Staphylococcus aureus in a northern Italian region: Phenotypic and molecular characterization

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of community-acquired infections and healthcare-associated infections.Epidemiological data are useful for understanding the dynamics of the diffusion of this pathogen, and to plan controlactivities and monitor their effi cacy. Methods: S. aureus isolates were collected in 13 public hospital laboratories of Emilia-Romagna (northern Italy region) during February \u2013 March 2009; phenotypic and molecular characterizations of these isolateswere performed. Results: The study sample included 267 isolates, 57 from blood, 81 from respiratory tract, and 129from wounds; 106 (40%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). MRSA showed a limited number of circulating cloneswith 2 predominant spa types \u2013 t008 and t041 \u2013 accounting for 36% and 27% of MRSA isolates, respectively. The t041 typehad a higher prevalence of antimicrobial resistance compared to other spa types and accounted for most of the retrievedhetero-vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (h-VISA), while t008 was more frequently detected in non-hospital isolates. Ahigher degree of genetic diversity was observed in methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), with no predominant clonesand low prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. The occurrence of community-acquired MRSA infection appears to be rarein Emilia-Romagna. Conclusions: In contrast to previous studies reporting Italian data, t008 was the most frequent spa typeamong MRSA isolates in Emilia-Romagna. The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance of different MRSA spa types couldinfl uence their ability to cause infections with hospital onset. The presence of only 2 major MRSA clones circulating inEmilia-Romagna increases the chances that a regional strategy aimed at MRSA prevention will be effectiv

Strategies for preventing group B streptococcal infections in newborns: A nation-wide survey of Italian policies

Background: There are no Italian data regarding the strategies for preventing neonatal group B streptococcal (GBS) infection. We conducted a national survey in order to explore obstetrical, neonatal and microbiological practices for the GBS prevention. Methods: Three distinct questionnaires were sent to obstetricians, neonatologists and microbiologists. Questionnaires included data on prenatal GBS screening, maternal risk factors, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, microbiological information concerning specimen processing and GBS antimicrobial susceptibility. Results: All respondent obstetrical units used the culture-based screening approach to identify women who should receive intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, and more than half of the microbiological laboratories (58%) reported using specimen processing consistent with CDC guidelines. Most neonatal units (89 out of 107, 82%) reported using protocols for preventing GBS early-onset sepsis consistent with CDC guidelines. Conclusions: The screening-based strategy is largely prevalent in Italy, and most protocols for preventing GBS early-onset sepsis are consistent with CDC guidelines. However, we found discrepancies in practices among centers that may reflect the lack of Italian guidelines issued by public health organizations