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There is a significant issue concerning the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria within companion animals. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common problem in veterinary medicine for which empirical antibiotics are utilized. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance of different uropathogens associated with UTIs in canine and feline cases. A total of 146 dogs and 162 cats suffered from lower urinary tract disorders were subjected to ultrasonographic and microbiological examination. Cystitis, urinary sediment, and cystic calculi are the most common ultrasonographic abnormalities associated with bacterial UTIs. Bacterial UTIs were obtained in 36.98 % and 25.92 % of cases in dogs and cats, respectively. A low rate of mixed infection was detected in canine cases (3.7 %). E. coli was the most prevalent pathogen isolated from 46.4 % and 66.7 % of canine and feline isolates, respectively followed by Proteus spp. in canine isolates (16.1 %) and Klebsiella spp. in feline isolates (14.3 %). Staphylococcus spp. was isolated from canine cases only with the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) strains at 3.6 %. The majority of the isolated strains were resistant to various antibiotic classes, particularly β-lactams. All gram-negative bacteria were susceptible to amikacin, whereas gram-positive strains exhibited 100 % sensitivity to nitrofurantoin and linezolid. Different bacterial species displayed low resistance to carbapenems and fluoroquinolones. Multi-drug resistance was reported in canine and feline strains at 64.3 % and 54.8 %, respectively. These findings prove the crucial necessity to restrict antibiotic consumption depending on urine culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this study, we report a high incidence of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-producing and ampicillin-catabolizing bacteria within carbapenem-resistant bacterial populations in the waters of two important rivers, Mahananda and Karala, bisecting two most populous towns, Siliguri and Jalpaiguri, respectively, in the northern West Bengal, India. Isolates producing NDM belonged to four genera, Acinetobacter , Escherichia , Proteus , and Pseudomonas ; among which few were phylogenetically determined as putatively novel species. Class 1 integrons with the frequent presence of aadA and aac(6')-Ib gene cassettes in 50% of NDM-bearing isolates are indicative of possible selective pressures generated out of unregulated use of streptomycin, in agriculture practiced by the cultivators and tea planters living in locales drained by these two rivers, in their up- and downstream, and amikacin in the most crowded government-sponsored "sadar" and district hospitals of Siliguri and Jalpaiguri. NDM-delivering bacteria in rivers have genuine consequences for city inhabitants who are dependent on public water and sanitation facilities. Standard reconnaissance of antibiotic resistance, consolidating ecological sampling just as the assessment of clinical isolates, should be set up as a need.

Background: Feline otitis externa is a dermatological disorder with a multifactorial complex etiology., Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of different etiological agents, particularly the parasitic and bacterial, responsible for the cases of feline otitis externa in Tripoli, Libya, and to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of the bacterial isolates from those cases., Methods: Cerumen and otic discharges of the suspected cats were collected for parasite detection and bacterial culture. Kirby-Bauer's disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing., Results: The results showed that otodectic mites and bacterial causes were equally the most prevalent in those cases, with a prevalence of 47.1% each. Otodectes cynotis infestation was more frequently bilateral and severe. Staphylococcus spp. were the most prevalent among bacterial causes (75%), followed by Proteus spp. (16.6%) and Pseudomonas spp. (8.4%). Norfloxacin and gentamicin were the most effective antimicrobials against bacterial isolates, as they were effective against 83.3% and 70.8% of isolates, respectively., Conclusion: Otodectes cynotis infestation and staphylococcal infections constituted the most common etiology of feline otitis externa in Tripoli, Libya, and norfloxacin represented a cogent antibacterial for the treatment of otitis externa., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

The present study reports the synergistic antibacterial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with the aid of a combination of chitosan and seaweed-derived polyphenols as a green synthetic route. Under optimum synthesis conditions, the rapid color change from yellowish to dark brown and UV-visible absorption peak at 425 confirmed the initial formation of AgNPs. DLS, TEM, XRD, and EDX analyses revealed the spherical shape of pure biogenic AgNPs with a mean diameter size of 12 nm ± 1.5 nm, and a face-centered cubic crystal structure, respectively. FTIR and TGA results indicated the significant contribution of chitosan and polyphenol components into silver ions bioreduction and thermal stability of freshly formed AgNPs. Long-term colloidal stability of AgNPs was obtained after 6-month storage at room temperature. The bio-prepared AgNPs possessed a negative surface charge with a zeta potential value of - 27 mV. In contrast to naked chemical silver nanoparticles, the green Ag nanosamples demonstrated the distinct synergistic antibacterial in vitro toward all selected human pathogens presumably due to the presence of high content of biomolecules on their surface. The results show that synergy between chitosan and polyphenol results in the enhancement of bactericidal properties of biogenic AgNPs. We also highlighted the underlying mechanism involved in AgNPs formation based on nucleophile-electrophile interaction.

The development and evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pathogens has been reported to be one of the major issues confronting the global health community. The aim of this study was to examine the period prevalence of antibiotic resistance, as well as the trends and patterns in sensitivity profile of enteric bacteria isolated from urine samples of patients with UTIs in a teaching Hospital in south west Nigeria. Urine samples were collected from 77 patients with UTIs from February 2017 to October 2018. Standard laboratory methods were used for urine sample culture and bacterial identification. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used to evaluate antimicrobial sensitivity. Predominant enteric bacteria isolates were Escherichia coli (24, 39.3%), Salmonella species (12, 19.7%), Klebsiella species (4, 6.6%), Providencia species (6, 9.8%), Proteus species (8, 13.1%), Serratia species (2, 3.3%), Yersinia species (1, 1.6%) and Morganella species (4, 6.6%). A large proportion (90.2%) of isolates obtained were multi-drug resistant. High resistance in amoxycillin-clavulanate (98%), cefuroxime (92%), erythromycin (90%) and ceftazidime (84%) were recorded. These results emphasize the importance of continuous screening and surveillance programmes for detection of AMR in enteric bacteria of public health importance., (Copyright © 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular characteristics and horizontal transfer of florfenicol resistance gene-related sequences in Proteus strains isolated from animals. A total of six Proteus strains isolated from three farms between 2015 and 2016 were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for known florfenicol resistance genes. Proteus cibarius G11, isolated from the fecal material of a goose, was found to harbor both cfr and floR genes. Whole genome sequencing revealed that the strain harbored two copies of the floR gene: one was located on the chromosome and the other was located on a plasmid named pG11-152. Two floR-containing fragments 4028 bp in length were identical and showed transposon-like structures. The cfr gene was found on a plasmid named pG11-51 and flanked by a pair of IS26s. Thus, mobile genetic elements played an important role in floR replication and horizontal resistance gene transfer. Therefore, increasing attention should be paid to monitoring the spread of resistance genes and resistance in real time., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest in this work., (Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Flomoxef is used to treat bacterial prostatitis; however, its prostatic pharmacokinetics have not been fully clarified. Flomoxef (500 or 1000 mg) was administered to patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (n = 54). After a 0.5-h infusion, venous blood samples were drawn at time points of 0.5-5 h, and prostate tissue samples were collected at time points of 0.5-1.5 h during transurethral resection of the prostate. The drug concentrations in plasma and prostate tissue were analyzed pharmacokinetically and used for a stochastic simulation to predict the probability of attaining pharmacodynamic target in prostate tissue. Showing dose linearity in the prostatic pharmacokinetics, flomoxef rapidly penetrated into prostate tissue, with a prostate/plasma ratio of 0.48-0.50 (maximum drug concentration) and 0.42-0.55 (area under the drug concentration-time curve). Against the tested populations of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Proteus species isolates, 0.5-h infusion of 1000 mg three times daily achieved a ≥90% expected probability of attaining the bactericidal target (70% of the time above the minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC]) in prostate tissue. The site-specific pharmacodynamic-based breakpoint (the highest MIC at which the target-attainment probability in prostate tissue was >90%) values were 0.25 mg/L (MIC for 90th percentile of E. coli and Klebsiella species) for 500 mg four times daily and 0.5 mg/L (MIC 90 of Proteus species) for 1000 mg four times daily. These results help to fully characterize the prostatic pharmacokinetics of flomoxef, while also helping to rationalize and optimize the dosing regimens for prostatitis based on site-specific pharmacodynamic target attainment., (Copyright © 2019 Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Identify changes in the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of potentially pathogenic bacteria in urine cultures during a 2-year antimicrobial stewardship intervention program in nursing homes (NHs)., Design: Before-and-after intervention study., Setting: The study included 27 NHs in North Carolina., Methods: We audited all urine cultures ordered before and during an antimicrobial stewardship intervention. Analyses compared culture rates, culture positive rates, and pathogen antimicrobial resistance patterns., Results: Of 6,718 total urine cultures collected, 68% were positive for potentially pathogenic bacteria. During the intervention, significant reductions in the urine culture and positive culture rates were observed (P = .014). Most of the identified potentially uropathogenic isolates were Escherichia coli (38%), Proteus spp (13%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (12%). A significant decrease was observed during the intervention period in nitrofurantoin resistance among E. coli (P ≤ .001) and ciprofloxacin resistance among Proteus spp (P ≤ .001); however carbapenem resistance increased for Proteus spp (P ≤ .001). Multidrug resistance also increased for Proteus spp compared to the baseline. The high baseline resistance of E. coli to the commonly prescribed antimicrobials ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) did not change during the intervention., Conclusions: The antimicrobial stewardship intervention program significantly reduced urine culture and culture-positive rates. Overall, very high proportions of antimicrobial resistance were observed among common pathogens; however, antimicrobial resistance trended downward but reductions were too small and scattered to conclude that the intervention significantly changed antimicrobial resistance. Longer intervention periods may be needed to effect change in resistance patterns.

Stone formation and catheter blockage are major complications of Proteus UTIs. In this study, we investigated the ability of allicin to inhibit P. mirabilis-induced struvite crystallization and catheter blockage using a synthetic bladder model. Struvite crystallization inhibition study was carried out using P. mirabilis lysate as urease enzyme source in synthetic urine (SU). Struvite productions were monitored by phase contrast light microscopy and measurements of pH, Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ precipitation and turbidity. A catheter blockage study was performed in a synthetic bladder model mimicking natural UTI in the presence of allicin at sub-MIC concentrations (MIC = 64 μg/ml). The results of crystallization study showed that allicin inhibited pH rise and consequently turbidity and precipitation of ions in a dose-dependent manner. The results of catheter blockage study showed that allicin at sub-MIC concentrations (2, 4, 8 μg/ml) significantly increased the time for catheter blockage to occur to 61, 74 and 92 h respectively compared to allicin-free control (48 h). In a similar way, the results showed that allicin delayed the increase of SU pH level in bladder model in a dose-dependent manner compared to allicin-free control. The results also showed that following the increase of allicin concentration, Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ deposition in catheters were much lower compared to allicin-free control, further confirmed by direct observation of the catheters' eyehole and cross sections. We conclude that allicin prevents the formation of Proteus-induced urinary crystals and the blockage of catheters by delaying pH increase and lowering Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ deposition in a dose-dependent manner., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Proteeae is a tribe which consists of three genera: Proteus, Providencia and Morganella. The objective of this study was to determine antimicrobial resistance profile, virulence genotype and class 1 and 2 integrons in Proteeae isolated from pet turtles and to determine the impact of antibiotic resistance on virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. Integron-positive isolates were used to detect their gene cassette array. Sixty four Proteeae were isolated and all were resistant to macrolides (100%). Among 64 isolates 56, 52, 36 and 25 were resistant to nitrofurans, β-lactams, tetracycline and aminoglycoside respectively. Sixteen (25%) isolates were positive for intI1 while 14 (21·87%) were positive for integrase 2 (intI2). Eleven (17·18%) isolates were positive for class 1 variable region while 7 (10·93%) were positive for class 2 variable region. IMP27, a novel metallo β-lactamase gene was found in Providencia isolates. Proteus sp. were positive for every tested virulence genes and UreC gene was detected in 48·44% followed by zapA (17·19%), mrpA (17·19%) and hlyA (14·06%) genes. In this study, integron associated-antibiotic resistance genes have been identified in Proteeae isolates in a considerable range representing clear threats to public health. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: In this study, multidrug-resistant Proteeae isolates had several antibiotic resistance genes. Integrons are important contributors to the development and dissemination of antibiotic resistance. We could detect both class 1 and 2 integrons and several gene cassette arrays in class 1 integron. The gene cassette arrays of the Class 2 integrons contained IMP27-dfrA1-aadA1-catB2-ybeA-ybgA in two isolates. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study to report detection of IMP27 in Providencia rettgeri isolates. All results indicate that healthy pet turtles act as potential reservoirs for Proteeae species with zoonotic potential., (© 2018 The Society for Applied Microbiology.)

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the herniation of pelvic organs from its anatomical confines, and it is of considerable importance to the practicing gynaecologist in middle and low income countries. It is commonly associated with, urinary tract infection (UTI), both symptomatic and asymptomatic due to anatomical and physiological changes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among women with pelvic organ prolapse, to know the organisms commonly implicated and the sensitivity pattern., Methods: This study was conducted among 96 women with POP at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre Abakaliki. A cross sectional descriptive study was done. Standard microbial technique was used to analyze the urine. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17., Results: Out of the 96 patients, 76 were found to have asymptomatic bacteriuria giving a prevalence of 79.2%. Nine different bacteria species isolated include E. Coli (34.2%), Streptococcus pneumonia (23.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (7.9%), Proteus Spp (7.9%) others (5.3%). The highest level of microbial sensitivity to the antimicrobials was with Ciprofloxacin., Conclusions: This study suggests that prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria is very high among women with POP. More than 50% of the bacterial isolates were mainly E.coli and Streptococcus pneumonia. The highest level of microbial sensitivity was with ciprofloxacin while the least was with cotrimoxazole.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural linear polysaccharide that has been used extensively in the biomedical field as it is a biocompatible, biodegradable, nontoxic and non-immunogenic polymer with high water affinity. Besides, the presence of multiple acid and hydroxyl groups in the HA molecule makes it an ideal candidate for chemical modification. The present paper describes the synthesis and characterization of HA-based hydrogels. For this purpose, aqueous mixtures containing 5% (w/w) of HA and different concentrations of Gantrez S97 (GAN) (1, 3 and 5% w/w) were used to prepare HA-based hydrogels. The mixtures were dried and the hydrogels were obtained after heating the solid material at 80°C for 24h. GAN is the acid form of an methylvinylether and maleic anhydride copolymer and contains multiple acid groups that can form ester bonds when reacting with the multiple hydroxyl groups present in HA chains. The method described here present potential to be applied for the preparation of HA-based biomaterials with a defined form as the crosslinking reaction between HA and the crosslinker takes place in solid phase. Besides, the method can be considered an environmental-friendly process as no organic solvents or potentially toxic substances were used. The esterification reaction was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and dynamic scanning calorimetry measurements. The loading and release capabilities of the hydrogels were evaluating by using methylene blue (MB) as a model molecule. The hydrogels showed a high affinity for MB showing loadings up to 0.35mg MB per mg of hydrogel. Moreover, the hydrogels were capable of sustaining the MB release over two days. The use of microwave radiation was evaluated to reduce the crosslinking time from 24h to 1h, but this procedure needs to be optimized in future studies. As the crosslinking procedure takes place in solid state, the HA/GAN hydrogels were used to prepare micro-engineered device, microneedle arrays. Finally, the antimicrobial properties of the hydrogels were evaluated. The results showed that the hydrogels presented anti-infective properties., (Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Disulfides from Allium stipitatum, commonly known as Persian shallot, were previously reported to possess antibacterial properties. Analogues of these compounds, produced by S-methylthiolation of appropriate thiols using S-methyl methanethiosulfonate, exhibited antimicrobial activity, with one compound inhibiting the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis at 17 µM (4 mg L -1 ) and other compounds inhibiting Escherichia coli and multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus at concentrations ranging between 32-138 µM (8-32 mg L -1 ). These compounds also displayed moderate inhibitory effects on Klebsiella and Proteus species. Whole-cell phenotypic bioassays such as the spot-culture growth inhibition assay (SPOTi), drug efflux inhibition, biofilm inhibition and cytotoxicity assays were used to evaluate these compounds. Of particular note was their ability to inhibit mycobacterial drug efflux and biofilm formation, while maintaining a high selectivity towards M. tuberculosis H37Rv. These results suggest that methyl disulfides are novel scaffolds which could lead to the development of new drugs against tuberculosis (TB).

Currently, the use of cefazolin is recommended to determine the susceptibility to first-generation oral cephalosporins in strains of enterobacteria in uncomplicated UTI. We determined susceptibility differences to oral cephalosporins in urinary strains according to cefazolin or cefalotin breakpoints and the correlation of susceptibility between cefazolin and cefadroxil. We studied 52 strains with cefalotin and cefazolin by disk-diffusion and MIC (Kirby-Bauer and Vitek XL) and a subgroup by disk-diffusion for cefadroxil. Agreement among different methods was 100% for K. pneumoniae and Proteus spp. In Escherichia coli, agreement for Vitek and disk-diffusion were 0 and 50% respectively. Susceptibility to first generation cephalosporins in E. coli should be determined with cefazolin. Agreement between cefazolin and cefadroxil suggests that cefazolin could also predict the susceptibility of cefadroxil.

Proteus spp. is an etiological factor of urinary tract and bloodstream infections. The aim of this study was the retrospective analysis of susceptibility of Proteus spp. strains isolated from bloodstream infections (BSIs) as well as similarity evaluation of the strains isolated from different clinical samples. Proteus spp. strains were isolated in 2009-2017 from hospital patients. Identification was based on the colony's morphology and biochemical or MALDI-TOF MS analyzes. The antibiotic susceptibility test was done using the diffusion method. Biofilm formation was evaluated with microplate method using TTC. Bacteremia caused by Proteus spp. was found in 97 patients, mainly secondary to urinary tract infection. Most of the strains were susceptible to piperacillin with tazobactam (95.9%) and amikacin (86.7%). Elderly patients have a higher risk of mortality after BSIs caused by Proteus spp. A detailed analysis was made for randomly chosen 26 strains isolated from 11 patients with Proteus mirabilis bacteremia. Using PFGE, we found that 10 (90.9%) isolates, collected from different clinical specimens of the same patient, were genetically identical., Proteus spp. is an etiological factor of urinary tract and bloodstream infections. The aim of this study was the retrospective analysis of susceptibility of Proteus spp. strains isolated from bloodstream infections (BSIs) as well as similarity evaluation of the strains isolated from different clinical samples. Proteus spp. strains were isolated in 2009–2017 from hospital patients. Identification was based on the colony’s morphology and biochemical or MALDI-TOF MS analyzes. The antibiotic susceptibility test was done using the diffusion method. Biofilm formation was evaluated with microplate method using TTC. Bacteremia caused by Proteus spp. was found in 97 patients, mainly secondary to urinary tract infection. Most of the strains were susceptible to piperacillin with tazobactam (95.9%) and amikacin (86.7%). Elderly patients have a higher risk of mortality after BSIs caused by Proteus spp. A detailed analysis was made for randomly chosen 26 strains isolated from 11 patients with Proteus mirabilis bacteremia. Using PFGE, we found that 10 (90.9%) isolates, collected from different clinical specimens of the same patient, were genetically identical., (© 2018 Joanna Kwiecińska-Piróg et al.)

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a well-known bacterial infection posing serious health problem in pregnant women. A study was conducted in pregnant women with the objectives of estimating prevalence of UTI, determining antibiogram of the bacterial isolates and assessment of the potential risk factors associated with UTI., Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to collect 300 mid-stream urine samples from pregnant women from March 2016 to December, 2016. Samples were inoculated into Cysteine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient medium (CLED). Colonies from CLED were subcultured onto MacConkey and Blood agar plates. A standard agar disc diffusion method was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility. Chi-square (X 2 ) test & logistic regression were used to show associations between UTI and explanatory variables & identify the predictors of UTI, respectively., Results: The age of pregnant women enrolled in this study ranges from 16 to 46 years (mean ± standard deviation = 25 ± 4.7 years).The overall prevalence of UTI in pregnant women was 18.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.4-23.54%).The prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic UTI was 20.4% (95% CI: 13.09-29.46%) and 17.8% (95% CI: 12.70-23.83%) respectively. The predominant bacteria identified were E. coli (46.4%), S. aureus (14.3%), coagulase negative Staphylococci [CoNS] (14.3%) and Proteus species (10.6%). Majority of Gram-negative bacteria isolates were resistant to ampicillin (70%), ceftriaxon (66%), gentamicin (68%) and nitrofurantoin (64%) while 75-100% of the Gram positive isolates were resistance to ampicillin. Multiple drug resistance was observed in all of the isolates. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that the odds of acquiring UTI was 4.78 times higher in pregnant women earning monthly income of ≤500 Ethiopian Birr (21.18 USD) as compared to those earning monthly income >2001 Ethiopian Birr [84.79 USD] ( P  = 0.046). Similarly, the risk of UTI was higher in those who eat raw meat (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.09, 3.83, P  = 0.026) and had previous UTI history (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.15-4.56, P  = 0.019) as compared to those who eat cooked meat and had no previous history of UTI., Conclusions: The prevalence & antimicrobial resistance of uropathogens was high. Health education, continuous surveillance of UTI and their antimicrobial resistance pattern are essential to reduce the consequence of symptomatic and asymptomatic bacteriuria and multi-drug resistant bacteria in pregnant women., Competing Interests: An ethical clearance to conduct the study was obtained from Ambo University prior to data collection. Participants were given a full right to continue or withdraw from the study i.e., informed consent was obtained from the study participants by health personnel. All study records that identify subjects were kept confidential and used solely for the purpose of the study. All study participants used to collect information in this study were given code numbers and no names were recorded.Not applicable.The authors declare that they have no competing interests.Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are common among nursing home patients, are associated with adverse outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Antibiotic resistance is an emerging problem, associated with excess morbidity and mortality; it has been suggested that this condition might be more prevalent among subjects with comorbid conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the association, if any, of antibiotic resistance with the burden of comorbidity in elderly with UTIs. This retrospective study enrolled 299 patients with culture-positive UTI consecutively admitted to the nursing home of the "Fondazione San Raffaele Cittadella della Carità", Taranto, Italy, which includes 80 beds under the direction of two geriatricians. The burden of comorbidity was quantified using the Charlson comorbidity score index. Diagnosis of UTI was ascertained by urine culture. Antibiotic resistance was defined according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control expert proposal. Logistic regression was used to assess the adjusted association of the variables of interest with the presence of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance was detected in 162/299 (54%) patients. In logistic regression, the presence of antibiotic resistance was independently associated with higher Charlson score, after adjusting (odds ratio = 1.06; 95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.10). Antibiotic resistance is highly prevalent among nursing home residents; it is associated with the burden of comorbidity, but not with single diseases. This association and its potential implications should be assessed in dedicated studies.

Enrofloxacin (E) is commonly used in veterinary medicine. It is necessary to perform pharmacokinetic/dynamic studies to minimize the selection of resistant mutants of bacteria and extend the efficacy of antimicrobial agents. Eight healthy adult Pogona vitticeps were assigned into two groups of equal size and treated with a single intramuscular injection of E at 10 mg/kg. Blood samples were withdrawn at different scheduled times for each group, and rectal swabs were collected. E and ciprofloxacin (active metabolite) blood concentrations were quantified by an HPLC validated method, while the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion susceptibility test. The pharmacokinetic profiles of E gave similar pharmacokinetic parameters irrespective of the collection time schedule. Bacteria isolation showed the presence of both E. coli, Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica and subspecies 3a, Proteus spp., and Pseudomonas spp. The majority of isolated colonies were sensitive to E, but the treatment did not reduce the number of bacteria in faeces. Results suggest that E is able to reach blood concentrations high enough to kill susceptible bacteria (MIC < 0.9 μg/mL), but at the same time does not significantly affect intestinal bacteria., (© 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Septicemia plays an important role in neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries., Objective: To investigate the bacterial pathogens causing neonatal sepsis and their antibiotic susceptibility profile., Methodology: A total of 2,685 neonates aged 0-28 days were included in the study. Blood from each neonate was cultured and isolates were identified using standard biochemical tests. Antibiotic sensitivity pattern was analyzed using modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method., Results: Blood culture positivity was observed in 1,534 (57.1%) samples. Most of the cases (1089 counts - 71%) were of early onset sepsis while 445 (29%) were of late onset sepsis. The incidence of sepsis was higher in males 856 (55.8%) than females 678 (44.2%) with a 1:2 ratio. Similarly, 58.3% of septicemic patients were neonates with low birth weights. Twelve hundred and six (78.6%) isolates were gram negative while 328 (23.4%) were gram positive bacteria. E. coli was the dominant pathogen seen in 811 (52.8%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus 300 (19.5%), Pseudomonas 199 (13%), Klebsiella 102 (6.7%), Proteus 87 (5.7%), Staphylococcus epidermidis 28(1.8%) and Salmonella in 7 (0.5%) samples. All bacterial isolates showed high sensitivity to Imipenem, Enoxacin, Ofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin while low sensitivity was observed for other antibiotics (n = 16). The Proteus species showed high level of multiple resistances to all antibiotics (5.9%)., Conclusion: Imipenem, Enoxacin, Ofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin can be used as an effective antibiotic regimen for treatment of bacterial sepsis in neonates.

SXT/R391 integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are self-transmissible mobile genetic elements that are found in most members of Enterobacteriaceae. Here, we determined fifteen SXT/R391 ICEs carried by Proteus isolates from food (4.2%) and diarrhoea patients (17.3%). BLASTn searches against GenBank showed that the fifteen SXT/R391 ICEs were closely related to that from different Enterobacteriaceae species, including Proteus mirabilis. Using core gene phylogenetic analysis, the fifteen SXT/R391 ICEs were grouped into six distinct clusters, including a dominant cluster and three clusters that have not been previously reported in Proteus isolates. The SXT/R391 ICEs shared a common structure with a set of conserved genes, five hotspots and two variable regions, which contained more foreign genes, including drug-resistance genes. Notably, a class A β-lactamase gene was identified in nine SXT/R391 ICEs. Collectively, the ICE-carrying isolates carried resistance genes for 20 tested drugs. Six isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol, kanamycin, streptomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazole and tetracycline, which are drug resistances commonly encoded by ICEs. Our results demonstrate abundant genetic diversity and multidrug resistance of the SXT/R391 ICEs carried by Proteus isolates, which may have significance for public health. It is therefore necessary to continuously monitor the antimicrobial resistance and related mobile elements among Proteus isolates.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are of great concern in both developing and developed countries all over the world. Even though the infections are more common in women and children, they are at a considerable rate in men and of all ages. The uropathogens causing the infections are spread through various routes. The treatment generally recommended by the physicians is antibiotic usage. But, most of the uropathogens have evolved antibiotic resistance mechanisms. This makes the present situation hectic in control and prevention of UTIs. The present study aims to illustrate the multidrug resistance patterns among isolated bacterial strains from infected urine samples in Odisha state, India. Four bacterial strains were isolated and identified as Proteus sp. SK3, Pseudomonas sp. ADMK77, Proteus sp. BLKB2 and Enterobacter hormaechei strain CW-3 by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Phylogenetc analysis indicated the strains belong to three various genera namely, Proteus, Pseudomonas and Enterobacter. The evolutionary timeline of the bacteria was studied by constructing phylogenetic trees by Neighborhood Joining method. The presence of ESBL gene and biofilm forming capability were studied for the four strains. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolates were studied toward the commonly recommended antibiotics. Both the Proteus strains were found commonly susceptible to aminoglycoside and sulphonamide groups. Pseudomonas strain was found to be susceptible to cephems, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones. Enterobacter sp was found to be resistant to almost all antibiotic groups and susceptible to only sulphonamides group. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the bacteria help in choosing the empirical antibiotic treatment for UTI., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim To investigate prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility, molecular characteristics, and genetic relationship of AmpC- and/or extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL)- producing Proteus spp. clinical isolates in Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods according to CLSI guidelines. Double-disk synergy test was performed in order to screen for ESBLs, and combined disk test with phenylboronic acid to detect AmpC β -lactamases. PCR was used to detect blaESBL/blacarb genes. Genetic relatedness of the strains was determined by pulsed-fieldgel-electrophoresis (PFGE). Results Eleven ESBL-producing isolates were included in the study (six inpatients and five outpatients). Susceptibility rate to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, imipenem and meropenem was 100%. Resistance rate to cefuroxime was 100%, gentamicine 90.9%, piperacillin/tazobactam 81.8%, cefotaxim, ceftriaxone and ceftazidime 72.7%, cefoxitine and ciprofloxacine 63.6% and to cefepime 45.5%. In five (out of 11) isolates multi-drug resistance (MDR) to cephalosporins, cefamicines, amynocligosides and fluoroquinolones was detected. Besides TEM-1 which was detected in all isolates, CTX-M+OXA-1 β-lactamases were detected in seven (out of 11; 63.6%) isolates (five blaCTX-M-1 and two blaCTX-M-15 genes), and CMY-2 β-lactamase in two isolates. PFGE showed no genetic relatedness. Conclusion Because of high prevalence of MDR strains in epidemiologically unrelated patients with AmpC- and/or ESBL producing Proteus spp. infection, further surveillance is needed. Molecular characterization and strain typing, or at least phenotypic test for AmpC/ESBL production is important for appropriate therapy and the detection of sources and modes of spread, which is the main step in order to design targeted infection control strategies., (Copyright© by the Medical Assotiation of Zenica-Doboj Canton.)

Objective: To observe the antibacterial activity of moxalactam against Enterobacteriaceae bacteria and anaerobic bacteria in vitro, and to compare with other antibacterial drugs, for providing experimental basis for the clinical application of moxalactam., Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of moxalactam and other antibacterial agents against 491 Enterobacteriaceae spp. and anaerobic spp.collecting from clinical settings were determined by agar dilution methods and E-test strips according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)(2014)., Results: Moxalactam showed great antibacterial activity to Enterobacteriaceae spp., including ESBLs-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus spp., with the MIC(50), MIC(90), and susceptibility rates of 0.25-4 mg/L, 0.5-8 mg/L, and >90%, respectively. The susceptibility rates of Enterobacteriaceae with ESBLs-producing or non-ESBLs-producing to imipenem and meropenem were both higher than 90%. The susceptibility rates of ESBLs-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus spp.to piperacillin/tazobactam and cefoperazone/sulbactam were 90%, 68%, 53% and 76%, 66%, 76.6%, respectively, while the susceptibility rates of non-ESBLs-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus spp.were all more than 95%. The susceptibility rates of Enterobacter spp. and other Enterobacter to piperacillin/tazobactam were 80%, 80%and that to cefoperazone/sulbactam were 80%, 76.7%, respectively.The MICs range of moxalactam on anaerobic spp.was from ≤0.064 to >256 mg/L, while MIC(50) was 2 mg/L and MIC(90) was 64 mg/L., Conclusions: Moxalactam showed well activity against ESBLs-producing and non-ESBLs-producing Enterobacteriaceae and anaerobia.

Background: With bacterial resistances having increased, patients with diabetes who are at higher risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) need to be studied. The study aim was to compare bacterial resistances to ofloxacin, cefixim, co-trimoxazole, nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin in UTI between patients with and without diabetes., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in ambulatory laboratories, including patients over 18 coming for urinalyses. Patients with diabetes were matched with two patients without diabetes based on risk factors for UTI using a propensity score., Results: Among 1119 patients with UTI, 124 patients with diabetes were matched with 246 patients without diabetes. In patients with diabetes, the bacteria identified were: Escherichia coli (71%), Klebsiella (6%), Staphylococcus (5%), Enterococcus (4%), Proteus (2%) and Pseudomonas (1%); these findings were similar to those found in patients without diabetes. Resistances to ofloxacin and cefixim regardless of the bacteria were increased in patients with diabetes after matching on age, sex and history of UTI (respectively: OR=2.09; p=0.04 and OR=3.67; p=0.05). Regarding E. coli resistance, there was no difference whatever the antibiotic., Conclusion: The increased ofloxacin and cefixim resistance in patients with diabetes should be considered when prescribing probabilistic antibiotics, and could lead to changes in first-line treatments in UTI., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This is the first-attempt to use liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass (LC-MS-MS) in deciphering the effects of copper ion on Proteus hauseri. Total 941 proteins in copper-addition (+Cu) group and 898 proteins in non-copper-addition (-Cu) group were found, which containing 221 and 178 differential proteins in +Cu and -Cu group, respectively. Differential proteins in both groups were defined into 14 groups by their functional classification which transport/membrane function proteins were the major different part between the two groups, which took 19.5% and 7.7%, respectively. The result of BioCyc and KEGG analyses on metabolic pathway indicated that copper could interrupted the pathway of chemotaxis CheY and inhibited the swarming of P. hauseri, which provided a potential in controlling the pathogenicity of this strain., (Copyright © 2015 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Bacterial resistance to present-generation antibiotics is increasing drastically, which has become a major public health concern. The present study focuses on demonstrating the antimicrobial potential of fruit bodies of the culinary/medicinal oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus against clinical pathogens. Five bacterial isolates were collected from Sagar Hospital in Bangalore, India. The collected strains were grown on selective and differential media and antibiotic susceptibility testing was applied using 48 antibiotics by disc diffusion assay. The antibacterial efficiency of the mushroom extract against clinical pathogens, which were found to be multidrug resistant (MDR) to most of the tested antibiotics, was studied. The yield of cultivated mushrooms was evident at moist, cooler, and humid conditions. The clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Acinetobacter sp., Proteus mirabilis, and Proteus spp. were found to be MDR to β-lactam, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracyclines, and carbapenems. The methanolic extracts of mushroom fruit bodies were found to be more effective than present-generation antibiotics against methicillin- and vancomycin- resistant S. aureus, S. typhi, Acinetobacter sp., and P. mirabilis at a concentration ranging from 50 to 100 µg/disc or 50 to 100 µL/well. The current study suggests that the methanolic extract of P. ostreatus can be used as a promising antibacterial agent against MDR bacterial pathogens.

Aim: To study the effect of Nocardia vaccinii IMV B-7405 surfactants on some bacteria (including pathogens of genera Proteus, Staphylococcus, Enterobacter), yeast of Candida species and fungi (Aspergillus niger R-3, Fusarium culmorum T-7)., Methods: The antimi- crobial properties of surfactant were determined in suspension culture by Koch method and also by index of the minimum inhibitory concentration. Surfactants were extracted from supernatant of cultural liquid by mixture of chloroform and methanol (2:1)., Results: It is shown that the antimicrobial properties of N. vaccinii IMV B-7405 surfactant depended on the degree of purification (supernatant, solution of surfactant), concentration and exposure. Survival of Escherichia coli IEM-1 and Bacillus subtilis BT-2 (both vegetative cells and spores) after treatment for 1-2 hours with surfactants solution and the supernatant (the surfactant concentration 21 µg/ml) was 3-28%. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of N. vaccinii IMV B-7405 surfactants on studied bacteria, yeast and micromycetes were 11.5-85.0; 11.5-22.5 and 165.0-325.0 µ/ml respectively., Conclusions: Minimum inhibitory concentrations of N. vaccinii IMV B-7405 surfactants are comparable to those of the known microbial surfactants. The possibility of using the supernatant of culture liquid as an effective antimicrobial agent noticeably simplifies and reduces the cost of the technology of its obtaining.

Moribund koi carp, Cyprinus carpio koi, from a farm with 50% cumulative mortality were sampled with the aim of isolating and detecting the causative agent. Three bacterial species viz., Citrobacter freundii (NSCF-1), Klebsiella pneumoniae (NSKP-1) and Proteus hauseri [genomospecies 3 of Proteus vulgaris Bio group 3] (NSPH-1) were isolated, identified and characterized on the basis of biochemical tests and sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene using universal bacterial primers. Challenge experiments with these isolates using healthy koi carp showed that P. hauseri induced identical clinical and pathological states within 3 d of intramuscular injection. The results suggest P. hauseri (NSPH-1) was the causative agent. In phylogenetic analysis, strain NSPH-1 formed a distinct cluster with other P. hauseri reference strains with ≥99% sequence similarity. P. hauseri isolates were found sensitive to Ampicillin, Cefalexin, Ciprofloxacin and Cefixime and resistant to Gentamycin, Oxytetracycline, Chloramphenicol, and Kanamycin. The affected fish recovered from the infection after ciprofloxacin treatment., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Tigecycline is an important agent in clinical practice because of its broad-spectrum activity. However, it has no activity against Pseudomonas or Proteus species. We conducted a case-control study to analyze risk factors for the acquisition of Pseudomonas or Proteus spp. during tigecycline therapy. Placement of suction drainage at infected wound sites, ICU stay, and neurologic disease were identified as independent risk factors for the acquisition of Pseudomonas and Proteus spp., (Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.)

This study aimed to investigate the penetration of PIPC-TAZ into human prostate, and to assess effectiveness of PIPC-TAZ against prostatitis by evaluating site-specific PK-PD. Patients with prostatic hypertrophy (n = 47) prophylactically received a 0.5 h infusion of PIPC-TAZ (8:1.2-0.25 g or 4-0.5 g) before transurethral resection of the prostate. PIPC-TAZ concentrations in plasma (0.5-5 h) and prostate tissue (0.5-1.5 h) were analyzed with a three-compartment PK model. The estimated model parameters were, then used to estimate the drug exposure time above the minimum inhibitory concentration for bacteria (T > MIC, the PD indicator for antibacterial effects) in prostate tissue for six PIPC-TAZ regimens (2.25 or 4.5 g; once, twice, three times or four times daily; 0.5 h infusions). Prostate tissue/plasma ratio of PIPC was about 36% both for the maximum drug concentration (Cmax) and the area under the drug concentration-time curve (AUC). Against MIC distributions for isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species and Proteus species, regimens of 4.5 g twice daily and 2.25 g three times daily achieved a >90% probability of attaining the bacteriostatic target for PIPC (30% T > MIC) in prostate tissue; regimens of 4.5 g three times daily and 2.25 g four times daily achieved a >90% probability of attaining the bactericidal target for PIPC (50% T > MIC) in prostate tissue. However, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, none of the tested regimens achieved a >90% probability. PIPC-TAZ is appropriate for the treatment of prostatitis from the site-specific PK-PD perspective., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Antibiotics not only support to alleviate the infections but also facilitate to avert the multiplication of microbes. Due to the irrational use of antibiotics, the resistance of antibiotics has been augmented which results may increase in morbidity and mortality with the span of time. World renowned regulatory bodies like Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and World Health Organization (WHO) vigorously advocate the surveillance of the resistance of antibiotics. During the present study by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method 141 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (n=47, 33.34%), Escherichia coli (n=54, 38.3%), Proteus species (n=26, 18.4%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=14, 9.92%) are evaluated against cefepime and cefpirome which comes of fourth generation cephalosporin. It has been found that cefpirome has better bactericidal activity than cefepime against E. coli and K. pneumoniae while cefepime has been possessed better antibacterial activity against S. aureus and Proteus species which were isolated from respiratory tract infections, blood stream infection, intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. K. pneumoniae, E. coli, Proteus species, and S. aureus were 34.8%, 26.3%, 11.3%, and 37.7% resistance against cefepime respectively. S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, Proteus species has shown 41.4%, 21.7%, 17.6%, and 8.9% resistance against cefpirome correspondingly.

N-acylated homoserine lactonases are known to inhibit the signaling molecules of the biofilm-forming pathogens. In this study, gold nanoparticles were coated with N-acylated homoserine lactonase proteins (AiiA AuNPs) purified from Bacillus licheniformis. The AiiA AuNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The synthesized AiiA AuNPs were found to be spherical in shape and 10 to 30 nm in size. Treatment with AiiA protein-coated AuNPs showed maximum reduction in exopolysaccharide production, metabolic activities, and cell surface hydrophobicity and potent antibiofilm activity against multidrug-resistant Proteus species compared to treatment with AiiA protein alone. AiiA AuNPs exhibited potent antibiofilm activity at 2 to 8 μM concentrations without being harmful to the macrophages. We conclude that at a specific dose, AuNPs coated with AiiA can kill bacteria without harming the host cells, thus representing a potential template for the design of novel antibiofilm and antibacterial protein drugs to decrease bacterial colonization and to overcome the problem of drug resistance. In summary, our data suggest that the combined effect of the lactonase and the gold nanoparticles of the AiiA AuNPs has promising antibiofilm activity against biofilm-forming and multidrug-resistant Proteus species., (Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.)

The results of biological research of colon microbiota of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is in article presented. The signs of III degree dysbiosis, by reducing the concentration of Bacteroides spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp. populations, typical strain E. coli. But over growth of populations Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., Staphylococcus spp., atypical forms of E. coli, Candida spp. The scheme for the correction of the colon microflora of patients with (RA) by was proposed bifiform. Increasing of populations concentration of Bifidobacterium spp., Bacteroides spp., Lactobacillus spp., typical E. coli, Enterococcus spp. and selective decontamination of Enterococcus (Hly+), Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., Staphylococcus spp., lactosonegative and E.coli (Hly+) confirmed after using of this eubiotics.

The copper response of Proteus hauseri ZMd44 was determined using one-dimensional (1D) gel electrophoresis coupled with MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrometry for a similarity analysis of proteins isolated from P. hauseri ZMd44 cultured in CuSO4-bearing LB medium. Candidate proteins identified as a copper-transporting P-type ATPase (CTPP), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), flagellin (Fla), and outer membrane proteins (Omps) were the major copper-associated proteins in P. hauseri. In a comparative analysis of subcellular (i.e., periplasmic, intracellular, and inner membranes) and cellular debris, proteomics analysis revealed a distinct differential expression of proteins in P. hauseri with and without copper ion exposure. These findings were consistent with the transcription level dynamics determined using quantitative real-time PCR. Based on a genetic cluster analysis of copper-associated proteins from P. hauseri, Fla and one of the Omps showed greater diversity in their protein sequences compared to those of other Proteus species. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the observed growth on LB agar plates showed that the swarming motility of cells was significantly suppressed and inhibited upon Cu(II) exposure. Thus, copper stress could have important therapeutic significance due to the loss of swarming motility capacity in P. hauseri, which causes urinary tract infections.

There has been increased interest in the role of anti-Proteus antibodies in the aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and whether chemotherapeutic agents active against Proteus species might reduce the risk and/or exacerbations of RA. We examined the in vitro antibacterial effects of ten different silver preparations which were either ionic silver [Ag(I)] solutions or nanoparticulate silver (NPS) (Ag(0)) suspensions against ATCC and two wild (clinical) strains of Proteus. The data establish the low minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of all the silver formulations tested against these four Proteus strains. In a pilot study, a potent NPS preparation ex vivo showed long-lasting anti-Proteus activity in a normal human volunteer.

A wide variety of herbal remedies are used in traditional African medicine to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammation. Thirty-four extracts from 13 South African plant species with a history of ethnobotanical usage in the treatment of inflammation were investigated for their ability to control two microbial triggers for RA (Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris). Twenty-nine of the extracts (85.3 %) inhibited the growth of P. mirabilis and 23 of them tested (67.7 %) inhibited the growth of P. vulgaris. Methanol and water extracts of Carpobrotus edulis, Lippia javanica, Pelargonium viridflorum, Ptaeroxylon obliquum, Syzygium cordatum leaf and bark, Terminalia pruinoides, Terminalia sericea, Warburgia salutaris bark and an aqueous extract of W. salutaris leaf were effective Proteus inhibitors, with MIC values <2,000 μg/ml. The most potent extracts were examined by Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography and UV-Vis spectroscopy for the presence of resveratrol. Only extracts from T. pruinoides and T. sericea contained resveratrol, indicating that it was not responsible for the anti-Proteus properties reported here. All extracts with Proteus inhibitory activity were also either non-toxic, or of low toxicity in the Artemia nauplii bioassay. The low toxicity of these extracts and their inhibitory bioactivity against Proteus spp. indicate their potential for blocking the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.

A novel ligand (E)-2-styryl-1H-imidazo [4, 5-f] [1, 10] phenanthroline(L) has been synthesized from 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione. Its transition metal complexes, [FeLCl4][L-H] and [CuL2](NO3)2 have also been synthesized. Besides, three mixed ligand lanthanide metal complexes of Phendione and β-diketones have been synthesized, namely [Eu(TFN)3(Phendione)] (TFN = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1(2-napthyl)-1,3-butanedione), [Eu(HFT)3(Phendione)] (HFT = 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-hexanedione), [Yb(HFA)3(Phendione)] (hfa = hexafluoroacetylacetonate). The synthesized ligands and metal complexes have been characterized by FTIR, UV-Visible spectroscopy and PL spectra. DNA binding activities of the complexes and the ligands have been studied by DNA gel electrophoresis. DNA binding studies showed that Fe complex of the synthesized ligand is more potent DNA binding and damaging agent compare to others under study. The synthesized compounds were also screened for their antimicrobial activities by disc diffusion method against three microbes, namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus penneri. The lanthanide complexes of phendione showed great antibacterial activities., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Ofloxacin susceptibility was tested with the use of 100 hospital isolates by the disk diffusion method vs. the activity of Oflomelid ointment tested by the cavity method. It was shown that the hospital isolates of all the species were susceptible to the Oflomelid ointment, while susceptibility to ofloxacin was preserved in S. epidermidis, the susceptibility of Acinetobacter spp., E. coli, Proteus spp. being intermediate. Such a difference in the susceptibility of the isolates was evidently due to the properties of polyethylene glycols in the ointment composition.

Silver nanoparticles were prepared using aqueous fruit extract of Ananas comosus as reducing agent. These silver nanoparticles showed surface plasmon peak at 439 nm. They were monodispersed and spherical in shape with an average particle size of 10 nm. The crystallinity of these nanoparticles was evident from clear lattice fringes in the HRTEM images and bright circular spots in the SAED pattern. The antibacterial activities of prepared nanoparticles were found to be size-dependent, the smaller nanoparticles showing more bactericidal effect. Aqueous Zn(2+) and Cu(4+) selectivity and sensitivity study of this green synthesized nanoparticle was performed by optical sensor based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at room temperature., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Wound infections due to the incursion of microbes need to be averted or to heal the wounds by antibiotics. Antibiotics are not only aid in cure of infections but also help to prevent the flourishing and production of one or more species of microorganism, resultant in purulent discharge. This current study was carried out to evaluate the resistance pattern of clinical isolates from surgical site infections by the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. A total of 257 clinical isolates were collected from different hospitals in Karachi and evaluated by using fifteen antibiotics belonging to different groups. Staphylococcus aureus (n=87), Escherichia coli (n=76), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=56), Proteus (n=21) and Klebsiella (n=17) species are the most common clinical isolates of surgical site infections. Among the semi-synthetic penicillins, ampicillin was found to be resistant to nearly all clinical isolates but amoxicillin was moderately sensitive to S. aureus. Combinations of semi-synthetic penicillins are more sensitive than the penicillin alone. Co-amoxiclave exhibits superior sensitivity to all the surgical infection isolates except Pseudomonas aeruginosa which showed 68.75% resistance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was highly resistant to cephalosporin except ceftraixone which showed 21.88% resistance. S. aureus was slightly responsive to cefazolin, cephradine, cefaclor, ceftizoxime, cefuroxime and ceftriaxone. E. coli, Gram-negative clinical isolate was showed 25% and 31.25% resistance to ceftriaxone and cefuroxime. In the Klebsiella species, 71.42% and 64.29% resistance to cefazolin and cefuroxime respectively, was observed. Aminoglycosides such as gentamycin and tobramycin were found to be more susceptible to all the clinical isolates. Quinolones like ofloxacin and enoxacin were showed good sensitivity to nearly all the clinical isolates.On the basis of the present study, it is recommended to adopt a rational use of antibiotics in prophylaxis and the utilization of a coordinated scheme of surgical wound inspections.

The antimicrobial activity of 18 different extracts from in vivo and in vitro grown L. album L. plants was evaluated against clinical bacteria and yeasts using the well diffusion method. All the used extracts demonstrated antibacterial activity, whereas only the water extracts from leaves (in vivo) possessed antifungal activity against Candida albicans NBIMCC 72 and Candida glabrata NBIMCC 8673 (14 and 20 mm diameter of inhibition zones and MIC 10 mg/ml, respectively). The methanol and ethanol extracts obtained from the in vitro propagated plants had a broader spectrum of antibacterial activity than those from in vivo plants, while the opposite tendency was observed for the chloroform extracts. All tested flower extracts possessed antimicrobial activity. The chloroform extract from in vivo flowers demonstrated the highest activity against E. faecalis NBIMCC 3915, S. aureus NBIMCC 3703, P. hauseri NBIMCC 1339 and P. aeruginosa NBIMCC 3700 (22 mm, 13 mm, 11 mm, 23 mm zone diameter of inhibition and MIC 0.313 mg/ml, respectively). The water extracts from leaves (both in vivo and in vitro) possessed higher antibacterial activity than extract from flowers. The obtained results showed that both in vivo and in vitro propagated L. album L. could be used as a source of antibacterial substances.

Two marine bacterial strains, B5 and H24, were isolated from long-term Cr(VI) contaminated seawater and identified as Pseudochrobactrum and Proteus, respectively, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses. Both strains were examined for their tolerance to Cr(VI) and other metal salts and their abilities to reduce Cr(VI) to trivalent chromium [Cr(III)]. Growing cells of Pseudochrobactrum sp. B5 and Proteus sp. H24 could tolerate Cr(VI) at a concentration of 2000 and 1500 mg/l and completely reduce 1000 mg/l Cr(VI) in LB medium within 96 and 144 h, respectively. Resting cells of the two strains were able to reduce 200mg/l Cr(VI) in Tris-HCl buffer within 16 and 24h, respectively. Furthermore, resting cells of both strains were able to reduce Cr(VI) in industrial wastewaters three times consecutively. Overall, this study provides evidence of the potential for application of chromate-reducing bacteria to direct Cr(VI) decontamination of industrial effluents., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Since the aetiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP) is still unknown, the use of medicinal herb extracts and products prepared thereof are recommended due to their antimicrobial activity, especially during early stages of BHP. A comparison was performed of the in vitro antimicrobial activity (using broth microdilution assay) of flowers and leaves of willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium L., Onagraceae) from Mt. Velebit (Croatia). The strains (standard ATCC and clinical isolates) of Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli (including p-fimbriae positive strain), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were susceptible with MIC values between 4.6±0.2 and 18.2±0.8 mg/mL. The results of in vitro studies showed that no differences were found in the antimicrobial activity between the ethanol extracts of leaves and flowers of E. angustifolium. Using the quantitative fluorescent assay with ethidium bromide and acridine orange, the viability of C. albicans ATCC 10231 was assessed after in vitro exposure to E. angustifolium leaf and flower ethanol extracts. Apoptosis of C. albicans blastospores dominated over necrosis in all treated samples after short-term exposure with 6 to 12 mg/mL of extracts. In addition to the valuable biological activity of E. angustifolium extracts, the data obtained from the in vitro diffusion, the dilution assay and antifungal viability fluorescent assay suggest that leaf and flower ethanol extracts of E. angustifolium L. are a promising complementary herbal therapy of conditions such as BHP.

Objective: To assess antimicrobial resistance and transfer of virulence genes facilitated by subtherapeutic concentrations of antimicrobials in swine intestines., Animals: 20 anesthetized pigs experimentally inoculated with donor and recipient bacteria., Procedures: 4 recipient pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium, Yersinia enterocolitica, Shigella flexneri, or Proteus mirabilis) were incubated with donor bacteria in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of 1 of 16 antimicrobials in isolated ligated intestinal loops in swine. Donor Escherichia coli contained transferrable antimicrobial resistance or virulence genes. After coincubations, intestinal contents were removed and assessed for pathogens that acquired new antimicrobial resistance or virulence genes following exposure to the subtherapeutic concentrations of antimicrobials., Results: 3 antimicrobials (apramycin, lincomycin, and neomycin) enhanced transfer of an antimicrobial resistance plasmid from commensal E coli organisms to Yersinia and Proteus organisms, whereas 7 antimicrobials (florfenicol, hygromycin, penicillin G, roxarsone, sulfamethazine, tetracycline, and tylosin) exacerbated transfer of an integron (Salmonella genomic island 1) from Salmonella organisms to Yersinia organisms. Sulfamethazine induced the transfer of Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 from pathogenic to nonpathogenic Salmonella organisms. Six antimicrobials (bacitracin, carbadox, erythromycin, sulfathiazole, tiamulin, and virginiamycin) did not mediate any transfer events. Sulfamethazine was the only antimicrobial implicated in 2 types of transfer events., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: 10 of 16 antimicrobials at subinhibitory or subtherapeutic concentrations augmented specific antimicrobial resistance or transfer of virulence genes into pathogenic bacteria in isolated intestinal loops in swine. Use of subtherapeutic antimicrobials in animal feed may be associated with unwanted collateral effects.

Background: The term 'Multidrug-resistant' (MDR) applies to a bacterium that is simultaneously resistant to a number of antimicrobials belonging to different chemical classes. The effectiveness of currently available antmicrobial drugs is decreasing due to the increasing number of resistant strains causing infections so that available therapeutic options for such organisms are severely limited., Objective: The aim of this study was to determine multidrug-resistance rate of bacterial isolates that caused wound infections., Methods: A Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted on 322 wound samples taken from consecutive patients seen at inpatient and outpatient department of Jimma University Specialized Hospital from June to December 2011. Swabs from surgical incisions, burns, abscess and traumatic wounds were collected aseptically using Levine's technique. Bacteriological culture and examination was done following standard microbiological techniques. Multidrug-resistance test was performed by disk diffusion method against 10 classes of antimicrobials. The data was analyzed for descriptive statistics using SPSS version 16 and Microsoft Excel., Results: The overall MDR among gram positive and gram negative bacterial isolates were (77%) and (59.3%) respectively. About, 86.2% S.aureus and 28.6% of Coagulase negative Staphylococci became MDR. Nearly 30.1% of S.aureus was resistant to six classes of antimicrobials. The average MDR rate of Proteus, Klebsiella, and Providencia species was 74.8%, 69.6% and 75% in that order. Nearly, 30.8% of Proteus sp, 32.6% of Klebsiella sp and 61% of Citrobacter sp were resistance to 4 classes each. Surprisingly, the average MDR rate for Citrobacter sp was 100%. About (76.7%) of S.aureus was Oxacillin/Methicillin resistant while (16.4%) were Vancomycin resistant. Proteus species was the predominant isolates (27.9%) followed by P.aeruginosa and S.aureus (19.3%) and (19%) respectively., Conclusion: This study indicated that, the overall rate of MDR bacterial pathogens that caused wound infection was very high and many of the isolates were also identified as resistant to three or more classes of antimicrobials. Such widespread resistance to antimicrobial classes is something serious because a few treatment options remain for patients with wound infections. Periodic monitoring of etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility in areas where there is no culture facility is essential to assists physician in selection of chemotherapy.

Objective: To identify and quantify the five most frequently isolated significant bacterial microorganisms, and their antibiotic susceptibility, from bacterial cultures of samples taken from the ears of dogs with otitis externa., Methods: Bacterial culture and susceptibility testing data for ear swabs from dogs with presumed otitis externa were collated and evaluated., Results: The five most frequently isolated microorganisms were: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Proteus sp., beta-haemolytic streptococci and Escherichia coli. Susceptibility to gentamicin was very high for most isolates, whereas for polymyxin B, high levels of resistance were seen. Beta-haemolytic streptococci had high levels of resistance to all of the antibiotics tested., Conclusions: This study provides veterinarians with Australian data to assist in cytological interpretation and initial empirical therapy of canine otitis externa., (© 2012 The Author. Australian Veterinary Journal © 2012 Australian Veterinary Association.)