In this paper we discuss the basic procedures for the implementation of multivariate statistical process control via control charting. Furthermore, we review multivariate extensions for all kinds of univariate control charts, such as multivariate Shewharttype control charts, multivariate CUSUM control charts and multivariate EWMA control charts. In addition, we review unique procedures for the construction of multivariate control charts, based on multivariate statistical techniques such as principal components analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS). Finally, we describe the most significant methods for the interpretation of an out-of-control signal.

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In 65 (47.44%) out of the 137 positive specimens, U. urealyticum was grown as a single pathogen, in 0.72% M. hominis was grown as a single pathogen and in 2.92% both urogenital mycoplasmas were grown. In the remaining specimens (48.90%), there was a mixed growth with other microbes. Of the isolated U. urealyticum strains, 87.4% and 98.2% were susceptible to tetracycline and doxycycline, respectively, 79.2% were susceptible to josamycin, 48.6% were susceptible to clarithromycin and 91.8% were susceptible to pristinamycin, while erythromycin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin proved to be inactive against most of the strains. M. hominis isolates were 100% susceptible to tetracycline, doxycycline and pristinamycin, while susceptibilities to the other antimicrobial agents varied mainly in the range of 'intermediate' or 'resistant'. As results originating from similar studies from various countries are very controversial, the simplest way to avoid therapeutic failures would be the implementation of rational treatment regimens based on culture isolation and the in vitro determination of the antimicrobial susceptibility of genital mycoplasmas in each clinical case.

Background: Campylobacter spp. are together with Salmonella spp. the leading causes of human bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. The most commonly isolated species in humans are Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli. The isolation, identification, and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp. from poultry and raw meat from slaughterhouses, has been investigated for the first time in Greece. During the period from August 2005 to November 2008 a total of 1080 samples were collected: (a) 830 fecal samples from five poultry farms, (b) 150 cecal samples from chicken carcasses in a slaughterhouse, and (c) 100 fecal samples from one pig farm near the region of Attica. The identification of the isolates was performed with conventional (sodium hippurate hydrolysis and commercial identification system (Api CAMPY system, bioMerieux, France), as well as with and molecular methods based on 16S rRNA species specific gene amplification by PCR and subsequent sequence analysis of the PCR products. Results: Sixteen Campylobacter strains were isolated, all collected from the poultry farms. None of the strains was identified as C. jejuni. Antimicrobial susceptibility to six antimicrobials was performed and all the strains were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, and gentamicin. Thirteen out of 14 C. coli were resistant to erythromycin and all C. coli strains were resistant to ampicillin. Conclusion: Our results emphasize the need for a surveillance and monitoring system with respect to the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter in poultry, as well as for the use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine in Greece.

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