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Simple Summary: In recent years, the use of alternative animal models to vertebrates for the study of infectious processes and antimicrobial drug development has become a major challenge in experimentation. Insects, in particular Galleria mellonella, may represent a good model for preclinical studies, as their response to infections allows for the preliminary selection of molecules with biological activity in a potential sepsis event. However, discordant data are often reported in the literature, and this is often due to the different methods implemented in many laboratories. The aim of this work was therefore to develop a standard protocol for infection with a Gram-positive bacterium, as we consider it important to apply these unified methodologies in order to obtain reproducible data. Our results made it possible to define a correct growth curve of Micrococcus luteus and, in parallel, an infection methodology that would provide consistent and repeatable data. We are therefore confident that this work can be a support for preclinical studies on model insects, as a link between the development of new drugs and its availability for patients. The aim of this work was to develop an experimental protocol for the infection of Galleria mellonella with Gram-positive bacteria. Some physiological characteristics of these insects are comparable to those of vertebrates, therefore allowing the replacement of mammals in the preclinical phases of drug development. G. mellonella Linnaeus 1758 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is accepted as an alternative model for the study of infectious diseases. Since data on infection procedures with different bacterial strains are scarce and sometimes conflicting, also due to different and non-uniform protocols, we developed an experimental protocol that would allow for controlled and repeatable infections, using the Gram-positive bacterium GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) Micrococcus luteus. After analyzing the morphology and defining the growth rate of M. luteus, doses of between 101 and 106 CFU/larvae were administered to late-stage larvae. The survival rate of the larvae was monitored up to 7 days and the LD50 determined. The bacterial clearance capacity of the larvae after injection with 103 and 105 CFU/larvae was assessed by hemolymph bacterial load analysis. The results made it possible to define the growth curve of M. luteus correlated with the CFU count; based on the LD50 (103.8 CFU/larvae) calculated on the survival of G. mellonella, infections were carried out to evaluate the immune efficiency of the larvae in bacterial clearance. This protocol, standardized on G. mellonella larvae, could provide a functional tool to study the course of bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper has as main objective the determination of the antimicrobial and antifungal activity of some pharmaceutical forms obtained in the laboratory of pharmaceutical technology of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University “Lower Danube of Galati”. We used semi-solid pharmaceutical forms with different concentrations of soft extract of Chelidonium majus L, 50%, 25% and 10% in two ointment bases, simple ointment and base III I performed the antimicrobial activity for all four ointments, compared to extract 1: 3.75 in hydroalcoholic solution (ethyl alcohol / water 35/65 by mass) from aerial parts of Chelidonium majus and alcohol 70 °. hydroalcoholic solution was obtained by cold preparation from the aerial parts of the plant Chelidonium majus.We determined the antimicrobial activity by the diffusimetric method (Kirby-Bauer) and the dilution method. The 50% concentration ointment (UNG A) shows activity on some Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and not on the fungus Candida albicans.

Purpose Persons who inject drugs (PWID) are at risk for severe gram-positive infections and may require prolonged hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy. Dalbavancin (DBV) is a long-acting lipoglycopeptide that may reduce costs and provide effective treatment in this population. Methods This was a retrospective review of PWID with severe gram-positive infections. Patients admitted from January 1, 2017, to November 1, 2019 (standard-of-care [SOC] group) and from November 15, 2019, to March 31, 2022 (DBV group) were included. The primary outcome was the total cost to the healthcare system. Secondary outcomes included hospital days saved and treatment failure. Results A total of 87 patients were included (37 in the DBV group and 50 in the SOC group). Patients were a median of 34 years old and were predominantly Caucasian (82%). Staphylococcus aureus (82%) was the most common organism, and bacteremia (71%) was the most common type of infection. Compared to the SOC group, the DBV group would have had a median of 14 additional days of hospitalization if they had stayed to complete their therapy (P = 0.014). The median total cost to the healthcare system was significantly lower in the DBV group than in the SOC group ($31,698.00 vs $45,093.50; P = 0.035). The rate of treatment failure was similar between the groups (32.4% in the DBV group vs 36% in the SOC group; P = 0.729). Conclusion DBV is a cost-saving alternative to SOC IV antibiotics for severe gram-positive infections in PWID, with similar treatment outcomes. Larger prospective studies, including other patient populations, may demonstrate additional benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sepsis neonatorum, or neonatal sepsis, is a clinical illness brought on by the pathophysiologic consequences of a systemic or localized infection. It includes systemic illnesses such as meningitis, pneumonia, arthritis, osteomyelitis, and urinary tract infections and affects babies under one month of age. Neonates are immune-compromised and resist weakly to bacterial infections. Aim and Objectives: To study bacteriological profile of neonatal sepsis and to study the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of different bacterial pathogens isolated. Materials and methods: A total of 180 neonates with suspected sepsis were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. 2-3 mL of blood was collected from each patients by the nursing personnel under aseptic precautions and inoculated immediately into 20 mL of glucose citrate broth with 0.025% of sodium polyanethol sulphonate as anticoagulant (HI media, a commercial firm). The broths were sub cultured on 5% sheep blood agar and Mac-Conkey agar after overnight incubation. A negative result was followed-up by examining the broth daily and doing a final subculture at the end of the seventh day. Positive growth was identified by Gram staining and antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method as per NCCLS guidelines. Discussion and Conclusion: Neonatal septicemia is an life threatening emergency and rapid treatment with antimicrobial agent is highly essential for favorable outcome. For the effective management of the cases with neonatal septicemia, the study of microbiological profile with their antibiotic sensitivity pattern always plays a significant role. In our study, the prevalence of neonatal sepsis was found to be 33.3% and the prevalence was higher in males compared to females. Among the neonates 56.7% had early onset sepsis and 43.3% had late onset sepsis. The clinical presentation was studied in all the patients, it was found that the most common clinical symptom was respiratory distress and pneumonia was more common in early onset sepsis. Among neonates gram negative septicemia was more common compared to gram positive septicemia. Staph aureus was most common among gram positive and pseudomonas was more common among gram negative isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility showed that the gram positive organisms were highly sensitive to vancomycin, linezolid, teicoplanin and also sensitive to amoxycillin and clindamycin and were least sensitive to penicillin and ampicillin. Antibiotic susceptibility showed that the gram negative organisms were highly sensitive to colistin, tigecycline, meropenem and imipenem, and sensitive to ampicillin and gentamycin. An antibiotic policy should be formulated in our hospital and depending upon antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolated pathogen, antibiotic should be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal of this study is the detection of the gen that responsible for production the vaginolysin toxin, discovered the optimal condition for produce vaginolysin, purification and characterization of the toxin and show the cytotoxic effect of vaginolysin on VK2 cell and HeLa cell. Methods: Among 592 specimens isolated from pregnant women suffering from vaginal inflammation and threatened with abortion (these women is suffering from strong pain in the cervical region), only 62 of isolates identified as G vaginalis. From Baghdad teaching hospital. detection of the gen that responsible for production the vaginolysin toxin. Study of the optimal condition to produce vaginolysin. The purification of the toxin by using ammonium sulfate, ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration, toxin characterization of pH and temperature activity and stability, the study of cytotoxic effect of vaginolysin on VK2 and HeLa cells. Result: The optimal condition to produce the toxin is pH level in 4, best temperature is 37 °C, the best media is TSB broth, and the best hours is 24 hr. The best range for precipitation saturation ratio 50%. Ion exchanges have specific activity 4 mg. gel filtrations show an increase in the specific activity of purified toxin (10 U/mg). The characterization done by pH and temperature, Vaginolysin was active in 0.5 U/mL at pH 7, and stable in pH 7 activity, the best temperature for vaginolysin activity is 0.5 U/mL at 37°C and maximum stability was recorded at 37°C. The cytotoxic effect of the toxin on VK2 cell observed the viability ratio 69.98%, at higher toxin concentration, while the result for HeLa cell viability ratio 38.77%, at higher toxin concentration. Conclusion: Vaginolysin cause lysis of vaginal cell and cervical cell may lead to abortion, the killing ratio increase by increasing the concentration of the toxin and the effect of the toxin on HeLa cell is more than on VK2 cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation aimed to determine the prevalence and biofilm-forming potentials of bacterial uropathogenic among primary school pupils in Yola North, Adamawa State. A total of 120 clean mid-stream urine samples were collected from apparently healthy children to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated pathogen by the Kirby and Bauer disc diffusion method while the biofilm-forming potential by the standard methods. The result showed 26 % of the samples had significant bacteria growth with the Gram-negative as the highest. The infectivity pattern among the age group showed 8-10 had the highest infectivity percentage (35%) followed by 5-7 and 11-13 with 22.5% and 20% respectively. Six bacteria pathogens were isolated which are E. coli (41.9%) which is the most prevalent isolate followed by Staphylococcus aureus (29.0%), Pseudomonas sp. (9.7%), Klebsiella sp. (9.7%), Enterobacter sp. (6.5%), Proteus sp. (3.3%). The antibiotic sensitivity test showed an alarming resistance level to nearly all the tested antibiotics showing multi-drug resistant strains. The Biofilm-forming potentials depict E. coli with the strongest potential followed by S. aureus. A high occurrence of asymptomatic UTIs and antimicrobial resistance observed poses a public health concern. Thus, routine diagnostic exercise is recommended for early detection and prompt treatment of the pathogens.

The bio-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Joshanda extract, a commercially available herbal formulation derived from a traditional medicinal plant, as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The as-synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) study, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. UV–Vis spectroscopy exhibited a prominent absorption peak at 430 nm, confirming the formation of AgNPs. DLS analysis revealed the size distribution of the nanoparticles, ranging from 80 to 100 nm, and zeta potential measurements indicated a surface charge of − 14.4 mV. The XRD analysis provide evidence for the presence of a face-centered cubic structure within the silver nanoparticles. FTIR analysis further elucidated the interaction of bioactive compounds from the Joshanda extract with the AgNPs' surface. Strong peaks at 765–829 cm−1 indicated C–Cl stretching vibrations of alkyl halides, while the stretching of alkenes C=C was observed at 1641 cm−1. Moreover, the presence of alcohols and phenol (OH) groups was identified at 3448 cm−1, suggesting their involvement in nanoparticle stabilization. The antimicrobial potential of the synthesized AgNPs was evaluated against both gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and gram-positive Streptococcus mutans using zone of inhibition assays. The AgNPs exhibited remarkable inhibitory effects against both types of bacteria. Additionally, AgNPs-treated groups demonstrated a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, indicating potential of as-synthesized AgNPs in disruption of the target microbial membranes. Furthermore, the as-synthesized AgNPs exhibited notable anti-biofilm properties by effectively hindering the development of mature biofilms. This study highlights the efficient green synthesis of AgNPs using Joshanda extract and also provides insights into their physico-chemical properties of as-synthesized nanoparticles. The demonstrated antimicrobial activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, along with biofilm inhibition potential, underscores the promising applications of the as-synthesized AgNPs in the field of biomedical and environmental sciences. The study bridges traditional knowledge with contemporary nanotechnology, offering a novel avenue for the development of eco-friendly antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofilm-associated bacterial infections are the major reason for treatment failure in many diseases including burn trauma infections. Uncontrolled inflammation induced by bacteria leads to materiality, tissue damage, and chronic diseases. Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs), including maresin-like lipid mediators (MarLs), are enzymatically biosynthesized from omega-3 essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by macrophages and other leukocytes. SPMs exhibit strong inflammation-resolving activities, especially inflammation provoked by bacterial infection. In this study, we explored the potential direct inhibitory activities of three MarLs on Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) bacteria in their biofilms that are leading bacteria in burn trauma-related infections. We also examined the effects of MarLs on the bactericidal activities of a typical broad-spectrum antibiotic, carbenicillin (carb), on these bacteria in their preformed biofilms. The results revealed that MarLs combined with carbenicillin can inhibit the survival of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in their biofilms although MarLs alone did not exhibit bactericidal activity. Thus, our findings suggest that the combination of MarLs and carbenicillin can lower the antibiotic requirements to kill the bacteria in preformed biofilms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to develop an experimental protocol for the infection of Galleria mellonella with Gram-positive bacteria. Some physiological characteristics of these insects are comparable to those of vertebrates, therefore allowing the replacement of mammals in the preclinical phases of drug development. G. mellonella Linnaeus 1758 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is accepted as an alternative model for the study of infectious diseases. Since data on infection procedures with different bacterial strains are scarce and sometimes conflicting, also due to different and non-uniform protocols, we developed an experimental protocol that would allow for controlled and repeatable infections, using the Gram-positive bacterium GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) Micrococcus luteus. After analyzing the morphology and defining the growth rate of M. luteus, doses of between 101 and 106 CFU/larvae were administered to late-stage larvae. The survival rate of the larvae was monitored up to 7 days and the LD50 determined. The bacterial clearance capacity of the larvae after injection with 103 and 105 CFU/larvae was assessed by hemolymph bacterial load analysis. The results made it possible to define the growth curve of M. luteus correlated with the CFU count; based on the LD50 (103.8 CFU/larvae) calculated on the survival of G. mellonella, infections were carried out to evaluate the immune efficiency of the larvae in bacterial clearance. This protocol, standardized on G. mellonella larvae, could provide a functional tool to study the course of bacterial infections.

Background - Surgical site infections (SSI), one of the most common causes of healthcare associated infections are a common complication associated with surgery. The importance of wound infections, in both economic and human terms, should not be underestimated. Materials and Method - This study aims to find out common bacterial isolate and their antibiotic resistance pattern, the incidence of ESBL producers and MRSA in wound infections. Wound swabs from 578 patients were analyzed in the study. Discussion and Results - The predominant isolate was found to be Gram positive bacteria than Gram negative bacteria. However Staphylococcus aureus was seen as the most common bacterial pathogen followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusion - By employing standard microbiological techniques meticulously the causative agents can be isolated and antimicrobial sensitivity can be assessed for proper management of wound infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune checkpoints play an important role in maintaining the balance of the immune system and in the development of autoimmune diseases. A central checkpoint molecule is the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1, CD279) which is typically located on the surface of T cells. Its primary ligand PD-L1 is expressed on antigen presenting cells and on cancer cells. Several variants of PD-L1 exist, among these soluble molecules (sPD-L1) present in serum at low concentrations. sPD-L1 was found elevated in cancer and several other diseases. sPD-L1 in infectious diseases has received relatively little attention so far and is therefore subject of this study. sPD-L1 serum levels were determined in 170 patients with viral infections (influenza, varicella, measles, Dengue fever, SARS-CoV2) or bacterial sepsis by ELISA and compared to the levels obtained in 11 healthy controls. Patients with viral infections and bacterial sepsis generally show significantly higher sPD-L1 serum levels compared to healthy donors, except for varicella samples where results do not reach significance. sPD-L1 is increased in patients with impaired renal function compared to those with normal renal function, and sPD-L1 correlates significantly with serum creatinine. Among sepsis patients with normal renal function, sPD-L1 serum levels are significantly higher in Gram-negative sepsis compared to Gram-positive sepsis. In addition, in sepsis patients with impaired renal function, sPD-L1 correlates positively with ferritin and negatively with transferrin. sPD-L1 serum levels are significantly elevated in patients with sepsis, influenza, mesasles, Dengue fever or SARS-CoV2. Highest levels are detectable in patients with measles and Dengue fever. Also impaired renal function causes an increase in levels of sPD-L1. As a consequence, renal function has to be taken into account in the interpretation of sPD-L1 levels in patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To isolate and identify the bacteria in open fractures and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of isolates. Methods: A prospective study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital of rural India. The study was carried out on 100 patients of all age groups presenting with open fractures at Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Mullana between March 2021 and September 2022. Two wound swabs, (one for culture and other for microscopy) and tissue specimens were collected to isolate and identify the bacteria causing infection in open fractures. All the bacterial isolates were then subjected to antibiotic sensitivity. Results: The results were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Significant growth was reported in 46% of the debridement samples. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated in 30% of cultures, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 22% of the cultures. In the post operative follow up period, 40 % of the patients reported significant growth. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common organism isolated in 28% of cultures in follow up period. Among gram positive organisms, Staphylococcus aureus was 77% susceptible to Amikacin & 68% susceptible to Erythromycin. Gram negative organisms like Enterobacteriaceae were 100% susceptible to Imipenem, 71% susceptible to Amikacin and 71% to ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: Initial contamination in open fractures is by both gram positive and gramnegative organisms with Staphylococcus aureus being commonest. Broad spectrum antibiotics like ciprofloxacin along with amikacin form cornerstone therapy for prevention of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundReduced cholesterol levels are associated with increased organ failure and mortality in sepsis. Cholesterol levels may vary by infection type (gram negative vs positive), possibly reflecting differences in cholesterol-mediated bacterial clearance.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of a combined data set of 2 prospective cohort studies of adult patients meeting Sepsis-3 criteria. Infection types were classified as gram negative, gram positive, or culture negative. We investigated quantitative (levels) and qualitative (dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein [HDL]) cholesterol differences. We used multivariable logistic regression to control for disease severity.ResultsAmong 171 patients with sepsis, infections were gram negative in 67, gram positive in 46, and culture negative in 47. Both gram-negative and gram-positive infections occurred in 11 patients. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were lower for culture-positive sepsis at enrollment (TC, P < .001; LDL-C, P < .001; HDL-C, P = .011) and persisted after controlling for disease severity. Similarly, cholesterol levels were lower among culture-positive patients at 48 hours (TC, P = .012; LDL-C, P = .029; HDL-C, P = .002). Triglyceride (TG) levels were lower at enrollment (P =.033) but not at 48 hours (P = .212). There were no differences in dysfunctional HDL. Among bacteremic patients, cholesterol levels were lower at enrollment (TC, P = .010; LDL-C, P = .010; HDL-C, P ≤ .001; TG, P = .005) and at 48 hours (LDL-C, P = .027; HDL-C, P < .001; TG, P = .020), except for 48 hour TC (P = .051). In the bacteremia subgroup, enrollment TC and LDL-C were lower for gram-negative versus gram-positive infections (TC, P = .039; LDL-C, P = .023).ConclusionCholesterol levels are significantly lower among patients with culture-positive sepsis and bacteremia.

Gram-positive bacteria assemble pili (fimbriae) on their surfaces to adhere to host tissues and to promote polymicrobial interactions. These hair-like structures, although very thin (1 to 5 nm), exhibit impressive tensile strengths because their protein components (pilins) are covalently crosslinked together via lysine-isopeptide bonds by pilus-specific sortase enzymes. While atomic structures of isolated pilins have been determined, how they are joined together by sortases and how these interpilin crosslinks stabilize pilus structure are poorly understood. Using a reconstituted pilus assembly system and hybrid structural biology methods, we elucidated the solution structure and dynamics of the crosslinked interface that is repeated to build the prototypical SpaA pilus from Corynebacterium diphtheriae We show that sortase-catalyzed introduction of a K190-T494 isopeptide bond between adjacent SpaA pilins causes them to form a rigid interface in which the LPLTG sorting signal is inserted into a large binding groove. Cellular and quantitative kinetic measurements of the crosslinking reaction shed light onto the mechanism of pilus biogenesis. We propose that the pilus-specific sortase in C. diphtheriae uses a latch mechanism to select K190 on SpaA for crosslinking in which the sorting signal is partially transferred from the enzyme to a binding groove in SpaA in order to facilitate catalysis. This process is facilitated by a conserved loop in SpaA, which after crosslinking forms a stabilizing latch that covers the K190-T494 isopeptide bond. General features of the structure and sortase-catalyzed assembly mechanism of the SpaA pilus are likely conserved in Gram-positive bacteria.

Natural bioactive compounds represent a new frontier of antimicrobial molecules, and the marine ecosystem represents a new challenge in this regard. In the present work, we evaluated the possibility of changes in the antibacterial activity of protamine-like (PL) proteins, the major nuclear basic protein components of Mytilus galloprovincialis sperm chromatin, after the exposure of mussels to subtoxic doses of chromium (VI) (1, 10, and 100 nM) and mercury (1, 10, and 100 pM) HgCl2, since these metals affect some properties of PL. After exposure, we analyzed the electrophoretic pattern of PLs by both acetic acid-urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (AU-PAGE) and SDS-PAGE and determined the MIC and MBC of these proteins on different gram+ and gram– bacteria. PLs, particularly after mussels were exposed to the highest doses of chromium and mercury, showed significantly reduced antibacterial activity. Just at the highest doses of exposure to the two metals, changes were found in the electrophoretic pattern of PLs, suggesting that there were conformational changes in these proteins, which were confirmed by the fluorescence measurements of PLs. These results provide the first evidence of a reduction in the antibacterial activity of these proteins following the exposure of mussels to these metals. Based on the results, hypothetical molecular mechanisms that could explain the decrease in the antibacterial activity of PLs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by Syzygium aromaticum (clove) extract via a green synthesis method and evaluated their antibacterial properties. The bio-molecules inside the extract play an important role in converting nickel nitrate salt into nickel oxide nanoparticles. The prepared nickel oxide nanoparticles were characterized via different techniques such as X-ray Diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission-scanning electron microscopy and ultravioletevisible spectrophotometer. From X-ray diffraction results, the crystallite size of NiO NPs was estimated to be (39.7 nm). The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy exhibits intense two peaks at 594 cm¡1 and 469 cm¡1 which indicates the formation of NiO NPs. In addition, the energy band-gap calculated by Tauc's formula was ~2.89 eV. Finally, The antibacterial activity study results detected that NiO NPs have the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus when compared to Escherichia coli. Thus, the present study exhibits good antibacterial activity, which may be explored in future clinical treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is paucity of data describing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on antimicrobial resistance. This review evaluated the changes in the rate of multidrug resistant gram negative and gram positive bacteria during the COVID-19 pandemic. A search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases to identify eligible studies. Studies that reported the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase inhibitor (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae , vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CPE) were selected. Studies published in English language from the start of COVID-19 pandemic to July 2022 were considered for inclusion. Thirty eligible studies were selected and most of them were from Italy (n = 8), Turkey (n = 3) and Brazil (n = 3). The results indicated changes in the rate of multidrug resistant bacteria, and the changes varied between the studies. Most studies (54.5%) reported increase in MRSA infection/colonization during the pandemic, and the increase ranged from 4.6 to 170.6%. Five studies (55.6%) reported a 6.8–65.1% increase in VRE infection/colonization during the pandemic. A 2.4–58.2% decrease in ESBL E. coli and a 1.8–13.3% reduction in ESBL Klebsiella pneumoniae was observed during the pandemic. For CRAB, most studies (58.3%) reported 1.5–621.6% increase in infection/colonization during the pandemic. Overall, studies showed increase in the rate of CRE infection/colonization during the pandemic. There was a reduction in carbapenem-resistant E. coli during COVID-19 pandemic, and an increase in carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae. Most studies (55.6%) showed 10.4 – 40.9% reduction in the rate of CRPA infection during the pandemic. There is an increase in the rate of multidrug resistant gram positive and gram negative bacteria during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the rate of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and CRPA has decrease during the pandemic. Both infection prevention and control strategies and antimicrobial stewardship should be strengthen to address the increasing rate of multidrug resistant gram positive and gram negative bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sponge is an invertebrate animal in the Porifera phylum, which potentially produces bioactive compounds that are known as potential agents in producing antimicrobial compounds. This research aims to determine the antimicrobial activity of bacteria isolates obtained from the samples of the sponge of Kodingareng Keke Island-Makassar Indonesia. Samples were isolated by the pour plate method using NA (Nutrient Agar) media and incubated for 1 x 24 hours. A total of 8 bacteria were isolated with code KDR-02-01, KDR-02-02, KDR-02-03, KDR-02-04, KDR-02-05, KDR-02-06, KDR-02-07, KDR-02-08, KDR-02-09 and KDR-02-10. Each isolate of bacteria is purified by using quadrant streaks method until it is obtained by a pure isolate bacteria followed by an antagonistic test. From the antagonist test, bacteria KDR-02-07 continue to be fermented because they have the best inhibition compared to other isolates capable of inhibiting E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans. Active isolate fermented for 8 days to produce secondary metabolite. After fermentation of 8 days the fermentation medium was separate by filtration then supernatant was extraction using ethyl acetate (1:1) and biomass macerated using methanol. Ethyl acetate extracts and methanol extracts that have been obtained are continued on antimicrobial activity test with diffusion method in order to microbial test microbes E. coli, S. aureus, B. subtilis, C. albicans and A. niger. The results of the study showed that ethyl acetate extract in concentration of 10% can inhibit E. coli and B. subtilis, in concentration of 5% inhibit B. subtilis and in concentrations of 1.25% inhibit A. niger, whereas in methanol extracts not acquired antimicrobial activity. Based on the results of a microscopic test it was obtained that the bacteria were isolated is Gram-positive and basil bacteria.

In this work, vitreous oxidic structures from the xAg2O×(100-x)[45ZnO55B2O3] system were prepared, with a high content of silver oxide 0≤x≤7 mol%. The start substances were mixed in appropriate proportions and melted at 1230 °C, then undercooled at room temperature. The samples were obtained in the form of disks with a width between 2 and 5 mm by pressure between two stainless steel plates. In this work, vitreous oxidic structures from the xAg2O(100-x)[45ZnO55B2O3] system were prepared, with a high content of silver oxide 0≤x≤7 mol%. The start substances were mixed in appropriate proportions and melted at 1230 C, then undercooled at room temperature. The samples were obtained in the form of disks with a width between 2 and 5 mm by pressure between two stainless steel plates. The capacity of interaction with bacterial culture was investigated in agar environment through the method of dilution for gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. in order to use them for medical purposes. The most intense effect was registered in the case of Staphylococcus aureus, and the samples which do not contain silver, turned out efficient against both investigated strains.

During infection, pathogens must obtain all inorganic nutrients, such as phosphate, from the host. Despite the essentiality of phosphate for all forms of life, how Staphylococcus aureus obtains this nutrient during infection is unknown. Differing from Escherichia coli, the paradigm for bacterial phosphate acquisition, which has two inorganic phosphate (Pi) importers, genomic analysis suggested that S. aureus possesses three distinct Pi transporters: PstSCAB, PitA, and NptA. While pitA and nptA are expressed in phosphate-replete media, expression of all three transporters is induced by phosphate limitation. The loss of a single transporter did not affect S. aureus However, disruption of any two systems significantly reduced Pi accumulation and growth in divergent environments. These findings indicate that PstSCAB, PitA, and NptA have overlapping but nonredundant functions, thus expanding the environments in which S. aureus can successfully obtain Pi Consistent with this idea, in a systemic mouse model of disease, loss of any one transporter did not decrease staphylococcal virulence. However, loss of NptA in conjunction with either PstSCAB or PitA significantly reduced the ability of S. aureus to cause infection. These observations suggest that Pi acquisition via NptA is particularly important for the pathogenesis of S. aureus While our analysis suggests that NptA homologs are widely distributed among bacteria, closely related less pathogenic staphylococcal species do not possess this importer. Altogether, these observations indicate that Pi uptake by S. aureus differs from established models and that acquisition of a third transporter enhances the ability of the bacterium to cause infection.

Introduction: This research is investigate antibacterial activity of Coffea canephora extract against Gram-Positive Escherichia coli. Methods: An experimental laboratory with post-test only group design, investigating antibacterial activity of Coffea canephora extract in concentrations 4%, 16%, 25%, 33%, 39% and 44% were observed and measured mean diameter inhibitory zone then analysed by statistical and sensitivity test. Sensitivity criteria according standard of Clinical and Laboratory Standarts Institiute (CLSI). Statistical test using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney Test. Conclusion: In The Coffea canephora extract showed lowest concentration to inhibit Escherichia coli was 33% (Mean: 9mm) although categorized as resistant. Greatest concentration 44% (Mean: 13.75mm) was categorized as intermediate. Statistical analysis using Kruskal-Wallis showed significant difference in all concentration and Mann-Whitney showed significant mean diameter inhibitory zone in concentration 33%, 39% and 44%. In this study we showed Coffea canephora extract perform antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli although in current study no sensitive concentration found. Increase concentration correlated with increase mean diameter inhibitory zone which indicated antibacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural bioactive compounds represent a new frontier of antimicrobial molecules, and the marine ecosystem represents a new challenge in this regard. In the present work, we evaluated the possibility of changes in the antibacterial activity of protamine-like (PL) proteins, the major nuclear basic protein components of Mytilus galloprovincialis sperm chromatin, after the exposure of mussels to subtoxic doses of chromium (VI) (1, 10, and 100 nM) and mercury (1, 10, and 100 pM) HgCl2, since these metals affect some properties of PL. After exposure, we analyzed the electrophoretic pattern of PLs by both acetic acid-urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (AU-PAGE) and SDS-PAGE and determined the MIC and MBC of these proteins on different gram+ and gram– bacteria. PLs, particularly after mussels were exposed to the highest doses of chromium and mercury, showed significantly reduced antibacterial activity. Just at the highest doses of exposure to the two metals, changes were found in the electrophoretic pattern of PLs, suggesting that there were conformational changes in these proteins, which were confirmed by the fluorescence measurements of PLs. These results provide the first evidence of a reduction in the antibacterial activity of these proteins following the exposure of mussels to these metals. Based on the results, hypothetical molecular mechanisms that could explain the decrease in the antibacterial activity of PLs are discussed.

Microorganisms are one of the main reasons for infectious diseases, however conditionally pathogenic ones are members of the normal human microbiome. Certain circumstances make them become pathogenic to organism. Treatment of microbial diseases majorly is carried out by antibiotics, using of which may lead to antibiotic resistance. Moreover, it causes deficiency of gut microflora, subsequent dysbiosis and weakening of immunity. Thus, replacement of antibiotics by naturally derived medicinal drugs will be an optimal way of fighting pathogenic microorganisms. Since plants are rich in various biologically active compounds, extracts from them will exert antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties and etc. In this investigation extract from Arctium tomentosum Mill. obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was studied for antimicrobial effect. Four reference microbial strains, including gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus), gram negative (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli) and fungi (Candida albicans) were treated. Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol and Nystatin were used for positive control. Procedure of antimicrobial assay was carried out by the method of two-fold serial dilutions in corresponding nutrient medium. As a result minimum bactericide and fungicide concentrations of the extract from A. tomentosum Mill. were determined. Against S. aureus it was 10.4 mg/ml and 41.7 mg/ml against S. epidermidis, while against E. coli it was 20.8 mg/ml. Minimum fungicidal concentration was 5.2 mg/ml. Also ranges of concentration of the studied extract that stop reproduction and development of selected microorganisms were determined. Thus, concentration range of bacteriostatic activity for S. aureus was 2.6–5.2, while for S. epidermidis was 2.6-20.8 mg/ml. Bacteriostatic activity of the studied extract against E.coli was not observed, however concentration range of fungistatic activity was 1.3–2.6 mg/ml. Obtained results show that extract from Arctium tomentosum Mill. has antimicrobial activity, so it can serve as a base for formation of phytopreparate for the treatment of diseases with microbial origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our work aimed to develop and analyze various semi-solid pharmaceutical forms, such as mucilages, ointments, but also solids, respectively trochists associated with pasture. This is also the novelty of our study, that is, the incorporation of pasture in various pharmaceutical forms, followed by microbiological analysis and analysis of the stability over time of these pharmaceutical forms. Subsequently, we analyzed these pharmaceutical forms physically and chemically, as well as microbiologically on various microbial strains such as gram-positive germs: Staphylococcus aureus (reference strain 25293), Streptococcus pneumoniae (reference strain 49616), Streptococcus Pyogenes (reference strain ); Enterococcus casselifavus (Reference strain 700327); gram negative germs: Escherichia coli (Reference strain 25922); Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Reference strain 27853); Enterobacter hormaechei (Reference strain 700323); Klebsiella pneumoniae (700 strain) ; fungi: Candida albicans (Reference strain 90028). We used different amounts of pasture, respectively 2g and 5g embedded in trochists. Trochists prepared with sugar and water had a good antimicrobial activity compared to E.Coli ATCC25922. On the strain of Staphyloccocus aureus ATCC25923, the highest activity was presented by the trocysts with gelatinous mass and sugar. The best inhibitory activity had the ointment with macrogol, the trocysts with gelatinous mass and sugar and the trocysts with gelatinous mass and sacharum lactis ( inhibition zones 20mm, 21mm, respectively 20mm). In the case of pharmaceutical forms prepared with 5g of raw pasture on Gram-negative bacteria, the best antimicrobial activity was presented by trocysts with gelatinous mass and sugar on Enterobacter hormachei ATCC700323, and on Staphyloccocus aure ATCC25923 as Gram positive germs. Good results were also obtained on Candida albicans ATCC90028, in the case of trochis with sugar

Abstract Asphodelus fistulosus (A. fistulosus) is a wild plant grows in Jordan. Traditionally, it is used to treat different medical conditions and diseases such as respiratory ailments, against burns and dermatomucosal infections.This study aims to find out the effects of A. fistulosus aqueous and ethanolic crude extracts on Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) as gram positive bacteria and Escherichia coli (E. coli) as gram negative bacteria and to investigate which one will be affected either by aqueous and/or ethanolic crude extracts of A. fistulosus shooting parts that were collected from Jerash in the north of Jordan. Agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the crude extracts. In addition, MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) as well as MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) were determined against both types of bacteria. The results showed that flower aqueous extract of A. fistulosus was very effective against E. coli (20.0 ± 0.50) mm and caused a (14.0 ± 0.50) mm inhibition to S. aureus. The ethanolic extract of stem was very effective cauesed a (19.0 ± 0.50) mm inhibition in both bacterial species. Respectively, both S. aureus and E. coli were inhibited by ethanolic and aqueous extracts (mixture1 and mixture2) (15.0 ± 0.00 mm and 10.5 ± 0.50 mm). The highest antimbacterial activity was observed for the leaves aqueous extract against E.coli (0.06120 mg/mL). The obtained MIC values from A. fistulosus parts extracts demonstrated antibacterial activity ranged between 7.606 and 0.06120 mg/mL. The highest antimicrobial activity was recorded in the leaves aqueous extract against E. coli.The MBC value of stem aqueous extract was 5.00 mg/mL against both S. aureus and E. coli. On the other hand, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the leaves gave MBC values 5.00 mg/mL, and 0.156 mg/mL, respectively, against E. coli.Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that there is good inhibitory effect of aqueous and ethanolic of A. fistulosus shooting parts extracts on growth of E. coli and S. aureus. Adding to that, stem ethanolic extract has the most effective against S. aureus while aqueous extract of flower has the most effective against E. coli.So, it is recommended to have further future studies on the A. fistulosus shooting parts crude extract bioactive components and the mechanism of how these constituents affect these types of bacteria.

Like Gram negative, Gram positive bacteria release nano-sized vesicles into the extracellular environment in a constitutive manner. These bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs) are spherical bilayered proteolipids enriched with bioactive proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and virulence factors. Recent progress in this field supports the critical assumption of the anticancer activity of these extracellular vesicles. Using MTT assay, Staphylococcus aureus derived extracellular vesicles anticancer activity was evaluated. Results showed no noticeable percentages of cytotoxicity (CT%) for EVs against normal HBL-100 cells, since the CT% ranged from 2% to 10.67% at higher concentrations. While, there was higher cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells MCF-7 ranged from 27.29 to 58.64% for AMJ13 cells and 8.33% to 79.33% for MCF-7 after Evs treatment. The cytotoxicity assay analysis showed that IC50 values of EVs (19.71 µg MCF-7, 634 µg HBL-100). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, H4L Schiff base ligand which can form stable complexes with 4,4'-Diamino-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid compound having primary diamine and disulfonic acid group in its molecular structure was synthesized. Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complex compounds of the H4 Lligand were synthesized. Molecular structures of the compounds obtained were characterized using analytical and spectroscopic methods. Gram positive(5), gram negative(6), probiotic bacteria(2) antimicrobial and antifungal activities (MIC, MBC) of all compounds were studied. MIC values of the compounds on indicator bacteria at concentrations of 500, 250, 62.5, 31.2, 15.63 and 7.81 µg/mL, 250 mg/mL for H4L, 31.5 mg/mL for [Cu2H2L(CH3COO)2(H2O)2], 62.5 mg/mL for [Cd2H2LCl2(H2O2] and 125 mg/mL for [Zn2H2L(CH3COO)2(H2O)2], the complexes were determined to be more effective than the ligand. Bactericidal effects were determined in the MBC test at concentrations of 500-250 mg/mL. In the agar well diffusion test, the compounds were tested only at 500 mg/ml and different inhibition diameters were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sponge is an invertebrate animal in the Porifera phylum, which potentially produces bioactive compounds that are known as potential agents in producing antimicrobial compounds. This research aims to determine the antimicrobial activity of bacteria isolates obtained from the samples of the sponge of Kodingareng Keke Island-Makassar Indonesia. Samples were isolated by the pour plate method using NA (Nutrient Agar) media and incubated for 1 x 24 hours. A total of 8 bacteria were isolated with code KDR-02-01, KDR-02-02, KDR-02-03, KDR-02-04, KDR-02-05, KDR-02-06, KDR-02-07, KDR-02- 08, KDR-02-09 and KDR-02-10. Each isolate of bacteria is purified by using quadrant streaks method until it is obtained by a pure isolate bacteria followed by an antagonistic test. From the antagonist test, bacteria KDR-02-07 continue to be fermented because they have the best inhibition compared to other isolates capable of inhibiting E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans. Active isolate fermented for 8 days to produce secondary metabolite. After fermentation of 8 days the fermentation medium was separate by filtration then supernatant was extraction using ethyl acetate (1:1) and biomass macerated using methanol. Ethyl acetate extracts and methanol extracts that have been obtained are continued on antimicrobial activity test with diffusion method in order to microbial test microbes E. coli, S. aureus, B. subtilis, C. albicans and A. niger. The results of the study showed that ethyl acetate extract in concentration of 10% can inhibit E. coli and B. subtilis, in concentration of 5% inhibit B. subtilis and in concentrations of 1.25% inhibit A. niger, whereas in methanol extracts not acquired antimicrobial activity. Based on the results of a microscopic test it was obtained that the bacteria were isolated is Gram-positive and basil bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Anaerobic bacteria are a common cause of endogenous infections, some of which can be life threatening. These bacteria are not easily cultured and isolated and often cannot even found from infected sites. Delayed or inappropriate treatment of these microorganisms can lead to failure in eradicating these infections. The purpose of this study was to determine the diversity of anaerobic bacteria at present and their pattern of sensitivity to several antibiotics. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over a period of two years on various specimens. Specimens derived from body fluids are inoculated on a BacT/Alert (bioMérieux). Anaerobic isolates were identified by Gram staining and continued identification using Vitek 2® automated system. Antibiotic sensitivity examination was carried out using ATBTM ANA (bioMérieux). Results: A total of 440 specimens were received in microbiology laboratory for anaerobic culture from patients with multiple infections from 13 hospitals in Jakarta. Our research was able to identify 18 species on anaerobic bacteria, consisting 52.5% Gram positive and 47.5% Gram negative bacteria. The most common bacteria found were Clostridium perfringens (15%) from Gram positive and Provetella bivia (10%) from Gram negative. The sensitivity pattern shows that antibiotic piperacilline-tazobactam is 100% effective against anaerobic bacteria, while metronidazole as the drug of choice is only 75% effective. Against Gram positive, several antibiotics such as piperacilline-tazobactam, ticarcilin-clavunic acid, cefoxitin, cefotetan, imipenem and chloramphenicol were 100% effective, however metronidazole occupied the lowest position (61.9%). Meanwhile against Gram negative antibiotics piperacilline-tazobactam is 100% effective and chloramphenicol in the second position (94.75%). Conclusion: Clostridium perfringens and Provetella bivia are the most common bacteria found. The antibiotics piperacilline-tazobactam is 100% effective against both Gram positive and negative. The accuracy of specimen management, isolation, identification and sensitivity examination will determine the successful microbiological investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is an ever-growing problem in heathcare. We have previously identified a set of osmium(II), ruthenium(II), iridium(III) and rhodium(III) half-sandwich type complexes with bidentate monosaccharide ligands possessing cytostatic properties against carcinoma, lymphoma and sarcoma cells with low micromolar or submicromolar IC50 values. Importantly, these complexes were not active on primary, non-transformed cells. These complexes have now been assessed as to their antimicrobial properties and found to be potent inhibitors of the growth of reference strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis (Gram-positive species), though the compounds proved inactive on reference strains of Pseudomonas aerugonisa, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Candida auris and Acinetobacter baumannii (Gram-negative species and fungi). Furthermore, clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus sp. (both multiresistant and susceptible strains) were also susceptible to the organometallic complexes in this study with similar MIC values as the reference strains. Taken together, we identified a set of osmium(II), ruthenium(II), iridium(III) and rhodium(III) half-sandwich type antineoplastic organometallic complexes which also have antimicrobial activity among Gram-positive bacteria. These compounds represent a novel class of antimicrobial agents that are not detoxified by multiresistant bacteria suggesting a potential to be used to combat multiresistant infections.

Background and Objectives: Anaerobic bacteria are a common cause of endogenous infections, some of which can be life threatening. These bacteria are not easily cultured and isolated and often cannot even found from infected sites. Delayed or inappropriate treatment of these microorganisms can lead to failure in eradicating these infections. The purpose of this study was to determine the diversity of anaerobic bacteria at present and their pattern of sensitivity to several antibiotics. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over a period of two years on various specimens. Specimens derived from body fluids are inoculated on a BacT/Alert (bioMérieux). Anaerobic isolates were identified by Gram staining and continued identification using Vitek 2® automated system. Antibiotic sensitivity examination was carried out using ATBTM ANA (bioMérieux). Results: A total of 440 specimens were received in microbiology laboratory for anaerobic culture from patients with multiple infections from 13 hospitals in Jakarta. Our research was able to identify 18 species on anaerobic bacteria, consisting 52.5% Gram positive and 47.5% Gram negative bacteria. The most common bacteria found were Clostridium perfringens (15%) from Gram positive and Provetella bivia (10%) from Gram negative. The sensitivity pattern shows that antibiotic piperacilline-tazobactam is 100% effective against anaerobic bacteria, while metronidazole as the drug of choice is only 75% effective. Against Gram positive, several antibiotics such as piperacilline-tazobactam, ticarcilin-clavunic acid, cefoxitin, cefotetan, imipenem and chloramphenicol were 100% effective, however metronidazole occupied the lowest position (61.9%). Meanwhile against Gram negative antibiotics piperacilline-tazobactam is 100% effective and chloramphenicol in the second position (94.75%). Conclusion: Clostridium perfringens and Provetella bivia are the most common bacteria found. The antibiotics piperacilline-tazobactam is 100% effective against both Gram positive and negative. The accuracy of specimen management, isolation, identification and sensitivity examination will determine the successful microbiological investigations.

Background: It is unclear if a history of mesh explantation for infection is predictive of future microbiology after subsequent hernia operations. We investigated how often the same causative organism is cultured in the initial explantation and subsequent repairs. Patients and Methods: We obtained data on patients undergoing ventral/incisional, umbilical, and inguinal hernia repairs from the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program during 2008-2015. Manual review was performed for all patients with an administrative code indicative of mesh explantation and those with explantation for infection were retained. We then obtained data on cultured organisms from the mesh site at the time of index explantation and at any re-repair or subsequent explantation during a follow-up period ending in December 2020. Results: We identified 332 patients undergoing mesh explantation because of infection (64.8% ventral, 18.7% umbilical, 16.6% inguinal). Mean age was 60.3 years (standard deviation [SD], 9.7) and 93.9% were male. The same organism was cultured at re-infection in 23 of 59 (39%) cases. Gram-positive micro-organisms were the most prevalent in 20 of 23 (87%). Among the gram-positive, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen and was cultured in 18 of 20 (90%) cases, of which 14 of 18 (77.8%) were methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and 4 of 18 (22.2%) were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Three of 23 (13%) gram-negative organisms were the same at both re-infection and index explantation consisting of Escherichia coli in 2 of 3 (66.7%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in one of three (33.3%). Conclusions: Identification of organisms at time of prosthetic infection is helpful not only in treating the initial infection, but also in prevention of infection with the same organisms after subsequent repairs. Same organism re-infection should not be underestimated, particularly when Staphylococcus aureus is isolated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate evidence for high-dose daptomycin (doses ≥ 8 mg/kg/d). Data Sources: A PubMed/MEDLINE literature search was performed (January 2000 to December 2020) using the search terms daptomycin, high dose, and dosing. Review article references and society guidelines were reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Clinical trials, observational studies, retrospective studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews reporting on high-dose daptomycin were included. Data Synthesis: Experimentally, daptomycin outperforms other antimicrobials for high inoculum and biofilm-associated infections. Clinically, high-dose daptomycin is supported as salvage and first-line therapy for endocarditis and bacteremia, primarily when caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (when vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration is >1 mg/L) and Enterococcus. High-dose daptomycin appears effective for osteomyelitis and central nervous system infections, although comparative studies are lacking. High dosing in renal replacement therapy requires considering clearance modality to achieve exposures like normal renal function. Weight-based dosing in obesity draws concern for elevated exposures, although high doses have not been evaluated kinetically in obesity. Some data show benefits of high doses in overweight populations. Burn patients clear daptomycin more rapidly, and high doses may only achieve drug exposures similar to standard doses (6 mg/kg). Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This review analyzes the efficacy and safety of high-dose daptomycin in serious gram-positive infections. Discussion of specific infectious etiologies and patient populations should encourage clinicians to evaluate their daptomycin dosing standards. Conclusions: The efficacy of high-dose daptomycin and limited safety concerns encourage clinicians to consider high-dose daptomycin more liberally in severe gram-positive infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Study of antimicrobial effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of vegetative and reproductive structures of A. Chamaecistus and A. austro-iranica on several fungi and bacteria Materials and Methods: Aquatic and methanolic extracts prepared from Ajuga Chamaecistus, A. austro-iranica were tested for antibacterial activity against gram positive (Satphyloccocus aureous and Streptococus pyogenes) and gram negative (Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Proteus vulgaris) bacteria and Aspergillus niger and fusarium solani. The vegetative and generative shoots of plants were powdered, sterilized, and extracted at 4°C with methanol and water. The concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mgml-1 of methanolic and aquatic extracts were used to detect the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). All experiments were tested three times. The antibacterial effects were evaluated using the cup-plate and antifugal activity using cup-plate and pour plate Results: The antibacterial effect of aqueous extracts showed that only the leaf extract (vegetative extract) of A. chamaecistus is effective on S. aureus showing that in gram-negative bacteria, the presence of a lipopolysaccharide wall causes greater resistance. Methanolic extracts of both species were more active than aqueous extracts and had antimicrobial effects on all tested bacteria as well as A. niger. In both species, the extracts of the generative parts showed a stronger antifungal effect. In different species of this genus, the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins and terpenoids that have antimicrobial properties confirms the antimicrobial properties of this species. However, the amount of their effect depends on plant and microbe species, the tested parts (plant organs), the extracts concentration, the sampling season, the sample age and soil type.

Detecting bacteria in samples and differentiating between Gram-negative and Gram-positive species is an important challenge, and the most common method, Gram staining, is very time consuming. The aim of this study was to evaluate the electrical bioimpedance spectroscopy (EBIS) technique as an inexpensive and practical tool for real-time detection of bacteria and differentiation between Gram-positive and Gram-negative species. The relevant sensitivity for differentiating between species was found in the magnitude and phase at frequencies of 158,489 and 5248 Hz, respectively, at a bacterial concentration of 1 μg/μl. Subsequently, the sensitivity was estimated as a function of bacterial concentration. Our results demonstrated that EBIS can potentially distinguish between presence and absence of bacteria as well as between different types of bacteria.

Blood transfusion is currently one of the most important health care treatments. Unfortunately, the prevalence of transfusion reactions caused by the use of blood products is still quite high although blood products have been tested in terms of infectious diseases using 4 parameters, namely hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis. The results of the analysis of blood products produced by UTD (Blood Transfusion Unit) Surabaya showed bacterial contamination of blood products, starting from normal skin flora to pathogens. Bacterial contamination is also believed to be one of the causes of transfusion reactions. Therefore, it is necessary to make efforts to prevent bacterial contamination of blood products. One of the efforts is to find chemical compounds that have good antibacterial activity. In this study, the antibacterial activity of 2ˈ-hydroxy-4ˈ,6ˈ,4-trimethoxychalcone and 4-methoxychalcone was tested against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The test method was agar diffusion at various concentrations of chalcone, namely 0.625; 1.25; 2.5 and 5.0%. The results showed that both chalcones had good antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Background: Weissella confusa, a Gram positive coccobacillus, is a rare cause of human disease. They are vancomycin resistant, bile aesculin positive, lactic acid fermenters previously classified as members of the Leuconostoc and Lactobacillus genera. Among the 19 recognised species of Weissella, W. confusa is most frequently associated with human infection, however as its name suggests establishing its pathogenicity and correctly identifying it using traditional phenotypic testing platforms can be challenging. Case report: We present a case of W. confusa endocarditis in a male from Ghana where W. confusa is used in the fermenting process of commonly consumed food products. We discuss the microbiological diagnostic processes, including identification of this organism through use of matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionisation/time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF), and how the laboratory derived susceptibility tests were interpreted and applied to construct a successful therapeutic regime for infective endocarditis. Conclusions: We review the literature around cases of invasive W. confusa disease, contextualising this organism in terms of relevance to patients who are immunocompromised or who have indwelling vascular access devices.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major global health concern, being a common cause of meningitis in both children and adults. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of P10&#95;PNE&#95;LCR, a S. pneumoniae 11A strain isolated in Northern Italy from an adult patient diagnosed with meningitis., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Sarcina Ventriculi is a gram-positive organism, rarely encountered as a human pathogen. It has been described in stomach specimens, often in patients with delayed gastric emptying. The exact role of this organism in human disease is not clear. In this case report, we describe a case of Sarcina organism associated with gastric ulceration. This organism is likely underreported and often overlooked, as it may not be obvious on routine staining. Awareness of this organism and further studies are needed to understand its role in human disease.

Abstract Background Sepsis-induced immunosuppression is a key factor contributing to the morbidity and mortality of critically ill patients, and polymorphonuclear neutrophil dysfunction is believed to be a hallmark of this immunosuppression. Circulating myeloid cells produce the cytokine resistin (RETN), which has been associated with poor outcomes in sepsis/septic shock and can directly inhibit neutrophil function. We previously demonstrated that resistin caused a dose-dependent impairment in neutrophil migration, reactive oxygen species production, and bacterial clearance in neutrophil cell lines. However, the relative antimicrobial responses of other innate immune cells to Gram-positive and Gram-negative infections in the presence of elevated levels of resistin have not been evaluated. We hypothesized that resistin directly contributes to sepsis-induced immunosuppression by selectively targeting the neutrophil component of the innate cellular immune system. Thus, the goal of the present study was to compare the effect of resistin on bacterial killing using monocultures or co-cultures of monocyte and neutrophil cell lines, as well as to extend our findings to primary immune cells. Results Our results indicate that human resistin impairs the ability of neutrophils to kill the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast, with the exception of macrophages incubated with P. aeruginosa, resistin did not affect the ability of macrophages or monocytes to kill either Gram-positive or Gram-negative organisms. Furthermore, co-incubation of neutrophils with increasing proportions of monocytes did not enhance bacterial killing. Resistin blocked bactericidal activity through partial reduction of F-actin polymerization and suppression of the oxidative burst in neutrophils. Conclusions Our studies indicate that resistin selectively impairs neutrophil bacterial killing. These findings further support the notion that resistin can mimic cell type-dependent immunosuppressive effects. This is consistent with its putative role in the pathogenesis of bacterial sepsis.