BACKGROUND Early identification of pathogens from blood cultures using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry may optimize the choice of empirical antibiotic therapy in the setting of bloodstream infections. We aimed to assess the impact of this new technology on the use of antibiotic treatment in patients with gram-negative bacteremia. METHOD...

The effect of immediate incubation of blood cultures at 37°C on the turnaround time and the impact of Gram stain results on antimicrobial management were investigated. During a 6-month period, blood cultures collected at the emergency department outside laboratory operating hours were preincubated at 37°C until transportation to the laboratory. Upon the arrival of blood cultures at the laborato...

BACKGROUND Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common and serious problem in intensive care units (ICUs). Several studies have suggested that the Gram stain of endotracheal aspirates is a useful method for accurately diagnosing VAP. However, the usefulness of the Gram stain in predicting which microorganisms cause VAP has not been established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate wh...

This prospective comparative study evaluated a DNA hybridization test (Affirm VPIII) as an alternative to Gram stain for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. We examined vaginal smears from 1,725 pregnant women between the 12th and 36th weeks of gestation with clinical signs of vaginal infection. The DNA hybridization test compared well with Gram stain and can be used as a rapid diagnostic too...

There have been presented many theories concerning the mechanism of Gram stain, and its technique has also been modified by numerous investigators. I found, however, none about the correlation between Hofineister's series and Gram stain being studied as yet. The former is called as•gLyotrophic series•hand is so important in the colloidchemistry and many other biological phenomena. This communic...

A preponderance of clusters seen on direct Gram stain of blood cultures positive for gram-positive cocci was 98% sensitive and 100% specific for identification of staphylococcal species or of Peptococcus. A preponderance of chains, pairs, or both was 100% sensitive and 98% specific for identifying streptococci. Further presumptive identification of either staphylococci or streptococci based on ...

The present study is conducted to demonstrate the value of direct smear examinations ( Gram stain and wet mount ) of vaginal discharge from infected female patients. The diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis and other infections were carried out by direct gram stained smear and wet mount preparations of vaginal discharge in 1004 cases of various infections affecting these patients. Gram stain was a ...