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Introduction/Objective. The most important etiologic factors for both, capsular contracture (CC) and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is subclinical infection, defined as a response of an organism on presence of biofilm on the implant surface. The aim of this research was to examine the possibility of biofilm formation of four different bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Ralstonia picketti) on three differently textured silicone breast implants (Siltex, Mentor, pore size 70?150 ?m; MESMORsensitive, Polytech, pore size 50?900 ?m; and SilkSurface, Motiva pores 13 ?m) in vitro. Methods. Samples of silicone breast implant capsules (sized 1 ? 1 cm) were divided into three groups according to texture. After sterilization, 30 samples in every group were contaminated with 100 ?l of examined bacterial broth, followed by incubation which led to biofilm formation. For testing the capability of biofilm formation, modified technique with microtitar plates described by Stepanovic? was used. Results. All four examined bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Ralstonia picketti) form more biofilm on implants with pore sizes 50?900 ?m compared to implants with pore size 70?150 ?m and those with 13 ?m. Statistical significance was found in biofilm formation on implants with pores 70?150 ?m compared to implants with pores 13 ?m. The only exception was P. aeuruginosa which did not show significant difference in biofilm formation on implants 70?150 ?m and 13 ?m. Conclusion. Silicone breast implants with micro and nanotexture should be chosen in order to prevent biofilm formation and possible consequent complications.

Here we present the first case of Aerococcus urinae isolated from urine sample of a 5-year-old boy from Vojvodina province (Serbia). The patient had predisposing factors related to the susceptibility of genitourinary system to infection. Thus, he reported no complaints related to active urinary infections. Eradication of infection was achieved after 10-day treatment with meropenem. From this case, the question emerges: Is there a possibility that A. urinae infections are neglected in pediatric patients with susceptibility of genitourinary system to infection? Only after wide introduction of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in competent laboratories, we will be able to give a precise answer.

The microflora of the gastrointestinal tract is essential for mucosal protection, immune education, and for metabolism of humans. Disturbances of these processes results in various diseases. Regarding these processes, there is a clinical interest in the utility of microbial therapy - the feeding of non-pathogenic bacteria, originally derived from the alimentary tract. Considering the commercial success of probiotics, there is still a difficulty for consumers as well as for physicians when choosing the specific product. Since they are classified as food supplements, and not subject to drug regulations, there is ongoing skepticism about the benefits they offer. Fecal bacteriotherapy is reported as highly effective in the treatment of various diseases, including those of the digestive tract. The treatment itself consists of feces infusion from a healthy human donor to the gastrointestinal tract of patient. According to current data, fecal bacteriotherapy represents an emerging and promising low-cost solution for diseases with which antibiotic and probiotic products have been struggling for years.

Chronic stress is regarded as a significant factor in the etiology of the many diseases. Numerous methods have been developed through which the effect of chronic stress is examined. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the new experimental model for analysis of immuno-suppression induced by chronic restraint stress, through challenge with conditionally tumorigenic cell line BHK-21/C13. 20 male NMRI mice were randomly divided into 2 groups-control and experimental. Each mouse was subcutaneously inoculated with BHK-21/C13 cells. Stress in the experimental group was induced for 20 days. After the experiment, tumor masses were removed, and analyzed using histology and immunohistochemistry techniques. We found a statistically significant difference (p = 0.034) in tumor expression and tumor volumes (p = 0.0061) between groups, as well as in immunopositivity on Ki67, cytochrome C and matrix metalloproteinase 9. Absence of immune infiltrate was noticed in experimental, and the presence of inflammatory infiltrate at tumor invasion front in control group.

Background/Aim. Establishing a food safety control sys-tem is extremely important in preventing diseases associated with foodborne pathogens. The aim of this study was to ex-amine the hygiene status of food contact surfaces and the ap-plication of good hygiene practices by food handlers in school canteens. Methods. A total of 10,366 swabs were tak-en from food contact surfaces, including food handler's hands from public school canteens in Novi Sad, Serbia, over ten years (2008-2017), covering voluntary good hygiene prac-tices and obligatory Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) implementation periods. Results. Statistically sig-nificant differences (p < 0.05) in aerobic colony counts (ACCs) on surfaces between two examined periods were found. A general positive trend regarding the reduction of microbial contamination of food contact surfaces was ob-served. The percentage of surfaces swabs with ACCs above 2.48 log CFU/cm2 significantly decreased (R2 = 0.453) during the study period, and the percentage of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus in the swabs also decreased, but not significantly (R2 = 0.264), and average annual Enterobacteriaceae counts above the established limit values on surfaces significantly de-creased (R2 = 0.442) over the years. A significantly higher (p < 0.05) percentage of workers' hands harbored ACCs, coagu-lase-positive Staphylococcus, and Enterobacteriaceae above the es-tablished limits than the equipment or work surfaces. Con-clusion. The results obtained showed the proper implemen-tation of good hygiene practices concerning food contact sur-faces, but the implementation of good personal hygiene prac-tices needs enhanced supervision. Uvod/Cilj. Uspostavljanje sistema kontrole bezbednosti je izuzetno važno u prevenciji bolesti povezanih sa patogenima koje se prenose hranom. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je da se utvrdi higijenski status kontaktnih površina i primena dobre higijenske prakse pri rukovanju hranom u školskim kantinama. Metode. Ukupno 10 366 briseva uzeto je sa površina koje dolaze u kontakt s hranom i ruku osoblja zaposlenog u školskim kantinama u Novom Sadu u desetogodišnjem periodu (2008–2017). Istraživanje je uključivalo dva perioda: a) dobrovoljnu primenu dobre higijenske prakse i b) obaveznu implementaciju sistema Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP). Rezultati. Statistički značajna razlika (p < 0,05) utvrđena je u ukupnom broju aerobnih bakterija (aerobic colony counts -ACCs) na površinama. Primećen je opšti pozitivni trend u pogledu smanjenja mikrobiološke kontaminacije površina koje dolaze u kontakt s namirnicama. Učestalost nalaza briseva sa utvrđenim ukupnim ACCs iznad 2,48 log CFU/cm2 smanjivala se statistički značajno (R2 = 0,453) tokom perioda ispitivanja; učestalost prisustva koagulaza pozitivnih stafilokoka se takođe smanjivala, ali ne statistički značajno (R2 = 0,264), dok se prosečan broj enterobakterija iznad utvrđenih graničnih vrednosti na površinama statistički značajno smanjio tokom godina (R2 = 0,442). Na brisevima ruku ispitanog osoblja utvrđena je statistički značajno viša (p < 0,05) učestalost prisustva ukupnog ACCs, koagulaza pozitivnih stafilokoka i enterobakterija iznad utvrđenih granica u odnosu na briseve uzete sa opreme ili radnih površina. Zaključak. Dobijeni rezultati pokazuju pravilnu primenu dobre higijenske prakse kada su u pitanju površine koje dolaze u kontakt s hranom, dok implementacija prakse dobre lične higijene zaposlenih zahteva pojačan nadzor

Aeromonas hydrophila is representative of group within the Aeromonadaceae family that mainly causes infections in humans. Aeromonads can induce meningitis, septicemia, respiratory and hemolytic uremic syndrome as well as gastroenteritis. Regarding diverse mechanisms involved in virulence and metabolic adaptation of Aeromonas hydrophila to various hosts and environments it is often introduced as ?Jack of all trades.? Here we report the first isolation of Aeromonas hydrophila from urine samples of three patients from the Urology Department within the Clinical Centre of Vojvodina. Epidemiological survey identified contact with surface water as the only mutual risk parameter. Following that, novel antibacterial agents against Aeromonas hydrophila are discussed

Th ermophilic Campylobacter spp. are the leading cause of zoonotic enteric disease in Europe and USA. In Serbia, it has an upward trend in human population. Th e disease is usually indirectly transmitted to humans through the consumption of food contaminated by the faeces of infected animals. Th e aim of this paper was to analyze data on the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in poultry meat production chain and the risk for the development of the disease in humans. Th e Campylobacter jejuni/coli was identifi ed at farm level in 73.3% of poultry, 66.6% calves and 58.3% pig samples of already ill or suspected cases. Clinical manifestation of the disease in birds can be expected if an additional immunosuppressive factor is present. Artifi cial infection of healthy chickens with 6.77 log cfu C. jejuni per chicken on day 21st of life leads to 5.26 log cfu/g faeces aft er only fi ve days with a tendency to decrease during the next 18 days. Although chilling and freezing may signifi cantly reduce Campylobacter contamination of carcasses, it cannot completely eliminate the initial contamination. According to our experimental results the prevalence of Campylobacter contaminated chickens from positive fl ock appears to drop from 100% live birds (with 3.02 log cfu/g faeces) to 50% of chicken carcasses. Contamination of the carcasses depends on initial contamination of live birds, good hygiene practices andgood manufacturing practices. Th erefore, high variability in contamination of carcasses can be considered; prevalence range from 11.43 to 90.00% ofcarcases was established in various slaughterhouses. At retail, Campylobacter was detected in 18.8% poultry meat samples and 10.0% samples of othermeat types. Campylobacter is frequently found in the entire production chain of poultry meat and represents high risk for consumers’ health.

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common infectious diseases, primarily caused by bacteria present in the intestinum, affecting the entire urinary tract or only a part of it. If the urinary bladder and urethra are affected then they are considered ?lower? urinary tract infections, and the affected kidneys and ureter are considered ?upper? urinary tract infections. There is a division into uncomplicated and complicated UTIs. Approximately 15% of all prescribed antibiotics in the United States are prescribed as therapy of UTIs. The UTI data from other countries are similar. The costs incurred in the treatment of these infections are significant - in the United States, the direct costs of UTI treatments are estimated at $ 1.6 billion per year.

Gut micro flora represents a system of extensive metabolic capacity which is quite different when compared to other cells of body and organs. In recent times, there has been an evidence of very important role of gut cysteine conjugate beta-lyases in metabolism of cystein conjugates. A lot of studies are dedicated to exploration of the role of gut micro flora in formation of methylthio adducts from paracetamol in conventional mice and those treated with neomycin as our study. A highly significant reduction in urinary excretion of 3-methylthioparacetamol in group of neomycin-treated mice was confirmed as well its glucuronic acid and sulphate conjugates. Following the principal role of gut flora in the C-S cleavage of paracetamol l-3-cyctein it is clear that highest concentration of methylthio adducts from paracetamol are presented in pretreated mice.

Enteritis campylobacterialis has an increasing trend in Serbia. Human illness usually appears as sporadic case, most commonly in children with obvious seasonality. In registered outbreaks, incriminated food was most frequently poultry meat. Campylobacter is one of the most important food borne pathogens, commonly underreported, mostly because isolation of this bacteria requires specific equipment. Since 1 January 2019, monitoring of Campylobacter in poultry carcasses is mandatory when it comes to poultry production fa­cilities in Serbia. The aim of this paper was to analyze data from Autonomous Province of Vojvodina about the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in poultry meat and risk for human illness. Our results indicate high prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in whole food chain: poultry farms, slaughterhouses, retail and, correspondingly, high risk for consumers in Vojvodina. Measures for risk reduction of disease incidence include better bio security measures on the farm level as a main source of pathogen but also introduction of Campylo­bacter diagnostic equipment in all human diagnostic and food control laboratories. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR 31084]

Exiguobacterium aurantiacum is isolated from a variety of environmental samples but rarely from patients. The aim of the study was to represent isolation of unusual bacterial strains that could cause infection in patients. Final identification was performed using matrix-assisted description/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). Two isolates strains of E. aurantiacum were isolated, one isolate from distilled water used during surgical treatment and the second one from a patient with bacteremia after radical prostatectomy, both sensitive to all tested antimicrobials. Environmental strains could cause infection, especially in immunocompromised patients; therefore, rare bacteria testing is required, in which identification special assistance is provided by an automated system MALDI-TOF.

Background/Aim. Carbapenem resistance has escalated in medically important enterobacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli worldwide. Multidrug-resistant strains represent an important source of concern as effective therapeutic options of infections they cause are limited or none. There were no comprehensive studies considering the presence of carbapenemase production in enterobacteria in Serbia so far. The aim of the study was to determine carbapenemase production in hospital isolates of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae and E. coli in Serbia. Methods. Strains of K. pneumoniae and E. coli resistant to at least one carbapenem (imipenem, meropenem, ertapenem) were collected from November 2013 to May 2014. Isolates were obtained from clinical samples of patients treated in 14 hospitals in Serbia. Carbapenem resistance was confirmed using phenotypic tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in National Reference Laboratory for Registration and Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance of Bacterial Strains in Novi Sad. Results. Of 129 collected strains, 121 (93.8%) were K. pneumoniae and 8 (6.2%) were E. coli. Seventy (54.3%) strains were obtained from urine, 26 (20.2%) from blood, 19 (14.7%) from wound secretions and 14 (10.9%) from lower respiratory tract secretions. Carbapenemase genes were detected in 58 (45%) isolates. The gene bla New Delhimetallo-beta-lactamases (blaNDM) was found in 33 (27.3%) K. pneumoniae, bla oxacillinases-48 (blaOXA-48) in 10 (8.3%), bla K. pneumonia carbapenemase (blaKPC) in 1 (0.8%), and 7 (5.4%) strains harbored both blaOXA-48 and blaNDM. Seven E.coli harbored blaNDM gene. Conclusions. In Serbia, the most common type of carbapenemase in both multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae and E. coli is NDM. Co-production of OXA-48 and NDM was found in K. pneumoniae. To our knowledge, KPC production was detected for the first time in Serbia.

From the public health point of view, safety of dry fermented sausages is of concern due to possible presence of biogenic amines and some other food hazards. Taking into consideration that biogenic amines are chemical indicators of microbiological contamination, industrial and artisanal dry fermented sausages produced in Serbia were subjected to the microbiological and biogenic amine profiling. Microorganisms identified by MALDI-TOF MS included

nema

Coagulase-negative staphylococci are a significant cause of hospital-acquired bacteremias. There is an increase of infections induced by methicillin-resistant strains, with growing resistance to other antibiotics. The aim of the study was to analyze the resistance of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from hemocultures in a five-year period. The study was carried out in the microbiology laboratory of the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina, from 2008 to 2013. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated from 196 hemocultures. Susceptibility tests were performed using the disc diffusion method. Of 196 coagulase-negative staphylococci, 122 (62.2%) were resistant to methicillin, of which 112 (91.8%), 105 (86.1%), 103 (84.4%), 88 (72.1%) were resistant to erythromycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and clindamycin, respectively. All strains were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid. Multiple resistance was registered in 100 (82%) strains. The most common resistance pattern was gentamicin-erythromycin-clindamycinciprofloxacin. Multiple resistance was established in a significant percentage of methicillin-resistant strains.

Listeria monocytogenes is pathogenic bacterium that can contaminate food products during and after processing. As ready-to-eat food does not undergo any treatment to ensure its safety before consumption, the risk of foodborne disease must be considered if this pathogen is present in the food. As diseases caused by contaminated food are an important public health problem today, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in different ready-to-eat food products. In the seven-month period from June 1 to December 31, 2011, a total of 1 380 food samples were examined in the Division of Sanitary Bacteriology, Center for Microbiology, Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina in Novi Sad. A total of 912 samples were analyzed for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes according to ISO 11290-2. The identity of suspected Listeria monocytogenes was confirmed using the VITEK 2 Compact system (BioMerieux, France). Out of 912 samples, Listeria monocytogenes was detected in 18 (1.97%). Listeria monocytogenes was mostly found in cooked meals (in 6 samples out of 18), sandwiches (4 samples) and frozen food, such as ice-cream and frozen vegetables (4 samples). It was also found in tofu bread spreads (2 samples), cream cheese (1 sample) and cakes (1 sample). The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in some ready-to-eat food could present a public health hazard, particularly to the high-risk population group, because of the high mortality rate associated with listeriosis and the widespread nature of the organism. Monitoring of listeriosis is essential to prevent foodborne outbreaks, and in assessing human health risk in ready-to-eat foods.

During the last decade, the important role of gut microflora as a special organ of the gastrointestinal system in the metabolism of drugs is well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the gut microecological population with enzymatic systems, especially beta-lyase, in the metabolism of paracetamol in mice. Two groups of 20 white male laboratory mice BALB/c, body weight 32+/-1.5 kg, were treated orally with neomycin sulphate (500 mg/kg in saline solution) and saline solution (10 ml/kg) twice daily for three days. After the treatment, the animals were given paracetamol dissolved in saline solution (200 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. The total amount of excreted paracetamol in 8 hours’ collected urine was unchanged. A difference between treated and control mice was observed regarding a highly significant reduction in the excretion of 3-methylthiometabolites. A decrease in the excretion of thiomethyl metabolites was found in the control group compared to the experimental mice. Gut microflora had a great influence on the formation of metabolic precursors, thiomethyl-conjugates, and their oxidabile products. It is obvious that the ecosystem of gut microflora has an important role in the metabolism of paracetamol resulting in a significant reduction in the excretion of 3-methylthioparacetamol by urine, the glucuronide and sulphate.

The aim of this study was, for the first time in our country, to identify the capability of isolates of Sphingomonas paucimobilis to form a biofilm. In the 3-month period from January 1st to March 31st 2010, a total of 2630 samples of drinking water were microbiologically examined in the Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Serbia. From all examined samples of drinking water, non-fermentative Gram-negative oxidase positive bacilli were identified in 113 samples (4.30%). The bacteria isolates were identified as Sphingomonas paucimobilis (4 isolates), based on analysis by the automated VITEK 2 Compact system; biofilm formation was examined according to the modified method of Stepanovic et al. (2000). All 4 Sphingomonas paucimobilis strains tested showed a strong biofilm-producing ability. Considering the potential pathogenic features of Sphingomonas paucimobilis, the presence of these strains in drinking water distribution systems is not desirable. Therefore, adequate biofilm degradation and management of drinking-water distribution networks that will guarantee microbiologically safe drinking water is recommended.

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from blood in children and their susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs commonly used in the therapy. The study was conducted at the Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina Province, Serbia, in a two-year period, from January 2009 to December 2010. A total of 424 non-duplicate strains were isolated from the blood of pediatric patients hospitalized in various wards in the Institute of Health Care of Children and Youth of Vojvodina Province. Fifty isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae were reported. The frequency of isolation of Klebsiella pneumoniae was 27/222 (12.2%) and 23/202 (11.3%) isolates in 2009 and 2010, respectively. There was a high prevalence of ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, 76% (38/50), and 17 isolates (44.7%) were multidrug resistant (MDR). Further drug resistance surveillance in hospitals and the molecular characterization of ESBL-positive isolates in our country is necessary.

Introduction. Acinetobacter spp has become an important cause of nosocomial infections due to its great ability to survive and spread in a hospital setting and to develop resistance to many antibiotics. The aim of this study was to examine the resistance to carbapenems and other commonly used antibiotics in strains of Acinetobacter isolated from wound swabs. Material and Methods. In the Laboratories of Microbiology Center at the Institute for Public Health in Novi Sad wound swabs were taken from the patients hospitalized at the Institutes and Departments of the Clinical Center of Vojvodina in Novi Sad. A total of 271 Acinetobacter spp strains were tested to susceptibility on carbapenems and other most commonly used antibiotics by disk diffusion method according to the recommendation of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Results and Discussion. Acinetobacter spp (271 isolates) developed resistance to imipenem and meropenem (67.4% and 64.4%). The resistance to both cephalosporins III and IV generation and ciprofloxacin was 100%. The resistance to ampicillin-sulbactam was 71.4%. Conclusion. Our results show high resistance to carbapenems in Acinetobacter spp strains isolated from wound swabs. These facts suggest the need for continuous monitoring of susceptibility in order to take adequate measures to prevent and control spreading of resistant strains.

Candidemia is an important emerging nosocomial infection in patients with risk factors. Candida species from nonsterile sites can give insight into the characteristics of strains that may cause invasive disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate antifungal susceptibility of Candida blood and fecal isolates in Novi Sad, Vojvodina. During a 3-year period (2008 to 2010), 424 isolates of Candida spp. were collected, 30 bloodstream isolates and 394 strains from fecal samples. In vitro susceptibility of these isolates to five antifungal agents was established using commercial ATB FUNGUS 3 (Bio-Merieux). Predominant species was Candida albicans (6 isolates from blood and 269 from feces). Resistance to one or more antifungal agents was less common in Candida albicans (3.63%) than in other species (24.83%). Resistance to itraconazole was the most commonly found in both groups of isolates, 9.64% strains from feces and 20% from blood samples. Twelve isolates were multiply resistant, usually to fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole. Resistance to amphotericine B was extremely rare. Although resistance to antimycotics of Candida spp. is rare at present, continued surveillance of antifungal susceptibility is necessary in order to monitor trends, and to choose the right empiric therapy.

Escherichia coli, being an important part of normal intestinal flora, is a frequent carrier of antimicrobial drug resistance markers and food is the most important vector of antimicrobial resistance genes between humans and animals. The aim of this study was to confirm the presence and frequency of resistance markers in Escherichia coli from intestinal flora and from food as an indicator of antimicrobial resistance level in the population. The experiment included 100 fecal Escherichia coli isolates from healthy donors, 50 isolated in 2007 and 50 in 2010, and 50 from food samples. The resistance markers were found in all groups of isolates. The resistance to ampicillin and cotrimoxazole was most commonly found. The finding of multi-drug-resistant strains and resistance to ciprofloxacin is important. The frequency of resistance markers was similar in food and feces. The results of this study show the need to introduce systematic monitoring of antimicrobial resistance of these bacteria.

Background/Aim. According to the literature that has been published over the last two decades Campylobacter spp i Listeria monocitogens can be identified as causes of numerous diseases derived by consuming food of animal origin. The purpose of this paper was to find out how established national microbiological criteria of the Republic of Serbia on food safety in retailed food of animal origin could contribute to consumer's protection against exposition to foodborne pathogens such as Campylobacter spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. Methods. During a routine microbiological safety control of randomly selected 60 samples of fresh poultry meat, 30 samples of other fresh meat readymade for grilling, 30 samples of sausage products, 37 samples of heattreated meat, 39 samples of toppings for fast food of animal origin and 31 samples of dairy products a national food safety criteria (Escherichia coli, aerobic plate count, Salmonella spp., coagulasa positive Staphylococcus, Proteus spp., sulphitoreducting Clostridia) were applied and, as well as, testing to Campylobacter spp. and Listeria monocitogens. In determination of Campylobacter spp. and Listeria monocytogenes, food quality control methods of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) were applied, while in determination of the other above motioned bacteria, national provisions on microbiological methods were applied who are adjusted to the FAO ones. Results. Related to the national criteria on microbiological food safety, 88 (38.8%) samples, out of the total 227 tested, were rejected. When to these results, the results of laboratory tests on Listeria monocytogens were added, a terminal number of rejected samples were not changed. When to these results, the results of Campylobacter spp. testing were added, 91 (40.1%) out of the 227 samples were unsatisfied. Results of logistic regression model with occurrence of Escherichia coli as dependent variable indicated that Escherichia coli was 4.5 times likely to occur among samples with Campylobacter spp. than among samples without Campylobacter spp. (OR = 4.515, 95% CI: 1.019-20.002). Sensitivity of the fitted model (Hosmer-Lemeshow p = 0.268) was 76.8% and its specificity was 75.0%. At the same time Escherichia coli was confound in all (100%) food samples that were contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes. Conclusion. Statistical analysis indicated that Escherichia coli was completely sensitive to identify all samples contaminated with Listeria monocytogenas and highly sensitive to identify samples contaminated with Campylobacter spp. Nevertheless, 3 (1.3%) of the tested samples were not covered with Escherichia coli.

Introduction. Enterococci are important hospital-acquired pathogens. The most commonly isolated species of the genus, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium are the third to fourth-most prevalent nosocomial pathogens worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of resistance to vancomycin and other antimicrobial agents of Enterococcus spp strains isolated from blood cultures of hospitalized patients. Material and methods. During the three-year period, from 2008 to 2010, 132 strains of Enterococcus spp isolated from blood cultures of hospitalized patients were tested for their susceptibility to ampicillin, vancomycin, gentamycin (high-level resistance), erythromycin, chloramphenicol, teicoplanin, ciprofloxacin by disc diffusion method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recommendations. Susceptibility of vancomycin resistant E. faecium to the same antibiotics and to linezolid, quinopristin/dalfopristin and tigecyclin was determined using VITEK system. Results and discussion. Resistance to vancomycin was detected in 21 (15.9%) Enterococcus spp strains. The percentage of resistance to other antimicrobial agents varied from 23.1% for chloramphenicol to 81.3% for ciproflxacin. All vancomycin resistant enterococci were identified as E. faecium and belonged to phenotype VanA. The resistance to other antibiotics was very high, except for linezolid and quinopristin/dalfopristin (4.7%). The high-level aminoglycoside resistance was 87.6% for gentamycin and 95.2% for streptomycin. All isolates were resistant to ampicillin, teicoplanin and ciprofloxacin. Conclusion. The detected high frequency of multidrug-resistant isolates among vancomycin resistant enterococci is of great importance and suggests the need for further monitoring of susceptibility in order to take adequate measures to prevent and control spreading of resistant strains.