International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents RSS feed: Articles in Press. The International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents provides comprehensive and up-to-date peer reviewed reference information on the physical, pharmacological, in vitro and clinical properties of individual antimicrobial agents (antiviral agents, antiparasitic agents, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, etc.). In addition, the journal signals new trends and developments in the field through highly authoritative review articles on antimicrobial agents. Special attention is given to articles providing insight into the problems of antimicrobial resistance both in the hospital and in the community. Both solicited reviews by top experts in the mentioned fields and high-quality original research papers are published. Additional information on the ISC and its activities can be found at the ISC Web site at: http://www.ischemo.org http://www.ijaaonline.com//inpress?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en Crown Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents0924-85792010-07-08 Crown Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.ijaaonline.com/article/PIIS0924857910002396/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: In recent years, increased isolation of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Proteus mirabilis has been reported in Japan. We undertook an investigation to determine the prevalence of ESBL-producing P. mirabilis isolated in Japan and to characterise the genotype. Seventy-four P. mirabilis isolates recovered from specimens at 54 hospitals in Japan between March and October 2006 were included in the study. Of the 74 P. mirabilis isolates examined, 28 (37.8%) were ESBL-producers. The blaCTX-M-2 gene was found in 27 isolates, whilst 1 isolate possessed blaCTX-M-3. Amongst the 28 ESBL-producers, 25 (89.3%) were non-susceptible to ciprofloxacin, whilst 11 (23.9%) of 46 ESBL-non-producing isolates were non-susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis of the 28 ESBL-producing isolates from 19 hospitals revealed 17 clusters. The same PFGE type was observed in two or more hospitals especially in the greater Tokyo area, suggesting possible clonal spread and the need for monitoring to determine whether emergence of a dominant clone occurs. Our results show that in Japan there is a high prevalence of CTX-M-type β-lactamase-producing P. mirabilis. Moreover, these isolates are characterised by reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones.Rapidly spreading CTX-M-type β-lactamase-producing Proteus mirabilis in Japan - Corrected ProofAkiko Kanayama, Takako Iyoda, Kaoru Matsuzaki, Takeshi Saika, Fumiaki Ikeda, Yoshikazu Ishii, Keizo Yamaguchi, Intetsu Kobayashi10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2010.06.002International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents (2010)2010-07-08International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents2010-07-08SHORT COMMUNICATIONhttp://www.ijaaonline.com/article/PIIS0924857910002359/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The activity of telavancin was evaluated against Staphylococcus spp. collected from European hospitals as part of an international surveillance study (2007–2008). A total of 7534 staphylococcal clinical isolates [5726 Staphylococcus aureus and 1808 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS)] were included. Isolates were tested for susceptibility according to reference methods and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were interpreted based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) 2010 and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) 2009 criteria. Telavancin breakpoints approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were applied. Telavancin activity was evaluated against meticillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) displaying several antibiogram resistance patterns, including multidrug-resistant isolates. Telavancin was active against S. aureus [MIC50/90 values (MICs for 50% and 90% of the isolates, respectively)=0.12/0.25mg/L; 100.0% susceptible] and CoNS (MIC50/90=0.12/0.25mg/L), inhibiting all isolates at ≤0.5mg/L. Similar results were observed when S. aureus were stratified by year or country of origin (MIC50/90=0.12/0.25mg/L). When MRSA isolates were clustered according to 48 different resistance patterns, telavancin showed consistent MIC90 values (0.25mg/L) regardless of multidrug resistance. Amongst CoNS, telavancin was slightly more active against Staphylococcus capitis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus lugdunensis and Staphylococcus xylosus (MIC50=0.12mg/L) compared with Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Staphylococcus warneri (MIC50=0.25mg/L). Overall, telavancin exhibited MIC90 results two- to eight-fold lower than comparators (daptomycin, quinupristin/dalfopristin, vancomycin and linezolid). Based upon MIC90 values, telavancin demonstrated potent in vitro activity against a contemporary (2007–2008) collection of Staphylococcus spp. recovered from nearly 30 European medical centres.Activity of telavancin and comparator antimicrobial agents tested against Staphylococcus spp. isolated from hospitalised patients in Europe (2007–2008) - Corrected ProofRodrigo E. Mendes, Helio S. Sader, Ronald N. Jones10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2010.05.016International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents (2010)2010-07-05International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents2010-07-05SHORT COMMUNICATIONhttp://www.ijaaonline.com/article/PIIS0924857910002360/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Coxiella burnetii is the bacterial agent of Q fever in humans. Acute Q fever generally manifests as a flu-like illness and is typically self-resolving. In contrast, chronic Q fever usually presents with endocarditis and is often life-threatening without appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Unfortunately, available options for the successful treatment of chronic Q fever are both limited and protracted (>18 months). Pentamidine, an RNA splice inhibitor used to treat fungal and protozoal infections, was shown to reduce intracellular growth of Coxiella by ca. 73% at a concentration of 1μM (ca. 0.6μg/mL) compared with untreated controls, with no detectable toxic effects on host cells. Bacterial targets of pentamidine include Cbu.L1917 and Cbu.L1951, two group I introns that disrupt the 23S rRNA gene of Coxiella, as demonstrated by the drug's ability to inhibit intron RNA splicing in vitro. Since both introns are highly conserved amongst all eight genotypes of the pathogen, pentamidine is predicted to be efficacious against numerous strains of C. burnetii. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing antibacterial activity for this antifungal/antiprotozoal agent.Pentamidine inhibits Coxiella burnetii growth and 23S rRNA intron splicing in vitro - Corrected ProofMichael F. Minnick, Linda D. Hicks, James M. Battisti, Rahul Raghavan10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2010.05.017International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents (2010)2010-07-05International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents2010-07-05SHORT COMMUNICATIONhttp://www.ijaaonline.com/article/PIIS0924857910002037/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The appearance of multiresistant bacterial strains coupled with the globally ongoing problem of infectious diseases point to the imperative need for novel and affordable antimicrobial drugs. The antibacterial potential of cardiovascular non-antibiotics such as amlodipine (AML), dobutamine, lacidipine, nifedipine and oxyfedrine has been reported previously. Of these drugs, AML proved to have the most significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Time–kill curve studies indicate that this Ca2+ channel blocker exhibits bactericidal activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. AML could protect against murine listeriosis and salmonellosis at doses ranging within its maximum recommended human or non-toxic ex vivo dose. AML acts as a ‘helper compound’ in synergistic combination with streptomycin against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains in vitro as well as in the murine salmonellosis model in vivo. The present review focuses on the possible use of cardiovascular non-antibiotics such as AML as auxiliary compound targets for synergistic combinations in infections and hypertension conditions, rationalised on the basis of the activities of the compounds.Potential role of the cardiovascular non-antibiotic (helper compound) amlodipine in the treatment of microbial infections: scope and hope for the future - Corrected ProofK. Mazumdar, K. Asok Kumar, N.K. Dutta10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2010.05.003International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents (2010)2010-07-01International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents2010-07-01REVIEWhttp://www.ijaaonline.com/article/PIIS0924857910002232/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC) of the bladder is used to imitate normal bladder emptying in patients with bladder dysfunction. CIC is associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) that may be difficult to treat in the case of antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study was to establish the effect and safety of intravesical gentamicin treatment in such settings. In 2009, intravesical gentamicin treatment was started in selected patients. Here we describe our experience with two patients treated until March 2010. Two patients using CIC suffering recurrent UTI with multiresistant Escherichia coli were treated with daily administration of 80mg intravesical gentamicin. On treatment they appeared asymptomatic. During 8- and 9-month follow-up they were free of UTI, urine cultures were negative and there were no side effects. A systematic review was conducted through searches of PubMed and other databases. Clinical trials that met the eligibility criteria and displayed the efficacy or safety of intravesical aminoglycoside treatment in patients using CIC were studied. Study selection was performed by two independent reviewers. Eight studies were included for review. Owing to study heterogeneity, a meta-analysis could not be performed. Of four controlled studies using neomycin or kanamycin, two demonstrated a significant reduction in bacteriuria, whilst two other trials did not. One case series on neomycin/polymyxin showed that the majority of patients still developed bacteriuria. Three case series using gentamicin all pointed towards a significant reduction in bacteriuria and UTIs. There were no clinically relevant side effects reported but follow-up in all studies was limited. Although data are limited, intravesical treatment with gentamicin might be a reasonable treatment option in selected patients practicing CIC who suffer recurrent UTIs with highly resistant microorganisms.Intravesical gentamicin for recurrent urinary tract infection in patients with intermittent bladder catheterisation - Corrected ProofC. van Nieuwkoop, P.L. den Exter, H.W. Elzevier, J. den Hartigh, J.T. van Dissel10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2010.05.005International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents (2010)2010-06-28International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents2010-06-28REVIEWhttp://www.ijaaonline.com/article/PIIS0924857908006122/abstract?rss=yesThis article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s). The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.WITHDRAWN: Synergistic interaction of aciclovir and a helicase-primase inhibitor, BAY 57-1293, against herpes simplex virus type 1 - Corrected ProofManish Kumar, Hilary W. Thompson, Emily D. Varnell, Herbert E. Kaufman10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2008.11.009International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents (2009)2009-01-27International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents2009-01-27http://www.ijaaonline.com/article/PIIS0924857907004281/abstract?rss=yesThis article has been withdrawn consistent with Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.WITHDRAWN: High frequency of mutations in the rpoB gene in rifampicin-resistant clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Iran - Corrected ProofFarahnoosh Doustdar, Azar Dokht Khosravi, Parissa Farnia, Ahmad Reza Bahremand10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2007.08.010International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents (2007)2007-10-16International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents2007-10-16