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Microbial attack, particularly fungal degradation of cellulose, is a leading cause of paper damage. To address fungal spores and the rising concern of microbial drug resistance, a nano-Germanium dioxide (GeO2)/cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) complex (nano-GeO2/CTAB complex) with potent antibacterial properties was synthesized. Its inhibitory effects were evaluated against bacteria, including Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, as well as fungi isolated from paper (Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., and Penicillium citrinum). The nano-GeO2/CTAB complex exhibited significant (p < 0.05) inhibitory effects against S. aureus and E. coli. Moreover, a 60 min treatment with 1 mg/mL of the complex significantly inhibited the growth of all tested fungi and reduced their biomass after five days of culture, while 4 mg/mL completely deactivated spores. Filter paper pre-treated with the nano-GeO2/CTAB complex showed complete resistance to microbial attack, exhibiting no fungal growth and a clear inhibition zone devoid of bacterial growth. In contrast, untreated controls displayed fungal coverage exceeding 95% within five days. These findings highlight the nano-GeO2/CTAB complex as a promising antimicrobial agent for protecting paper materials from microbial degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study was conducted to estimate the rate of Salmonella spp. isolation from cage papers, located in the bottom of canaries' cages and those of other exotic pet birds, in the 2015 Argentinean canary breeder championship. Furthermore, we determined the antimicrobial resistance profile of the isolates for antibiotics and commercial disinfectants. One pool of 258 cage paper pools was positive for Salmonella spp. (0.4%). Two strains of Salmonella serotype Glostrup were isolated, which were only resistant to sulfonamides and erythromycin and sensitive to alkali-based product PL301 AS. Although the rate of Salmonella spp. isolation from cage papers in an Argentinean canary breeder championship is low, this is the first study conducted in Argentina on Salmonella spp. isolation from these materials of pet birds. However, Salmonella ser. Glostrup isolated strains could be a source of human Salmonella outbreaks, and they show high resistance to disinfecting products. Birds, including canaries and other birds, have become increasingly popular as pets. Bird fairs, where breeders gather and show their production in a championship setting, present a setting for possible Salmonella spp. contamination and transmission. Therefore, this study estimated the rate of Salmonella spp. isolation from cage papers, located in the bottom of cages of exotic pet birds, including canaries. Collected Salmonella isolates were used to determine the antimicrobial resistance profile to 52 antibiotics and 17 commercial disinfectants, based on pure or a mixture of acids, alcohols, aldehydes, alkalis, halogens, peroxygen, and quaternary ammonium compounds. The samples consisted of 774 cage papers taken in the 2015 Argentinean canary breeder championship, pooling three cage papers into one sterile sampling bag. Only one pool of the cage papers was positive for Salmonella spp. (0.4%), which belonged to the sample from three frill canary cages. Two strains of Salmonella serotype Glostrup were isolated, which were only resistant to sulfonamides and erythromycin and sensitive to alkali-based product PL301 AS. Although the rate of Salmonella spp. isolation from cage papers in an Argentinean canary breeder championship is low, it should not be discounted because Salmonella ser. Glostrup can be a source of human Salmonella outbreaks and they show high resistance to disinfecting products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance is among the most pressing health threats globally, prompting the call for urgent actions, including education on this topic. In this direction, engaging teaching activities applicable to a broad audience are required. Here, we describe a visually attractive and didactic agar art experience to teach about microbial proliferation, antimicrobial action, and resistance. This activity is based on executing a simple printmaking method named "microbegraphy" using pigmented microbes as inks and antimicrobial solutions to block their growth, producing printable-on-paper images. We successfully implemented this experience for high school students who learned basic microbiology work and evidenced the microbial growth inhibition due to the antimicrobials, creating custom images. Moreover, the occasional growth of colonies in areas where antimicrobials were applied was used to tempt the possible occurrence of resistance and inspired a more general discussion about the importance of microbes and antimicrobials in health and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-medication is the practice of obtaining and using drugs without proper guidance or supervision. It can involve various behaviours that may harm individuals and society. Self-medication can cause serious health and economic problems for countries and healthcare systems. Therefore, current review aimed at examining self-medication practices in Ethiopia. Methods: This umbrella review will consider all systematic reviews that include self-medication practices of adult age greater than 18 years in Ethiopia. Study protocols, papers other than systematic reviews, papers not reporting on self-medication practices, and papers published in languages other than English will be excluded from the review. MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews will be searched. Two reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts against the eligibility criteria. Data extraction will be performed by 2 independent reviewers on the reviews selected for inclusion. The characteristics of studies like author name, year published, databases searched, number of studies/patients included, and self-medication practices will be extracted. The quality of included studies will be reported using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for systematic reviews and research syntheses. A summary of the extracted data will be presented in tabular format and a narrative synthesis will be performed on the collected systematic reviews that meet the inclusion criteria. Discussion: This protocol is expected to bring pooled evidence on self-medication practice among different population groups like pregnant mothers, adult population, students, and general population. Evidence from this review will be used to tackle current global problem related with anti-microbial resistance. Therefore, our review will call for government and non-government interventions in reducing current challenge of global issue related with anti-microbial resistance in resource limited country like Ethiopia. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42023182552 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While the relationship between conflict-associated injuries and antimicrobial resistance is increasingly being elucidated, data concerning civilian casualties is sparse. This systematic review assesses literature focused on Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) Priority Pathogens causing infections in civilian wounds and burns in conflict-affected countries within the World Health Organisation's Eastern Mediterranean Region Office (EMRO). Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Five databases and grey literature were searched, identifying studies published from January 2010 to June 2024. Search terms included "wounds", "burns," "antimicrobial resistance", and the twelve countries of interest. Included studies reported resistance of GLASS pathogens. Two reviewers used Covidence to assess papers for inclusion. Data were extracted into a spreadsheet for analysis. Where quantitative data were available, medians, interquartile ranges and percentages were calculated by pathogen and country. Results: 621 records were identified; 19 studies met inclusion criteria. Nine of the papers were from Iraq, three from Libya, three from Lebanon, one each from Yemen and Gaza; two reported on conflict affected refugees in Jordan. A total of 1,942 distinct microbiological isolates were reported, representing all four critical and high priority GLASS pathogen categories. Among the isolates, Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent (36.3%). Median resistances identified: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n = 680): 55.6% (IQR:49.65–90.3%); carbapenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 372): 22.14% (7.43–52.22%); carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 366): 60.3% (32.1–85%); carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 75): 12.65% (9.73–34.25%); ceftriaxone resistant Escherichia coli (n = 63): 76% (69–84.65%); ceftriaxone resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 40): 81.45% (76.73–86.18%). Only three studies had a low risk of bias. Discussion: Findings imply high rates of GLASS priority pathogens among wounded civilians in conflict-affected EMRO countries. However, evidence was heterogeneous, low quality and sparse in certain countries, highlighting the necessity of effective surveillance including standardised data collection. Improving primary data will facilitate the production of large, high-quality studies throughout the EMRO, including under-represented countries. Conclusion: Laboratory diagnostic capacity building and improved surveillance in conflict-affected settings in the Eastern Mediterranean Region are required to assess the burden of GLASS priority pathogens in vulnerable non-combatant populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance [AMR] is a global problem that affects multiple domains including healthcare, agriculture, aquaculture, and many more. Every year, 700,000 people die from it. AMR is predicted to claim 10 million lives by 2050 if immediate action is not taken. Thus, to halt the spread of AMR it is important to understand what contributes to its emergence and transmission across borders and domains. The burden is disproportionately higher in Low middle income countries (LMICs) due to multiple factors such as environmental, social, healthcare, and cultural barriers. This review paper describes the comprehensive analysis of the past, present, and future trends in AMR, focusing on the complex interconnectedness of the factors contributing to this issue. Historical trends reveal antibiotic discoveries, resistance periods, resistance genes, and multidrug-resistant pathogens, providing insights into crisis evolution and the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. The present trends reflect the current state of AMR in India and emphasize the negative consequences of AMR for clinical medicine and healthcare systems. It identifies the factors driving the global pandemic surge and examines current global and country-level policies and actions to mitigate its impact. The future trends anticipate the trajectories of AMR and discuss innovative approaches to combat resistance, including the exploration of alternative therapies and the implementation of stewardship programs. Thus, by synthesizing existing knowledge and identifying emerging gaps, this review paper presents a holistic perspective on the evolution of AMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a worldwide health threat; quick and accurate identification of AMR enhances patient outcomes and reduces inappropriate antibiotic usage. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy of machine learning (ML) approaches in predicting AMR in critical and high-priority pathogens (CHPP), considering antimicrobial susceptibility tests in real-world healthcare settings. Methods: The search methodology encompassed the examination of several databases, such as PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and SCIELO. An extensive electronic database search was conducted from the inception of these databases until November 2024. Results: After completing the final step of the eligibility assessment, the systematic review ultimately included 21 papers. All included studies were cohort observational studies assessing 688,107 patients and 1,710,867 antimicrobial susceptibility tests. GBDT, Random Forest, and XGBoost were the top-performing ML models for predicting antibiotic resistance in CHPP infections. GBDT exhibited the highest AuROC values compared to Logistic Regression (LR), with a mean value of 0.80 (range 0.77–0.90) and 0.68 (range 0.50–0.83), respectively. Similarly, Random Forest generally showed better AuROC values compared to LR (mean value 0.75, range 0.58–0.98 versus mean value 0.71, range 0.61–0.83). However, some predictors selected by these algorithms align with those suggested by LR. Conclusions: ML displays potential as a technology for predicting AMR, incorporating antimicrobial susceptibility tests in CHPP in real-world healthcare settings. However, limitations such as retrospective methodology for model development, nonstandard data processing, and lack of validation in randomized controlled trials must be considered before applying these models in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), facilitated by antibiotic consumption, remains one of the biggest threats to global health and food security. The burgeoning AMR has an estimated forecast of 10 million deaths and 100 trillion USD economic losses annually worldwide by 2050 if no urgent actions are taken. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in food animal production plays an expressive role in the AMR crisis. This paper compiles information regarding antibiotics and AMR in animals, animal-derived products, and agriculture-impacted environment. A holistic approach is needed to mitigate the burden of AMR within the context of human-animal-environment. Currently there are few approaches to this problem such as nanotechnology, anaerobic digestion, biochar composting, and alternatives to antibiotic treatments (like herbal plant extracts, probiotics, vaccines, enzymes, and antimicrobial peptides) have been developed. However, there are gaps in knowledge about AMR and areas for improvement are obvious. There is no clear path to put an end to the persistent trends of AMR. Despite the trends for stricter regulation on the use of antibiotics worldwide, they find their way into food animal production, water, and soil as a result of misuses in many countries. We need to acknowledge the antibiotic contamination and/or AMR as a silent pandemic, and we are challenged to adopt a global approach to reducing and improving their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial agents, a foundational component of contemporary medical practice, have significantly transformed the management of microbial infections, effectively protecting human well-being and prolonging life expectancy. Nevertheless, this extraordinary advancement faces a mounting challenge in the form of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The ongoing evolution of microorganisms to withstand the impact of these substances has led to a decline in the efficacy of formerly dependable treatments, thereby presenting a critical menace to medical progress and prompting an exigent need for action. This paper undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the utilisation and correct application of antimicrobials within the context of paediatric dental healthcare. By meticulously examining the intricate interplay between therapeutic efficacy and the emergence of AMR, the overview delves into the pivotal function these agents fulfil in both preventing and treating dental infections in young patients. In addition, this update sheds light on the potential repercussions stemming from improper prescription practices, unwarranted overutilisation and insufficient adherence to established guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic endometritis (CE) is a persistent inflammatory condition of the endometrium characterized by abnormal infiltration of plasma cells into the endometrial stroma. Frequently associated with repeated implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, and infertility, CE significantly impacts women's health, contributing to conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding and endometriosis. Treatment typically involves antibiotic therapy; however, the efficacy of these treatments is increasingly compromised by the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This paper examines the critical links between AMR and CE, proposing strategies to enhance clinical management and optimize treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pervasive and often indiscriminate use of antibiotics has accelerated the emergence of drug-resistant bacterial strains, thus presenting an acute threat to global public health. Despite a growing acknowledgment of the severity of this crisis, the current suite of strategies to mitigate antimicrobial resistance remains markedly inadequate. This paper asserts the paramount need for the swift development of groundbreaking antimicrobial strategies and provides a comprehensive review of an array of innovative techniques currently under scrutiny. Among these, nano-antimicrobials, antimicrobials derived from ribosomal proteins, CRISPR/Cas-based systems, agents that undermine bacterial bioenergetics, and antimicrobial polysaccharides hold particular promise. This analysis gives special attention to CRISPR/Cas-based antimicrobials, scrutinizing their underlying mechanisms, exploring their potential applications, delineating their distinct advantages, and noting their likely limitations. Furthermore, we extend our exploration by proposing theoretical advancements in antimicrobial technology and evaluating feasible methods for the effective delivery of these agents. This includes leveraging these advances for broader biomedical applications, potentially revolutionizing how we confront bacterial pathogens in the future, and laying a foundation for extended research in multimodal therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of antimicrobials is essential for the aquaculture sector; however, their misuse is cause for concern because it could adversely affect the environment and human health. Irresponsible use of antimicrobials can lead to antimicrobial resistance and result in the presence of unwanted residues in aquaculture products. The establishment of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for antimicrobials is of great importance for monitoring their correct use, but the lack of harmonized standards as well as the regulatory gaps for the aquatic products create a challenging situation, as it is reflected in import notifications related to food safety. This paper collects information about current MRLs for antimicrobials in aquatic commodities in the main importing and exporting countries of aquatic products and compares them with each other and with MRLs set by Codex Alimentarius. This analysis highlighted the need for Codex Alimentarius guidance regarding MRLs for nine antimicrobials in aquaculture products (chlortetracycline, doxycycline, enrofloxacin, erythromycin, florfenicol, sulfadimethoxine + ormetoprim, sulfamerazine, tetracycline, and trimethoprim). This paper shows that there is still work to do to implement exhaustive science‐based international standards for residues permitted in aquatic commodities and promote harmonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Changing health care requires changing medical education. In this position paper it is suggested that subsequent innovations in medical education each had their specific strengths and shortcomings. What they have, however, in common is that they place the medical student and their competencies at their center. Innovation in medical education is inward looking. Discussion: The authors propose a perspective on the medical curriculum in which the patient, their family, and the surrounding community take center stage. They argue that present medical education cannot adequately respond to the great challenges to population health: an aging population, the obesity epidemic, and future pandemics of new diseases due to population growth, urbanization, and antimicrobial resistance, particularly because these challenges cannot be dealt with by the medical sciences alone but need deep understanding of the social sciences as well. In addition, the practice of health care is changing: effective health care demands a close partnership between the health care system and the medical school which is mostly lacking, cooperation with other health professions is becoming more and more necessary in response to the increasing complexity of health care, patients and their families are required to play a more active role in their health, medical error threatening patient safety is becoming to be seen as a huge problem, and the emergence of artificial intelligence in education and practice, all requiring transformation of medical education. Conclusion: The present contribution suggests eight such transformations necessary to create a truly patient- and population-centered medical curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a case study of Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria, whose traditional ethnoveterinary practices risk being lost as the country transitions to more intensive and enclosed livestock practices. We use a planetary health framing to make visible the value of indigenous practices that are less damaging to the environment, animal welfare, and human health. Through ethnographic observation, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key stakeholder interviews, we show that the Fulani use a complex system of herbal medicines and traditional herding practices to maintain herd health, and to manage and treat animal disease when it arises. However, their traditions often sit uncomfortably with commercial farming practices. As traditional Fulani grazing lands are eroded, dispossessed Fulani take employment from businessmen farmers. Both parties' inexperience with shed hygiene, artificial feed, and less environmentally resilient crossbreeds leads to an increased incidence of infectious disease. This, in turn, drives the higher use of antibiotics. There is, thus, a 'causal chain' of underlying drivers that lead, through poorer environmental, animal, and human health, to the increased use of antibiotics. The antibiotic resistance that emerges from this chain threatens human health now and in the future. Through a planetary health framing, we advocate for a deeper understanding of the knowledge held by Fulani herdsmen and their traditional ethnoveterinary practices as an alternative to increasing antibiotic use (ABU). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, antibiotic resistance rates have become a global concern for clinicians to combat the pathogenic bacteria associated with UTIs. The objective of this current paper is to explore the evidence-based use of natural products as an alternative strategy to reduce the recurrence rates among different UTI patient populations such as pregnant women, postmenopause women, and children. Main body: Commonly used non-antimicrobial products to treat and prevent UTIs include vaginal estrogen, cranberry, probiotics, D-mannose, hyaluronic acid (HA), Chinese herbal medicine, and ascorbic acid. Literature supports the safety and effectiveness of utilizing these products in different UTI patients to a great extent. The strongest recommendation was given to the utilization of vaginal estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal females to prevent rUTI. Conclusion: We believe our research is the first to provide evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and insight into UTI management using non-antimicrobial drugs in different populations. Our findings can guide future research on the reduction of antimicrobial misuse and preventing antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics has become a critical threat to global public health. There is a dire need to forecast AMR to understand the underlying mechanisms of resistance for the development of effective interventions. This paper explores the capability of machine learning (ML) methods, particularly unsupervised learning methods, to enhance the understanding and prediction of AMR. It aims to determine the patterns from AMR gene data that are clinically relevant and, in public health, capable of informing strategies. Methods: We analyzed AMR gene data in the PanRes dataset by applying unsupervised learning techniques, namely K-means clustering and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). These techniques were applied to identify clusters based on gene length and distribution according to resistance class, offering insights into the resistance genes' structural and functional properties. Data preprocessing, such as filtering and normalization, was conducted prior to applying machine learning methods to ensure consistency and accuracy. Our methodology included the preprocessing of data and reduction of dimensionality to ensure that our models were both accurate and interpretable. Results: The unsupervised learning models highlighted distinct clusters of AMR genes, with significant patterns in gene length, including their associated resistance classes. Further dimensionality reduction by PCA allows for clearer visualizations of relationships among gene groupings. These patterns provide novel insights into the potential mechanisms of resistance, particularly the role of gene length in different resistance pathways. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential of ML, specifically unsupervised approaches, to enhance the understanding of AMR. The identified patterns in resistance genes could support clinical decision-making and inform public health interventions. However, challenges remain, particularly in integrating genomic data and ensuring model interpretability. Further research is needed to advance ML applications in AMR prediction and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-acquired urinary tract infections account for 15% of all outpatient use of antibiotics, and women are primarily affected; the major causative microorganism is uropathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli). Treatment is indicated for cystitis and pyelonephritis and includes B-lactams (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or third-generation cephalosporins), fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin), nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole. Resistance to antibiotic treatment is of concern; several mechanisms have been associated with the acquisition of genes that confer antimicrobial resistance to fluoroquinolones, which are often associated with other patterns of resistance, especially in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers. Several studies have addressed the prevalence of uropathogens producing ESBLs, but only a few have focused on fluoroquinolone resistance, and, to our knowledge, none have addressed the prevalence of phylotypes or genes responsible for antimicrobial resistance to fluoroquinolones. The focus of the present review was to analyze recently published papers that described the E. coli phylotype causing community-acquired UTIs in association with fluoroquinolone resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis requires a multifaceted innovative approach to mitigate impacts on public health, healthcare and economic systems. In the complex evolution of AMR, biofilms and the acquisition of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) play a pivotal role. Aeromonas is a major AMR player that often forms biofilm, harbors ARGs and is frequently detected in wastewater. Existing wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) do not have the capacity to totally eliminate antimicrobial-resistant bacteria favoring the evolution of ARGs in wastewater. Besides facilitating the emergence of AMR, biofilms contribute significantly to biofouling process within the activated sludge of WWTP bioreactors. This paper presents the inhibition of biofilm formation, the expression of biofilm-linked genes and ARGs by phytochemicals andrographolide, docosanol, lanosterol, quercetin, rutin and thymohydroquinone. Aeromonas species were isolated and purified from activated sludge samples. The ARGs were detected in the isolated Aeromonas species through PCR. Aeromonas biofilms were quantified following the application of biocompounds through the microtiter plate assay. qPCR analyses of related genes were done for confirmation. Findings showed that the natural compounds inhibited the formation of biofilms and reduced the expression of genes linked to biofilm production as well as ARGs in wastewater Aeromonas. This indicates the efficacy of these compounds in targeting and controlling both ARGs and biofilm formation, highlighting their potential as innovative solutions for combating antimicrobial resistance and biofouling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to both human and animal health. This is mainly because the same antimicrobial molecules are used for the treatment and prophylaxis of bacterial diseases in both cases, and about 60% of human pathogens are shared with animals. For effective control of AMR in any country, the current situation has to be established; this is done through surveillance exercises. In Kenya, there is scanty data on the prevailing AMR situation, especially in animals. This paper reports on AMR profiles of 54 E. coli strains isolated from chickens in a cross‐sectional study, out of which 36/54 (72%) were from clinically ill chickens, 11/54 (22%) were from farm chickens, and 7/54 (9.7%) were from slaughtered chicken, respectively. All 54 isolates exhibited varying antimicrobial resistance profiles with the majority showing resistance to Ampicillin (85.22%), Tetracycline (66.7%), Co‐trimoxazole (57.4%), and Streptomycin (40.7%). Very few isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin and Gentamicin (each at 3.7%), Ampicillin (11.1%), and Nalidixic acid (24.1%). A total of 44/54 (81.5%) showed multiple resistance to up to 6 antimicrobial agents. This information will augment current data on the AMR status of bacteria harbored by chickens in Kenya. It will also inform policymakers in their fight against AMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the feasibility of capturing antimicrobial usage data from prisons for inclusion in the Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Australia (AURA) surveillance system and to analyse 2021 and 2022 South Australian (SA) usage data for notable trends. Methods: Monthly antimicrobial supply data for eight SA prisons were collected. Antimicrobial volume was converted into the World Health Organization metric, defined daily doses (DDD). Usage rates were calculated relative to prison occupied bed days (OBD). Results: Annual usage of systemic antimicrobials across eight SA prisons totalled 26,448 DDD and 23,526 DDD in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Antibacterials accounted for 80.6% of all antimicrobials dispensed during the study period. The average antibacterial usage rate in female prisons was higher on average than in male prisons. The state-wide systemic antibacterial usage rate in SA prisons declined by 11.3% from 23.8 DDDs/1000 OBD in 2021 to 21.1 DDDs/1000 OBD. Doxycycline, amoxicillin, flucloxacillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and cefalexin accounted for 72% of the total systemic antibacterial usage rate. Variation in the oral and topical antifungal agents used and the rate of use was observed between prisons. Conclusions: This SA pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of including prisons in routine national antimicrobial surveillance using similar methodology to hospital surveillance. The contributing facilities comprised 6.1% of all Australian prison beds, and extrapolation of the results suggests that the identified gap in surveillance may equate to over 400,000 DDD per annum in prisons nationwide, equating to approximately 5% of hospital inpatient antimicrobial usage. What is known about the topic? Surveillance of antimicrobial use is a useful tool to identify overuse or inappropriate use and enable targeted interventions to optimise antimicrobial prescribing and reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance. What does this paper add? The methodology currently used to monitor antimicrobial use in Australian hospitals could be utilised to conduct facility-level surveillance in Australian prisons and would provide a mechanism to benchmark use between facilities and identify unexpected or inappropriate use. What are the implications for practitioners? Surveillance of antimicrobial use in prisons would support prison healthcare workers to monitor use over time, identify any increasing or unexpected trends in use, and target educational interventions to ensure compliance with antimicrobial prescribing guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) stands as an imminent menace to global public health, demanding meticulous scrutiny. The speedy expansion of resistant bacteria worldwide jeopardizes the effectiveness of antibiotics, which have altered medicine and saved several lives. The paradigm shifts from the antibiotic era to the era of resistance, particularly within Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Enterobacter species bacteria, which unfolds a pivotal narrative. Categorizing pathogens based on priority illuminates the critical imperative for novel antibiotics. An exhaustive exploration into bacterial resistance mechanisms unveils the intricacies of extended-spectrum cephalosporins resistance, multi-drug resistance, fluoroquinolone resistance, and carbapenem resistance. The complexity intensifies as these pathogens manipulate drug targets, enzymatically neutralize antibiotics, alter outer membrane permeability, and engage in active efflux. The paper discerns the grim repercussions of "Difficult-to-treat resistance," accentuating elevated mortality rates. A focused analysis of public health, illustrated through the prism of the healthcare landscape, delineates the challenges arising from rampant antibiotic usage, healthcare disparities, and prevailing practices. To address AMR effectively, a comprehensive strategy is imperative. Innovative interventions, alternative treatments, and physicochemical methods are also contributing effectively. Similarly, systematic approaches, including national action plans, antibiotics, and stewardship, are crucial. This scientific exposition underscores the urgency of global collaboration, innovative interventions, and organized strategies to effectively counteract AMR, safeguarding public health in the face of this imminent threat. In this review, we focus on AMR mechanisms and potential strategies for mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing societal burden worldwide, with ESKAPEE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter species and Escherichia coli) pathogens overwhelming the healthcare sectors and more recently becoming predominantly a concern for their persistence in food and food industries, including agricultural settings and animal husbandry environments. The aim of this review is to explore the mechanisms by which the ESKAPEE group gained its multidrug resistance profiles, to analyse their occurrence in different foods and other related reservoirs, including water, and to address the current challenges due to their spread within the food production chain. Moreover, the repertoire of surveillance programmes available focused on monitoring their occurrence, common reservoirs and the spread of antimicrobial resistance are described in this review paper. Evidence from the literature suggests that restricting our scope in relation to multidrug resistance in ESKAPEE pathogens to healthcare and healthcare-associated facilities might actually impede unveiling the actual issues these pathogens can exhibit, for example, in food and food-related reservoirs. Furthermore, this review addresses the need for increasing public campaigns aimed at addressing this challenge, which must be considered in our fight against antimicrobial resistance shown by the ESKAPEE group in food and food-related sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monitoring of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is crucial for understanding the level of antimicrobial resistance and the associated health burden, which in turn is essential for the control and prevention of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Isothermal amplification, an emerging molecular biology technology, has been widely used for drug resistance detection. Furthermore, its compatibility with a range of technologies enables high-specificity, high-throughput, and portable and integrated detection in drug resistance, particularly in resource-limited areas. However, to date, reviews involved in isothermal amplification all concentrate on its technological advancements and its application in nucleic acid point-of-care testing. Few reviews have been published that focus specifically on the application of isothermal amplification in the detection of drug resistance. This review summarizes the detection principles of different isothermal amplification techniques and discusses their strengths and weaknesses as well as the applicable scenarios for drug resistance detection. It also summarizes advances in the application, challenges and prospects of isothermal amplification technologies in conjunction with different methods such as base mismatch, CRISPR-Cas, lateral flow immunoassay, sensing and microfluidic technologies for improvement of specificity, throughput and integration for drug resistance detection. It is anticipated that this review will assist scientists in comprehending the evolution of isothermal amplification in the context of drug resistance detection and provide insights into the prospective applications of isothermal amplification for highly integrated and immediate on-site detection of drug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The global prevalence of antimicrobial resistance transcends geographical and economic boundaries, affecting populations worldwide. Excessive and incorrect use of antibiotics encourages antimicrobial resistance which leads to complex treatment strategies for infectious diseases and possible failure of treatment. The incorrect and unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics places a burden on healthcare costs and thus, antimicrobial resistance is evident globally as a major public health concern. The impact is particularly pronounced in low to middle-income countries, where limited access to healthcare exacerbates the crisis. This scoping review aims to comprehensively map the evidence of antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings, encompassing the exploration of antibiotic prescribing practices and the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship initiatives in South Africa. Methodology: This protocol has been registered in the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PWMFB). This review will consider all types of study designs, conducted within South Africa. Studies that are published in English for the period 2019–2024, and that explore antimicrobial resistance (AMR) evidence in healthcare in South Africa, including antibiotic prescribing trends and antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance initiatives will be included. Non-English publications, studies outside of South Africa, animal and environmental studies will be excluded. The criteria for the scoping review will be set by two reviewers. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) tool will be used. Studies will be identified through an extensive search of peer-reviewed and grey literature databases. The results of the review will be tabulated and include a narrative synthesis of the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella enterica is a common foodborne pathogen that causes intestinal illness varying from mild gastroenteritis to life-threatening systemic infections. The frequency of outbreaks due to multidrug-resistant Salmonella has been increased in the past few years with increasing numbers of annual deaths. Therefore, new strategies to control the spread of antimicrobial resistance are required. In this work, we found that N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) inhibits S. enterica at MIC of 3 mg ml-1 and synergistically activates the bactericidal activities of common antibiotics from three-fold for ampicillin and apramycin up to1000-fold for gentamycin. In addition, NAC inhibits the expression of virulence genes at sub-inhibitory concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. The whole-genome sequencing revealed that continuous exposure of S. enterica to NAC leads to the development of resistance; these resistant strains are attenuated for virulence. These results suggest that NAC may be a promising adjuvant to antibiotics for treating S. enterica in combination with other antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the aetiological organisms causing maternal infections is crucial to inform antibiotic treatment guidelines, but such data are scarce from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to address this gap. Methods: Microbiologically confirmed maternal infection data were collected from PubMed, Embase, and African Journals online databases. The search strategy combined terms related to bacterial infection, pregnancy, postnatal period, observational studies, SSA. Exclusion criteria included colonization, asymptomatic infection, and screening studies. Pooled proportions for bacterial isolates and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) were calculated. Quality and completeness of reporting were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa and STROBE checklists. Findings: We included 14 papers comprising data from 2,575 women from four sources (blood, urine, surgical wound and endocervical). Mixed-growth was commonly reported at 17% (95% CI: 12%-23%), E. coli from 11%(CI:10%-12%), S. aureus from 5%(CI: 5%-6%), Klebsiella spp. at 5%(CI: 4%- 5%) and Streptococcus spp. at 2%(CI: 1%-2%). We observed intra-sample and inter-sample heterogeneity between 88–92% in all meta-analyses. AMR rates were between 19% -77%, the highest with first-line beta-lactam antibiotics. Convenience sampling, and limited reporting of laboratory techniques were areas of concern. Interpretation: We provide a comprehensive summary of microbial aetiology of maternal infections in SSA and demonstrate the paucity of data available for this region. We flag the need to review the current local and international empirical treatment guidelines for maternal bacterial infections in SSA because there is high prevalence of AMR among common causative bacteria. Funding: This research was supported by the NIHR-Professorship/NIHR300808 and the Wellcome-Strategic-award /206545/Z/17/Z. Trial registration: Prospero ID CRD42021238515. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global pandemic, however, estimating its burden is a complex process. As a result, many countries rely on global estimates to infer burden within their own setting. With a growing number of recent publications quantifying AMR burden in Australia, and an expansion of surveillance programs, enumerating AMR mortality for Australia is feasible. We aimed to leverage existing published data to assess methodological factors contributing to the considerable variation in AMR-related mortality and provide two reliable estimates of AMR mortality in Australia. This is a necessary step towards generating meaningful measures of AMR burden in Australia. What is known about the topic? Antimicrobial resistance is a significant global health threat, but estimating the burden of disease is complicated by data challenges. What does this paper add? This paper highlights progress in estimating the number of people dying from antimicrobial resistance in Australia and highlights the importance of rigorous antimicrobial resistance mortality estimates in Australia to assess burden of disease. What are the implications for practitioners? Practitioners should use only rigorous estimates of burden of disease to inform actions on reducing the threat of antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the latest advancements in aerogel technology for antimicrobial therapy, revealing their interesting capacity that could improve the current medical approaches for antimicrobial treatments. Aerogels are attractive matrices because they can have an antimicrobial effect on their own, but they can also provide efficient delivery of antimicrobial compounds. Their interesting properties, such as high porosity, ultra-lightweight, and large surface area, make them suitable for such applications. The fundamentals of aerogels and mechanisms of action are discussed. The paper also highlights aerogels' importance in addressing current pressing challenges related to infection management, like the limited drug delivery alternatives and growing resistance to antimicrobial agents. It also covers the potential applications of aerogels in antimicrobial therapy and their possible limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the major causes of antimicrobial resistance, β‐lactamase develops rapidly among bacteria. Detection of β‐lactamase in an efficient and low‐cost point‐of‐care testing (POCT) way is urgently needed. However, due to the volatile environmental factors, the quantitative measurement of current POCT is often inaccurate. Herein, we demonstrate an artificial intelligence (AI)‐assisted mobile health system that consists of a paper‐based β‐lactamase fluorogenic probe analytical device and a smartphone‐based AI cloud. An ultrafast broad‐spectrum fluorogenic probe (B1) that could respond to β‐lactamase within 20 s was first synthesized, and the detection limit was determined to be 0.13 nmol/L. Meanwhile, a three‐dimensional microfluidic paper‐based analytical device was fabricated for integration of B1. Also, a smartphone‐based AI cloud was developed to correct errors automatically and output results intelligently. This smart system could calibrate the temperature and pH in the β‐lactamase level detection in complex samples and mice infected with various bacteria, which shows the problem‐solving ability in interdisciplinary research, and demonstrates potential clinical benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To identify the contribution and impact of Nigerian authors, institutions, and journal sources, assess the knowledge base, detect the trends regarding antimicrobial resistance research through bibliometric analysis. Methods: Data from a query of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) articles in the dimensions database (PubMed included) were subjected to bibliometric analysis (1972-2022). Bibliometric indicators, topic networks were established, and topic trends were analysed by frequency, relevance scores, and trends over time. Results and conclusion: A total of 0.2% of the papers on AMR published worldwide were written by authors or institutions from Nigeria. In 2021, publications grew by 13.6%, The vast majority of publications (57.18%) were in the field of medical and health sciences, with 2428 papers. The top journal for AMR papers with at least one Nigerian institution affiliation was African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology, which published 1.8% of these papers. Antimicrobial stewardship, clinical and laboratory practices on AMR, public health implications, traditional and molecular methods, and phytomedicine and drug discovery were prominent areas of focus for Nigerian researchers. This study provided a comprehensive overview of the AMR research output, highlighting the need of increased research capacity to address the burden of AMR in Nigeria. Because Nigeria is overly reliant on conventional methods of discovery and development, innovation is essential for the future of antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This viewpoint article discusses and analyses the need and benefits of a patient safety definition within the context of nursing. Design/methodology/approach: This viewpoint article is supported by literature review, statutory documents and expert knowledge evidence. All these sources provided a unified narrative of the background, current aspects and future needs of patient safety. Findings: The need for strengthening patient safety and the nurses' role within healthcare's actions towards patient safety are discussed. The predominant role of nurses due to the proportionate size and significant role along with the need for clarification of patient safety in nursing terms is recognised. Research evidence of nursing areas with safety issues and relevant nursing interventions are presented. Based on all findings, a research-based nursing specific patient safety definition is proposed. This definition includes three axes: what is patient harm, how this harm can be eliminated or reduced and which are the areas of nursing practice that are identified to provide opportunity for patient harm. These axes include nursing specifications of the patient safety definition. Originality/value: It is the first time that a nurse specific patient safety definition is proposed. This definition strives to enhance nurse practitioners' understanding and engagement with patient safety by clarifying aspects of patient safety within everyday nursing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), is a chief worldwide public health concern with grave health and socio-economic repercussions. Besides improper use of antibiotics, exposure to contaminated water or soil, and close contact with infected individuals; consumption of food products derived from animals carrying antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and genes is a major pathway for transferring AMR to humans. The occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria can result from both innate and acquired mechanisms, and its spread among bacteria is contributed by the environment, animals, and humans. Analysis of available data shows that non-therapeutic antimicrobial administration to animals increases resistance rates in bacteria in their gut and surroundings. The food supply chain facilitates the transfer of genes associated with AMR and despite considerable efforts to restrict antibiotic overuse, numerous regions of the world are witnessing a surge in clinical antibiotic resistance rates. To address this multifaceted resistance issue effectively, a "One Health" approach is critical, along with concerted efforts across all sectors. Considering the importance and scientific concern of this emerging public health issue, a thorough review of the available literature on the transmission of AMR from animal-derived foods to humans is presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports recent advancements in chitosan‐based antimicrobial biomaterials that aim to address the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Today, AMR is one of the most significant public health challenges the world is facing. To combat the overuse of antibiotics, a range of materials, including advanced nanosized polymers, have been explored as potential antimicrobial agents. In this direction, chitosan scores highly because of its unique combination of properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, bioactivity, non‐toxic, and, most importantly, its intrinsic antibacterial and antifungal activity. Herein, an overview of chitosan and its derivatives as potential alternatives to conventional antimicrobial therapeutics is reported. This review starts with understanding the AMR mechanism, which is critical for developing suitable materials for treating infectious diseases. Then, the inherent characteristics, modes of antimicrobial action, and factors that impact the antimicrobial effectiveness of chitosan and its derivatives are discussed. The authors further summarize various clinical trial results of chitosan‐based materials as antimicrobial agents. Finally, various antimicrobial applications of chitosan‐based materials are reported. In summary, this review offers new insights into the design of chitosan‐based sustainable materials for various antimicrobial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contact of aquatic microbiocenoses with antibiotics present in the environment can cause the former to develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs. Therefore, the search for methods to detect antibiotics and drug-resistant microorganisms in the environment is important. The presented paper proposes a simple procedure to assess environmental exposure to antibiotics and the presence of non-susceptible microorganisms. Medium solutions with selected antibiotics and a microbial growth indicator were applied to test plates, and were inoculated with water samples from various ecosystems. After incubation, the susceptibility of the microorganisms to antibiotics was determined and presented in chronic microbial toxic concentration (MTC) values. It was confirmed that the presented procedure enables the assessment of the antibiotic susceptibility and adaptation potential of unselected microorganisms from different aquatic ecosystems. However, the MTC values depend on the inoculum volume, the density and seasonal activity of the microorganisms, the method of inoculum preparation, and the incubation time of the test plate. The described procedure may be practically applied as a screening test to identify the presence of drug-resistant microorganisms. Additionally, it may also be suitable as a method to assess environmental exposure to antibiotics. However, prior standardisation is required before implementing this procedure in quantitative studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates One Health (OH) applied to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to deepen and nuance its conceptual underpinnings and inform effective implementation. We consider how models of OH and AMR wedded to bioscience assumptions of life obscure biosocial complexity and reinforce the misleading assumption that scientific knowledge of AMR is generated outside social systems. With reference to in-depth interviews with medical practitioners, scientists and policy-makers working on AMR in Australia and the UK, we explore accounts of OH action on AMR. We show that the implementation of OH is subject to some fragmentation due to workforce organisation, funding arrangements and the absence of detailed guidance for translating OH into practice. Despite OH aspirations for transdisciplinary cooperation and innovation, human-centrism and somewhat incommensurable professional and scientific views on OH constrain trust in the policy approach and limit effective action. We discuss how, in some settings, OH action on AMR does resemble policy aspirations when emphasis is placed on collaborative humility, a finding that underlines OH's biosocial character. We argue for the development of more robust biosocial models of OH to guide its application to AMR in real world settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health issue. The unprecedented spread of antimicrobial-resistant organisms has been identified by the World Health Organization as one of the leading healthcare threats. Projections for annual worldwide deaths attributed to antimicrobial resistance approach 10 million by 2050, with an associated economic burden of USD 100 trillion. This paper reviews the mechanisms known to contribute to antimicrobial resistance and provides insight into potential available alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial approaches addressed include dual antibiotic therapy, antimicrobial peptides, monoclonal antibodies, bacteriophages, probiotics, nanomaterials, and cannabinoids. Key pathogens in need of antimicrobials referred to as the ESKAPE pathogens are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethics as a field should, we argue, pay more attention to the (eco)system. Van Rensselaer Potter, one of the pillars of contemporary bioethics, advocated for a global "bios" ethics that literally and metaphorically bridges the gap between biological knowledge and ethical reflection. However, a Potterian Bio-Ethics faces a major obstacle: its acentric focus. Consequently, Global Bio-Ethics remains opaque for those trained under the anthropocentric biomedical ethics that instrumentalizes the environment. This paper aims to demystify two key concepts—Globality and Complexity—and show how a Potterian Bio-Ethics can effectively bridge the gap between knowledge-building in ecology and policy-making in the context of medical and environmental practices. Drawing on an experience in Québec, Canada, to mitigate the threat of antimicrobial resistance using a biosurveillance system, we show the utility of having ethics as an integral part of ecosystem(ic) approaches to bridge health and environment. We conclude by arguing that bioethics (and bioethicists) should become a locus for cascading communication, collaboration, and translation by co-constructing biosurveillance data governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, rapidly changing disease profile patterns, shortage & uneven utilization of healthcare professionals contributed massive burden on the Indian healthcare system, which resulted in varying, fragmented, inconsistent healthcare delivery to the patients and poor patient management. Patients often face and experience many challenges like lack of accessibility, poor patient-healthcare provider relationships, and inadequate quality of care, resulting in unnecessary economic burden in managing their health conditions. Thus Indian healthcare reform is essential in enhancing its capacity to fulfill patients' health needs that can be addressed by focusing on key sustainable strategies and initiatives meant for enhancing coordination of care, expanding services accessibility, redeveloping healthcare infrastructure, implementing workforce innovation and strong governance with the incorporation of core principles such as patient-centeredness, integrated care and collaborative care approaches. The clinical and ambulatory pharmacy practice are fragment of the healthcare delivery which delivers pharmaceutical care and fulfils the needs of patients across healthcare settings. This paper focuses on the present & future perspectives of ambulatory pharmacy practice in India and the factors to be considered for implementing it in patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant challenge to public health globally, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. AMR surveillance involves the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data on the occurrence and distribution of AMR in humans, animals, and the environment for action. The West African Health Organization, part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is committed to addressing AMR in the region. This paper examines the status of AMR surveillance in ECOWAS countries using available WHO data from the TrACSS survey and GLASS enrollments. The analysis reveals that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain. Twelve of the fifteen ECOWAS countries are enrolled in GLASS, and ten have developed national action plans (NAPs) for AMR. However, there is a need to ensure all countries fully implement their NAPs, continue reporting to GLASS, and use the data for evidence-based actions and decision making. Surveillance systems for AMR and antimicrobial consumption/use vary across countries with some demonstrating limited capacity. All countries, except Cabo Verde, reported having a reference laboratory for AMR testing. Strengthening laboratory capabilities, data management and use, and multisectoral coordination are crucial for effective AMR surveillance and response. Based on the findings and the regional context, it is essential to prioritize capacity building, data utilization, and the adoption of standardized guidelines for AMR surveillance. Collaboration among ECOWAS countries, the WAHO, and international partners is essential to address AMR comprehensively. Ensuring a consistent supply of essential antimicrobial medications and reagents is vital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A common thought is that extensive and organic breeding systems are associated with lower prevalence of infections in livestock animals, compared to intensive ones. In addition, organic systems limit the use of anti-microbial drugs, which may lead to lower emergence of antimicrobial resistances (AMR). Methods: To examine these issues, avoiding any a priori bias, we carried out a systematic literature search on dairy cattle breeding. Search was targeted to publications that compared different types of livestock farming (intensive, extensive, conventional, organic) in terms of the circulation of infectious diseases and AMR. Results and discussion: A total of 101 papers were finally selected. These papers did not show any trend in the circulation of the infections in the four types of breeding systems. However, AMR was more prevalent on conventional dairy farms compared to organic ones. The prevalence of specific pathogens and types of resistances were frequently associated with specific risk factors that were not strictly related to the type of farming system. In conclusion, we did not find any evidence suggesting that extensive and organic dairy farming bears any advantage over the intensive and conventional ones, in terms of the circulation of infectious agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance poses a serious threat to human health due to the high morbidity and mortality caused by drug-resistant microbial infections. Therefore, the development of rapid, sensitive and selective identification methods is key to improving the survival rate of patients. In this paper, a sandwich-type electrochemical DNA biosensor based on a polyadenine-DNA tetrahedron probe was constructed. The key experimental conditions were optimized, including the length of polyadenine, the concentration of the polyadenine DNA tetrahedron, the concentration of the signal probe and the hybridization time. At the same time, poly-avidin-HRP80 was used to enhance the electrochemical detection signal. Finally, excellent biosensor performance was achieved, and the detection limit for the synthetic DNA target was as low as 1 fM. In addition, we verified the practicability of the system by analyzing E. coli with the MCR-1 plasmid and realized multi-channel detection of the drug resistance genes MCR-1, blaNDM, blaKPC and blaOXA. With the ideal electrochemical interface, the polyA-based biosensor exhibits excellent stability, which provides powerful technical support for the rapid detection of antibiotic-resistant strains in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document discusses the global concern over antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacterial pathogens causing infections in various settings. The document emphasizes the need for collaboration between specialists in microbiology, medicine, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to understand the mechanisms of resistance development and dissemination. The document also highlights the importance of molecular and whole-genome sequencing methods for detecting global clones and investigating AMR genes. The special issue includes papers on the genomic analysis of specific bacterial strains, molecular and genomic epidemiology studies, and novel methods for bacterial detection and prevention. These findings are valuable for researchers studying bacterial pathogen surveillance, detection, and treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Street food may be a vehicle of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to humans. Foods contaminated with ARB entail serious problems or challenges in the fields of medical care, animal husbandry, food industry, and public health worldwide. The objectives of this systematic review were to identify and evaluate scientific reports associated with ARB isolated from various street foods. "Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis" (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The bibliographic material covers a period from January 2015 to April 2024. Six electronic scientific databases were searched individually for full-text articles; only those papers that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Seventeen papers were included in this systematic review. This study highlighted the wide distribution of ARB resistant to β-lactams and other antibiotics, posing significant health risks to consumers. High resistance levels were observed for antibiotics such as ampicillin, ceftriaxone, and tetracycline, while some antibiotics, such as ceftazidime, clavulanic acid, cefoperazone, cotrimoxazole, doxycycline, doripenem, fosfomycin, vancomycin, and piperacillin-tazobactam, demonstrated 100% susceptibility. The prevalence of ARB in street foods varied between 5.2% and 70.8% among different countries. The multiple resistance of various bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Salmonella, and Klebsiella, to multiple classes of antibiotics, as well as environmental factors contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance (AR), emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive approaches and coordinated efforts to confront antimicrobial resistance (AMR) under the "One Health" paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a significant threat to both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, often resulting in life-threatening infections. With increasing antimicrobial resistance, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Although animal models are crucial for preclinical studies, limited data are available for porcine models, more specifically for P. aeruginosa complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTIs). This study presents a novel porcine model inducing and sustaining cSSTI for 14 days. Six pigs (120 wounds) were used for the development of infections, and within this group, two pigs (40 wounds) were used to evaluate the progression of the cSSTI infection. The model demonstrated bacterial loads of more than 107 CFU/gram of tissue or higher. The cSSTI fully developed within three days and remained well above these levels until day 14 post-infection. Due to the immunocompetence of this model, all the immunological processes associated with the response to the presence of infection and the wound healing process are preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to the rising incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, especially in Low-Middle-Income Countries (LMIC), post-partum infections represent a significant treatment challenge. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature from January 2005 to February 2023 to quantify the frequency of maternal post-partum infections due to MDR pathogens in LMICs, focusing on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and/or extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales. Secondary objectives: description of antimicrobials' prescriptions. Findings: We included 22 studies with 14,804 total bacterial isolates from 12 countries, mostly from WHO African-Region. Twelve papers described wound- and 10 puerperal-infections. Seven were high-quality articles. Seventeen studies reported data on MRSA, and 18 on ESBL-producing Enterobacterales. Among high-quality studies, MRSA ranged from 9.8% in Ghana to 91.2% in Uganda; ESBL-producing Enterobacterales ranged from 22.8% in Ukraine to 95.2% in Uganda. Nine articles, mostly on C-sections, described different protocols for antibiotic prophylaxis and/or post-partum treatment. Interpretation: We described a high burden of post-partum infections caused by MRSA and/or ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in LMICs, but only a few studies met quality standards. There is an urgent need for high-quality studies to better describe the real burden of antimicrobial resistance in low-resource settings and inform policies to contain the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become one of the defining challenges of the twenty-first century. Food production and farming are a key if troubling component of that challenge. Livestock production accounts for well over half of annual global consumption of antimicrobials, though the contribution of the sector to drug resistance is less clear. As a result, there is an injunction to act in advance of incontrovertible evidence for change. In this paper we engage with the role of market actors in the precautionary regulation of farming practices and AMR threats. The paper takes the UK poultry sector as exemplary of an audit-led process that has, in recent years, achieved impressive reductions in antimicrobial use. Using qualitative interview data with farmers and veterinarians we chart the changing practices that have accompanied this reduction in treatments. We use this analysis to raise some cautions around audit-led systems of regulation. Audits can lock farms and animals into particular versions of farming and animal health; they can elevate harmful compensatory practices (including disinfectant uses); and they can reproduce an actuarial approach to an issue that does not fit the conventions of risk management. The paper presents the considerable successes that have been achieved over a short period of time in a livestock sector, while generating notes of caution concerning the audit-led management of livestock-related AMR threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to understand how caring for new-born livestock is made possible, which practices of care are privileged and to what effect? These aims are situated in attempts to promote the prudent use of antibiotics amongst livestock farmers to prevent antimicrobial resistance. In focusing on the rearing of new-born calves on dairy and beef farms in England and Wales, the paper reveals how care is configured by different temporal orders, the tensions between different temporalities of care, the reasons for them and the strategies employed by calf rearers to manage these tensions. Drawing on the concept of the 'timescape', the paper shows how calf care temporalities are relationally enacted and configured by materials, infrastructures and technologies. Common (productivist) agricultural temporalities of care emphasise speed, urgency and efficiency. However, by analysing the practice of feeding colostrum and 'tubing' – the forced feeding of calves via a tube inserted into the oesophagus – we highlight how these rapid caring temporalities conflict with the slower, patient skills of calf rearing. At the same time, however, we show how care is rendered fluid as calf rearers find ways of accommodating seemingly discordant temporalities – what we call 'patient urgence' – allowing different temporalities to co-exist within agricultural timescapes. Nevertheless, we show how these practices of accommodation are themselves the result of a productivist temporal order that marginalises calves and calf rearers. We argue that these timescapes point to the need for broader structural and cultural changes within agriculture to reduce the use of antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's global challenges are characterised by rapid change. Adjusting to these changes, requires professionals to learn at pace, then rapidly adapt how they work. To support this need, professional development programmes have been designed as Massive Open Online Courses aimed at universal reach, large numbers, and knowledge transfer. However, focus on the scale and reach of knowledge transfer is not sufficient. Professional development programmes must extend beyond learning at scale by supporting professionals not only to learn new knowledge, but also to apply this knowledge to their work. Achieving this goal means taking into account the local context by combining knowledge learned on the programme with local knowledge, by reflecting on the role, and by planning how to adapt work practice and processes. This new focus is particularly relevant to areas of healthcare that are changing at pace. The global health challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens our ability to treat infections and achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Mitigating the impacts of AMR requires professionals across a wide range of roles to change how they work and there is widespread recognition of the need to provide learning opportunities for professionals to build capacity to tackle this challenge. Provoked by a funder's interest in 'developing a MOOC' to support capacity building for AMR surveillance, this paper investigates how we reconceptualise MOOCs as professional learning in rapidly changing contexts and how we combine 'learning at scale' with the need for professionals to adapt and apply knowledge. The paper presents the theoretical framework and methodological approach and offers reflections on key decisions concerning the design of 'Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance', a professional development MOOC designed as a collection of online modules aiming to support professionals to reflect on how the knowledge learned applies to their everyday practice. Although this study is contextualised within the global health challenge of AMR, these findings are likely to have applicability for the design of professional learning to support other global challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific literature is published at a rate that makes manual data extraction a highly time-consuming task. The Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) utilizes literature to curate information on antimicrobial resistance genes and to enable time-efficient triage of publications we have developed a classification algorithm for identifying publications describing first reports of new resistance genes. Trained on publications contained in the CARD, CARD*Shark downloads, processes and identifies publications recently added to PubMed that should be reviewed by biocurators. With CARD*Shark, we can minimize the monthly scope of articles a biocurator reviews from hundreds of articles to a few dozen, drastically improving the speed of curation while ensuring no relevant publications are overlooked. Database URLhttp://card.mcmaster.ca [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Do basic administrative arrangements in the national public sector affect the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and if so, how? AMR, one of humanity's most pressing challenges according to the World Health Organization, is typically caused by factors inherent to the natural sciences. In this paper, however, we investigate the indirect causal effect of politics and administration on the management of AMR. In a mixed-methodological approach drawing on a panel regression combined with 46 semi-structured interviews with senior bureaucrats and experts from all member states of the European Union (EU), we derive four distinct clusters of countries in AMR governance. The analysis shows that politico-administrative arrangements in the EU follow a north-to-south and east-to-west pattern in the prevalence of AMR. We apply institutional theories of path dependency and administrative autonomy to explain such 'worlds' of AMR governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]