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Background: It is presently considered that Corynebacterium especially Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii (CK) infection, is one of the important causes of granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM). However, the pathogen of mastitis in the past two years has been identified as a newly discovered Corynebacterium. But it is unclear whether the pathogen associated with the occurrence of GLM is also this bacterium. Methods: GLM female patients with positive bacterial culture in pus specimens from February 2023 to February 2024 who were identified as CK infection by mass spectrometer were selected as the research objects in this study, and the clinical isolates were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing technology to identify the specific pathogen of GLM-related bacterial infection. Subsequently, the clinical characteristics of the patients were compared with those of GLM patients without bacterial infection during the same period, to explore the effect of this particular type of Corynebacterium infection on disease development in GLM patients. Finally, we tested the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of antibiotics when inhibiting these separation strains in vitro through the E-Test experiment, to evaluate their medicine sensitivity. Results: A total of 31 GLM patients initially diagnosed with Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii (CK) infection via MALDI-TOF MS were enrolled in the study. However, subsequent 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that 28 isolates (90.32%) were actually identified as the newly recognized Corynebacterium parakroppenstedtii (CPK). This discovery challenges the conventional belief that CK is the primary pathogen of GLM, suggesting instead that CPK is the predominant pathogen associated with GLM bacterial infections. Comparative analysis of the clinical characteristics between the two groups revealed a significantly higher recurrence rate among CPK-infected GLM patients compared to those without CPK infection, along with elevated prolactin levels (P < 0.05). The sensitivity test results indicated high sensitivity of the isolates to vancomycin, linezolid, and rifampicin. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights that Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii strains isolated from GLM specimens were Corynebacterium parakroppenstedtii, serving as the primary pathogen closely linked to GLM's occurrence. CPK infection significantly increases the risk of recurrence in GLM patients, with elevated prolactin levels potentially playing a pivotal role in this process. In clinical antimicrobial treatment, antimicrobials other than penicillin and ciprofloxacin may be empirically administered when sensitivity test results are inconclusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background It is presently considered that Corynebacterium especially Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii (CK) infection, is one of the important causes of granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM). However, the pathogen of mastitis in the past two years has been identified as a newly discovered Corynebacterium. But it is unclear whether the pathogen associated with the occurrence of GLM is also this bacterium. Methods GLM female patients with positive bacterial culture in pus specimens from February 2023 to February 2024 who were identified as CK infection by mass spectrometer were selected as the research objects in this study, and the clinical isolates were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing technology to identify the specific pathogen of GLM-related bacterial infection. Subsequently, the clinical characteristics of the patients were compared with those of GLM patients without bacterial infection during the same period, to explore the effect of this particular type of Corynebacterium infection on disease development in GLM patients. Finally, we tested the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of antibiotics when inhibiting these separation strains in vitro through the E-Test experiment, to evaluate their medicine sensitivity. Results A total of 31 GLM patients initially diagnosed with Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii (CK) infection via MALDI-TOF MS were enrolled in the study. However, subsequent 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that 28 isolates (90.32%) were actually identified as the newly recognized Corynebacterium parakroppenstedtii (CPK). This discovery challenges the conventional belief that CK is the primary pathogen of GLM, suggesting instead that CPK is the predominant pathogen associated with GLM bacterial infections. Comparative analysis of the clinical characteristics between the two groups revealed a significantly higher recurrence rate among CPK-infected GLM patients compared to those without CPK infection, along with elevated prolactin levels (P

Purpose: To investigate bacterial contamination of indirect ophthalmoscopes and condensing lenses used in three UK veterinary referral centers, and the impact of an implemented cleaning protocol. Methods: Bacteriology samples from 10 indirect ophthalmoscopes and 10 condensing lenses were taken at each center (n = 30 T0), before initiating one of three cleaning frequencies (every 2 weeks/once weekly/daily) for 28 days. The most contaminated indirect ophthalmoscope and condensing lens from each center were re‐sampled 30 min prior to (T1; n = 9) and 30 min after (T2; n = 9) the final clean. Sensitivity testing was completed using MIC. Results: Seventy‐three isolates representing 15 different bacterial populations (genus/species) were cultured from 36 of 48 (75%) swabs tested. The most frequently cultured isolates were Staphylococcus spp. 30%, Micrococcus 22%, and Bacillus 14%. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pantoea, and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius demonstrated resistance to >50% of antibiotics against which they were tested. Eighty‐three percent of T0 samples (54 isolates across 11 species, median 2 isolates/swab), all T1 samples (15 isolates across 8 species, median 2 isolates/swab), and 22% of T2 samples (4 isolates across 4 species, median 0 isolates/swab) were contaminated. Head contact points were most contaminated irrespective of time point. A T1 sample was 57 times more likely (95% CI: 2.4–1376) to have a positive culture than a T2 sample (p =.01). Conclusions: Baseline contamination was high, representing a potential source of nosocomial infection in ophthalmic patients and handlers of diagnostic equipment. No center implemented a cleaning protocol prior to this study. Routine cleaning reduces bacterial contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic infection that causes production losses and death in the chicken industry. A cross-sectional study was conducted on exotic chicken breeds reared at the Jigjiga poultry farm from November 2022 to May 2023 to estimate the occurrence, associated risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The chickens were selected using systematic random sampling techniques. A total of 384 cloacal swabs were collected aseptically and transported to the laboratory for analysis. For statistical analysis, STATA® version 14.0 statistical software was used. Results From 384 examined faecal samples, 258 (67.2%) prevalences of Klebsiella pneumoniae were found. Furthermore, the association of the study’s risk factors with the prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae was explored, and no statistically significant association was identified between sex and age. Nonetheless, relative prevalence at the age level was higher in chickens aged 12 months (67.6%) and Sasso breeds (90.0%). Similarly, male chickens and those raised for meat and egg production had a high prevalence rate of 72.5 and 75.8%, respectively. A total of 30 isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae colonies were tested in vitro for antibiotic sensitivity for six drugs, and it was shown that Klebsiella pneumoniae is moderately sensitive to Penicillin G (43.3%) while having higher resistance to Oxytetracycline (80.0%). Conclusions The current findings revealed that the research area had the highest prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the isolates were resistant to commonly used drugs in the study area. Thus, a long-term intervention plan, thorough research to determine a nationwide status, as well as further multi-drug resistance patterns and molecular characterization, were urged.

CONTEXT: Adequate management of chronic dacryocystitis is an essential prerequisite before any intraocular surgery owing to a grave risk of endophthalmitis. The knowledge of bacteriology of chronic dacryocystitis would accentuate the choice of effective antimicrobial agents and thus help in reducing the irrational use of antimicrobial agents and subsequent development of drug resistance. AIMS: We aimed to identify the causative bacterial flora and study the antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance pattern in cases of chronic dacryocystitis. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional observational study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Conjunctival swabs were obtained from both eyes from 102 patients with clinical evidence of chronic dacryocystitis. Specimens for microbiological analysis were obtained, either from the conjunctival cul-de-sac and everted puncta by applying pressure over the lacrimal sac area or from the refluxing material after irrigating the lacrimal sac with sterile saline. The specimens were sent for culture and sensitivity in the department of microbiology. Ethical approvals were duly obtained. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Percentage assessment was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The cultures showed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in 50% of bacterial isolates obtained from the involved eyes, followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in 11.53% of isolates and Enterococcus also in 11.53% of isolates. It was observed that cefoxitin was the most sensitive antibiotic against Gram-positive organisms, followed by vancomycin and clindamycin, whereas maximum resistance was seen for penicillin and ofloxacin. For Gram-negative organisms, imipenem was found to be most sensitive, followed by gentamicin and co-amoxiclav, whereas maximum resistance was seen for ciprofloxacin. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that Gram-positive bacteria predominantly S. aureus was the most commonly isolated bacteria in cases of chronic dacryocystitis as compared to Gram-negative bacteria and cefoxitin was found to be the overall most effective antibiotic for Gram-positive bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bile cultures are often sent with blood cultures in patients with acute bacterial cholangitis. Aims: To assess the yield of blood and bile cultures in patients with cholangitis and the clinical utility of bile cultures in guiding therapy. Methods: All patients diagnosed with cholangitis, based on the Tokyo 2013/2018 guidelines were recruited retrospectively over ten years. The clinical and investigation details were recorded. The results of bile and blood cultures including antibiotic sensitivity patterns were noted. The concordance of microorganisms grown in blood and bile cultures and their sensitivity pattern were assessed. Results: A total of 1063 patients with cholangitis were included. Their mean age was 52.7 ± 14 years and 65.4% were males. Blood cultures were positive in 372 (35%) patients. Bile culture was performed in 384 patients with 84.4% being positive, which was significantly higher than the yield of blood culture (p < 0.001). Polymicrobial growth was more in bile (59.3%) than in blood cultures (13.5%, p < 0.001). E.coli, Klebsiella, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas were the four most common organisms isolated from both blood and bile. Extended spectrum betalactamase producing organisms were isolated in 57.7% and 58.8% of positive blood and bile cultures, respectively. Among 127 patients with both blood and bile cultures positive, complete or partial concordance of organisms was noted in about 90%. Conclusion: Bile and blood cultures have a similar microbial profile in most patients with cholangitis. As bile cultures have a significantly higher yield than blood cultures, they could effectively guide antimicrobial therapy, especially in those with negative blood cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic infection that causes production losses and death in the chicken industry. A cross-sectional study was conducted on exotic chicken breeds reared at the Jigjiga poultry farm from November 2022 to May 2023 to estimate the occurrence, associated risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The chickens were selected using systematic random sampling techniques. A total of 384 cloacal swabs were collected aseptically and transported to the laboratory for analysis. For statistical analysis, STATA® version 14.0 statistical software was used. Results: From 384 examined faecal samples, 258 (67.2%) prevalences of Klebsiella pneumoniae were found. Furthermore, the association of the study's risk factors with the prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae was explored, and no statistically significant association was identified between sex and age. Nonetheless, relative prevalence at the age level was higher in chickens aged 12 months (67.6%) and Sasso breeds (90.0%). Similarly, male chickens and those raised for meat and egg production had a high prevalence rate of 72.5 and 75.8%, respectively. A total of 30 isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae colonies were tested in vitro for antibiotic sensitivity for six drugs, and it was shown that Klebsiella pneumoniae is moderately sensitive to Penicillin G (43.3%) while having higher resistance to Oxytetracycline (80.0%). Conclusions: The current findings revealed that the research area had the highest prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the isolates were resistant to commonly used drugs in the study area. Thus, a long-term intervention plan, thorough research to determine a nationwide status, as well as further multi-drug resistance patterns and molecular characterization, were urged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallibacterium anatis (G. anatis), a member of the Pasteurellaceae family, normally inhabits the upper respiratory and lower genital tracts of poultry. However, under certain circumstances of immunosuppression, co-infection (especially with Escherichia coli or Mycoplasma), or various stressors, G. anatis caused respiratory, reproductive, and systemic diseases. Infection with G. anatis has emerged in different countries worldwide. The bacterium affects mainly chickens; however, other species of domestic and wild birds may get infected. Horizontal, vertical, and venereal routes of G. anatis infection have been reported. The pathogenicity of G. anatis is principally related to the presence of some essential virulence factors such as Gallibacterium toxin A, fimbriae, haemagglutinin, outer membrane vesicles, capsule, biofilms, and protease. The clinical picture of G. anatis infection is mainly represented as tracheitis, oophoritis, salpingitis, and peritonitis, while other lesions may be noted in cases of concomitant infection. Control of such infection depends mainly on applying biosecurity measures and vaccination. The antimicrobial sensitivity test is necessary for the correct treatment of G. anatis. However, the development of multiple drug resistance is common. This review article sheds light on G. anatis regarding history, susceptibility, dissemination, virulence factors, pathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnosis, and control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a fulminant soft tissue infection that requires timely diagnosis, urgent surgical debridement, and appropriate antimicrobial therapy. The choice of empiric antimicrobial therapy depends on the microorganisms cultured and the antimicrobial resistance profile of the institution. Necrotising fasciitis has not been studied in our setting. Objectives: The aim of the study was to audit the microbiological profile of NF and antimicrobial susceptibility profile. Method: This was a retrospective study in a secondary level hospital from the period of 2014–2020. The patients’ demographic data, clinical features, location of infection, comorbidities, laboratory and microbiological profiles were analysed. Results: There were 53 patients during 2014–2020 with median age of 45.5 (38.5–56.0) years. The majority of the patients were males (35 [66.04%]), had no comorbidities (25 [47.17%]), and the lower limb was the most common anatomic site (17 [32.08%]). Type II (monomicrobial) NF was the predominant type (31 [58.49%]). Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent Gram-positive bacteria (18 [38%]) and Escherichia coli, the main species isolated in the Gram-negative bacteria (14 [36%]) with susceptibility to cloxacillin (94%) and amoxicillin and/or clavulanic acid (92%), respectively. Conclusion: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the most common bacteria with low rate of antimicrobial resistance. Amoxicillin and/or clavulanic acid and an adjunctive clindamycin are appropriate antimicrobial therapy for empiric treatment for NF in our setting. Contribution: Amoxicillin and/or clavulanic acid and an adjunctive clindamycin can be used as an empiric treatment for NF.

Tetracyclines comprise a large group of broad-spectrum antibiotics used in human and veterinary medicine. Its mechanism of action, via oral ingestion, is to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis, but a large amount (70%) is eliminated without being metabolized, which presents a risk for the arising of antibiotic-resistant species. In this study, the degradation of Tetracycline TC by non-thermal plasma NTP and the antimicrobial sensitivity of the treated solution are investigated. The degradation was followed by chromatographic analysis while the efficiency of NTP in inhibiting the action of TC on bacteria was evaluated by antimicrobial sensitivity test by disk diffusion method. The results showed a high rate of TC degradation, over 90%, in 10 min of NTP treatment for a 60 mL (107 mg L-1) sample and very slow increase up to 94% in 30 min. The antimicrobial sensitivity test of TC after degradation by NTP showed no antibiotic activity. Therefore, our findings are encouraging, since the removal efficiency is below the minimum threshold require, to prevent with high probability, outgrowth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In addition, the results confirm that the NTP treated solution is safe to the environment.

Hainan Wen,1 Shoujun Xie,1 Yanchao Liu,1 Yueyi Liang,1 Pan Zhang,1 Xiaohui Wang,1 Jianhui Li2 1Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Preventive Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jianhui Li, Email wow99wow@126.comObjective: Enterobacteriaceae have displayed widespread trends of antimicrobial resistance in recent years. Therefore, we aimed to analyse the antimicrobial susceptibility of common bacteria and explore the significance in treatment and research of infections induced by Enterobacteriaceae.Methods: We retrospectively analysed 10,775 antimicrobial susceptibility test results acquired over a 6-year period in the affiliated hospital of Chengde Medical University. We divided the data based on specimen type (blood, sputum, pus, or urine), and population characteristics (age bracket and sex) for analysis. We mainly analysed the antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli (Eco), Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kpn), and Enterobacter cloacae (Ecl).Results: In our study, it was found that the resistance rates of Eco, Kpn, and Ecl to most antimicrobial agents were significantly different (P < 0.05) on specimen type and age bracket. The Eco from sputum had the highest resistance rates except ciprofloxacin (CIP), levofloxacin (LVX), and gentamicin (GEN); the Kpn from urine had the highest resistance rates to all antimicrobial agents; the Ecl from urine had the highest resistance rates to most antimicrobial agents. The Eco from geriatric patients had the highest resistance rates except GEN and SXT; the Kpn from adult patients had the lowest resistance rates to most antimicrobial agents except LVX. The Eco isolated from males had higher resistance rates to most antimicrobial agents except CIP, LVX, and NIT than those isolated from females; the Kpn showed significant differences in antimicrobial susceptibility to only 5 out of 22 antimicrobial agents (P < 0.05); the Ecl showed significant differences in susceptibility only to two antimicrobial agents, LVX and TOB (P < 0.01).Conclusion: The antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterobacteriaceae was significantly different among specimen type, age bracket and sex of patients, which is of great significance for the treatment and research of infection.Keywords: Enterobacteriaceae, antimicrobial sensitivity, drug resistance, specimen type, infection

: Pyogenic infections are frequently caused by bacteria and fungi. In a prospective study of 335 aerobically cultured purulent samples from inpatients or outpatients during the year 2022, 257 aerobic microbial growths were obtained. The first 3 most frequently isolated species were Staphylococcus aureus (31.13%), Escherichia coli (15.56%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.95%). Regarding the percentage of strains resistant to antibiotics, the situation is as follows: Staphylococcus aureus 43.75%, Escherichia coli 75% and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 4.35%. A percentage of 3.72% of the strains identified have multiple resistance (MDR), 32.5% of Staphylococcus aureus strains are resistant to methicillin (MRSA) and ESBL are 29.26% of Enterobacteriaceae. The means to control pyogenic infections with resistant bacteria are continuous monitoring of the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, good practices for hospital hygiene and the application of a clear policy regarding the administration of antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (SSTIs) Surveillance Network of S. aureus In Pediatrics in China was established in 2009 to routinely report epidemiological changes. We aimed to monitor the present antibiotic sensitivity and molecular characteristics of S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) from SSTIs in children nationwide and track the changes over the past decade. Methods: Patients diagnosed with SSTIs from the dermatology departments of 22 tertiary pediatric hospitals in seven geographical regions of China were recruited continuously from May 2019 to August 2021. S. aureus was isolated, and its sensitivity to 15 antimicrobials was evaluated using the broth microdilution method. The molecular characteristics of the MRSA isolates were determined through multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing. The presence of the Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene (pvl) was determined. Results: The detection rate of S. aureus was 62.57% (1379/2204), among which MRSA accounted for 14.79% (204/1379), significantly higher than the result in previous study in 2009-2011 (2.58%, 44/1075). Compared with previous study, the sensitivity to cephalosporins and fusidic acid decreased to varying degrees, while that to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamicin, penicillin, and tetracycline increased significantly. The sensitivity to mupirocin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TRISUL), and rifampicin still maintained at a high level (97.90%, 99.35% and 96.66% respectively). The leading multidrug resistance pattern of MRSA and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) were erythromycin-clindamycin-tetracycline (55.84%; 43/77)and erythromycin-clindamycin-chloramphenicol (27.85%, 44/158) respectively. 12 high-level mupirocin-resistant strains were detected, and notable differences in geographical distribution and seasonal variation were observed. The main types of MRSA were ST121 (46.08%, 94/204), followed by ST59 (19.61%, 40/204). SCCmec V (65.69%, 134/204) and SCCmec IV (31.86%, 65/204) were dominant epidemic types. ST121-V, ST59-IV, and ST22-V were the most prevalent clones nationwide. The detection rate of pvl had increased markedly from 9.09% (4/44) in 2009-2011 to 22.55% (46/204) in 2019-2021 (P<0.05). Conclusion: The antibiotic sensitivity and molecular characteristics of S. aureus from pediatric SSTIs has changed significantly over the past decade. To standardize medical care, provide timely and reasonable clinical treatment, and effectively manage infection control, Chinese pediatric SSTIs guidelines are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Diabetes patients have a higher risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). The present study was aimed at determining the clinical profile, microbial pattern, antibiotic sensitivity, and follow-up of UTI in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Materials and methods: Two hundred consecutive T2D patients admitted with a diagnosis of UTI were selected for this study. Midstream urine specimens were collected and the culture tests were done by a quantitative method; antimicrobial sensitivity was determined by using the Kirby-Bauer method. After discharge from the hospital, patients were followed for 6 months. Results: Women (n=162) outnumbered men (n=38), with 76% being postmenopausal. Pyelonephritis was present in 44.5% (n=89) and emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) in 9.5% (n=19). Longer duration of diabetes, high body mass index, and prior UTI were risk factors for symptomatic UTI. Gram-negative bacilli were leading causes of UTI, with E. coli being the most common pathogen. Gram-negative pathogens were mostly sensitive to amikacin, imipenem, and piperacillin/tazobactam. Around 40% patients had recurrent UTI. The presence of renal calculi, poor glycemic control, and chronic kidney disease were significant predictive factors for recurrence. Conclusion: In patients with T2D, UTI was more common and severe in postmenopausal women. More than one-third of patients had a recurrence of UTI on follow-up for 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The pathogen like staphylococcus spp. associated with multidrug resistance is one of the major concerns. Prompt diagnosis of staphylococcal Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI) with its antibiogram plays a vital role in better outcomes of treatment and reducing the cost of hospital stay of patients. Aim: To find out incidence of staphylococcal LRTIs. Materials and Methods: This prosprective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, SMBT Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Nashik, Maharashtra, India. The duration of the study was 23 months, from June 2017 to May 2019. The specimens were screened for staphylococcal species as per the standard bacteriological procedure. The gram-positive, catalase-positive isolates were further subjected to detection of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The data was analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPPS) version 20.0. Results: The majority of the patients were of old age groups and the average mean age was 57.95±6.18 years. A total of 22/421 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were isolated from the patients suffering from LRTIs. High incidence was noted in male patients 21/22 (95.5%) than in females 1/22 (4.5%) and 100% of patients were hospitalised with a complaint of LRTIs. The majority of strains were isolated from sputum sample 18/22 (81.8%), followed by 3/22 (13.6%) from pleural aspiration, and 1/22 (4.5%) from endotracheal secretion. Almost 18/22 (81.8%) patients were of pneumonia, followed by 3/22 (13.6%) were of empyema and 1/22 (4.5%) were of sinusitis. All the isolates were sensitive to linezolid, vancomycin, and ceftaroline. Conclusion: In the present study, LRTI associated with S. aureus was found to be (5.22%). It was also observed that, all strains were sensitive to vancomycin, linezolid, and ceftaroline which is unique. Hence, the staphylococcal infection can be treated with low cost and hospital stay if diagnosed in time by microbiological profile, as the clinical presentation and susceptibility to antimicrobial agents vary in different geographical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial resistance towards antibiotics has been increasing globally posing a serious challenge for agriculture, animal-human health and public health policy makers. The development of plant derived innovative materials for agriculture, medical and dental applications is growing rapidly. The metal oxide nanoparticles are considered as the viable option for the treatment of microbial infections in both humans and animals. In present work, Mentha spicata leaves were used to synthesize the titanium-oxide Np's and their characterization was carried out by atomic force microscope (AFM), fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), x-ray diffraction pattern spectroscopy (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and uv/vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The antimicrobial sensitivity was done by disc diffusion test against pathogenic bacteria of animal origin such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our results indicated that titanium-oxide Np's were round, smooth with particle size of 39nm. These Np's were having anatase phase which were pure in their composition and functional compounds. The antimicrobial sensitivity testing revealed zones of 24, 23, 17 and 24mm against Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. On the basis of results, it can be concluded that titanium-oxide Np's prepared through Mentha spicata were safe, sustainable and having potent antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains which can be used as an alternative antimicrobial agent for medical and dental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The pathogen like staphylococcus spp. associated with multidrug resistance is one of the major concerns. Prompt diagnosis of staphylococcal Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI) with its antibiogram plays a vital role in better outcomes of treatment and reducing the cost of hospital stay of patients. Aim: To find out incidence of staphylococcal LRTIs. Materials and Methods: This prosprective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, SMBT Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Nashik, Maharashtra, India. The duration of the study was 23 months, from June 2017 to May 2019. The specimens were screened for staphylococcal species as per the standard bacteriological procedure. The gram-positive, catalase-positive isolates were further subjected to detection of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The data was analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPPS) version 20.0. Results: The majority of the patients were of old age groups and the average mean age was 57.95±6.18 years. A total of 22/421 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were isolated from the patients suffering from LRTIs. High incidence was noted in male patients 21/22 (95.5%) than in females 1/22 (4.5%) and 100% of patients were hospitalised with a complaint of LRTIs. The majority of strains were isolated from sputum sample 18/22 (81.8%), followed by 3/22 (13.6%) from pleural aspiration, and 1/22 (4.5%) from endotracheal secretion. Almost 18/22 (81.8%) patients were of pneumonia, followed by 3/22 (13.6%) were of empyema and 1/22 (4.5%) were of sinusitis. All the isolates were sensitive to linezolid, vancomycin, and ceftaroline. Conclusion: In the present study, LRTI associated with S. aureus was found to be (5.22%). It was also observed that, all strains were sensitive to vancomycin, linezolid, and ceftaroline which is unique. Hence, the staphylococcal infection can be treated with low cost and hospital stay if diagnosed in time by microbiological profile, as the clinical presentation and susceptibility to antimicrobial agents vary in different geographical areas.

Multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae bacterial strains producing extended range of beta-lactamases or carbapenemases are of serious clinical concern. The aim of the study was to determine the resistance factors of K. pneumoniae strains isolated from the lower respiratory tract of patients diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods. The study of resistance to antimicrobial drugs included 138 strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from the sputum of patients treated in infectious diseases monohospitals in the city of Tyumen and the Tyumen region within the period from May 2020 to June 2021. Among the strains examined, 51.4% of them were isolated from SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. The presence of resistance genes was determined by PCR in 71 strains of K. pneumoniae (34 strains from COVID-19-positive and 37 strains from COVID-19-negative patients). Identification of isolated bacterial strains was carried out according to the protein spectra by using a desktop time-of-flight mass spectrometer with matrix laser desorption MALDI-TOF MS (Bruker, Germany). The belonging of the strains to the hypermucoid phenotype was determined using the string test. Sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs was assessed in the disk diffusion method on MullerHinton medium. The sensitivity of culture strains to bacteriophage preparations was determined by the drop method (spot-test). In the study, we used Polyvalent Sextaphage Pyobacteriophage and Purified Polyvalent Klebsiella Bacteriophage (JSC NPO Microgen, Russia). Detection of resistance genes to beta-lactam antibiotics by real-time PCR was carried out using the BakRezista kit (OOO DNA-technology, Russia). Results. The results of the study evidence that K. pneumoniae bacteria isolated from COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative patients diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia displayed a high resistance to antimicrobial drugs and commercial phage-containing drugs. Resistance of K. pneumoniae strains was recorded from 50% (to aminoglycosides and carbapenems) to 90% (to inhibitor-protected penicillins). Sensitivity to bacteriophages was noted on average in no more than 20% of strains. It is important to emphasize that strains isolated from COVID-19-positive patients more often showed a hypermucoid phenotype, suggesting a high bacterial virulence, and also showed greater resistance to all groups of antibacterial drugs examined in the study, which is confirmed by the presence of resistance genes of the ESBL group and carbapenemase. The results of the study suggest that the high level of resistance of K. pneumoniae strains isolated from COVID-19-positive patients is associated with immunosuppression provoked by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which contributes to their colonization by more virulent strains.

THE RATE of Candida- induced infections has been increasing significantly. The magnitude of the problem is aggravated by the emerging antifungal resistance among various Candida species. Our study aimed to assess the antifungal susceptibility profiles of Candida isolates causing infections at Ain Shams University Hospitals from 2018 to 2022. A cross-sectional observational study of all cases of positive growth of Candida and antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using VITEK 2 compact automated system. Out of 342 specimens, Candida albicans (C. albicans) was the most common species (40.4%). Candida non albicans (CNA) was predominating (59.6%) and was mainly composed of C. tropicalis (36.3%) and C. parapsilosis (8.8%). Among total Candida isolates, 24 (7%) were resistant to Flucytosine, 20 (5.8%) were resistant to Amphotericin B as well as Caspofungin, 12 (3.5%) were resistant to Fluconazole, 5 (1.5%) were resistant to both Micafungin and Voriconazole. Candida non albicans which express decreased susceptibility to antifungals have been emerging as a serious cause of infection among hospitalized patients. Resistance was common to Flucytosine, Amphotericin B and Caspofungin, with low resistance rate to Fluconazole, Micafungin and Voriconazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: P. aeruginosa is a gram negative bacterium which is an opportunistic pathogen and causes infection of various severities depending upon the immune status of the individual. Nowadays the emergence of resistance to various antimicrobials is increasing and it is because of many enzymes that are produced by this bacteria. Knowledge of this enzyme production and its frequency in different drug resistant strains can help better treatment of the patients. Material & methodology: This study was carried out in the department of microbiology of a tertiary care center in Haryana for 3 years. Out of all the clinical samples P. aeruginosa was identified and further analyzed for antimicrobial sensitivity and for production of the enzyme AmpC β-lactamase. Results: The overall isolation rate of P. aeruginosa was 12.21%. Ceftazidime resistance (71%) was most commonly observed in P. aeruginosa isolates. Out of 68% cefoxitin resistant P. aeruginosa 11 (16.18%) isolates show AmpC production. Conclusion: The current study showed that no AmpC β-lactamase enzymes were detected in 83.82% of cefoxitin resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. This may be due to the presence of either silent genes or that there might be low expression of AmpC genes which was not detected by the present method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pawpaw (Carica papaya) is a notable plant due to its medicinal benefits used globally to treat diseases which include dengue, malaria, inflammation, and skin infections. This study was aimed at investigating the bioactive compounds and antimicrobial sensitivity of Pawpaw (Carica papaya) leave extracts against morbific micro-organisms. The bioactive compounds of C. papaya leaves were analyzed using Chemical Standard techniques as reported in literatures and antimicrobial assay was done using agar well diffusion techniques. Qualitative phytochemical screening results of pawpaw leaves shows the presence of glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, saponins and terpenoids. The antimicrobial sensitivity result reveals higher zones of inhibition of methanolic extract against Staphylococcus sp (11.4±0.3 mm), Vibrio sp (10.3±0.2 mm), E. coli (9.7±0.3 mm), Shigella sp (9.1±0.3 mm), Yeast (9.1±0.3 mm) and Penicillium sp (8.3±0.4 mm). While aqueous extract shows higher zone of inhibition against Mould (8.0±0.5 mm). This study revealed pawpaw leaves contains secondary metabolites (bioactive compounds) while the antimicrobial sensitivity against the microorganisms explains the possibility of using the leaves as antibiotic substances (antimicrobial agents). Therefore, pawpaw leaves could be a significant source of medicine for the treatment of various fungal and bacterial infections.

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Introduction:  Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in people with diabetes mellitus. DFUs are the leading cause of hospitalisation for diabetic patients worldwide, especially in developing countries such as India. This study presents the microbiology profile of DFUs in a tertiary care hospital in the eastern part of India., Methodology:  We conducted a prospective observational study for 150 DFU patients over a period of two years. We took samples from the DFUs of these patients, cultured them, and tested their antimicrobial susceptibility., Results:  Most diabetic foot infections (DFIs) in our study patients were caused by Gram-negative bacteria, mainly Escherchia coli  ( E. coli ) (19.3%), Pseudomonas (14%), and Staphylococcus aureus  ( S. aureus ) (12%). The majority of Gram-positive bacteria were susceptible to linezolid, followed by vancomycin and amoxycillin, while the majority of Gram-negative bacteria were susceptible to imipenem and meropenem, followed by ampicillin with sulbactam, amikacin, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin. Our study revealed that 88.3% of the isolates were monomicrobial., Conclusion: These findings demonstrated the importance of a local antibiogram, a microbiological exam, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing before starting antibiotic treatment for infections caused by DFUs. This protocol is different from the recommended guidelines for using empirical antibiotics., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Committee, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, Odisha, India issued approval 1370. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Satpathy et al.)

Many years ago most human infections caused by aerobic streptococci, were attributed to Lancefield groups A and D or to the so called non-groupable viridans streptococci. The first human isolates of the Group B Streptococci (GBS) were isolated from the vagina of post-partum women. This study is aimed at assessing GBS colonization of some clinical and common non-clinical surfaces. This study utilized a total of 615 samples (300 clinicals and 315 non-clinicals). Samples were from neonates and women who were respectively seen at the Institute of Child Health, of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and Amblim Reference Laboratory in Enugu. The 300 clinical samples were cultured from 119 pregnant and 79 non-pregnant women, 52 neonates and 25 (7 primary and 18 secondary infertility) infertile couples (50 individuals). All samples were cultured on a modified Islam medium and identification carried out using standard bacteriological methods. Characterizations of the GBS isolates were carried out using sodium hippurate reactions, aesculin reactions, Christie, Atkin Muchin-Patterson (CAMP) test and definite hydrolysis on blood agar. The overall GBS isolation of 15.8% was observed in the clinical and non-clinical surfaces assessed. For the clinical subjects, GBS colonization of 11.9%, 7.6%, 9.6% and 17.0% were observed in the pregnant women, non-pregnant women, neonates and couples admitted for infertility. Prevalence of GBS isolation on inflamed cattle udder and milk products were 4.0% and 83.3%, respectively. Gestational period was associated with GBS colonization in pregnant women. All the GBS isolates were susceptible to penicillin and methicillin while all were resistant to streptomycin, tetracycline and sulphafurazole. GBS colonization of vagina was found and this poses a risk for neonatal sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many years ago most human infections caused by aerobic Streptococci, were attributed to Lancefield groups A and D or to the so called non-groupable viridans Streptococci. The first human isolates of the group B Streptococci (GBS) were isolated from the vagina of post-partum women. This study is aimed at assessing GBS colonization of some clinical and common non-clinical surfaces. This study utilized a total of 615 samples (300 clinicals and 315 non-clinicals). Samples were from neonates and women who were respectively seen at the Institute of Child Health, of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and Amblim Reference Laboratory in Enugu. The 300 clinical samples were cultured from 119 pregnant and 79 non-pregnant women, 52 neonates and 25 infertile couples (50 individuals; 7 primary and 18 secondary infertility). All samples were cultured on a modified Islam medium and identification carried out using standard bacteriological methods. Characterizations of the GBS isolates were carried out using sodium hippurate reactions, aesculin reactions, Christie, Atkin Muchin – Patterson (CAMP) test and definite hydrolysis on blood agar. The overall GBS isolation of 15.8% was observed in the clinical and non-clinical surfaces assessed. For the clinical subjects, GBS colonization of 11.9%, 7.6%, 9.6% and 17.0% were observed in the pregnant women, non-pregnant women, neonates and couples admitted for infertility. Prevalence of GBS isolation on inflamed cattle udder and milk products were 4.0% and 83.3%, respectively. Gestational period was associated with GBS colonization in pregnant women. All the GBS isolates were susceptible to penicillin and methicillin while all were resistant to streptomycin, tetracycline and sulphafurazole. GBS colonization of vagina was found and this poses a risk for neonatal sepsis.

Plants are rich in different secondary metabolites, such as tannins, terpenoids and alkaloids which have been found in- vitro to have antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was to determine the in-vitro antimicrobial potential of the methanolic and aqueous extracts of dried leaves of Gongronema latifolium and Piper guineense plants on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Soxhlet extractor was used for the methanolic solvent while cold maceration was used for the aqueous extraction. The phytochemical constituents of these extracts were screened thereafter the extracts were tested for their antimicrobial activity. The technique of agar well diffusion was employed. Wells was made on nutrient agar media and the extracts were placed in the well. Concentration of 1.25mg/ml, 2.5mg/ml, 5mg/ml and 10mg/ml were used. Surface of agar is inoculated (using sterile swab dipped into standardized broth culture of the test organism). Thereafter, the wells were bored into the inoculated agar and the extracts delivered into the well. After allowing for diffusion, the plates were incubated, after which the zones of inhibition around the well measured with the aid of vernier caliper. Activity of the extract against the test organism was expressed in terms of size (mm) of inhibition zone diameter around the well. The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenol in both plant extracts was observed. The aqueous extract of P. guineense and G latifolium showed more presence of phytochemical constituents than the methanolic extract and this is evidenced by higher zones of inhibition. Methanolic extracts of Piper guineense showed visible clearance suggestive of antibacterial activities by the extract only at 10mg/ml on S. aureus, but no form of inhibition on E. coli. Both extracts have concentration dependent antimicrobial effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and this may be due to phytochemicals found in them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis is an economically important disease of intensive buffalo dairy farming worldwide. Detection of subclinical mastitis (SCM) is important for its management and control. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of reproductive disorders, SCM and udder health management practices in the buffalo dairy farms of Bhola District, Bangladesh. Data on animal demographics, reproduction status, daily milk yield and status of California Mastitis Test (CMT) result were recorded. A total of 402 buffaloes were observed in two farms at Bhola district and among them 70 milking buffaloes were randomly selected for CMT. The overall prevalence of SCM in buffalo was 20.0%. Young age group of buffaloes was more susceptible for SCM and it was not significant difference. Parity and stage of lactation have no any effect on SCM. However, abortion case was more susceptible to SCM than other diseases but not any significant difference. During milking the milkers never use any antiseptic solution for washing the udder and never use any feed supply during milking. Among the isolated organisms Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli were found more frequent in the study area and gentamicin and ciprofloxaclin were most sensitive to the isolated organisms. From this study it was concluded that buffalo’s udder was very resistance to SCM infection and udder management practice was very poor. Common antibiotics were resistance to isolated organisms from SCM case. Gentamicin and ciprofloxacin were found more susceptible against all four isolated organisms.

Abstract Background Bacterial meningitis is a serious inflammation of the meninges. Antimicrobial therapy on early cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination has an important role in diagnosis. The disease is still challenging in developing countries because of poor (diagnostic set-up, socioeconomic conditions, management), and misuse of antimicrobial therapy results in emerging antimicrobial-resistant strains. Therefore, this hospital based cross sectional study was aimed to assess the antimicrobial sensitivity profile and bacterial isolates among patients suspected of pyogenic meningitis at Hawassa University Hospital from February 2017 to 2018. Results A total of 394 patients suspected as meningitis were included. Of these 210 (53.3%) were males and 184 (46.7%) were females. The carriage rate of bacterial pathogens was 27(6.9%). The common clinical presentations were fever 330 (83.8%), headache 205 (52.0%) and neck stiffness 179(45.4%) followed by altered mental status 125(31.7%). Neck stiffness P = 0.001 (AOR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.06–6.53), Hx of seizure P = 0.043, (AOR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.15–5.99), Nuchal rigidity P = 0.001* (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.06–4.48) were significantly associated with culture positivity. The pathogens isolated in this study were N. meningitidis the most frequent isolate 12(44.4%) followed by S. pneumoniae 5 (18.5%), E. coli 4(14.8%), H. influenza 3(13.6%), S. aureus 2(11.1%) and K. pneumoniae 1(3.7%). S. pneumoniae was (100%) resistance to penicillin, (80%) amoxicillin, and (20%) Cefotaxime. S. aureus was (100%) resistant to penicillin, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin. N. meningitidis was (100%) resistant to penicillin, (66.7%) Ceftriaxone and (41.7%) chloramphenicol. In this study a single isolate was also resistant to a different antibiotic. Conclusion The prevention of bacterial meningitis needs serious attention since the isolated bacteria showed single and multiple antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and the variable nature of isolated etiological agents makes it reasonable to provide continuous future updates on local resistance of common antibiotics and optimize the most frequent bacteria associated with meningitis in the hospital. Therefore; further, survey study with a better design of antimicrobial susceptibility at large scale to control the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the change in the causative organism of bacterial meningitis in the study area and at a national level is required.

Purpose Blood is one of the most important connective tissues of human body. Bloodstream infection can range from inapparent bacteremia till fulminant septic shock with high mortality. Presence of microbes in blood whether continuously, intermittently, or transiently is a grave risk to every organ of body. Culture of blood is a vital tool to diagnose such infections. Drug susceptibility patterns help in rationalizing therapy. Objective The aim of the study is to perform bacteriological analysis and assess drug sensitivity patterns of blood culture isolates and compare in light of other associated variables. Design Retrospective observational study was conducted from January 2009 to December 2013 at a tertiary care hospital at Shillong, India. Blood samples were collected with aseptic guidelines and cultured for 7 days. Growths were identified by standard biochemical tests and subjected to sensitivity testing according to Modified Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Data for source of blood collection and duration of incubation were noted and compared. Results A total of 658 (11.2%) pathogens were isolated from 5,867 bacteremia-suspected patient blood specimens. Contamination was observed at the rate of 1.21%. Gram-negative organisms were the predominant pathogens recovered, Klebsiella pneumoniae being the most common. No significant difference was observed between the number of organisms isolated within or beyond 48 hours. Acinetobacter baumannii and K. pneumoniae have significantly higher chances (p < 0.05) of isolation from central line catheters compared with peripheral venipuncture. Conclusion Successful treatment of sepsis depends on early diagnosis and proper antimicrobial therapy. Local knowledge of bacteriological profile and antimicrobial sensitivity patterns helps rationalize empiric treatment strategies.

According to the government of China, reported cases of pertussis have increased remarkably and are still increasing. To determine the genetic relatedness of Bordetella pertussis strains, we compared multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) results for isolates from China with those from Western countries. Among 335 isolates from China, the most common virulence-associated genotype was ptxA1/ptxC1/ptxP1/prn1/fim2–1/fim3A/tcfA2, which was more frequent among isolates from northern than southern China. Isolates of this genotype were highly resistant to erythromycin. We identified 36 ptxP3 strains mainly harboring ptxA1 and prn2 (35/36); ptxP3 strains were sensitive to erythromycin and were less frequently from northern China. For all isolates, the sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim MIC was low, indicating that this drug should be recommended for patients infected with erythromycin-resistant B. pertussis. MLVA of 150 clinical isolates identified 13 MLVA types, including 3 predominant types. Our results show that isolates circulating in China differ from those in Western countries.

Salmonella continues to be the primary cause of foodborne intestinal infections in many countries around the world. According to the offi cial data, 47% of the infection outbreaks in the world are associated with salmonellosis, while chicken meat (34%) plays a signifi cant role in the infection transmission to humans through food. Since the early 90’s of the last century, with the massive use of antibiotics, Salmonella strains resistant to a number of antimicrobials began to appear and currently pose a serious public health problem. Resistant strains persistent in animals can be transmitted to humans through the food chain. The paper presents results of studies of morphological, biochemical, serological properties of Salmonella bacteria recovered from animal raw material: beef, pork, poultry meat, tallow, off al derived from broiler chickens and pig slaughter products. In 2018 the FGBI “ARRIAH” Microbiological Laboratory performed 1,204 tests of animal raw material for Salmonella bacteria and recovered 45 Salmonella isolates. Salmonella bacteria were isolated in accordance with GOST 31659-2012 (ISO 6579:2002). Most Salmonella isolates (56%) were recovered from poultry meat. Biological properties of all the studied isolates were quite typical: they formed hydrogen sulfi de, fermented glucose and mannitol with the formation of gas and acid, did not utilize sucrose, lactose and urea; reaction to indole was negative. It was established that the recovered Salmonella isolates belong to serogroups O7, O9, O5, O4. The frequency of recovering Salmonella group B was 8.9%, group C – 51.1%, group D – 40.0%. Among Salmonella group B, S. derby (4.4%) and S. typhimurium (2.2%) were more common; group C – S. infantis (29.0%), S. virchow (17.8%); group D – S. enteritidis (40.0%). Isolated cases of S. reading (2.2%) and S. oranienburg (4.4%) were observed. All Salmonella isolates recovered from raw material of animal origin demonstrated sensitivity to ciprofl oxacin, chloramphenicol, amoxicillin, amikacin, azithromycin, meropenem, gentamicin, ceftriaxone, kanamycin; were less sensitive to cefotaxime, ampicillin, levofl oxacin and had low sensitivity to nalidixic acid, doxycycline, streptomycin, tetracycline. The phenomenon of multiresistance is characteristic of 44.4% of the isolated Salmonella isolates.

Objective: To determine the frequency of common bacterial isolates and antimicrobial sensitivity pattern in patients with neonatal sepsis. Moreover, to assess the clinical profile of neonates with culture positivity. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at emergency department of National Institute of Child Health, Karachi from September 2017 to March 2018. All clinical suspected neonates with sepsis of either gender were consecutively enrolled. All those neonates already taking antibiotic were excluded. Positive specimens were sub-cultured on blood agar and MacConkey agar and incubated at 37°c for 24hr. Isolated colonies was gram stained and biochemically identified. Common bacterial Isolates was also noted. This information along with certain important neonatal and maternal characteristics were noted. Results: Of 151 neonates, the mean neonatal age was 11.41 ±6.76 days. There were 87 (57.6%) females and 64 (42.4%) males. Culture positivity was observed in 41 (27.15%) patients. Among 41 culture positive cases, Klebsiella Specie was found positive in majority 14 (34.1%) patients followed by staphylococcus aureus 13 (31.7%), Escherichia coli 8 (19.5%), Coagulative negative staphylococci 5 (12.2%) and group B streptococci 1 (2.4%). A significant association of culture positivity was observed with gestational age (p-value 0.002), low birth weight (p-value 0.039), low Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) score (p-value 0.018), urinary tract infection in mother (p-value 0.026), and chorioamnionitis (p-value 0.005). Conclusion: Culture positivity was observed in considerable number of suspected neonates. Current magnitude of common bacterial Isolates are Klebsiella Species and Staphylococcus Aureus while Meropenum and Amikacin are common antibiotics sensitivity pattern in patients with neonatal sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Etiological patterns of uropathogens are different in different geographical regions due to the continuous evolution of bacteria, antibiotic sensitivity patterns and their misuse and overuse. Therefore, it is important to know the antibiotic susceptibility patterns for the prescription of suitable antibiotics. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of uropathogens and their antimicrobial sensitivity patterns in the Kohat region of Pakistan. In this study, 100 samples were collected from both male and female subjects of all ages. Out of these 100 samples, 70 samples contained microbes. In 30 samples, no microbial growth was recorded. The percentages of positive culture from male and female subjects were 57% and 43%, respectively. Both Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria were found in UTI. Among them E.coli (34.21%) was predominant, followed by K. pneumoniae (10.52%), P. aeruginosa (9.21%), K. oxytoca (6.57%), C. albicans (5.26%), E. faecium (5.26%), E. faecalis (3.94%), S. aureus (3.94%), E. cloacea (2.63%), C. freundii (2.63%), P. mirabalis (2.63%) and A. baumannii (1.31%). Many of the isolates showed resistance to commonly used antibiotics. The sensitivity percentage of commonly used antibiotics against both Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria are as follows: Ampicillin (13%), Ceftriaxone (25%), Amikacin (77%), Gentamicin (41%), Augmentin (44.77%), Fosfomycin (64%), Cotrimoxazole (36%), Nitrofurantoin (68%), Ciprofloxacin (37%), Imipenem (78%), Meropenem (67%), Cefepime (25%) and Tetracycline (40%). The most effective antibiotics against both Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria were Fosfomycin, Imipenem, Meropenem Amikacin and Nitrofurantoin. In light of the findings of this study, it is strongly recommended to find new antimicrobial compounds. Moreover, it is imperative to evaluate the resistant patterns at genomic and proteomic levels to discover the genes responsible for antibiotic resistant patterns. Keywords: antimicrobial sensitivity, E. coli, K. pneumonia, urinary tract infection, uropathogens Copyright (c) The Author

Objective: To study the spectrum and antimicrobial sensitivity of bacterial pathogens causing neonatal sepsis, in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi. Study Design: Prospective cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This was a prospective cross sectional study, conducted at NICU of Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from Jul 2017 to Dec 2017. Material and Methods: All neonates admitted to our department who underwent evaluation for sepsis, from Jul 2017 to Dec 2017. Results: Out of 2,480 admitted neonates, 733 were suspected with sepsis, making an incidence of suspected neonatal sepsis to be 29.5%. 421 (57.4%) babies were suspected with early onset sepsis (EOS) and 312 (42.6%) with late onset sepsis (LOS). Majority of the babies (70.3%) were preterm. In 281 (11.3%) neonates, blood culture came out to be positive. 73/281 neonates with culture proven sepsis died making a mortality rate of 25.9%. Gram negative bacilli were most predominant among isolated bacteria. Most of the organisms showed resistance to the first line antibiotics. Conclusion: Sepsis has a high mortality rate in neonates admitted to our department. Gram negative organisms are the most common cause. Most of the isolated organisms are resistant to empirical antibiotics.

Bloodstream infection remains one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality globally, specifically among intensive care unit patients. This prospective observational study included 887 blood culture samples collected cases admitted to intensive care unit suspected of having sepsis. Samples were cultured and evaluated for antimicrobial susceptibility patterns: 202 (22.78%) blood cultures were positive and yielded microbial growth with 132 (14.88%) having mono-microbial growth. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 45.2% cases, with Escherichia coli being the most common; Gram positives accounted for 43.9% with Staphylococci haemolyticus being most common and 10.9% were fungal isolates. Gram-negative isolates were sensitive to colistin and tigecycline and 77.3% of isolates were extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers. Gram-positive isolates were sensitive to tigecycline, linezolid, vancomycin and teicoplanin with 97.5% being methicillin-resistant Staphylococci (MRSA). Most of the blood culture isolates from critically ill patients in intensive care unit were multidrug-resistant, ESBL producers and MRSA which raises a serious concern about the development of serious antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a fulminant soft tissue infection that requires timely diagnosis, urgent surgical debridement, and appropriate antimicrobial therapy. The choice of empiric antimicrobial therapy depends on the microorganisms cultured and the antimicrobial resistance profile of the institution. Necrotising fasciitis has not been studied in our setting., Objectives: The aim of the study was to audit the microbiological profile of NF and antimicrobial susceptibility profile., Method: This was a retrospective study in a secondary level hospital from the period of 2014-2020. The patients' demographic data, clinical features, location of infection, comorbidities, laboratory and microbiological profiles were analysed., Results: There were 53 patients during 2014-2020 with median age of 45.5 (38.5-56.0) years. The majority of the patients were males (35 [66.04%]), had no comorbidities (25 [47.17%]), and the lower limb was the most common anatomic site (17 [32.08%]). Type II (monomicrobial) NF was the predominant type (31 [58.49%]). Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent Gram-positive bacteria (18 [38%]) and Escherichia coli, the main species isolated in the Gram-negative bacteria (14 [36%]) with susceptibility to cloxacillin (94%) and amoxicillin and/or clavulanic acid (92%), respectively., Conclusion: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the most common bacteria with low rate of antimicrobial resistance. Amoxicillin and/or clavulanic acid and an adjunctive clindamycin are appropriate antimicrobial therapy for empiric treatment for NF in our setting., Contribution: Amoxicillin and/or clavulanic acid and an adjunctive clindamycin can be used as an empiric treatment for NF., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article., (© 2024. The Authors.)

PURPOSE: Bloodstream infection can range from inapparent bacteremia until fulminant septic shock with high mortality. Microorganisms present in circulating blood whether continuously, intermittently, or transiently are a threat to every organ in the body. Culture of blood is a vital tool to diagnose such infections. Drug susceptibility patterns help in rationalizing therapy. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to perform bacteriological analysis and assess drug sensitivity patterns of isolates from blood stream infections. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study was conducted from May 2015 to February 2017 at a tertiary care hospital, Port Blair, India. Blood samples were collected with aseptic guidelines and cultured for 7 days. Growths were identified using standard biochemical tests and subjected to sensitivity testing according to Modified Kirby–Bauer’s disk diffusion method. Data for the source of blood collection and duration of incubation were noted and compared. RESULTS: A total of 270 (14.24%) pathogens were isolated from 1895 bacteremia suspect patient blood specimens. Contamination was observed at a rate of 1.63%. Gram-positive cocci (60.37%) were predominant organisms recovered followed by Gram-negative Bacilli (36.29%) and Yeasts (3.33%). Staphylococcus aureus, CoNS, and Acinetobacter spp. were the primary pathogens isolated. Aminoglycosides, carbapenems, and glycopeptides were the most effective drugs for treating bacteremia. CONCLUSIONS: Successful treatment of sepsis depends on early diagnosis and proper antimicrobial therapy. Local knowledge of bacteriological profile and antimicrobial sensitivity patterns helps rationalize empiric treatment strategies.

Abstract Background Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been recognized as a significant threat for gastric cancer. However, studies that investigated the oncogenic factors and antimicrobial resistance of H. pylori in Egyptian isolates with gastric cancer are rare. The current study aimed to examine: (1) The pattern of antimicrobial resistance of H. pylori isolates of Egyptian gastric cancer patients, and (2) the prevalence of Cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA). Methods Samples were collected from patients with gastric cancer. Isolation of H. pylori was performed using Columbia blood agar supplemented with 10% horse blood, and selective supplement of H. pylori for 3 to 5 days at 37 °C under microaerophilic condition. Isolates were identified by biochemical traits of H. pylori: oxidase, urease and catalase tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility of H. pylori isolates was examined against five antimicrobial agents using disc diffusion method. After that, extraction of DNA and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were performed to amplify the target genes. Results Twelve samples were collected from six males and six females Egyptian patients with cancer with an age range from 22 to 65 years. These cases are scarce and samples were collected over a period of almost eleven months. All isolates were confirmed as positive H. pylori through colony morphology and biochemical tests. The most effective antibiotic found was ciprofloxacin whereas all isolates showed resistance to metronidazole and erythromycin. The target CagA oncogene gene with expected product size was reported and seven (out of twelve) isolates (58%) were identified as CagA positive. Conclusion The current study is unique in two main aspects. First, it reported the pattern of antimicrobial susceptibility and prevalence of CagA gene in H. pylori from Egyptian patients. Second, it exclusively recruited isolates from gastric cancer patients which were confirmed by clinical and laparoscopic examination. The moderately high prevalence of CagA gene in Egyptian cancer patients calls for more vigilance against that oncogene.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (SA) colonization of hospital personnel is a source of hospital acquired infections. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of nasal carriage rate of SA and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among Health Care Workers (HCWs) at Qazvin university hospitals. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 396 employees of five teaching hospitals from October 2016 to April 2017. After obtaining informed consent and completion of the questionnaire, a sample was taken from the anterior nasal cavity for microbiology. The isolation of SA and their antimicrobial sensitivity were carried out by standard bacteriological procedures (disk diffusion and E-Test method). MRSA were confirmed by cefoxitin disk diffusion test. Chi square and independent t test were used to analyze the collected data. Findings: From the 198 HCWs, 32 people (16.1%) carried SA that the most carriers were workers of intensive care units (20.3%). 3% of all HCWs were identified as MRSA carriers. Colonization with SA is significantly lower among nursing and higher education. All SA isolates were sensitive to vancomycin and rifampin. Conclusion: The rate of nasal SA (especially MRSA) carriage among HCWs of Qazvin university hospitals is low. Also, staff teaching appears to be a promising approach for reducing nasal carrier. Rifampin and mupirocin, for eradication of Staphylococcus colonization in health workers (even MRSA) are acceptable.

Antimicrobial resistance represents one of the main threats to healthy ecosystems. In recent years, among the multidrug-resistant microorganisms responsible for nosocomial infections, the Enterococcus species have received much attention. Indeed, Enterococcus have peculiar skills in their ability to acquire resistance genes and to cause severe diseases, such as endocarditis. This study showed the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance rate of Enterococcus spp. isolated from clinical samples, from January 2015 to December 2019 at the University Hospital “San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona” in Salerno, Italy. A total of 3236 isolates of Enterococcus faecalis (82.2%) and Enterococcus faecium (17.8%) were collected from urine cultures, blood cultures, catheters, respiratory tract, and other samples. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility were performed with VITEK 2. E. faecium showed a high resistance rate against ampicillin (84.5%), ampicillin/sulbactam (82.7%), and imipenem (86.7%), while E. faecalis showed the highest resistance rate against gentamicin and streptomycin high level, but both were highly sensitive to such antibiotics as tigecycline and vancomycin. Studies of surveillance are an important tool to detect changes in the resistance profiles of the main pathogens. These antimicrobial susceptibility patterns are necessary to improve the empirical treatment guideline of infections.

Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by various species of the Shigella genus as it is transmitted by a fecal-oral path. Characteristic symptoms include diarrhea, often blood-like, fever and abdominal pains. Aim. In this study we aimed at tracing the course of severe Shigellosis affecting children from the area of the city of Sofia and the Sofia Dis-trict for a 9-month period. Materials and Methods. In the period March-December 2019, 46 children hospitalized with diarrheic syndrome and a proven Shigella spp. infection with an average age of 5.5 years were studied. The methods of direct microscopy, cultivation technique, biochemical identification, serotyping and determination of antimicrobial sensitivity were used. The clinical features of the disease in children was described. Results. All studied children had acute diarrhea but no admixtures of blood were found in 12 (26%). From the biochemical and serological tests of the Shigella isolates, two main groups were demonstrated - S. flexneri (71.1%) and S. sonnei (28.3%). A serious antimicrobial resistance to some of the most used antimicrobial agents, particularly in S. flexneri, was found. Conclusion. In cases of acute diarrhea, no matter if admixtures of blood can be seen, also Shigellosis has to be suspected. Antibiotic treatment has to be postponed until the obtainment of antibiogram due to the serious resistance, which is demonstrated by Shigella in our country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study was to characterize Staphylococcusaureus isolates of food origin (dairy and meat products, pastries and sandwiches) determining the carriage in enterotoxin genes and the antimicrobial resistance pheno/genotypes. Methods and results: A total of 300 food samples were collected and analysed for the detection of S. aureus. The presence of enterotoxin genes was investigated by multiplex PCRs. Resistance of isolates to 11 antimicrobials was determined using disc diffusion method and molecular characterization of methicillin‐resistant S. aureus was carried out by spa typing and multilocus sequence typing. Overall, 51 out of 300 samples (17%) were contaminated with S. aureus, and 104 isolates were recovered. In all, 65 of these isolates (62·5%) harboured one or more genes encoding for staphylococcal enterotoxins, being seg and sei the most observed genes. The highest resistance profile was ascribed to penicillin G (95·19%). Five isolates were methicillin‐resistant (MRSA) harbouring the mecA gene. All MRSA isolates belonged to the sequence type ST5 and to two different spa types (t450 and t688); the MRSA‐t450 isolate carried the scn gene (specific marker of the immune evasion cluster system), but the four MRSA‐t688 isolates were scn negative. The MRSA isolates carried enterotoxin genes but were negative for the genes of the Panton Valentine leukocidine (lukF/S‐PV). Conclusion: The presence of enterotoxigenic S. aureus isolates, including MRSA, in food samples can represent a risk for public health. Significance and Impact of this Study: This work describes the molecular characteristics of MRSA strains isolated from foods in Algeria and it can contribute to an extended database concerning the S. aureus isolated from food origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Bacterial meningitis is a serious inflammation of the meninges. Antimicrobial therapy on early cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination has an important role in diagnosis. The disease is still challenging in developing countries because of poor (diagnostic set-up, socioeconomic conditions, management), and misuse of antimicrobial therapy results in emerging antimicrobial-resistant strains. Therefore, this hospital based cross sectional study was aimed to assess the antimicrobial sensitivity profile and bacterial isolates among patients suspected of pyogenic meningitis at Hawassa University Hospital from February 2017 to 2018. Results: A total of 394 patients suspected as meningitis were included. Of these 210 (53.3%) were males and 184 (46.7%) were females. The carriage rate of bacterial pathogens was 27(6.9%). The common clinical presentations were fever 330 (83.8%), headache 205 (52.0%) and neck stiffness 179(45.4%) followed by altered mental status 125(31.7%). Neck stiffness P = 0.001 (AOR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.06–6.53), Hx of seizure P = 0.043, (AOR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.15–5.99), Nuchal rigidity P = 0.001* (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.06–4.48) were significantly associated with culture positivity. The pathogens isolated in this study were N. meningitidis the most frequent isolate 12(44.4%) followed by S. pneumoniae 5 (18.5%), E. coli 4(14.8%), H. influenza 3(13.6%), S. aureus 2(11.1%) and K. pneumoniae 1(3.7%). S. pneumoniae was (100%) resistance to penicillin, (80%) amoxicillin, and (20%) Cefotaxime. S. aureus was (100%) resistant to penicillin, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin. N. meningitidis was (100%) resistant to penicillin, (66.7%) Ceftriaxone and (41.7%) chloramphenicol. In this study a single isolate was also resistant to a different antibiotic. Conclusion: The prevention of bacterial meningitis needs serious attention since the isolated bacteria showed single and multiple antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and the variable nature of isolated etiological agents makes it reasonable to provide continuous future updates on local resistance of common antibiotics and optimize the most frequent bacteria associated with meningitis in the hospital. Therefore; further, survey study with a better design of antimicrobial susceptibility at large scale to control the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the change in the causative organism of bacterial meningitis in the study area and at a national level is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, infection with Shewanella putrefaciens has emerged as a serious problem in freshwater aquaculture. In the present study, we report large‐scale mortality in farmed tilapia Oreochromis niloticus from Hisar, North India. The diseased tilapia exhibited lethargy, swimming near the water surface, fin rot, hemorrhages on the operculum, and approximately 40% mortality. Gram‐negative, motile, catalase, and oxidase‐positive bacilli were isolated from the kidney of affected tilapia and confirmed as S. putrefaciens on the basis of biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The antimicrobial sensitivity test revealed that S. putrefaciens strains were sensitive to quinolone, nitrofuran, tetracycline, aminoglycoside, cephalosporin, aminocyclitol, sulphonamide, and macrolide antibiotics, but resistant to beta‐lactam and glycopeptide antibiotics. The histopathological examination revealed degenerative changes in the kidney, liver, spleen, and intestine suggesting systemic infection. In experimental infection studies, the disease was reproduced in naive tilapia, and the clinical signs resembled those observed in natural cases. Further more, S. putrefaciens was re‐isolated from the kidney of challenged tilapia, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Therefore, the mortality in tilapia was attributed to S. putrefaciens infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose  Blood is one of the most important connective tissues of human body. Bloodstream infection can range from inapparent bacteremia till fulminant septic shock with high mortality. Presence of microbes in blood whether continuously, intermittently, or transiently is a grave risk to every organ of body. Culture of blood is a vital tool to diagnose such infections. Drug susceptibility patterns help in rationalizing therapy. Objective  The aim of the study is to perform bacteriological analysis and assess drug sensitivity patterns of blood culture isolates and compare in light of other associated variables. Design  Retrospective observational study was conducted from January 2009 to December 2013 at a tertiary care hospital at Shillong, India. Blood samples were collected with aseptic guidelines and cultured for 7 days. Growths were identified by standard biochemical tests and subjected to sensitivity testing according to Modified Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Data for source of blood collection and duration of incubation were noted and compared. Results  A total of 658 (11.2%) pathogens were isolated from 5,867 bacteremia-suspected patient blood specimens. Contamination was observed at the rate of 1.21%. Gram-negative organisms were the predominant pathogens recovered, Klebsiella pneumoniae being the most common. No significant difference was observed between the number of organisms isolated within or beyond 48 hours. Acinetobacter baumannii and K. pneumoniae have significantly higher chances (p < 0.05) of isolation from central line catheters compared with peripheral venipuncture. Conclusion  Successful treatment of sepsis depends on early diagnosis and proper antimicrobial therapy. Local knowledge of bacteriological profile and antimicrobial sensitivity patterns helps rationalize empiric treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]