR</i> associated with tetracycline target alteration, and <i>mdtE</i>, <i>emrB</i>, <i>AcrE</i>, <i>mdtF</i>, and <i>marA</i> related to ciprofloxacin efflux pump resistance. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study provides essential information regarding AMR in Qatari semi-wild animals, which will guide conservation strategies and wildlife health management in a world experiencing increasing antibiotic-resistant infections. Furthermore, these findings can inform policies to mitigate AMR spread, improve ecosystems, and enhance public and environmental health while paving the way for future research on AMR dynamics in wildlife.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939360/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143733020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in Food-Producing Animals: Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Veterinarians and Operators of Establishments in the Republic of Cyprus.","authors":"Despina Theodoridou Oxinou, Demetris Lamnisos, Charalampos Filippou, Nikolaos Spernovasilis, Constantinos Tsioutis","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14030251","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14030251","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Current evidence suggests that more than half of all antimicrobials are used in the sector of food-producing animals, thus constituting a major risk factor for development and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). <b>Methods</b>: This cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU) among veterinarians (n = 26) working with food-producing animals and operators (n = 165) of establishments that keep food-producing animals, across all districts of Cyprus between October and December 2024. <b>Results</b>: Most veterinarians demonstrated sufficient knowledge regarding AMR and AMU; however, certain knowledge gaps were identified. There was a general trend toward desired responses aimed at reducing AMU. Despite this, the level of responses advocating for restrictions on the use of specific priority antimicrobials and broad-spectrum antibacterials was unsatisfactory. Over half of veterinarians prescribed Category B substances. Furthermore, there was no significant association between the use of \"restricted\" antibiotics and veterinarians' level of knowledge nor between antibiotic use and the practice of microbiological culture and susceptibility testing. Among operators, positive attitudes were significant predictors of implementing of good practices. Additionally, operators who had contracts with a veterinarians were more likely to follow good practices. <b>Conclusions</b>: There is a need for further education on AMR in the veterinary sector in the Republic of Cyprus. Raising awareness among animal producers, is also crucial, along with enforcing a policy on antimicrobial use. Comprehensive governance involving all stakeholders must be implemented to address AMR more effectively.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939368/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nature's Arsenal: Uncovering Antibacterial Agents Against Antimicrobial Resistance.","authors":"Ina Gajic, Dusan Kekic, Marko Jankovic, Nina Tomic, Mila Skoric, Milos Petrovic, Dragana Mitic Culafic, Natasa Opavski, Petar Ristivojevic, Maja Krstic Ristivojevic, Bojana Lukovic","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14030253","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14030253","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant public health threat, leading to increased mortality. The World Health Organization has established a priority list highlighting critical multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens that demand urgent research on antimicrobial treatments. Considering this and the fact that new antibiotics are only sporadically approved, natural antibacterial agents have seen a resurgence in interest as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics and chemotherapeutics. Natural antibacterials, derived from microorganisms, higher fungi, plants, animals, natural minerals, and food sources, offer diverse mechanisms of action against MDR pathogens. Here, we present a comprehensive summary of antibacterial agents from natural sources, including a brief history of their application and highlighting key strategies for using microorganisms (microbiopredators, such as bacteriophages), plant extracts and essential oils, minerals (e.g., silver and copper), as well as compounds of animal origin, such as milk or even venoms. The review also addresses the role of prebiotics, probiotics, and antimicrobial peptides, as well as novel formulations such as nanoparticles. The mechanisms of action of these compounds, such as terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds, are explored alongside the challenges for their application, e.g., extraction, formulation, and pharmacokinetics. <b>Conclusions:</b> Future research should focus on developing eco-friendly, sustainable antimicrobial agents and validating their safety and efficacy through clinical trials. Clear regulatory frameworks are essential for integrating these agents into clinical practice. Despite challenges, natural sources offer transformative potential for combating AMR and promoting sustainable health solutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939603/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143733089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Observed Prevalence and Characterization of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant and Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Loggerhead Sea Turtles (<i>Caretta caretta</i>) from the Adriatic Sea.","authors":"Olimpia Lai, Antonella Tinelli, Simona Soloperto, Giuseppe Crescenzo, Domenico Galante, Angela Calarco, Magda Tribuzio, Viviana Manzulli, Giulia Caioni, Claudia Zizzadoro, Antonella Damiano, Antonio Camarda, Nicola Pugliese","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14030252","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14030252","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health concern with profound implications for human, animal, and environmental health. Marine ecosystems are emerging as reservoirs of resistant bacteria due to contamination from anthropogenic activities. This study aimed to investigate fluoroquinolone-resistant and multidrug-resistant bacteria in loggerhead sea turtles (<i>Caretta caretta</i>). <b>Methods</b>: Cloacal swabs were collected from 28 loggerhead sea turtles at a rescue center in southern Italy. Swabs were cultured in nutrient media supplemented with enrofloxacin. Bacterial isolates underwent identification by MALDI-TOF, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and assessment for multidrug resistance. Conjugation experiments evaluated the transferability of enrofloxacin resistance. <b>Results</b>: Thirty-six enrofloxacin-resistant bacterial strains were isolated from 22 turtles. The identified species included <i>Vagococcus fluvialis</i> (13 strains), <i>Citrobacter freundii</i> (5), <i>Escherichia coli</i> (6), and <i>Pseudomonas mendocina</i> (4). Thirty-five isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, with resistance to critically important antibiotics such as imipenem observed in <i>C. freundii</i> and <i>Enterobacter faecium</i>. Conjugation experiments showed no transfer of resistance genes. <b>Conclusions</b>: The study highlights the prevalence of fluoroquinolone-resistant and multidrug-resistant bacteria in <i>C. caretta</i>, implicating marine environments as reservoirs of AMR. The findings underscore the need for stricter regulation of antimicrobial use and monitoring of resistance dissemination in marine ecosystems. These results contribute to understanding AMR dynamics within the One Health framework, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, animal, and human health.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939805/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143733173","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Invisible Threat of Antibiotic Resistance in Food.","authors":"Gabriella Kiskó, Belma Bajramović, Fatma Elzhraa, Patrícia Erdei-Tombor, Viktória Dobó, Csilla Mohácsi-Farkas, Andrea Taczman-Brückner, Ágnes Belák","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14030250","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14030250","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The continued and improper use of antibiotics has resulted in the emergence of antibiotic resistance (AR). The dissemination of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms occurs via a multitude of pathways, including the food supply. The failure to comply with the regulatory withdrawal period associated with the treatment of domestic animals or the illicit use of antibiotics as growth promoters has contributed to the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in meat and dairy products. It was demonstrated that not only do animal and human pathogens act as donors of antibiotic resistance genes, but also that lactic acid bacteria can serve as reservoirs of genes encoding for antibiotic resistance. Consequently, the consumption of fermented foods also presents a potential conduit for the dissemination of AR. This review provides an overview of the potential for the transmission of antibiotic resistance in a range of traditional and novel foods. The literature data reveal that foodborne microbes can be a significant factor in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939317/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143733044","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Evaluation of the ASTar Automated Antimicrobial Testing System for Gram-Negative Bacteria in Positive Blood Cultures.","authors":"Hannah Coulson, Angelo Ivin, Kathryn M Day, Danielle J C Fenwick, Emma C L Marrs, Patrick Mpwilu, John D Perry","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14030249","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14030249","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Prompt administration of optimal antibiotic therapy is essential in the management of bacteraemia to reduce morbidity and mortality and to facilitate antibiotic stewardship. To identify the most effective therapy, rapid and accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is essential. ASTar is an automated AST system that delivers minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for 23 antimicrobials and is designed for testing Gram-negative bacteria directly from positive blood cultures, with results available after 6 h. <b>Methods</b>: The ASTar system was evaluated with 64 positive blood cultures from patients with bacteraemia and 56 simulated blood cultures inoculated with a range of antibiotic-resistant isolates. The ASTar results for 12 antibiotics commonly used in our hospitals were compared with the results derived from three different methods of disc susceptibility testing and MICs determined by broth microdilution (BMD). <b>Results</b>: For 121 isolates of Gram-negative bacteria, ASTar showed an average essential agreement of 87.2% and an average categorical agreement of 94%, when compared with BMD. Very major errors (false susceptibility) and major errors (false resistance) were associated with 0.9% and 3.4% of results, respectively. The results were at least as accurate as those obtained from EUCAST disc susceptibility methods (both rapid and overnight methods). <b>Conclusions</b>: The ASTar system is an effective method for delivering accurate and rapid (6 h) AST results for Gram-negative bacteria by the direct testing of positive blood cultures.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939750/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143733022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}