Search

Staphylococcus aureus is a gram positive bacteria which are responsible for increased mortality.[1] It is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. It is the primary cause of lower respiratory tract infections and surgical site infections[2,3] and the second leading cause of nosocomial bacteraemia[4], pneumonia, and cardiovascular infections.[2,3]Medical plants can be valuable in therapeutic procedures.[5] Interest in plant and plant procedure with antimicrobial properties have been revived as a result of current resistant profiles associated with inappropriate usage of antibiotics.[6,7] Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has long been used as naturopathy due to their potential antimicrobial activity against different microbial pathogens.

The resistance to antibiotic employed against staphylococcal isolates is an alarming problem. This has led to show intrest in using Macrolid-Lincosamide Streptogramin B (MLSB) antibiotics to treat infection produce by S. aureus. In vitro test for detecting clindamycin suspectibility may fail to detect inducible clindamycin resistance due to presence of erm gene which results in treatment failure. A total of 20 clinical isolates of S.aereus were subjected to antibiotics suspectibility testing by disc diffusion method. Inducible resistance to clindamycin was detected by D-test as per CLSI guideline.20% isolates of were positive for iMLB phenotype, while 15% isolates were belong to MS phenotypes. This study showed that D-test can be used as a routine method in detecting inducible clindamycin resistance along with disc diffusion in S.aureus.

Since the emergence of vancomycin resistance in enterococci in 1988 and its ability to transfer the resistance genes (Van A and Van B) to other bacterial species including Staphylococcus aureus, emergence of vancomycin resistance in staphylococci has become a great concern. This study is aims to detect the vancomycin resistance in 20 clinical isolates of S. aureus. We found varied resistance pattern by disc diffusion method and 15% of the isolates was found to be vancomycin resistant strains. We would recommend the diagnostic laboratories to screen S. aureus isolates by the CDC agar screening method and submit strains growing on these plates to reference laboratories for confirmation of vancomycin resistance by determining the MIC.

Carbapenems have been among the most powerful antibiotics for treating serious infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens, which includes Enterobactericeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. We have screened for the antibiotic sensitivity pattern followed by the detection of carbapenemase in our isolates. We found a higher percentage of isolates were shown to be resistant to multiple antibiotics and confirmed to be an multiple drug resistant strains, 15% of isolates were carbapenemase producers. Its ideal to include this test in routine sensitivity pattern in order to rule out the actul mechanism and prompt theapy.

Esp gene is a high molecular weight surface protein whose frequency is significantly increased among infection derived Enterococcus faecalis isolates. Esp gene is an Enterococcal surface protein gene which is present in the opportunistic pathogens Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium. It has been proposed that esp gene can be used as a marker of human pollution in environmental waters. This gene has been shown to be a part of a 150-in putative pathogenicity island. A sum of 20 isolates of Enterococci were assessed for the presence of esp gene that encodes for extracellular surface protein. We have observed 5% positivity in our study. This indicates that, the pathogenicity of urinary tract infections by these pathogens might be crucially played by this gene encoding for extra cellular surface protein.

Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen associated with nosocomial respiratory tract infections in health care settings, particularly in critical care units. Pathogenesis of S. aureus is contributed to the expression of cell surface protein receptors for Microbial Surface Components Recognizing Adhesive Matrix Molecules (MSCRAMMs) that interact specifically with proteins present in the host plasma and extracellular matrix.[1] Fibronectin-binding proteins (FnBPs) A and B are two of the multifunctional MSCRAMMs of S. aureus, which recognize fibronectin, fibrinogen, and elastin. In this study we have taken 20 clinical isolates of S. aureus which were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity pattern followed by the detection of fnbA gene by PCR. We have observed total resistance to penicillin followed by other group of drugs. 10% of our strains were found to have this gene. This indicates that the presence of this gene has the direct correlation with respiratory tract infections.

Widespread spread of CTX-M type extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) in E. coli strains which are resistant to extended-spectrum cephalosporins is the most remarkable example for rapid and global spread of plasmid mediated antimicrobial resistance in bacteria. The incessant spread and global prevalence of ESBL resistance poses a serious threat to the human health, as it is responsible for the narrowing of therapeutic options pertaining to infections. A sum of 20 uropathogenic isolates of E. coli were subjected for the antibiotic susceptibility pattern using different antibiotics and followed by the detection of bla CTX-M gene by PCR. By which, we found increased percentage of isolates were resistant to different antibiotics and 30% of them were having this gene. This indicates the prevalence of such antibiotic resistance gene in our region. Proper antibiotic policies would promote the patients health condition better.

Polymicrobial diseases involve multiple infectious agents and are referred to as complex, complicated, mixed, synergistic, concurrent, coinfections. Polymicrobial diseases, caused by combinations of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, are being recognised with increasing frequency. In these infections, the presence of one micro-organism generates a niche for other pathogenic micro-organisms to colonise, one micro-organism predisposes the host to colonisation by other micro-organisms, or two or more non-pathogenic micro-organisms together cause disease. This review summarizes past studies published by group on the microbiology of polymicrobial abscesses that occur at various body sites abscesses can show up any place on your body. The most common sites are in your armpits (axillae), areas around your anus and vagina(Bartholin gland abscess), the base of your spine (pilonidal abscess), around a tooth (dental abscess), and in your groin. Most of the peritonsillar abscess cases have a polymicrobial infection. Prevotella sp and Peptostreptococcus sp found. Anaerobic streptococci, Anaerobic Gram negative bacilli, Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, s-haemolytic streptococciwas found to be the most common source of infection for anaerobic brain abscess. Staphylococcus aureus and Group A s-haemolytic streptococci are the most prevalent aerobes in skin and soft tissue abscesses and are isolated at all body sites. Group A s-haemolytic streptococci, pigmented Prevotella and Porphyromonas spp., and Fusobacterium spp. were most commonly found in lesions of the mouth, head, neck and fingers

Background: Candida is the fourth most common cause of blood stream infection in hospitalized patients. Candidiasis is associated with intravenous lines and prosthetic lines are problematic, as they can act as substrates for biofilm production, the propensity of forming this is more in immuno suppressed patients. Materials and methods: A total of 20 clinical isolates of Candida spp were obtained from different clinical conditions of different immuno compromised patients and were processed for its characterization followed by assessing the biofilm production. Results: Of 20 isolates, 40% were C. albicans, 35% were C. tropicalis, 15% were C. krusei and each of 5% were C. kefyr and C. parapsilosis respectively. 5% of isolates were strong biofilm formers whereas, 65% were moderate biofilm producers in our Candida isolates. Conclusion: The present study reveals there was an increase in degree of isolation of non-albicans Candida spp from immuno compromised individuals. These isolates were moderately producing biofilm. Hence, prompt identification and detection of biofilm are essential in clinical setup where more number of Candida have been encountered.

Background: E.coli is the most frequent urinary pathogen isolated from 50-90% of all uncomplicated UTI’s. E.coli present in the gastrointestinal tract as commensals provide the proof for the initiation of UTI. In the late 1970’s it was recognised for the first time that E.coli strain causing UTI typically agglutinate human RBC’s despite the presence of mannose and this was mediated by fimbriae which serves as a virulence factor. Materials and methods: A sum of 20 isolates of E.coli is obtained from suspected cases of UTI which will be subjected for antibiotic susceptibility testing and presence of mannose resistant hemagglutinin by hemagglutination assay. Result: Out of 20 clinical isolates of E.coli, 4/20 (20%) isolates from acute cases of UTI and 2/20 (10%) strained received from chronic UTI cases also showed mannose resistant hemagglutinin. Conclusion: Our study reveals , there was a association between presence of Type 1 fimbriae and UTI . These isolates were also resistant to multiple antibiotics represents that, there is a need for judicial usage of antibiotics for the proper clinical outcome.

Capsular polysaccharides (K antigens) are one of the main virulence factors for Escherichia coli strains to cause urinary tract infections and neonatal meningitis. There are 50 chemically different capsular K antigens found, wherein only a few are associated with infective E.coli strains. These polysaccharides associated with disease that encodeK1 antigen (polysialic acid) are involved in causing a wide variety of infections such as septicemia, urinary tract infections, and meningitis. A total of 20 clinical isolates of E. coli were screened for the presence of neuC gene by PCR. We have observed 15% positivity among our isolates. This indicates that, the pathogenicity of urinary tract infections by these pathogens might be crucially played by this gene encoding K capsular polysaccharide.

Cefoxitin is a good marker of the mecA regulatory system. It is being recommended for detection of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using disk diffusion testing. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of cefoxitin disc diffusion test to characterize MRSA and compare it with oxacillin agar screening and detection of mecA gene by PCR. We have observed 100% sensitivity and specificity in cefoxitin disc diffusion method over detecting mecA gene by PCR. Results of cefoxitin disc diffusion test is in concordance with the PCR for mecA gene. Thus, the test can be an alternative to PCR for detection of MRSA in resource constraint settings.

AIM: To compare oral candidal flora of diabetics and non-diabetics. BACKGROUND: Candida albicans is commensal yeast normally present in small numbers in the oral flora of a large population of humans. Overgrowth of this fungus results in candidiasis. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. People with diabetes are particularly susceptible to developing candida infections because the elevated blood sugar levels provide an ideal environment for the fungus to grow. REASON: To gain knowledge about candidal speciation in diabetics and non diabetics.

Acinetobacter baumannii can able to establish bio films on abiotic surfaces as well as biotic surfaces.The potential ability of A. baumannii to form bio films could explain its outstanding antibiotic resistance and survival properties in hospital environment. A sum of 20 clinical isolates of A. baumannii isolates were studied for antibiotic sensitivity pattern to routinely used antibiotics followed by the detection of biofilm using tissue culture plate method (TCP). We have observed increased percentage of resistance to all of the antibiotics tested. 70% of the isolates were biofilm formers. As biofilm formation, could resist antibiotics and making them stubborn pathogen in clinical setups. Thus, it is very important to study the biofilm by simple method like TCP for proper and accurate management of patient’s outcome.

Staphylococcus aureus is a major hospital and community pathogen having the aptitude to cause a wide variety of infections in humans. The ability of microorganisms to produce biofilm facilitates them to withstand the host immune response and is recognized as one factor contributing to chronic or persistent infections. It was demonstrated that the icaA encoded genes lead to the biosynthesis of polysaccharide intercellular adhesion (PIA) molecules, and may be involved in the accumulation phase of biofilm formation. Different studies have shown the decisive role of the ica gene as virulence factors in staphylococcal infections. As the ability of this pathogen to adhere on to the various biotic and abiotic surfaces would eventually help in forming biofilm. In this study we studied the presence of icaA gene by PCR, by which 10% of our isolates were positive for it. This indicates the important role played by this gene in producing biofilm.

Vancomycin -resistant Enterococci (VRE), are the bacterial strains of the genus Enterococcus that are resistant to vancomycin. Enterococci bacteria live in our intestines and on our skin, usually without causing problems. But if they become resistant to antibiotics they can cause serious infections, especially in people who are ill or weak. This study is aims to detect the vancomycin resistance in 20 clinical isolates of Enterococcus spp. We found varied resistance pattern by disc diffusion method and none of the isolates was found to be vancomycin resistance. As Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) is emerging to be a threat in nosocomial settings, it is very important to check the same for prompt and accurate therapy.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa has one of the broadest ranges of infectivity among all pathogenic organisms. Several pathogenic bacteria are capable of producing extra cellular enzymes that can damage the host tissue directly. These wide range of enzymes serve as virulent factor for those. 20 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa obtained from different clinical specimens were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity testing and lipase and lecithinase activity. All isolates were uniformly resistant to all antibiotics used with lecithinase and lipase having 95% and 45% resistance respectively. We concluded that our isolates were found to exhibit both lipase and lecithinase activity and this may play a crucial role in causing infections.

The occurrence of multi drug resistant P. aeruginosastrains is growing in the world, limiting the therapeutic options. Conventionally it was believed that ESBLs are derivatives of TEM and SHV parent enzymes but recently in Europe it was proved that ESBLs can be of non-TEM, non-SHV lineage. In this study we have taken 20 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa and were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity pattern followed by the detection of blaTEM-1 gene by PCR. Higher degree of resistance to routinely used antibiotics is reported, 15% of them were found to have this gene by PCR. Proper detection of desired panel of genes is required to emphasize the resistance mechanism being operated in these pathogens for better outcome.

Candida species are considered as commensal yeast on cutaneous and mucocutaneous surfaces, particularly on gastro intestinal tract. It is one of the etiological agent of wide variety of infections that vary from superficial mycoses to life threatening systemic or deep seated infections. Adherence of candida to host cells is the first step in the infectious process, preceding colonization and invasion. Adherence protects the microorganism from being removed by natural host defence and clearance systems such as peristalsis and the bathing actions of fluids over mucosal surfaces. In the present study we have subjected 20 different isolates of Candida species to adherence to buccal epithelial cells. We observed 10/20 isolates were adhered onto the cells, which indicates that the ability to adhere on epithelical cells is a prerequisite to cause any mucocutaneous lesions by Candida spp.

Enterococci are an important member of human gastrointestinal flora, and are also an important cause of opportunistic nosocomial infections. The ability of enterococci to form biofilms may confer an ecological advantage in certain situations. For example, clinical strains of E. faecalis isolated from infective endocarditis patients were significantly associated with the greater biofilm formation than nonendocarditis clinical isolates. A sum of 20 clinical isolates of Enterococcus spp were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility pattern followed by detection of biofilm formation by TCP method. We found varied resistance pattern by disc diffusion method and none of the isolates was found to be vancomycin resistance. We have very little percentage of biofilm formers this indicates the less prevalence of biofilm in enterococci in our isolates. However in order to detect the same, more number of isolates to be included from different specimens. This TCP method is a much reliable and convenient method to detect the biofilm load in even a simple lab setup.

Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL)-mediated antibiotic resistance is the rapidly growing mode of resistance observed in most of the clinically relevant Gram-negative pathogens. The organisms that produce CTX-M-beta lactamases are emerging now as resistance to oximinocephalosporin such as cefotaxime. Klebsiella species produce the enzyme ESBL and are resistant to many penicillin and cephalosporins. In our study we have used 20 clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae and were determined for their antibiotic susceptibility pattern followed by the detection of blaCTX-M gene by PCR. We have observed 15% of isolates were positive for this gene. We conclude that it is important to screen for other genes encoding ESBL for accurate and proper antibiotic management. This also emphasizes the need of following proper antibiotic rotational policies and judicial administration of drugs.

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen isolated from patients suffering from osteomyelitis and septic arthritis. Unless in association with trauma or surgery to the skeleton, these infections occur mainly in you do individuals who have a high turnover of bone components. It has been previously reported on the specific interaction between bone sialoprotein (BSP), an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein of 59000 Da , found only in bone and dentin, and Staphylococcus aureus cells. This interaction is potentially of relevance for the understanding of pathogenetic mechanism in osteomyelitis. It is based on the following fact: 1. BSP is selectively bound by Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from infections of bone and joint tissue and 2) particularly high concentration of BSP are found in the osteoid, the newly formed bone tissue of growingbone, which is the most common site for osteomyelitis. A sum of 20 clinical isolates of staphylococcus were detected for antibiotic sensitivity pattern followed by the detection if bbp gene by PCR. We have observed 5% of positivity of having this gene in our isolates.

C. dubliniensis was originally isolated from the patients with HIV and recurrent oral candidiasis. C. dubliniensis and C. albicans share many morphological and physiological characters. In the recent scenario C. dubliniensis are known to cause various infections to immunocompromised patients with limited antifungal therapy. In a clinical diagnosis it’s very important to differentiate this agent from other similar Candida spp. A total of 20 clinical isolates of Candida species were obtained from different clinical specimens and subjected to culturing on CHROM agar, Pal’s agar, Casein agar and CHROM with Pal’s agar for the identification of C. dubliniensis. Out of the 20 clinical isolates 8 were found to be C. albicans. Out of these 8 isolates, 4 were observed to produce green colored hyphalfringe colonies in HiChrom agar with Pal’s agar media. This confirms that these were C. dubliniensis. From our study we conclude that CHROM agar supplemented with Pal’s agar is the excellent media for the identification of C. dubliniensis.

Serum resistant is appears to be an important virulence factor for the pathogenicity of different gram negative bacteria. The ability of microorganism to combat with human system by two mechanisms. The first is a specific immunity and the second is natural or non-specific resistance which does not occur for every invading microorganisms. (4) These two host defense mechanisms are present in every healthy hosts. However, they may differ among individuals depending on various known and unidentified factors. We have subjected 20 different clinical isolates of E. coli were analyzed for the ability to show serum bactericidal resistance. We have observed 2 isolates were shown to be resistant even after 24 hours of incubation. We conclude that the serum bactericidal activity is attributed by the effect of OMP, CPS and LPS of bacteria.

Carbapenems are considered to be the choice for the therapeutic management of multidrug resistant gram-negative bacterial infections. Currently, the spread of carbapenem - resistant bacteria are in alarming state due to the limited choice in antibiotics for treating infections caused by them. We detected the antibiotic susceptibility pattern using most routinely used antibiotics and found higher percentage resistance pattern and also checked for the presence of carbapenemase in our isolates by Modified Hodge test method and we found there were no isolates found to be positive for carbapenemase production. We conclude that more number of isolates needs to be screened for the presence of such resistance mechanism to validate the actual resistance status and prompt treatment.

A number of studies have shown that the hydrophobicity of solid surfaces influences adhesion of bacteria, eukaryotic cell and proteins. On the other hand bacteria and the other microbes including viral particles are evolving many different ways to use the hydrophobicity in order to adhere on to the substrates. A total of 20 clinical isolates of UPEC were subjected for antibiotic sensitivity pattern and cell surface hydrophobicity by salt aggregation method.Most of the strains showed resistant to all the antibiotics tested. 70% of isolates were showed cell surface hydrophobicity positivity. Judicial usage of antibiotics and proper detection of resistant mechanisms operating in the clinical isolates would yield better management of patient’s outcome. Cell surface hydrophobicity might associate with the adhesion of UPEC in both biotic and abiotic surfaces.

One of the most common infectious diseases of humans is urinary tract infections (UTIs), with Escherichia coli responsible for >80% of cases worldwide. A sum of 20 urinary isolates of E. coli were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing and detected for iutA gene by PCR. We found increased percentage of isolates were shown to be resistant to different antibiotics and 70% of them were resistant to imipenem drug. 15% of them were harboring iutA gene by PCR. This implies that this gene is maybe one of the important virulent trait in association with urinary tract infections.

Honey has had a great place in traditional medicine. The interest on knowing the different activity of honey for various therapeutic purposes including treatment of infected wounds has led to perform antibacterial activity of honey against P. aeruginosa. In this study we have accessed the antibacterial activity of common honey against clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A total of 20 different strains of P.aeruginosa were collected and processed for the antibacterial activity of honey against P.aeruginosa by adopting Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) (Agar dilution method).We have observed that all strains were not been inhibited even at the highest dilution (25%). Honey may have a promising activity against P. aeruginosa.

Plasmid-mediated s-lactamase gene is SHV-1 (sulfhydryl variable), which is chromosomally encoded in the majority of isolates of K. pneumoniae but is usually plasmid-mediated in E. coli. Over the years, many new s-lactam antibiotics have been developed; however, with each new class of antibiotic, a new s-lactamase emerged that caused resistance to that particular class of antibiotic. Presumably, the selective pressure imposed by the use and overuse of new antibiotics in the treatment of patients has resulted in the emergence for new variants of s-lactamase enzymes. A sum of 20 urinary isolates of E. coli were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing and detected for blaSHV-1 gene by PCR. We found increased percentage of isolates were shown to be resistant to different antibiotics and 70% of them were resistant to imipenem drug. 20% of them were harboring blaSHV-1 gene by PCR. Since ESBL-positive isolates show false susceptibility to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins in standard phenotypic test, it is difficult to relay on it. Specific detection methods recommended by CLSI have to be adopted. Those isolates need to be confirmed by multiplex PCR with sets of resistance genes for ESBLs are recommended where the availability and resources are available for prompt and accurate therapy.

Staphylococcus aureus are very frequently associated with chronic infections of implanted medical devices. The usage of indwelling medical devices are important in treatment of critically ill patients. The increased usage of such devices has considerable impact on the role of Staphylococcus in clinical setup. Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been established nosocomical bacterial pathogen causes wide spectrum of clinical conditions. This pathogen associated with increased percentage of morbidity and motility particularly in clinical settings. A sum of 20 clinical isolates of S. aureus and 20 of P. aeruginosa were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity pattern and slime detection by plate method. Multi drug resistance pattern have been observed and 30% and 100% of slim producers were observed for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus respectively. Congo red agar method for the detection of slime by the bacterial isolates is not suggestive.

Enterococci are normally considered as bacteria with low pathogenicity, which could cause infections in persons with immunodeficiency diseases. Conversely, enterococci have emerged as nosocomial pathogens and cause serious dreadful diseases in individuals with increasing antibiotic resistance. A sum of 20 clinical isolates of Enterococci spp were determined for antibiotic sensitivity pattern and detected for gelatinase and haemolysin production. We have observed multiple antibiotic resistant pattern to most of the drug used in this study and varied pattern of positivity for gelatinase and hemolysin. This indicates that the extracellular enzymes are playing a crucial role in causing infections in human beings.