a b s t r a c tObjective: To develop a consensus-based set of generic competencies in antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship for European prescribers through a structured consensus procedure. Methods: The RAND-modified Delphi procedure comprised two online questionnaire rounds, a face-toface meeting between rounds, and a final review. Our departure point was a set of competencies agreed previously by consensus among a UK multi-disciplinary panel, and which had been subsequently revised through consultation with ESCMID Study Group representatives. The 46 draft competency points were reviewed by an expert panel consisting of specialists in infectious diseases and clinical microbiology, and pharmacists. Each proposed competency was assessed using a nine-point Likert scale, for relevance as a minimum standard for all independent prescribers in all European countries. Results: A total of 65 expert panel members participated, from 24 European countries (one to six experts per country). There was very high satisfaction (98%) with the final competencies set, which included 35 competency points, in three sections: core concepts in microbiology, pathogenesis and diagnosing infections (11 points); antimicrobial prescribing (20 points); and antimicrobial stewardship (4 points). Conclusions: The consensus achieved enabled the production of generic antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship competencies for all European independent prescribers, and of possible global utility. These can be used for training and can be further adapted to the needs of specific professional groups. O.J. Dyar, Clin Microbiol Infect 2019;25:13

Dysbiosis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been implicated as a causal or contributory factor to the pathogenesis of the disease. This study, done on patients in remission while accounting for various confounding factors, shows significant community differences and altered community dynamics, even after acute inflammation has subsided.

OBJECTIVE:Probiotics are increasingly advocated in the management of various gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the current attitudes and prescribing practices of surgeons and gastroenterologists for probiotics in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. METHODS:A questionnaire was designed to look at the frequency of probiotic prescribing, types of probiotics used, indications for and duration of treatment and clinicians' experiences with probiotic use. A total of 220 questionnaires were mailed to consultant gastroenterologists and surgeons practicing in the UK. RESULTS:The overall response rate was 80.5%, of which 69.5% of respondents said they recommended or prescribed probiotic food supplements to their patients, including 53.4% of surgeons and 80.8% of gastroenterologists (P = 0.00013). The most popular probiotic supplements among surgeons were probiotic-containing yoghurt and drinks (79.5% and 71.8%, respectively), whereas VSL#3 was more popular with gastroenterologists (83.3%). The most popular indications were irritable bowel syndrome (70.7% of prescribers) and pouchitis (67.5% of prescribers). Many respondents prescribed long-term probiotics. Most consultants had been prescribing probiotics for a period of 1 to 5 years. CONCLUSION:Probiotics are popular among gastroenterologists and surgeons in the UK for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Further evidence to support their routine use, by way of large, welldesigned randomized controlled trials, is necessary.

arms, 27% of patients had IL-6 levels ≥3 pg/mL and 13% had CRP levels ≥5 mg/L, at the end of the MONET trial. The risk of elevations in IL-6 was greater for patients with HCV coinfection. Therefore, new analyses correlating IL-6 and CRP levels with clinical disease progression or cardiovascular risk need to control for coinfection with HCV. FundingThe MONET trial was funded by Janssen. Transparency declarationsJ. A. has received payments from Janssen for speaker engagements and advisory boards. A. H. has received consultancy payments from Janssen. N. X., Y. van D. and C. M. are employees of Janssen.

A case of septic arthritis post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction secondary to Clostridium sporogenes is described in a 19-year-old man. C sporogenes is a rare clinical pathogen and this is believed to be the first case of septic arthritis due to the organism. The patient responded to arthroscopic washout, synovectomy and combination antibiotic therapy. A review of the literature is also presented.