Search

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major reason behind the increased research aimed at the identification of effective antiviral agents. Among these, Nucleoside analogs have shown a promising effect on the inhibition of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus replication, the pathogen of COVID-19. Nucleoside analogs are synthetic compounds designed to mimic natural nucleosides, the building blocks of RNA and DNA. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the pivotal role nucleoside analogs play in combating SARS-CoV-2 infections. These analogs function by incorporating into the viral RNA during replication, disrupting the synthesis process and preventing the virus from proliferating. Researchers have identified multiple nucleoside analogs exhibiting robust antiviral efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, including remdesivir, favipiravir, and molnupiravir. This review explores the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles of these nucleoside analogs. Furthermore, it discusses the challenges and limitations associated with their use, including the emergence of resistant viral strains and potential side effects. Additionally, the review delves into ongoing research efforts to optimize nucleoside analogs for enhanced efficacy and reduced adverse effects. In summary, the article aims to enhance our overall understanding of nucleoside-based treatments by combining information about their chemistry, mechanisms of action, and activation pathways. The goal is to contribute to advancements in addressing emerging viral threats in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-risk strains of nosocomial pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, constitute a major challenge in the etiology of nosocomial infections, particularly among patients in severe clinical condition, predominantly hospitalized in intensive care units. One of the strategies to reduce infections with multidrug-resistant strains is the application of disinfectants and antiseptics, although the activity of these preparations is variable in the case of biofilm-producing bacteria. Bacterial cells in the biofilm show increased resistance to antibiotics, antiseptics and disinfectants compared to planktonic cells. Polyhexanidine is a mixture of polymers and a synthetic compound that is structurally similar to naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides, and the bactericidal effect of polyhexanidine has been demonstrated against a wide range of species, including Acinetobacter baumannii. A. baumannii is now common in intensive care units worldwide and has quickly become resistant to most antibiotics. Acinetobacter baumannii is capable of infiltrating such elements as ventilation tubes, thus becoming one of the main etiological factors of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Therefore, it is vital to prevent transmission and the spread of this bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, we have witnessed a growing drug resistance among bacteria, which is associated with the use and availability of an increasing number of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents, as well as with their irrational and excessive use. The present study aims to analyze changes in the drug resistance of Gram-negative Enterobacterales: Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, isolated from infections in a multi-profile hospital over five years (from 2017 to 2021). Among the practical outcomes of the evaluation of these data will be the possibility of determining changes in susceptibility to the antibiotics used in the hospital. In turn, this will help propose new therapeutic options, especially for empirical therapy that is necessary in severe infections. The analysis of the use of individual groups of antibiotics allowed for identification of the causes of the increasing resistance of Gram-negative bacilli. The highest number of infections whose etiological agent was K. pneumoniae ESBL(+) and E. coli ESBL(+) was observed in 2018. In the analyzed five-year period, the number of multi-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae strains increased successively, which seems to be related to the growing use, especially in the pandemic period, of broad-spectrum antibiotics, mainly penicillins with inhibitors, third-generation cephalosporins, and carbapenems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae have spread globally, being responsible for the occurrence and severity of nosocomial infections. The NDM-1-kp, VIM-1 carbapenemase-producing isolates as well as extended-spectrum beta lactamase-producing (ESBL) isolates along with Klebsiella oxytoca strains have become emerging pathogens. Due to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, bacteriophage therapy may be a potential alternative to combat such multidrug-resistant Klebsiella strains. Here, we present the results of a long-term study on the isolation and biology of bacteriophages active against K. pneumoniae, as well as K. oxytoca strains. We evaluated biological properties, morphology, host specificity, lytic spectrum and sensitivity of these phages to chemical agents along with their life cycle parameters such as adsorption, latent period, and burst size. Phages designated by us, vB_KpnM-52N (Kpn52N) and VB_KpnM-53N (Kpn53N), demonstrated relatively broad lytic spectra among tested Klebsiella strains, high burst size, adsorption rates and stability, which makes them promising candidates for therapeutic purposes. We also examined selected Klebsiella phages from our historical collection. Notably, one phage isolated nearly 60 years ago was successfully used in purulent cerebrospinal meningitis in a new-born and has maintained lytic activity to this day. Genomic sequences of selected phages were determined and analyzed. The phages of the sequenced genomes belong to the Slopekvirus and Jiaodavirus genus, a group of phages related to T4 at the family level. They share several features of T4 making them suitable for antibacterial therapies: the obligatorily lytic lifestyle, a lack of homologs of known virulence or antibiotic resistance genes, and a battery of enzymes degrading host DNA at infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The poultry sector is an essential component of agriculture that has grown unusually over the past few decades. Salmonella is thought to live naturally in chickens and causes salmonellosis in humans. Many plant extracts, mainly essential oils, have had their active ingredients studied. Salmonella in chicken is resistant to the antimicrobial effects of the aromatic oil eugenol, which is present mainly in cinnamon and clove. Therefore, eugenol supplementation also improves gut health, thereby increasing overall well-being. Here, we reviewed the rising rates of salmonellosis worldwide and the factors contributing to its prevalence. Then, we suggested using eugenol as a natural feed supplement for reducing Salmonella in chicken. The poultry sector is an essential component of agriculture that has experienced unprecedented growth during the last few decades. It is especially true for the United States, where the average intake of chicken meat increased from 10 pounds (4.5 kg) per person in 1940 to 65.2 pounds (29.6 kg) per person in 2018, while the country produced 113 billion eggs in 2019 alone. Besides providing nutrition and contributing significantly to the economy, chicken is also a natural reservoir of Salmonella, which is responsible for salmonellosis in humans, one of the significant foodborne illnesses around the globe. The increasing use of chicken manure and antibiotics increases the spread of Salmonella and selects for multi-drug resistant strains. Various plant extracts, primarily essential oils, have been investigated for their antimicrobial activities. The multiple ways through which these plant-derived compounds exert their antimicrobial effects make the development of resistance against them unlikely. Eugenol, an aromatic oil primarily found in clove and cinnamon, has shown antimicrobial activities against various pathogenic bacteria. A few reports have also highlighted the anti-Salmonella effects of eugenol in chicken, especially in reducing the colonization by Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium, the primary Salmonella species responsible for human salmonellosis. Besides limiting Salmonella infection in chicken, the supplementation of eugenol also significantly improves intestinal health, improving overall well-being. In this review, we highlight the rising incidences of salmonellosis worldwide and the factors increasing its prevalence. We then propose the usage of eugenol as a natural feed supplement for containing Salmonella in chicken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a study of varying degrees of invasiveness and the risk of transmitting infection. The risk of transferring the infection depends to a great extent on the responsibility of the staff responsible for developing the instrument. Staff knowledge of the risks associated with the study should include not only the technology of the development of the endoscope, but also the current epidemiological situation. Knowledge of strategies to prevent the spread of these microorganisms is one of the elements of effective prevention of infection in endoscopic examination laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resistance and/or relapse of H. pylori infection are usually due to many factors related to the pathogen, host, and/or socio-economic conditions. Aim: To evaluate the relevance of H. pylori strains in recurrent gastritis. Methods: The study enrolled 90 H. pylori infected patients; 48 naïve patients and 42 patients with recurrent infection. HpSA was detected in stool samples, IgG against H pylori CagA and VacA were determined in serum, and identification of H. pylori strains in gastric biopsy was done using GenoType® HelicoDR and real time-PCR. Results: Age, sex distribution did not show any statistical difference between the studied groups. Endoscopic examination revealed gastritis with different grads and histology in all patients. Many H. pylori infected patients (either naïve or relapser) showed co-infected with different strains. The GyrA and 23S wild strains were common among naïve groups (50% for each) while GyrA and 23S mutant strains were common among relapsers' groups (57.2%, and 64.3%, respectively). For antibiotic resistance; 57.2% of patients were resistant to fluoroquinolone, 64.3% were resistant to clarithromycin and 14.3% were resistant to both. Regarding H. pylori antigens, 85.7% of relapsers are infected with CagA positive H. pylori. VagA positive H. pylori is common among relapsers but statistically insignificant. There was a significant association between relapse of H. pylori infection, and both of GyrA mutant strain (p = 0.029*) and presence of CagA antigens (p = 0.001*). Conclusion: Recurrent gastritis associated with H. pylori infection is most probably caused by GyrA mutant, CagA positive H. pylori strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poultry sector is an essential component of agriculture that has experienced unprecedented growth during the last few decades. It is especially true for the United States, where the average intake of chicken meat increased from 10 pounds (4.5 kg) per person in 1940 to 65.2 pounds (29.6 kg) per person in 2018, while the country produced 113 billion eggs in 2019 alone. Besides providing nutrition and contributing significantly to the economy, chicken is also a natural reservoir of Salmonella, which is responsible for salmonellosis in humans, one of the significant foodborne illnesses around the globe. The increasing use of chicken manure and antibiotics increases the spread of Salmonella and selects for multi-drug resistant strains. Various plant extracts, primarily essential oils, have been investigated for their antimicrobial activities. The multiple ways through which these plant-derived compounds exert their antimicrobial effects make the development of resistance against them unlikely. Eugenol, an aromatic oil primarily found in clove and cinnamon, has shown antimicrobial activities against various pathogenic bacteria. A few reports have also highlighted the anti-Salmonella effects of eugenol in chicken, especially in reducing the colonization by Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium, the primary Salmonella species responsible for human salmonellosis. Besides limiting Salmonella infection in chicken, the supplementation of eugenol also significantly improves intestinal health, improving overall well-being. In this review, we highlight the rising incidences of salmonellosis worldwide and the factors increasing its prevalence. We then propose the usage of eugenol as a natural feed supplement for containing Salmonella in chicken.

In recent years, multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae have spread globally, being responsible for the occurrence and severity of nosocomial infections. The NDM-1-kp, VIM-1 carbapenemase-producing isolates as well as extended-spectrum beta lactamase-producing (ESBL) isolates along with Klebsiella oxytoca strains have become emerging pathogens. Due to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, bacteriophage therapy may be a potential alternative to combat such multidrug-resistant Klebsiella strains. Here, we present the results of a long-term study on the isolation and biology of bacteriophages active against K. pneumoniae, as well as K. oxytoca strains. We evaluated biological properties, morphology, host specificity, lytic spectrum and sensitivity of these phages to chemical agents along with their life cycle parameters such as adsorption, latent period, and burst size. Phages designated by us, vB_KpnM-52N (Kpn52N) and VB_KpnM-53N (Kpn53N), demonstrated relatively broad lytic spectra among tested Klebsiella strains, high burst size, adsorption rates and stability, which makes them promising candidates for therapeutic purposes. We also examined selected Klebsiella phages from our historical collection. Notably, one phage isolated nearly 60 years ago was successfully used in purulent cerebrospinal meningitis in a new-born and has maintained lytic activity to this day. Genomic sequences of selected phages were determined and analyzed. The phages of the sequenced genomes belong to the Slopekvirus and Jiaodavirus genus, a group of phages related to T4 at the family level. They share several features of T4 making them suitable for antibacterial therapies: the obligatorily lytic lifestyle, a lack of homologs of known virulence or antibiotic resistance genes, and a battery of enzymes degrading host DNA at infection.

Background: Drug-resistant strains of bacteria are associated with severe consequences such as bacteremia, shock, and death, and increase hospital stay durations and medical health expenses. Therefore, reducing the spread of drugresistant strains is a priority concern. Purpose: This project was developed to reduce the number of colonization cases of drug-resistant strains and subsequently increase the quality of care provided in our intensive care unit. Resolutions: In this project, a chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bath standard protocol and CHG bath skill checklist were established, education and training courses were planned, a regular bed curtain replacement schedule and sink cleaning protocols were implemented, and regular audits were conducted. Results: Immediately following project implementation (October -- December 2018), the average monthly cases of Vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization decreased from 6.08 to 4.33, and the average monthly cases of multidrug resistant Acinebacter baumannii colonization decreased from 4.08 to 1.33. Furthermore, between January and July 2019, the average monthly cases of colonization for the abovementioned bacteria numbered 4 and 0.86, respectively, which met the level of reduction targeted in this project. Conclusion: The results of this project indicate that implementing CHG bed baths is effective in reducing the incidence of drug resistant strain colonization and rate of related infections in patients. CHG bed baths should be applied clinically to improve the quality of intensive care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strategy of use of combination therapy of antibacterial preparations is being broadly introduced to clinical practice to fight bacterial infections caused by poly-resistant strains of microorganisms. From the wounds of surgery patients, we isolated 67 clinical strains of conditionally-pathogenic bacteria identified as Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniaе, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using disk diffusion method, the isolated bacterial strains were found to be most resistant to penicillin preparations: ampicillin, oxacillin, amoxicillin/clavulanat; tetracycline and cephalosporin of the II generation – cefoxitin. The percentage of strains insusceptible to these antibacterial preparations accounted for 65.0%. The division of antibiotic-resistant cultures regarding phenotype groups according to the level of their antibiotic resistance allowed determination of 4 PDR-, 8 XDR- and 14 MDR-strains. During the studies on experimental determining of MIC of antibiotic and antiseptics in the condition of applying them as monopreparations against isolated bacterial cultures, we saw significant exceess in the threshold values of MIC, and, first of all, regarding pandrug-resistant and extensive drug-resistant clinical microbial isolates. Use of combinations of antibacterial preparations was found to show the synergic effect of antibiotics (ceftriaxone, ofloxacin, gentamicin) and antiseptics (chlorhexidine, decasan), which is expressed in simultaneous decrease in MIC of each of the tested preparations by 2–8 times compared with their isolative application. Such combinatory approach regarding simultaneous application of antibacterial preparations may be considered as one of the most promising ways to combat poly-resistant clinical isolates of conditionally-pathogenic microorganisms and to offer a new strategic approach to prevention of spread of antibiotic resistance as a phenomenon in medical practice.

Our study is to evaluate the potential bioactive compound of Nocardiopsis sp. GRG1 (KT235640) and its antibacterial activity against multi drug resistant strains (MDRS) on urinary tract infections (UTIs). Two brown algae samples were collected and were subjected to isolation of endophytic actinomycetes. 100 strains of actinomycetes were isolated from algal samples based on observation of morphology and physiological characters. 40 strains were active in antagonistic activity against various clinical pathogens. Among the strains, 10 showed better antimicrobial activity against MDRS on UTIs. The secondary metabolite of Nocardiopsis sp. GRG1 (KT235640) has showed tremendous antibacterial activity against UTI pathogens compared to other strains. Influence of various growth parameters were used for synthesis of secondary metabolites, such as optimum pH 7, incubation time 5–7 days, temperature (30 °C), salinity (5%), fructose and mannitol as the suitable carbon and nitrogen sources. At 100 μg/ml concentration MIC of Nocardiopsis sp. GRG1 (KT235640) showed highest percentage of inhibition against Proteus mirabilis (85%), and E.coli, Staphylococcus auerues, Psuedomonas aeroginasa, Enterobactor sp and Coagulinase negative staphylococci 78–85% respectively.

Background: There are reports of emergence of resistant strains of S. pneumoniae showing resistance to penicillin from all over the world, and now, resistance to multiple drugs (multidrug-resistant strains) has been added to it. However, scanty reports are available so far from India, depicting such resistance. Aims: The aim of the present study is to look for the prevalence of penicillin-resistant pneumococci and also the multidrug-resistant strains among S. pneumoniae, isolated from respiratory specimens, in the coastal part of South India. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2008 to December 2008, in our tertiary care center. Fifty pathogenic clinical isolates were collected from patients suffering from lower respiratory tract infections. Materials and Methods: Penicillin resistance was screened by 1 µg oxacillin disk on Muller-Hinton blood agar followed by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) detection by the agar dilution method according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Antibiotic susceptibility for other antibiotics was carried out by the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method followed by an E-test with HiComb test strips from Hi-media. Results: Out of 50 isolates, 4% (95% Confidence Interval - 1.4, 9.4) showed total resistance to penicillin, whereas, 10% (95% CI; 1.6, 18.3) showed intermediate resistance. These penicillin-resistant pneumococci (4%) were also found to be multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Maximum resistance was observed for cotrimoxazole and tetracycline (24% each with 95% CI; 12.2, 35.8) followed by erythromycin and ciprofloxacin (14% each with 95%CI; 4.4, 23.6). Conclusions : Increasing emergence of the resistant strains of S. pneumoniae in the community set up requires continuous monitoring and a restricted use of antibiotics to keep a check on its resistance pattern, for an effective treatment plan.

Background: There are reports of emergence of resistant strains of S. pneumoniae showing resistance to penicillin from all over the world, and now, resistance to multiple drugs (multidrug-resistant strains) has been added to it. However, scanty reports are available so far from India, depicting such resistance. Aims: The aim of the present study is to look for the prevalence of penicillin-resistant pneumococci and also the multidrug-resistant strains among S. pneumoniae, isolated from respiratory specimens, in the coastal part of South India. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2008 to December 2008, in our tertiary care center. Fifty pathogenic clinical isolates were collected from patients suffering from lower respiratory tract infections. Materials and Methods: Penicillin resistance was screened by 1 µg oxacillin disk on Muller-Hinton blood agar followed by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) detection by the agar dilution method according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Antibiotic susceptibility for other antibiotics was carried out by the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method followed by an E-test with HiComb test strips from Hi-media. Results: Out of 50 isolates, 4% (95% Confidence Interval - 1.4, 9.4) showed total resistance to penicillin, whereas, 10% (95% CI; 1.6, 18.3) showed intermediate resistance. These penicillin-resistant pneumococci (4%) were also found to be multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Maximum resistance was observed for cotrimoxazole and tetracycline (24% each with 95% CI; 12.2, 35.8) followed by erythromycin and ciprofloxacin (14% each with 95%CI; 4.4, 23.6). Conclusions : Increasing emergence of the resistant strains of S. pneumoniae in the community set up requires continuous monitoring and a restricted use of antibiotics to keep a check on its resistance pattern, for an effective treatment plan.

Linear and cyclic amphiphilic peptides, (W 4 KR 5) and [W 4 KR 5 ], were evaluated as antibacterial agents against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including four multi-drug resistant strains and the corresponding four non-resistant strains. Cyclic peptide [W 4 KR 5 ] showed higher antibacterial activity than the linear (W 4 KR 5) counterpart. Cyclic [W 4 KR 5 ] was subjected to combination (physical mixture or covalent conjugation) with meropenem as a model antibiotic to study the impact of the combination on antimicrobial activity. A physical mixture of meropenem and [W 4 KR 5 ] showed synergistic antibacterial activity against Gram-negative P. aeruginosa (ATCC BAA-1744) and P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27883) strains. [W 4 KR 5 ] was further subjected to extensive antibacterial studies against additional 10 bacteria strains, showing significant antibacterial efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria strains. Combinations studies of [W 4 KR 5 ] with an additional 9 commercially available antibiotics showed significant enhancement in antibacterial activity for all tested combinations, especially with tetracycline, tobramycin, levofloxacin, clindamycin, daptomycin, polymyxin, kanamycin, and vancomycin. Time-kill kinetics assay and flow cytometry results exhibited that [W 4 KR 5 ] had a time-dependent synergistic effect and membrane disruption property. These data indicate that [W 4 KR 5 ] improves the antibacterial activity, presumably by facilitating the internalization of antibiotics and their interaction with the intracellular targets. This study introduces a potential strategy for treating multidrug-resistant pathogens by combining [W 4 KR 5 ] and a variety of classical antibiotics to improve the antibacterial effectiveness. [Display omitted] • [W 4 KR 5 ] and [W 4 KR 5 ]-meropenem covalent conjugate were synthesized. • MICs were evaluated against non-resistant and multi-drug resistant strains. • Time-kill kinetics assay indicated the time-dependent synergistic effect. • Combination therapy enhanced the efficacy of commercial antibiotics. • Flow cytometry analysis indicated the membrane disruption mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nosocomial infections represent a challenging issue for post-surgical intensive care units (ICU). We investigated the etiology and the antibiotic (AB) resistance profiles în 40 post-surgery patients (general surgery, neuro-surgery, orthopedics, neonates, and burns). These patients were hospitalized in the intensive care wards of Victor Babes Hospital during 01.01.2005 - 15.05.2006, after acquiring nosocomial infections in various surgery clinics în Bucharest. Seventy samples were obtained and analyzed from surgical wounds, CSF, blood, urine, broncho-alveolar aspirate etc. We isolated 100 bacterial strains: S. aureus (28%), Enterobacteriaceae (28%), P. aeruginosa (22%) A. baumannii (12), C. albicans (7%) and others (3%). Twenty strains of meticylin resistant S. aureus showed 0% resistance to vancomycin, teicoplanin and linezolid. Eighteen extended spectrum beta-lactamases secreting enterobacterial strains (K. pneumonie, Enterobacter spp, E. coli, P. mirabilis) were sensitive to carbapenems. Seven out of 22 strains of P. aeruginosa were multi-drug resistant (MDR), showing no sensitivity to each of the AB class in the disc diffusion method. Eleven strains of A. baumannii were carbapenem resistant and colistin sensitive. These data suggest that routine schemes of AB have a high risk of selecting resistant strains în post-surgery ICU, and should be abandoned or replaced by better preventive strategies. Glicopeptides, carbapenemes and colimicine are the first line AB to be used în MDR nosocomial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report the design, synthesis and structure–activity relationships of novel indazole derivatives as DNA gyrase inhibitors with Gram-positive antibacterial activity. Our results show that selected compounds from this series exhibit potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria including multi-drug resistant strains that is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, we designed and synthesized novel 5-vinylpyrazole analogues by decreasing the lipophilicity of the parent compounds 1a,b; 3-[(3-methoxycarbonyl)cyclohexylaminomethyl]indazoles while keeping the van der Waals interaction with the lipophilic area of DNA gyrase B. The selected compound 8bb exhibited good antibacterial activity against staphylococci and enterococci, including multi-drug resistant strains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Drug-resistant strains of bacteria are associated with severe consequences such as bacteremia, shock, and death, and increase hospital stay durations and medical health expenses. Therefore, reducing the spread of drug-resistant strains is a priority concern., Purpose: This project was developed to reduce the number of colonization cases of drug-resistant strains and subsequently increase the quality of care provided in our intensive care unit., Resolutions: In this project, a chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bath standard protocol and CHG bath skill checklist were established, education and training courses were planned, a regular bed curtain replacement schedule and sink cleaning protocols were implemented, and regular audits were conducted., Results: Immediately following project implementation (October - December 2018), the average monthly cases of Vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization decreased from 6.08 to 4.33, and the average monthly cases of multi-drug resistant Acinebacter baumannii colonization decreased from 4.08 to 1.33. Furthermore, between January and July 2019, the average monthly cases of colonization for the abovementioned bacteria numbered 4 and 0.86, respectively, which met the level of reduction targeted in this project., Conclusions: The results of this project indicate that implementing CHG bed baths is effective in reducing the incidence of drug resistant strain colonization and rate of related infections in patients. CHG bed baths should be applied clinically to improve the quality of intensive care.

According to WHO "World health statistics 2018", malaria alongside acute respiratory infections and diarrhoea, is one of the major infectious disease causing children's death in between the age of 1-5 years. Similarly, according to another report (2016) malaria accounts for approximately 3.14% of the total disease burden worldwide. Although malaria has been widely eradicated in many parts of the world, the global number of cases continues to rise due to the rapid spread of malaria parasites that are resistant to antimalarial drugs. Artemisinin (8), a major breakthrough in the antimalarial chemotherapy was isolated from the plant Artemisia annua in 1972. Its semi-synthetic derivatives such as artemether (9), arteether (10), and artesunic acid (11) are quite effective against multi-drug resistant malaria strains and are currently the drug of choice for the treatment of malaria. Inspite of exhibiting excellent antimalarial activity by artemisinin (8) and its derivatives, parallel programmes for the discovery of novel natural and synthetic peroxides were also the area of investigation of medicinal chemists all over the world. In these continuous efforts of extensive research, natural ozonide (1,2,4- trioxolane) was isolated from Adiantum monochlamys (Pteridaceae) and Oleandra wallichii (Davalliaceae) in 1976. These naturally occurring stable ozonides inspired chemists to investigate this novel class for antimalarial chemotherapy. The first identification of unusually stable synthetic antimalarial 1,2,4-trioxolanes was reported in 1992. Thus, an unusual entry of ozonides in the field of antimalarial chemotherapy had occurred in the early nineties. This review highlights the recent advancements and historical developments observed during the past 42 years (1976-2018) focusing mainly on important ventures of the antimalarial 1,2,4-trioxolanes (ozonides)., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Our study is to evaluate the potential bioactive compound of Nocardiopsis sp. GRG1 (KT235640) and its antibacterial activity against multi drug resistant strains (MDRS) on urinary tract infections (UTIs). Two brown algae samples were collected and were subjected to isolation of endophytic actinomycetes. 100 strains of actinomycetes were isolated from algal samples based on observation of morphology and physiological characters. 40 strains were active in antagonistic activity against various clinical pathogens. Among the strains, 10 showed better antimicrobial activity against MDRS on UTIs. The secondary metabolite of Nocardiopsis sp. GRG1 (KT235640) has showed tremendous antibacterial activity against UTI pathogens compared to other strains. Influence of various growth parameters were used for synthesis of secondary metabolites, such as optimum pH 7, incubation time 5-7 days, temperature (30 °C), salinity (5%), fructose and mannitol as the suitable carbon and nitrogen sources. At 100 μg/ml concentration MIC of Nocardiopsis sp. GRG1 (KT235640) showed highest percentage of inhibition against Proteus mirabilis (85%), and E.coli, Staphylococcus auerues, Psuedomonas aeroginasa, Enterobactor sp and Coagulinase negative staphylococci 78-85% respectively.

Introduction: Peptidoglycan (PG) is a major component of the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria and is essential for maintaining the integrity of the bacterial cell and its shape. The bacteria synthesize PG hydrolases, which are capable of cleaving the covalent bonds of PG. They also play an important role in modeling PG, which is required for bacterial growth and division. In an era of increasing antibiotic-resistant pathogens, PG hydrolases that destroy these important structures of the cell wall act as a potential source of new antimicrobials. The aim of this study is to identify the main PG hydrolases of local lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditional foods that enhance probiotic activity of a biological preparation., Methods: Lactococcus lactis 17A and Lactococcus garvieae 19A were isolated from the traditional sausage-like meat product called kazy. They were isolated according to standards methods of microbiology. Genetic identification of the isolates were tested by determining the nucleotide sequences of 16S rDNA. The Republican collection of microorganisms took strains of Lactobacillus casei subsp. Rhamnosus 13-P, L. delbrueckii subsp . lactis CG-1 B-RKM 0044 from cheese, Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei B-RKM 0202 from homemade butter. They used the standard technique of renaturating polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to detect PG hydrolases activity., Results: According to the profiles of PG hydrolase activity on zymograms, the enzymes of Lactococci 17A and 19A in kazy are similar in electrophoretic mobility to major autolysin AcmA, while the lactobacilli of industrial and home-made dairy products have enzymes similar to extracellular proteins p40 and p75, which have probiotic activity., Conclusions: Use of peptidoglycan hydrolases seems to be an interesting approach in the fight against multi-drug resistant strains of bacteria and could be a valuable tool for the treatment of diseases caused by these microorganisms in Kazakhstan.

Extracts of Aloe vera whole plant, Eucalyptus globulus leaves, Ficus infectoria bark, Ficus religiosa bark and Piper betel leaves were studied for antibacterial activity on resistant and sensitive strains, isolated from skin and soft tissue infections. A combination of hot alcoholic extracts of Ficus infectoria, Ficus religiosa and Piper betel were found to be more effective against all the isolates. The combined extract was formulated in different ointment bases such as polyethylene glycol, gelatin, sodium alginate, carbopol, cream base and honey. These were then evaluated to find a suitable base for preparation of an ointment. In vitro study of the release of antimicrobials and kill-time studies of the herbal ointments was carried out against multi-drug resistant isolate of Pseudomonas. The ointment showed bactericidal activity within 2 h against the resistant strain of Pseudomonas spp.