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Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a great scourge on human health, exacerbated by the acquisition of resistance to carbapenems, the last resort treatment for infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria. Objectives: This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of genes encoding ESBL and carbapenemase production in Gramnegative bacteria from clinical samples in Lagos state, Nigeria.Method: A total of 107 bacteria cultures were obtained from hospitals and clinical diagnostic laboratories. Isolate identification, antibiotics susceptibility testing, and phenotypic detection of ESBL production were done using standardized procedures. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on ESBL-producing isolates to detect blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M, blaKPC, blaVIM, blaIMP and blaOXA.Result: Among the 107 cultures, 83 isolates were obtained with 55 being Gram-negative. Escherichia coli (22; 40%) was the most prevalent species followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (7; 13%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 34 (62%) of the isolated bacteria with 14 (26%) not susceptible to meropenem. ESBL production was detected in 42 (76%) of the isolates of which 23 (55%) strains harboured one or more of the genes blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M. The carbapenemase genes blaKPC and/or blaVIM were observed in 11 (26%) isolates. No isolated bacteria were found to harbour blaIMP and/or blaOXA.Conclusion: Genes encoding ESBL and carbapenemase production were detected in samples of human origin in Lagos state. Novel antibiotics and/or alternative therapy are necessary for infection therapy in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the distribution and drug resistance characteristics of pathogens in donors and recipients undergoing simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK). Methods Clinical data of 231 pairs of donors and recipients undergoing SPK were analyzed retrospectively. The pathogens of samples from donors and recipients were identified by VITEK-2 analyzer, and drug sensitivity test was performed by K-B method. The source distribution and composition ratio of pathogens in donor and recipient samples, distribution characteristics of multi-drug resistant organism, infection of recipients and drug resistance characteristics of pathogens were analyzed. Results A total of 395 strains of pathogens were cultured from 1 294 donor samples, and the detection rate was 30.53%. Gram-negative bacteria mainly consisted of klebsiella pneumoniae, Gram-positive bacteria mainly comprised staphylococcus aureus, and fungi primarily included candida albicans, respectively. In total, 2 690 strains of pathogens were cultured from 10 507 recipient samples, and the detection rate was 25.60%. Gramnegative bacteria mainly consisted of pseudomonas maltophilia, Gram-positive bacteria primarily comprised enterococcus faecalis, and fungi mainly included candida albicans, respectively. Among 395 pathogens of donors, 15 strains of methicillinresistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), 16 strains of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) positive drug-resistant bacteria, 8 strains of carbapenem-resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa (CR-PA), 21 strains of carbapenem-resistant acinetobacter baumannii (CR-AB), 2 strains of carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and 1 strain of multiple-drug/pan-drug resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR/PDR-PA) were identified. Among 2 690 strains of recipient pathogens, 73 strains of ESBL positive drug-resistant bacteria, 44 strains of CR-PA, 31 strains of CR-AB and 3 strains of MDR/PDR-PA were detected. One recipient developed donor-derived infection, 69 cases of pneumonia, 52 cases of urinary tract infection, 35 cases of abdominal infection and 2 cases of hematogenous infection were reported within postoperative 1 year. Gram-negative bacteria were resistant to certain antibiotics. Gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to vancomycin. Fungi were sensitive to amphotericin B. Conclusions Gram-negative bacteria are the main pathogens of SPK recipients, which are resistant to certain antibiotics. Empirical use of antibiotics can be delivered before culture results are obtained. Subsequently, sensitive antibiotics should be chosen according to the culture results to improve the survival rate of SPK recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Carbapenemase-producing gramnegative bacteria, which hydrolyze most ofв-lactams, including carbapenems, is of global health care system threat. The number of the known carbapenemases is constantly increasing, however only four types are widely distributed: NDM-type, KPC-type, OXA-48-type and VIM-type. The frequency of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in hospitals of Saint Petersburg reached 9.2% (5.9% for NDM-type, 1.4% for ОХА-48-type, 1.9% for NDM-type + ОХА-48-type). Carbapenemase producers were also detected in hospitals of Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Vologda, Murmansk, Kurgan, Krasnoyarsk, Izhevsk, Krasnodar and Perm. In total 281 carbapenemase producers were recorded within 2011-2016, which were isolated from infected or colonized patients (K.pneumoniae - 247 isolates, Acinetobacter spp - 29 isolates, Enterobacter cloacae - 2 isolates, Serratia marcescens - 1 isolate, Escherichia coli - 1 isolate and Proteus mirabilis - 1 isolate). The carbapenemase-producing K.pneumoniae isolates were distinguished by considerable genetic diversity, the NDM-type carbapenemase-producers belonged to eight, КРС-type - to three and ОХА-48-type - to four different sequence-types (STs) respectively. The representatives of the globally dominant genetic line, Clonal Group 258 (CG258), and also a number of the less common lines (ST147, ST273, ST307 and ST377) were detected. The K.pneumoniae strains were distinguished by a high frequency of cross-resistance and the associated resistance to antibiotics of different groups. The frequency of resistance to cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones reached 100%. Among the NDM-type carbapenemase producers the frequency of resistance to aminoglycosides exceeded 90%, among the КРС-type carbapenemase producers the frequency of resistance corresponded to 66% for amikacin and 93% for gentamicin, among the ОХА-48 type carbapenemase producers the frequency of resistance was even lower (50% and 73% respectively). Approximately 80% of the NDM-type, 90% of the КРС-type and only 60% of the ОХА-48-type carbapenemase producers showed a high level of resistance to imipenem and meropenem. The frequency of resistance to tigecycline varied within 6.7% to 14.8% and the frequency of resistance to polymyxin was within 4.2% to 20%. The ОХА-40- and ОХА-23-types carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter spp. remained susceptible only to polymyxin. It is obvious that the possibility of antibacterial therapy of infections caused by carbapenemases producers is limited.

The study involved 25 Isolates of gramnegative carbapenemase-producing bacteria. 17 isolates of Klebsiella pneumonia produced carbapenemase NDM-1 and were highly resistant to cephalosporins (MIC>128 mcg/ml), carbapenems (MIC>16 mcg/ml), aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones, while among them 4 isolates preserved susceptibility to azthreonam and all of them were susceptible to tigecycline and polymyxin. 2 isolates of Acinetobacter genomospecies 13 produced NDM-1 and were resistant to all the beta-lactams and amikacin, while preserved susceptibility to gentamicin, co-trimoxazole, tigecycline and polymyxin, the susceptibility to ciprofloxacin being lowered. Carbapenemase VIM-4 was produced by 2 isolates of Enterobacter cloacae, which were highly resistant to cephalosporins and azthreonam, significant synergism being observed between cefepim and clavulanate. The resistance of the isolates to carbapenems was low (MIC 0.5-4.0 mcg/ml), they also being resistant to aminoglycosides and ciprofloxacin and susceptible to tigecycline and polymyxin. Carbapenemases KPC-2 were detected in 2 isolates of K.pneumoniae and in 1 isolate of E.cloacae. The above isolates were resistant to all the beta-lactams, ciprofloxacin, aminoglycosides and co-trimoxazole. 1 isolate of E.cloacae showed resistance to tigecycline and 1 isolate of K.pneumoniae was resistant to polymyxin. Carbapenemase OXA-48 was detected in 1 isolate of K.pneumoniae. It was resistant to all the beta-lactams, ciprofloxacin and co-trimoxazole and susceptible to aminoglycosides, tigecycline and polymyxin.

Copyright of Egyptian Journal of Microbiology is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background Optimal therapy for colorectal carcinoma (CRC), a frequently diagnosed malignancy, does not exist. Some of colicins and microcins, ribosomally synthesized peptides by gramnegative bacteria, have shown significant biological activity specifically against different cancer cells in vitro and in vivo conditions. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate natural colicin and microcin production by large intestinal mucosal bacteria in each stage of colorectal neoplasia and in those with a history of colorectal neoplasia. Methods A total of 21 patients with non-advanced adenoma (non-a-A; 16/21 with current and 5/21 with history of non-a-A), 20 patients with advanced colorectal adenoma (a-A; 11/20 with current and 9/20 with history of a-A), 22 individuals with CRC (9/22 with current and 13/22 with history of CRC) and 20 controls were enrolled. Mucosal biopsies from the caecum, transverse colon and the rectum were taken during colonoscopy in each individual. Microbiological culture followed. Production of colicins and microcins was evaluated by PCR methods. Results A total of 239 mucosal biopsies were taken. Production of colicins and microcins was significantly more frequent in individuals with non-a-A, a-A and CRC compared to controls. No significant difference in colicin and microcin production was found between patients with current and previous non-a-A, a-A and CRC. Significantly more frequent production of colicins was observed in men compared to women at the stage of colorectal carcinoma. A later onset of increased production of microcins during the adenoma-carcinoma sequence has been observed in males compared to females. Conclusions Strains isolated from large intestinal mucosa in patients with colorectal neoplasia produce colicins and microcins more frequently compared to controls. Bacteriocin production does not differ between patients with current and previous colorectal neoplasia. Fundamental differences in bacteriocin production have been confirmed between males and females.

Study Design: Retrospective hospital-registry study.Objective: To characterize the microbial epidemiology of surgical site infection (SSI) in spinal fusion surgery and the burden of resistance to standard surgical antibiotic prophylaxis.Summary Of Background Data: SSI persists as a leading complication of spinal fusion surgery despite the growth of enhanced recovery programs and improvements in other measures of surgical quality. Improved understandings of SSI microbiology and common mechanisms of failure for current prevention strategies are required to inform the development of novel approaches to prevention relevant to modern surgical practice.Methods: Spinal fusion cases performed at a single referral center between January 2011 and June 2019 were reviewed and SSI cases meeting National Healthcare Safety Network criteria were identified. Using microbiologic and procedural data from each case, we analyzed the anatomic distribution of pathogens, their differential time to presentation, and correlation with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening results. Susceptibility of isolates cultured from each infection were compared with the spectrum of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis administered during the index procedure on a per-case basis. Susceptibility to alternate prophylactic agents was also modeled.Results: Among 6727 cases, 351 infections occurred within 90 days. An anatomic gradient in the microbiology of SSI was observed across the length of the back, transitioning from cutaneous (gram-positive) flora in the cervical spine to enteric (gram-negative/anaerobic) flora in the lumbosacral region (correlation coefficient 0.94, P < 0.001). The majority (57.5%) of infections were resistant to the prophylaxis administered during the procedure. Cephalosporin-resistant gram-negative infection was common at lumbosacral levels and undetected methicillin-resistance was common at cervical levels.Conclusion: Individualized infection prevention strategies tailored to operative level are needed in spine surgery. Endogenous wound contamination with enteric flora may be a common mechanism of infection in lumbosacral fusion. Novel approaches to prophylaxis and prevention should be prioritized in this population.Level of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Optimal therapy for colorectal carcinoma (CRC), a frequently diagnosed malignancy, does not exist. Some of colicins and microcins, ribosomally synthesized peptides by gramnegative bacteria, have shown significant biological activity specifically against different cancer cells in vitro and in vivo conditions. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate natural colicin and microcin production by large intestinal mucosal bacteria in each stage of colorectal neoplasia and in those with a history of colorectal neoplasia.Methods: A total of 21 patients with non-advanced adenoma (non-a-A; 16/21 with current and 5/21 with history of non-a-A), 20 patients with advanced colorectal adenoma (a-A; 11/20 with current and 9/20 with history of a-A), 22 individuals with CRC (9/22 with current and 13/22 with history of CRC) and 20 controls were enrolled. Mucosal biopsies from the caecum, transverse colon and the rectum were taken during colonoscopy in each individual. Microbiological culture followed. Production of colicins and microcins was evaluated by PCR methods.Results: A total of 239 mucosal biopsies were taken. Production of colicins and microcins was significantly more frequent in individuals with non-a-A, a-A and CRC compared to controls. No significant difference in colicin and microcin production was found between patients with current and previous non-a-A, a-A and CRC. Significantly more frequent production of colicins was observed in men compared to women at the stage of colorectal carcinoma. A later onset of increased production of microcins during the adenoma-carcinoma sequence has been observed in males compared to females.Conclusions: Strains isolated from large intestinal mucosa in patients with colorectal neoplasia produce colicins and microcins more frequently compared to controls. Bacteriocin production does not differ between patients with current and previous colorectal neoplasia. Fundamental differences in bacteriocin production have been confirmed between males and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the role of bacterial infection related inflammatory biomarkers in identifying multi- drug resistant (MDR) bloodstream infections (BSIs) confirmed by blood culture (BC) and predicting pathogen types. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 852 MDR infection patients in the Third People’s Hospital of Hubei Province, while 526 patients with concurrent laboratory test results including blood culture, routine blood tests, C reaction protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and serum pancreatic amyloid (SAA). The differences of the above indicators were analyzed in negative blood culture and positive blood culture groups, and the diagnostic value for the bloodstream infections was also evaluated. Results In 526 patients, there were 108 BSIs cases, including 42 cases (38.9%) were infected with Gram-positive bacteria and 66 cases (61.1%) were infected with Gran-negative bacteria. MRSA (23 cases), ESBL-positive Escherichia coli (39 cases) and ESBL-positive klebsiella pneumoniae (20 cases) were the major pathogens in BSIs. In BCpositive cases, there were significant differences in CRP, PCT, SAA and NEU between Gram-negative bacteria group and Gram-positive bacteria group (Z=2.448, 5.647, 3.368, 4.905, all P＜0.05). Within cases of Gram-positive bacteria, there was statistical significance in CRP (H=19.021, P＜0.001), with the highest level of MRSA (114.35 mg/L). Within cases of Gram-negative bacteria, both CRP and PCT showed statistical significance (H=19.369, 15.013, P＜0.01), with the highest level in ESBL-positive escherichia coli (164.60 mg/L, 97.42-217.50; 7.361 μg/L, 3.51-9.95). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC-AUCs) of CRP, PCT, SAA, WBC and NEU for discriminating positive MDR-BC from MDR-BC negative cases were 0.778, 0.728, 0.658, 0.578, and 0.645, with statistical significance in CRP and PCT (P＜ 0.01). For discriminating Gram-negative bacteria BC, AUCs of CRP and PCT were 0.692 and 0.883 with statistical significance (P＜0.01). Conclusion CRP is more applicable for the early diagnosis of BSI compared with PCT. After confirming BSI, PCT is suitable for discriminating Gram-negative bacteria infection. Therefore, the combination of PCT and CRP may help medical staff to judge the BSI and type the possible pathogens, and to rationally use drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Las bacterias gramnegativas se consideran como causa frecuente de neumonía en pacientes VIH/sida. La emergente y elevada proporción de microorganismos resistentes obliga a utilizar el antibiograma como un método que definirá la terapéutica de estos pacientes. Objetivos: identificar las bacterias gramnegativas que causan neumonía en pacientes VIH/sida y determinar la sensibilidad antimicrobiana de los microorganismos aislados. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo en el Instituto "Pedro Kourí" de 85 pacientes con VIH/sida y diagnóstico presuntivo de neumonía bacteriana por criterios clínicos y radiológicos. Se recogieron muestras de esputo y sangre para cultivo. Las bacterias aisladas y la sensibilidad antimicrobiana se determinaron por el sistema semiautomatizado miniApi (bioMérieux). Resultados: se aislaron 74 bacterias potencialmente patógenas de las que 32 (43,2 %) se clasificaron como gramnegativas. Predominaron Klebsiella pneumoniae (11 cepas: 34,3 %), Pseudomonas spp. (8 cepas: 25 %) y Escherichia coli (4 cepas: 12,5 %). Escherichia coli mostró el mayor porcentaje de resistencia y el 75 % de las cepas fue sensible frente a la amikacina. No se encontró resistencia al meropenem y más del 50 % de las enterobacterias identificadas con excepción de E.coli fueron sensibles a las cefalosporinas de tercera generación, ciprofloxacina, amikacina y cotrimoxazol. Pseudomonas spp. presentó resistencia al cotrimoxazol (87 %) y ticarcilina (75 %). Conclusiones: las bacterias gramnegativas causan en un porcentaje no despreciable neumonía en pacientes con VIH/sida. Aunque persisten cepas resistentes frente a diversos antimicrobianos, las cefalosporinas, quinolonas y los carbapenémicos muestran una adecuada actividad frente a estas bacterias.Gramnegative bacteria are considered to be a common cause of pneumonia in HIV/AIDS patients. The emergence of a large number of resistant microorganisms has made it necessary to use antibiograms to decide what treatment will be applied to these patients. Objectives: identify gramnegative bacteria causing pneumonia in HIV/AIDS patients and determine the antimicrobial sensitivity of the microorganisms isolated. Methods: a prospective descriptive study of 85 patients with HIV/AIDS and presumed diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia was carried out at "Pedro Kouri" Institute applying clinical and radiological criteria. Sputum and blood samples were collected to be cultured. The bacteria isolated and their antimicrobial sensitivity were determined using the mini-Api (bioMérieux) semiautomated system. Results: seventy-four potentially pathogenic bacteria were isolated, of which 32 (43.2 %) were classified as gramnegative. The prevailing ones were Klebsiella pneumoniae (11 strains: 34.3 %), Pseudomonas spp. (8 strains: 25 %) and Escherichia coli (4 strains: 12,5 %). Escherichia coli exhibited the highest resistance percentage. 75 % of the strains were sensitive to amikacin. No resistance was found to meropenem, and more than 50% of the enterobacteria identified, with the exception of E. coli, were sensitive to third-generation cephalosporins, ciprofloxacin, amikacin and cotrimoxazol. Pseudomonas spp. showed resistance to cotrimoxazol (87 %) and ticarcillin (75 %). Conclusions: gramnegative bacteria cause pneumonia in HIV/AIDS patients to a considerable extent. There continue to be strains which are resistant to various antimicrobial drugs. However, cephalosporins, quinolones and carbapenemics exhibit adequate activity against these bacteria.

Objective: To discuss pathogenic bacteria distribution and risk factors in community acquired pneumonia complicated with infection of gram negative bacteria, and to reduce the infection rate. Methods: Chose 80 patients with CAP who were diagnosed as CAP in our hospital from June 2013 to June 2015, collected the clinical data of CAP patients. The clinical characteristics and risk factors of gram negative bacterial infection were analyzed. Results: CAP complicated with infection of gram negative bacteria with Klebsiella penumoniae trees was the most, 13 strains (accounted for 30.23%), followed by 8 strains of Escherichia coli (accounted for 18.6%) and 7 strains of Bormann real coli (accounted for 16.28%). Infection positive group's the use of antibiotics before hospitalized, abnormal levels of white blood cells, PORT≥ 3 and level of blood urea nitrogen>7.1 mmol/L proportion were significantly higher, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). With logistic regression analysis showed the use of antibiotics before hospitalized, abnormal levels of white blood cells, PORT≥ 3 and level of blood urea nitrogen>7.1 mmol/L was gram negative bacteria infection risk factors. The pathogenic bacteria of CAP complicated by Gramnegative bacteria infection in patients is mainly caused by pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Bauman Acinetobacter. The main clinical treatment should pay attention to the risk factors of infection caused by CAP infection, so as to reduce the infection rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the distribution of isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility of gramnegative bacteria among culture-positive vitreous samples from patients with endophthalmitis. Methods: The records from culture-positive vitreous isolates (endophthalmitis cases) during a 24-year period (December 1990 to December 2014), at the Microbiology Department of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute were reviewed. Results: In the current study, gram-negative bacteria were reported in 246 (11.5%) of 2,134 vitreous isolates from endophthalmitis patients during 24-year period (December 1990 to December 2014) from a University Referral Center. The antimicrobial susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, carbapenems, and ceftazidime remained stable among gram-negative bacteria during the study period. Conclusion: Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of gram-negative bacteria from vitreous isolates did not change significantly during the 24-year study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To quantify antibiotic-associated within-host antibiotic resistance acquisition rates in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella species, and Enterobacter species from lower respiratory tract samples of ICU patients receiving selective digestive decontamination, selective oropharyngeal decontamination, or standard care.Design: Prospective cohort.Setting: This study was nested within a cluster-randomized crossover study of selective digestive decontamination and selective oropharyngeal decontamination in 16 ICUs in The Netherlands.Patients: Eligible patients were those colonized in the respiratory tract with P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella species, or Enterobacter species susceptible to one of the marker antibiotics and with at least two subsequent microbiological culture results from respiratory tract samples available.Interventions: None.Measurements and Main Results: Antibiotic resistance acquisition rates were defined as the number of conversions from susceptible to resistant for a specific antibiotic per 100 patient-days or 100 days of antibiotic exposure within an individual patient. The hazard of antibiotic use for resistance development in P. aeruginosa was based on time-dependent Cox regression analysis. Findings of this study cohort were compared with those of a previous cohort of patients not receiving selective digestive decontamination/selective oropharyngeal decontamination. Numbers of eligible patients were 277 for P. aeruginosa, 174 for Klebsiella species, and 106 for Enterobacter species. Resistance acquisition rates per 100 patient-days ranged from 0.2 (for colistin and ceftazidime in P. aeruginosa and for carbapenems in Klebsiella species) to 3.0 (for piperacillin-tazobactam in P. aeruginosa and Enterobacter species). For P. aeruginosa, the acquisition rates per 100 days of antibiotic exposure ranged from 1.4 for colistin to 4.9 for piperacillin-tazobactam. Acquisition rates were comparable for patients receiving selective digestive decontamination/selective oropharyngeal decontamination and those receiving standard care. Carbapenem exposure had the strongest association with resistance development (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.1-15.6).Conclusion: Within-host antibiotic resistance acquisition rates for systemically administered antibiotics were comparable between patients receiving selective decontamination and those receiving standard care and were highest during carbapenem use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For assessment of the dose-response relationship between concentrations of microbial agents in the air of various agricultural settings and occurrence of work-related symptoms in exposed workers, a meta-analysis of the results obtained in 1994-2007 on the territory of eastern Poland was performed. The studies on the airborne concentrations of total culturable microorganisms, mesophilic bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, thermophilic actinomycetes, fungi, and bacterial endotoxins, as well as on the frequency of work-related respiratory and general symptoms in the exposed workers, were carried out at grain, thyme, valerian, flax, and hop handling on farms, in cow barns, piggeries, horse stables and in a modern hatchery. The airborne concentrations of the total microorganisms were in the range of 9.2-1236.5 × 103 CFU/m3, of the total mesophilic bacteria 3.5-1225.8 × 103 CFU/m3, of Gram-negative bacteria 0.0-46.2 × 103 CFU/m3, of thermophilic actinomycetes 0.0-7.1 × 103 CFU/m3, of fungi 2.1-77.9 × 103 CFU/m3, and of bacterial endotoxin 0.00925-429.55 μg/m3. The frequency of work-related symptoms ranged between 21.7-63.8%. In a meta-analysis for assessment of the correlations between the log-transformed concentrations of airborne microbial agents and the occurrence of work-related symptoms, the multiple regression test was applied. Statistically significant correlations were found between the occurrence of workrelated symptoms and the concentration of total airborne microorganisms (R=0.748555; P=0.020317), mesophilic bacteria (R=0.7573; P=0.029548), Gram-negative bacteria (R=0.835938; P=0.019129), and endotoxins (R=0.705356; P=0.03378). The correlations between the concentrations of thermophilic actinomycetes and fungi, on one side, and frequency of work-related symptoms on the other, did not attain the threshold of significance (P=0.087049 and P=0.062963, respectively). Results of the meta-analysis confirm harmful health effects of the total airborne microorganisms, total airborne mesophilic bacteria, airborne Gram-negative bacteria, and airborne bacterial endotoxin on the occupationally-exposed agricultural workers, and indicate a need for the establishment of internationally recognized occupational exposure limits for these microbial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The susceptibility to the serum bactericidal system is a characteristic of gram-negative bacteria. There are many well-documented instances of enterobacterial susceptibility to complement. In fact, any prokaryote that presents a lipid bilayer membrane would appear to be potentially susceptible to complement killing, although there are gram-negative bacteria that appear refractory to the serum bactericidal and bacteriolytic systems; these resistant strains are frequently isolated as causative agents of infections involving tissue damage. It has therefore been suggested that serum resistance is an important determinant of virulence in at least some infections due to gram- negative bacteria. In some diseases caused for these bacteria, vaccination constitutes the more effective way, such as cholera and meningococci meningitis. Antibodies with lytic capacity induced for vaccination protect against infection and/or disease, that is why serum bactericidal assay is the gold test for evaluating the efficacy of many vaccines. Clinical trials conducted with N. meningitidis A, B, C, Y and W135 vaccines and with live attenuated or inactivated cholera vaccines have shown the induction of antibodies with lytic activity which have correlated with protection in efficacy trials or in a experimental challenge, for that reason is important the standardization and validation of these assays for its application as immunogenicity rule in the vaccines development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mammalian liver works to keep the body in a state of homeostasis and plays an important role in systemic acute phase response to infections. In this study we investigated the bovine hepatic acute phase response at the gene transcription level in dairy cows with experimentally Escherichia coli-induced mastitis. At time = 0, each of 16 periparturient dairy cows received 20-40 colony-forming units of live E. coli in one front quarter of the udder. A time series of liver biopsies was collected at -144, 12, 24, and 192 h relative to time of inoculation. Changes in transcription levels in response to E. coli inoculation were analyzed using the Bovine Genome Array and tested significant for 408 transcripts over the time series [adjusted p ≤0.05, abs(fold-change)2]. After 2-D clustering, transcripts represented three distinct transcription profiles: 1) regulation of gene transcription and apoptosis, 2) responses to cellular stress invoked by reactive metabolites, and 3) metabolism and turnover of proteins. The results showed that the liver went through a period of perturbations to its normal homeostatic condition during the first 24 h following the E. coli-induced intramammary inflammation. In previous studies, bacterial lipopolysaccharide, LPS, was used for intramammary stimulation to mimic E. coli infection. Comparing responses to LPS and E. coli, induced biochemical processes were similar but not identical (94 and 85% similarity between corresponding samples at early and late acute phase, respectively), but their kinetics were not. A notable difference concerned transcription of factors associated with oxidative stress in E. coliinduced liver responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of fractionation of heterogeneous bacterial populations using wide-porous agarose cryogels containing grafted aliphatic groups with the chain lengths of 4, 7, and 12 carbon atoms was demonstrated for the first time. The maximum sorption of vegetative cells of gram-positive bacteria (60%) was shown for the polymeric carrier with the chain length of 4 carbon atoms, while the hypometabolic cells appearing in the population after prolonged (60-day) cultivation were trapped by wide-porous affinity sorbents with C7- and C12-aliphatic groups much better than vegetative cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Homeopathy is a therapy that uses medications prepared with infinitesimal and dynamized dilutions. Current studies demonstrate in vitro activity of homeopathy on gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Among bacterial infections, urinary tract infection (UTI) is frequent, leads to later consequences and the main causal agent is Escherichia coli (E. coli). In other publications, it has been reported inactivity of homeopathy on E. coli cultures. Due to the divergence in the literature, the objective of this study was to evaluate gramnegative bacteria growth under homeopathy treatment. Methods: The medicines Atropa belladona, Cantharis, Staphysagria, and Colibacillinum were tested at 6CH, 12CH and 30CH in E. coli ATCC 25922 and EPEC (Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli) ATCC 43887. Two hundred and fifty microliters of the medicines in alcohol 30% were incubated at 37ºC with 3 mL of Müller Hinton broth (MH), 10 μL of cultures at 0.5 Macfarland and subsequent dilution at 1/10. Bacterial growth was evaluated in a spectrophotometer at 600nm, in the periods of 6, 12, and 20 hours of incubation. Results and Discussion: The results showed no inhibition of bacterial growth under the studied conditions. These data corroborate with studies already published that indicate the absence of action of homeopathy on E. coli cultures. Considering other studies, it can be suggested that homeopathic medicines have direct activity on the growth of Gram-positive and not Gram-negative bacteria. Evaluating the two bacterial groups, it is possible to assume that the difference in homeopathy activity could be linked to differences in the bacterial wall structure. This hypothesis should be evaluated by other tests with the same bacterial strains. Conclusion: The homeopathic medicines tested have no direct activity on Gram-negative bacteria cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which discussed how SURFACEN inhibits the growth of bacteria causing respiratory infections. The incubation of the Gram positive bacteria Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus with SURFACEN led to a decrease in bacterial growth. Likewise, the incubation of the Gram negative bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli with SURFACEN ended in a dose-dependent decrease in the volume of colony-forming units.

Background: The incidences of opportunistic bacterial infections have increased in the past two decades or is expected to increase in the near future. Despite the availability of various classes of antibiotics, bacterial infections are not handled properly., Methods: Thus, in the present study, we have repurposed atorvastatin against various types of bacterial strains by using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies. Furthermore, a preliminary safety study was conducted using MTT assay., Results: In silico study results have revealed that atorvastatin has good interaction with various targets of bacterial cell like that of the reference ligand. However, under in vitro conditions,it was found that atorvastatin was effective at higher concentrations (>128 μg/ml) against various bacterial strains. Thus, further, atorvastatin was tested in combination with standard antibiotics and has shown a synergistic effect., Conclusion: The MTT assay results have revealed non-cytotoxic activity of atorvastatin. In conclusion, atorvastatin in combination with standard drugs could be developed as an antibacterial agent., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Introduction: Multidrug resistant Gramnegative (MDRGN) infections are an increasing problem in neonatal intensive care units. The objective of this study was to establish the epidemiological, clinical, microbiological, and evolutionary characteristics of carbapenem-resistant MDRGN infections and the risk factors for them at the Division of Neonatology of a tertiary care hospital., Population and Method: A retrospective cohort study was done in this Division in patients with a documented MDRGN infection between 4/24/2013 and 4/29/2015., Results: Twenty-one patients were included. Their median gestational age and birth weight were 35 weeks and 2070 g, respectively. Eighteen patients (86 %) had a positive blood culture; the most commonly isolated microorganism was Acinetobacter baumannii (17 patients, 81 %), followed by carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (3 patients, 14 %) and Enterobacter cloacae (1 patient, 5 %).The median age at diagnosis was 28 days and all patients had risk factors for infection, including surgery, assisted mechanical ventilation, parenteral nutrition, central venous line, and antibiotics. The definite antibiotic therapy included colistin in all cases; in combination, in 84 %. Five patients (24 %) died due to the infection. Prematurity and a birth weight < 2000 g were statistically significant risk factors associated with mortality (p = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively)., Conclusion: MDRGN infections were observed in patients with predisposing factors. Acinetobacter baumannii was the main etiologic agent. Mortality was high and related to prematurity and a low birth weight., (Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.)