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Antibiotic resistance crisis occasioned by sporadic appearance of multi-drug resistance (MDR) in human pathogens to clinically applied antimicrobials is a serious threat to global health. In this study, we investigated the drug resistant phenotype of Gram-positive cocci isolates from environment. Staphylococcus capitis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus colonies were isolated on mannitol-salt agar plates supplemented with tetracycline. Antibiotic susceptibility profile of the isolates via minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination was examined. Isolates showed decreased sensitivity to clinically applied antimicrobial agents: tetracycline, kanamycin, erythromycin, norfloxacin, teicoplanin, and ampicillin. Genomic analysis demonstrated the presence of multiple antibiotic resistant genes in these bacteria, suggesting the origin of the multiple antimicrobials resistant phenotype. Tetracycline resistance of these isolates was transduced to Staphylococcus aureus-RN4220 strain. These findings indicate the presence of multiple antimicrobials resistant S. capitis and S. haemolyticus strain in a nonhospital setting. Moreover, the presence of plethora of genes responsible for MDR suggest that these strains could present potential threat to human health by serving as reservoir for lateral transference of antimicrobial resistance conferring foreign genetic elements to other clinically relevant pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and Objective: In the past, most strains of E. coli were susceptible to a wide range of antimicrobial agents, but this situation is now changed by indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Ceftriaxone and Ceftazidime are the most current antibiotics used for Enterobacteriaceae infections in hospitals. The aim of this study was to determine antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli strains isolated from patients. Material and Methods: During a 12-month period, 200 clinical samples taken from patients referred to Zahedan hospitals were assessed to isolate Escherichia coli. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion method and micro-broth dilution and Bla TEM resistance genes were detected by PCR. Results: Following phenotype verification testing, 112 isolates (56%) were produced Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBLs) and 130 isolates were potential producers of beta-lactamase (ESBL). Using PCR, 72 isolates (38.55%) have TEM gene. Conclusion: The rate of antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolates to ceftriaxone and ceftazidime is high therefore, it seems reasonable to do antibiogram before treatment. Keywords: Extended-Spectrum-Beta-Lactamase, Esherchia coli, Disc Diffusin, Micro-Broth Dilution

A new class of 10 novel quinoxaline hydrazones was synthesized to examine their antimicrobial activity. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H-NMR, and MS spectral data and elemental analyses. Antimicrobial activity of the compounds was evaluated against 3 fungal and 7 bacterial strains by Micro-broth dilution assay. All of the synthesized compounds showed significant antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, antibacterial activity of the 2,4- difluoro substituted compound 4b displayed two fold better activity than chloramphenicol against this bacterial strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The emergence of antibiotic resistant pathogens is a serious global health threat. Hence, the search for new antibiotic drugs from various natural sources should be given high priority. Lichens produce a variety of low molecular weight metabolic compounds and many cultures have utilized these compounds in traditional medicine for centuries. Objective: Report the antibiotic properties of extracts from 34 North American lichens screened against four pathogenic bacteria. Materials and methods: The micro-well dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of acetone and methanol extracts of 34 lichen species against four bacterial strains. Major chemical compounds in each species were identified using thin layer chromatography (TLC). Results: Most of the lichen extracts demonstrated inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) with MIC values ranging from 3.9 to 500 µg/ml. In addition, extracts from three species, Letharia columbiana (Nutt.) J. W. Thomson (Parmeliaceae), Letharia vulpina (L.) Hue (Parmeliaceae), and Vulpicida canadensis (Räsänen) J.-E. Mattsson & M. J. Lai (Parmeliaceae) (MIC = 125-500 µg/ml) were also effective against Escherichia coli. Generally, acetone extractions were found to be more effective than methanol extractions. Discussion and conclusion: Results of this study show that lichen extracts provide significant antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These results suggest that lichens may be an important potential source of antibacterial drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: In the past, most strains of E. coli were susceptible to a wide range of antimicrobial agents, but this situation is now changed by indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Ceftriaxone and Ceftazidime are the most current antibiotics used for Enterobacteriaceae infections in hospitals. The aim of this study was to determine antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli strains isolated from patients. Material and Methods: During a 12-month period, 200 clinical samples taken from patients referred to Zahedan hospitals were assessed to isolate Escherichia coli. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion method and micro-broth dilution; and Bla TEM resistance genes were detected by PCR. Results: Following phenotype verification testing, 112 isolates (56%) were produced Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBLs) and 130 isolates were potential producers of beta-lactamase (ESBL). Using PCR, 72 isolates (38.55%) have TEM gene. Conclusion: The rate of antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolates to ceftriaxone and ceftazidime is high; therefore, it seems reasonable to do antibiogram before treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]