Metagenomic survey of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Maryland surface waters differentiated by high and low human impact

Here, we examine surface waters as a modality to better understand baseline antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across the environment to supplement existing AMR monitoring in pathogens associated with humans, foods, and animals. Data from metagenomic and quasimetagenomic (shotgun sequenced enrichments) are used to describe AMR in Maryland surface waters from high and low human impact classifications.

EPI-Net One Health reporting guideline for antimicrobial consumption and resistance surveillance data: a Delphi approach

Strategic and standardised approaches to analysis and reporting of surveillance data are essential to inform antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mitigation measures, including antibiotic policies. Targeted guidance on linking full-scale AMR and antimicrobial consumption (AMC)/antimicrobial residues (AR) surveillance data from the human, animal, and environmental sectors is currently needed. This paper describes the initiative whereby a multidisciplinary panel of experts (56 from 20 countries-52 high income, 4 upper middle or lower income), representing all three sectors, elaborated proposals for structuring and reporting full-scale AMR and AMC/AR surveillance data across the three sectors. An evidence-supported, modified Delphi approach was adopted to reach consensus among the experts for dissemination frequency, language, and overall structure of reporting; core elements and metrics for AMC/AR data; core elements and metrics for AMR data. The recommendations can support multisectoral national and regional plans on antimicrobials policy to reduce resistance rates applying a One Health approach.

Pattern Recognition of Chemical Waves: Finding the Activation Energy of the Autocatalytic Step in the Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reaction

The Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction is an example of a homogeneous, nonequilibrium reaction used commonly as a model for the study of biological structure and morphogenesis. We report the experimental effects of temperature on spontaneously nucleated trigger waves in a quasi-two-dimensional BZ reaction–diffusion system, conducted isothermally at temperatures between 9.9 and 43.3 °C. Novel application of filter-coupled circle finding and localized pattern analysis is shown to allow the highly accurate extraction of average radial wave velocity and nucleation period. Using this, it is possible to verify a strong Arrhenius dependence of average wave velocity with temperature, which is used to find the effective activation energy of the reaction in accordance with predictions elaborated from the widely used Oregonator model of the BZ reaction. On the basis of our experimental results and existing theoretical models, the value for activation energy of the important self-catalyzed step in the Oregonator model is determined to be 86.58 ± 4.86 kJ mol^–1, within range of previous theoretical prediction.

Building workforce well-being capability: The findings of a wellness self-care programme

AIM

To implement and evaluate a co-designed staff well-being programme.

BACKGROUND

Working in health care can be physically and psychologically demanding. The job demands-resources model indicates job resources moderate the impact of job demands on staff well-being. Well-being initiatives introduced by organisations improve staff commitment, and reduce absences and incidents.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive design was applied. In 2019, within an Australian local health district, 232 health care professionals across eight hospitals and two community settings attended a six-week well-being programme, which included a variety of self-care strategies, for example mindfulness. Nine 1-hr focus groups were completed 2-4 weeks post-programme. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to explore participants' thoughts and experiences.

RESULTS

Participants experienced joy from workshops and guilt for leaving peers with their workload. Participants developed strong interpersonal relationships with workshop attendees within a 'safe well-being space'. Broader impacts expressed by participants were; learnt coping mechanisms and proactive self-care practices and can be easily embedded into daily routines. Participants shared their 'toolkit' with colleagues, family and friends, positively impacting the well-being of people around them.

CONCLUSION

Participants encouraged by their new well-being 'toolkit' engaged with colleagues, better managed stressors and shared learnings.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Building well-being capability within a health organisation requires nursing management to make staff well-being a strategic priority, use a co-design approach and embed coping mechanisms at the grassroots levels.

Meanings of ‘Research’ and ‘Researcher’—The Clinician Perspective

This study used an open-ended self-report survey to define ‘research’ and ‘researcher’ from the clinician's perspective. Seventy-five occupational therapists working in 6 acute care metropolitan hospitals in Sydney, Australia participated in this study (75% response rate). There were four key findings. First, a profile of therapist research revealed variations in levels of involvement with most (75%) having none. This was not related to postgraduate qualifications or study, years of experience, age, clinical specialty or seniority. Second, the nature of activities identified to be research by clinicians varied: project names, specific research tasks, input, output-related activities such as thinking and professional development activities. Third, research was defined in terms of its attributes, process, and outcomes. Fourth, researchers were described as being engaged in specific research tasks, other general tasks that progressed the research, and they were identified as producers of research outcomes. Differences were identified in responses between those therapists who were involved in research and those who were not.

Lesioning noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus in C57Bl/6 mice with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine injection, to assess molecular, electrophysiological and biochemical changes in noradrenergic signaling

The locus coeruleus (LC) is the major loci of noradrenergic innervation to the forebrain. Due to the extensive central nervous system innervation of the LC noradrenergic system, a reduction in the number of LC neurons could result in significant changes in noradrenergic function in many forebrain regions. LC noradrenergic neurons were lesioned in adult male C57Bl/6 mice with the unilateral administration of 6-hydroxydopamine (6OHDA) (vehicle on the alternate side). Noradrenergic markers were measured 3 weeks later to determine the consequence of LC loss in the forebrain. Direct administration of 6OHDA into the LC results in the specific reduction of noradrenergic neurons in the LC (as measured by electrophysiology, immunoreactivity and in situ hybridization), the lateral tegmental neurons and dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental region were unaffected. The loss of LC noradrenergic neurons did not result in compensatory changes in the expression of mRNA for norepinephrine (NE)-synthesizing enzymes. The loss of LC noradrenergic neurons is associated with reduced NE tissue concentration and NE transporter (NET) binding sites in the frontal cortex and hippocampus, as well as other forebrain regions such as the amygdala and SN. Adrenoreceptor (AR) binding sites (α(1)- and α(2)-AR) were not significantly affected on the 6OHDA-treated side compared to the vehicle-treated side, although there is a reduction of AR binding sites on both the vehicle- and 6OHDA-treated side in specific forebrain regions. These studies indicate that unilateral stereotaxic injection of 6OHDA into mice reduces noradrenergic LC neurons and reduces noradrenergic innervation to many forebrain regions, including the contralateral side.

A comprehensive analysis of the effect of DSP4 on the locus coeruleus noradrenergic system in the rat

Degeneration of the noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) is a major component of Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), but the consequence of noradrenergic neuronal loss has different effects on the surviving neurons in the two disorders. Therefore, understanding the consequence of noradrenergic neuronal loss is important in determining the role of this neurotransmitter in these neurodegenerative disorders. The goal of the study was to determine if the neurotoxin N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP4) could be used as a model for either (or both) AD or PD. Rats were administered DSP4 and sacrificed 3 days 2 weeks and 3 months later. DSP4-treatment resulted in a rapid, though transient reduction in norepinephrine (NE) and NE transporter (NET) in many brain regions receiving variable innervation from the LC. Alpha(1)-adrenoreceptors binding site concentrations were unchanged in all brain regions at all three time points. However, an increase in alpha(2)-AR was observed in many different brain regions 2 weeks and 3 months after DSP4. These changes observed in forebrain regions occurred without a loss in LC noradrenergic neurons. Expression of synthesizing enzymes or NET did not change in amount of expression/neuron despite the reduction in NE tissue content and NET binding site concentrations at early time points, suggesting no compensatory response. In addition, DSP4 did not affect basal activity of LC at any time point in anesthetized animals, but 2 weeks after DSP4 there is a significant increase in irregular firing of noradrenergic neurons. These data indicate that DSP4 is not a selective LC noradrenergic neurotoxin, but does affect noradrenergic neuron terminals locally, as evident by the changes in transmitter and markers at terminal regions. However, since DSP4 did not result in a loss of noradrenergic neurons, it is not considered an adequate model for noradrenergic neuronal loss observed in AD and PD.

Genetic variants cis-regulating Xrn2 expression contribute to the risk of spontaneous lung tumor

Gene expression variation is an important mechanism underlying susceptibility to complex disease. In comparison with tobacco-related lung carcinogenesis, lung cancer in nonsmokers may involve important and etiologically distinct causal pathways. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study on spontaneous lung tumor incidence in inbred mice and identified a major susceptibility locus on mouse chromosome 2 (rs27328255, P=6.68 x 10(-7)). We then evaluated the correlations of polymorphisms with the transcription of positional candidate genes in normal lungs. Single-nucleotide polymorphism rs27328255 was consistently and strongly associated (P=7.42 x 10(-9)) in cis with transcript levels of Xrn2. We further showed that Xrn2 promotes proliferation and inhibits squamous differentiation in human lung epithelial cells and polymorphisms in human homolog XRN2 are associated with human lung cancer (rs2025811, P=1.90 x 10(-3), OR=1.20). We conclude that genetic variants regulating Xrn2 expression in cis are determinants of spontaneous lung tumor susceptibility in mice and have genetic equivalents in lung cancer susceptibility in human beings. Identifying Xrn2 as a major candidate for spontaneous lung cancer has important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer as well as delineation of the mechanisms underlying the genesis of lung cancer in nonsmokers.

Which obese children should have a sleep study?

BACKGROUND

The UK government has recommended the development of obesity services for children. As obesity is common, studying every obese child for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) would be challenging and full paediatric sleep services are not available in every area in Europe. The purpose of this study was to consider how well clinical features predict significant OSA in obese children in order to help prioritise the need for sleep studies and subsequent treatment.

METHODS

Consecutive children referred for obesity management aged 2-16 years with a body mass index (BMI) of >2.5 z scores for age were offered a sleep study using overnight oximetry and audiovisual recordings. Significant OSA was defined as > or = 5 dips/h of >4% oxygen saturation or > or = 5 respiratory-event related arousals/h.

RESULTS

Forty-one of 158 (26%) children (mean BMI z score 3.7) had significant OSA and 95% of these had either reported apnoea, restless sleep or tonsillar hypertrophy (TH). Nineteen percent of all children had none of these features. BMI was not related to OSA.

CONCLUSION

If only obese children with reported apnoea, restless sleep or TH have a sleep study, 95% of all obese children with significant OSA will be identified using this method.

Susceptibility to pleuromutilins inBrachyspira(Serpulina)hyodysenteriae

The pleuromutilins are the only antimicrobial agents with sufficient minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values left to treat swine dysentery in Sweden. Other antimicrobials are either not approved for use against swine dysentery or only partly active againstBrachyspira hyodysenteriae. To date, in Sweden two pleuromutilins, tiamulin and valnemulin, are authorized for use in pigs. This study includes a comparison between MICs of tiamulin and valnemulin for Swedish field isolates ofB. hyodysenteriae, as determined by broth dilution. For different isolates the MIC of tiamulin was between 0 and 8 times higher than that of valnemulin. No resistance to pleuromutilins was recorded (tiamulin MIC range 0.031–2 μg/ml, valnemulin MIC range ≤0.016–1 μg/ml).In vitrodevelopment of tiamulin resistance was also studied. TwoB. hyodysenteriaeand twoB. pilosicolistrains became resistant to tiamulin following reiterated passages on agar containing tiamulin in increasing concentrations. The resistance emerged slowly and three of the strains that went through more than 60 passages increased their tiamulin MICs from 0.031–0.25 to more than 128 μg/ml. The tiamulin MIC for oneB. hyodysenteriaestrain that went through 29 passages increased from 0.0125 to 4 μg/ml. OneB. pilosicolistrain developed cross-resistance to valnemulin; the MIC increased from 0.25 to more than 64 μg/ml. The valnemulin MIC for oneB. hyodysenteriaestrain increased from 0.031 μg/ml to 32 μg/ml. Valnemulin MIC was not determined for theB. hyodysenteriaestrain that only went through 29 passages. The valnemulin MIC of the otherB. pilosicolistrain increased from 0.031 to 4 μg/ml.

Further evidence that Whorfian effects are stronger in the right visual field than the left

The Whorf hypothesis holds that differences between languages induce differences in perception and/or cognition in their speakers. Much of the experimental work pursuing this idea has focused on the domain of color and has centered on the issue of whether linguistically coded color categories influence color discrimination. A new perspective has been cast on the debate by recent results that suggest that language influences color discrimination strongly in the right visual field but not in the left visual field (LVF). This asymmetry is likely related to the contralateral projection of visual fields to cerebral hemispheres and the specialization of the left hemisphere for language. The current study presents three independent experiments that replicate and extend these earlier results by using different tasks and testing across different color category boundaries. Our results differ in one respect: although we find that Whorfian effects on color are stronger for stimuli in the right visual field than in the LVF, we find that there are significant category effects in the LVF as well. The origin of the significant category effect in the LVF is considered, and two factors that might account for the pattern of results are proposed.

Quality-control ranges for antimicrobial susceptibility testing by broth dilution of the Brachyspira hyodysenteriae type strain (ATCC 27164T)

There are no approved standards for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the fastidious spirochete Brachyspira hyodysenteriae. An interlaboratory study was performed to establish MIC quality control ranges for six antimicrobial agents for the type strain of B. hyodysenteriae using broth dilution. The results showed that B. hyodysenteriae B78T ATCC 27164T is a suitable quality control strain. This is a first step toward standardization of methods regarding this anaerobe.

Preliminary results of a phase I study of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), oxaliplatin (OX), bevacizumab (BV), and capecitabine (CAP) for locally advanced or metastatic adenocarcinoma of the rectum

3543

Background: BV, a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor, increases survival when added to first and second line chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. Preclinical studies suggest BV may enhance tumoral radiation sensitivity. Preliminary studies of OX and 5-FU based chemoradiation therapy for rectal cancer have suggested improved pathologic CR rates compared to 5-FU/ radiation alone. CAP allows fluoropyrimidine treatment without the inconvenience of an infusion pump. We investigated CAP + BV + OX + EBRT for pts with rectal cancer to evaluate for the MTD and preliminary efficacy results. Methods: Pts with adenocarcinoma of the rectum and no prior pelvic irradiation received 5040 cGy EBRT (180 cGy/fx), CAP (625–825 mg/m2 PO BID on EBRT days), BEV (15 mg/kg d1 and 10 mg/kg d8 and d22), and OX (50–75 mg/m2/week during radiation, weeks 1–5) in dose-escalating fashion. DLT was defined as any grade 3 heme tox ≥ 7d, grade 4 heme tox, grade 4 non-heme tox during chemoradiation, or inability to deliver >85% of planned treatment. Pts eligible for surgical resection could have surgery 6–8 wks after treatment completion. After recovery from surgery, patients could be treated with CAP, BV, and OX. Results: 11 patients (5 men/6 women) have been enrolled. All have completed chemoradiation and resection. At dose level 1 (CAP 625 mg/m2 BID, OX 50mg/m2) there were no DLT’s in 3 pts. 1/3 pts had G3 subarachnoid hemorrhage during adjuvant chemotherapy. At dose level 2 (CAP 825 mg/m2, OX 50 mg/m2) 2/2 pts had DLT (1 G4 diarrhea; 1 G2 rectal pain, causing treatment hold for study-defined DLT). 6 more pts were treated at dose level 1. 1pt had DLT of G3 diarrhea. G2 toxicities included diarrhea (3/11), fatigue (2/11), skin changes (2/11), and pain (2/11). 9/11 patients were downstaged. 2/11 patients had pCR at surgery and 2/11 microscopic disease only. Conclusions: CAP + BEV + OX + EBRT is a well-tolerated, active regimen for the treatment of rectal cancer. MTD was determined to be CAP 625 mg/m2 BID + BEV 15 mg/kg d1 + 10 mg/kg d 8 and 22 + OX 50 mg/m2/week. Further study of efficacy at the MTD is warranted.

[Table: see text]

A phase II study of oxaliplatin (OX), capecitabine (CAP), and bevacizumab (BV) in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer

3541

Background: BV, a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor, provides a survival advantage when added to first line therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. CAP allows for fluoropyrimide treatment without the inconvenience of an infusion pump. We aimed to investigate the combination of OX, CAP, and BV (XeloxA) as a more convenient and active regimen. Methods: Pts with untreated metastatic colorectal cancer received OX 85 mg/m2 d1, CAP 1000 mg/m2 BID d1–5 and 8–12, and BV 10 mg/kg d1. Cycles were repeated every two weeks. The starting dose of CAP was changed to 850 mg/m2 BID due to toxicity in the first 28 patients. Data were analyzed under an intention to treat method. Results: 50 pts received therapy (28M, 22F), median age 55 (range 24–81). Data were available on 49 pts. The most common toxicity was diarrhea, with 12/49 (24%) having grade 3 diarrhea, and 22% with grade 2. After the dose reduction of CAP, 3/21 (14%) pts had grade 3 diarrhea and 2/21 (10%) with grade 2 as compared to 32% grade 3 and 32% grade 2 at the higher dose. At the higher dose of CAP 4% of pts had grade 3 hand-foot syndrome (HFS) and 39% had grade 2. At the lower dose, 10% had grade 3 and 5% had grade 2. Other grade 3 toxicities were minimal, including neurotoxicity (8%), vomiting (6%), and neutropenia (4%). There were 23 responses, 1 CR and 22 PR (RR=47%; 95% CI: 33%-62%). 21 pts had stable disease (43%). Median progression free survival (PFS) was 10.7 months (95% CI: 8.6–13.6). Conclusions: XeloxA is a well tolerated, active regimen in the first line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. RR and PFS data approximate that of infusional 5-FU regimens in combination with BV without the necessity of an infusion pump.

[Table: see text]

A phase I study of capecitabine (CAP), carboplatin (CARB), paclitaxel (TAX) and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for patients with esophageal carcinoma (EC)

14044

Background: Chemoradiotherapy is used to treat esophageal cancer with curative intent or local symptom control. A phase I study of 5-FU + CARB + TAX + EBRT showed 100% RR and 50% pCR rate. CAP allows for fluoropyrimidine treatment without the inconvenience of an infusion pump. CARB allows for platinum treatment with less toxicity than cisplatin. We evaluated this combination of agents in a phase I study. Methods: Patients with squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus requiring local therapy received CAP (825 mg/m2 bid on radiation days) + CARB (AUC 2 qweek) + TAX (60 mg/m2 qweek) + EBRT (1.8 Gy qd to 50.4 Gy). DLT was defined as any grade 4 heme toxicity, grade 3 heme toxicity lasting ≥ 7 days, ≥ grade 3 N/V, diarrhea, or esophagitis lasting ≥ 4 days despite optimal medical management, grade 3 other toxicity, inability to deliver 75% of scheduled CAP dose, or treatment delay > 3 days. Results: 13 pts were enrolled (10M, 3F). Median age was 62 (R- 48–78). EUS stage was uT3N0 (n=1), uT2N1 (n=1), or T3N1 (n=11). 2/3 pts had DLT at dose level 1 (both grade 4 esophagitis). Esophagectomy was performed in 2/3 patients, both pCR. Three pts were then enrolled at dose level -1 (CAP 600 mg/m2 bid + CARB AUC 1.5 + TAX 45 mg/m2). One patient developed DLT (grade 3 esophagitis) so 7 more pts were added at this dose level. Overall, 3/10 patients at dose level -1 developed DLT (two grade 3 esophagitis, one grade 3 hypotension). Esophagectomy was performed in 6/10 pts - 2/6 had pCR; 6/6 had pathologic downstaging. Conclusions: MTD for this regimen was CAP 625 mg/m2 bid + CARB AUC 1.5 + TAX 45 mg/m2 with EBRT to 50.4 Gy. However, at the MTD, this regimen is relatively toxic with no significant improvement in rate of pCR.

[Table: see text]

Tiamulin resistance in porcine Brachyspira pilosicoli isolates

There are few studies on antimicrobial susceptibility of Brachyspira pilosicoli, therefore this study was performed to investigate the situation among isolates from pigs. The tiamulin and tylosin susceptibility was determined by broth dilution for 93 and 86 porcine B. pilosicoli isolates, respectively. The isolates came from clinical samples taken in Swedish pig herds during the years 2002 and 2003. The tylosin minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was >16 microg/ml for 50% (n=43) of the isolates tested. A tiamulin MIC >2 microg/ml was obtained for 14% (n=13) of the isolates and these were also tested against doxycycline, salinomycin, valnemulin, lincomycin and aivlosin. For these isolates the susceptibility to salinomycin and doxycycline was high but the MICs for aivlosin varied. The relationship between the 13 tiamulin resistant isolates was analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Among the 13 isolates 10 different PFGE patterns were identified.

Cryopreservation of murine embryos, human spermatozoa and embryonic stem cells using a liquid nitrogen-free, controlled rate freezer

A Stirling Cycle Cryocooler has been developed as an alternative to conventional liquid nitrogen controlled rate freezers. Unlike liquid nitrogen systems, the Stirling Cycle freezer does not pose a contamination risk, can be used in sterile conditions and has no need for a constant supply of cryogen. Three types of samples from two species (murine embryos, human spermatozoa and embryonic stem cells), each requiring different cooling protocols, were cryopreserved in the Stirling Cycle freezer. For comparison, cells were also frozen in a conventional liquid nitrogen controlled rate freezer. Upon thawing, the rates of survival of viable cells were generally greater than 50% for mouse embryos and human embryonic stem cells, based on morphology (mouse embryos) and staining and colony formation (human embryonic stem cells). Survival rates of human spermatozoa frozen in the Stirling Cycle freezer, based on motility and dead cell staining, were similar to those of samples frozen in a conventional controlled rate freezer using liquid nitrogen.

Antimicrobial resistance in Brachyspira pilosicoli with special reference to point mutations in the 23S rRNA gene associated with macrolide and lincosamide resistance

A point mutation in the 23S rRNA gene causes macrolide and lincosamide resistance in Brachyspira hyodysenteriae. The possible occurrence of a similar mutation in Brachyspira pilosicoli was studied and the MICs of six antimicrobial agents for Swedish field isolates of B. pilosicoli were determined. Of 10 isolates with high MICs of macrolide and lincosamide antibiotics, six had a mutation in nucleotide position 2058 or 2059 in the 23S rRNA gene as compared to the wild type of Escherichia coli, whereas none of 10 tylosin-susceptible isolates were mutated in this region. The mutations found in position 2058 were A --> T transversions, and in position 2059 either A --> G transitions or A --> C transversions. The MICs at which 90% of the B. pilosicoli field isolates were inhibited by tylosin, erythromycin, clindamycin, virginiamycin, tiamulin, and carbadox, were >256, >256, >4, 4, 2, and 0.125 microg/ml, respectively. In conclusion, point mutations in positions 2058 and 2059 of the 23S rRNA gene can cause macrolide and lincosamide resistance in B. pilosicoli. Macrolide resistance is widespread among Swedish field isolates of B. pilosicoli. Notably also a few isolates with elevated MICs of tiamulin were found.

Further characterization of porcine Brachyspira hyodysenteriae isolates with decreased susceptibility to tiamulin

Brachyspira hyodysenteriae is the causative agent of swine dysentery, a severe diarrhoeal disease in pigs. Few drugs are available to treat the disease, owing to both antimicrobial resistance and withdrawal of drugs authorized for use in pigs. Tiamulin is the drug of choice in many countries, but isolates with decreased susceptibility have recently been reported. The mechanism of tiamulin resistance in B. hyodysenteriae is not known and this facet is essential to understand the dissemination of the trait. To study the resistance epidemiology of B. hyodysenteriae, further characterization of a set of isolates from Germany (n = 16) and the UK (n = 6) with decreased susceptibility to tiamulin was performed. The relatedness between the isolates was studied by comparing PFGE patterns, and the in vitro susceptibility to five other antimicrobials (aivlosin, doxycycline, salinomycin, chloramphenicol and avilamycin) was also determined. For comparison of the antimicrobial-susceptibility pattern, Swedish (n = 20) and British (n = 4) tiamulin-susceptible isolates were tested. The German isolates represented several different PFGE patterns, indicating that tiamulin usage has been sufficient to select clones with decreased tiamulin susceptibility at different farms in Germany. The PFGE pattern for the six British isolates with decreased tiamulin susceptibility was identical to that of the German isolates, and they had a similar antimicrobial-susceptibility pattern, except for resistance to aivlosin, which was only found in a few German isolates. No other co-resistance with tiamulin was found.