Agent Of Pneumonia Research Articles

Functional characterization of the putative FAD synthase from Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae.

In bacteria, the biosynthesis of the cofactor flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), important in many physiological responses, is catalyzed by the bifunctional enzyme FAD synthase (FADSyn) which converts riboflavin into FAD by both kinase and adenylylation activity. The in silico 3D structure of a putative FADSyn from Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MhpFADSyn), the etiological agent of enzootic pneumonia was already reported, nevertheless, the in vitro functional characterization was not yet demonstrated. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that MhpFADSyn is close related to the bifunctional FADSyn from Corynebacterium ammoniagenes. However, only the domain related to adenylylation was assigned by InterPro database. The activity of MhpFADSyn was evaluated through in vitro enzymatic assays using cell extracts from IPTG-inducible heterologous expression of MhpFADSyn in Escherichia coli. The flavoproteins were analyzed by HPLC and results showed that IPTG-induced cell lysate resulted in the formation of twofold increased amounts of FAD if compared to non IPTG-induced cells. Consumption of riboflavin substrate was also threefold greater in IPTG-induced lysate compared to non IPTG-induced cell extract. Thus, the recombinant MhpFADSyn protein could be associated to FAD biosynthesis. These findings contribute to expand the range of potential drug targets in diseases control and unveil metabolic pathways that could be attribute to mycoplasmas.

Agents of pneumonia in slaughtered pigs in southern Brazil

ABSTRACT: A high prevalence of pneumonic lesions has been reported to affect slaughtered pigs in southern Brazil. In order to identify which microorganisms have been causing those lesions, 30 pig lungs presenting pneumonic gross lesions were collected from five different slaughterhouses, totaling 150 lungs. Samples for bacterial isolation, molecular, histopathologic and immunohistochemistry (IHC) evaluation were taken from each lung. The pneumonic lesion scoring ranged from 1.53 to 2.83. The most frequent histopathological lesions found was the concomitant Influenza A virus (IAV) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection, corresponding to 55.3% (83/150), and Pasteurella multocida type A was isolated in 54.2% (45/83) of these cases. In 102 samples (68%), there was histopathologic suggestion of involvement of more than one infectious agent. M. hyopneumoniae was the most frequent agent associated with pneumonic lesions, being present in 92.1% (94/102) of the lungs with coinfections, followed by IAV in 89.2% (91/102). Besides the coinfections, IAV lesions were observed also in six samples without another pathogenic microorganism detected. A total of 46 samples with acute and subacute IAV suspected lesions in histopathological examination were assessed for IHC and real time RT-PCR for IAV. A total of 35% (16/46) of them were positive by IHC and 13% (6/46) by real time RT-PCR. Regarding M. hyopneumoniae, 79.3% (119/150) of samples were positive by qPCR and 84.9% (101/119) of them also presented M. hyopneumoniae suspected lesions in the histopathological examination. The results of this study suggest the importance of IAV in respiratory diseases in finishing pigs, even though this virus is more frequently reported in the nursery phase. In addition, our results emphasize the importance of lung coinfections in finishing pigs.

Особенности диагностики и антибактериальной терапии внебольничной пневмонии у детей в период пандемии СОVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the reasonable use of antibiotics became an important issue of practical health care. This fact is accounted for by the heavy burden of COVID-19 on healthcare system, difficulties with interpreting respiratory disorders and verifying communityacquired pneumonia using instrumental and laboratory tests. Therefore, the risk of unnecessary prescription of antibiotics and, as a result, the prevalence of antibiotic resistance significantly increase. This paper addresses current ideas about the role of the most common causative agents of community-acquired pneumonia in children, the milestones of the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia, differential diagnosis of viral and bacterial pneumonia, the algorithms of the choice of basic antibacterial treatment in out-patient settings. The authors emphasize that only the use of limited antibiotic spectrum (i.e., amoxicillin, inhibitor-protected aminopenicillins), their rational dosing and course treatment recommended for community-acquired pneumonia will prevent the loss of antibacterial efficacy for infectious diseases. KEYWORDS: community-acquired pneumonia, children, SARS-CoV-2, antibiotic therapy, antibiotic resistance, inhibitor-protected aminopenicillins. FOR CITATION: Zaitseva S.V., Zaitseva O.V., Lokshina E.E. Diagnosis and antibacterial treatment for community-acquired pneumonia in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2021;4(1):70–76. DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430- 2021-4-1-70-76.

Bacterial Pneumonia in Captive Wild Boars in Southern Brazil - Etiological and Pathological Causes

Background: Respiratory diseases are one of the major health issues described in intensive pig production, causing important economic losses. However, there is little information on the prevalence, etiology and clinical-pathological presentation of these diseases in wild boars. For this reason, this work investigated the presence in captive wild boars of pneumonic lesions and bacterial pathogens commonly detected and associated with respiratory diseases in domestic pigs.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 226 captive wild boar lungs from two farms were examined in a slaughterhouse in Southern Brazil. The pneumonic lesions were classified as cranioventral, dorsocaudal, and disseminated, and the quantification of lesions was calculated. From the total of 226 lungs, 121 were collected for laboratory examination. Lungs with macroscopic lesions suggestive of pneumonia were collected for histological, bacteriological and molecular analysis. The molecular analysis was performed to detect the presence of Actinobacillus (A.) pleuropneumoniae, Glaesserella (G.) parasuis, Mycoplasma (M.) hyopneumoniae, Mycoplasma (M.) hyorhinis and Streptococcus (S.) suis serotype 2. The percentages of histological lesions and bacterial agents and their association were calculated. Cranioventral consolidation (75.2%) was the most prevalent macroscopic lung lesion, followed by disseminated (21.5%) and dorsocaudal (3.3%) distribution. Microscopically, chronic lesions were the most prevalent, representing 70.2% of the lungs. Moreover, BALT hyperplasia was present in 86.5% of the lungs, suppurative bronchopneumonia in 65.7%, and alveoli infiltrate in 46.8%. Six bacterial pathogens commonly described as agents of pig pneumonia were identified by bacterial or molecular methods: Pasteurella (P.) multocida, S. suis, M. hyopneumoniae, A. pleuropneumoniae, G. parasuis and M. hyorhinis. Twenty-eight different combinations of pathogens were identified in 84 samples (69.4%). The most common combinations were: M. hyopneumoniae and A. pleuropneumoniae (13.1%), M. hyopneumoniae, G. parasuis and M. hyorhinis (10.7%), and M. hyopneumoniae, A. pleuropneumoniae and G. parasuis (8.3%). Additionally, M. hyopneumoniae was the most frequent pathogen detected in this study, representing 58.7% of the samples. The detection of M. hyopneumoniae and M. hyorhinis by PCR was associated with the presence of BALT hyperplasia (P < 0.05) and there was also an association between the detection of M. hyopneumoniae by PCR and suppurative bronchopneumonia (P < 0.05). In addition, a significant association (P < 0.05) between the detection of M. hyopneumoniae and A. pleuropneumoniae by PCR and the histological classification (acute, subacute or chronic lesions) was observed.Discussion: The results of this study were similar to those observed in slaughtered domestic pigs, although, the detection of opportunist pathogens was less frequent than that usually described in pig pneumonia. The high prevalence of pneumonia in captive wild boars at slaughter and the similar characteristics of pneumonia in captive wild boars and domestic pigs suggest that the close phylogenetic relationship between pigs and wild boars could influence the susceptibility of both species to the colonization of the same pathogens, indicating that captive wild boars raised in confined conditions could be predisposed to respiratory diseases, similar to domestic pigs. Keywords: Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, lung consolidation, slaughter, Sus scrofa, swine.

FEATURES OF THE COURSE OF COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Сerebral palsy (CP) occupies a significant place in the structure of neurological pathology of childhood, which is connected with comorbid pathology, such as pneumonia, which is characterized by a long and atypical course, and associates with frequent development of complications. Aims. The aim was to determinate the main features of the course and identify microbiological agents of community-acquired pneumonia(CAP) in children with cerebral palsy. Methods. The cases of CAP in children with of cerebral palsy was retrospectively studied. Children with CAP have been treated in the Children's City Clinical Hospital No. 3 of the Odessa between 2018 to 2020. The main typical clinical signs were analyzed. The microbiological agents were investigated by the microbiological examination of sputum. Results. CAP in children with cerebral palsy has its own specific features. Onset of the disease is characterized by a significant severity of the general condition, rapid progression of intoxication in children with cerebral palsy. Resistant agents and Candida albicans were identified in children with cerebral palsy. Conclusions. The studied features will help pediatricians in the assessment of CAP in patients with cerebral palsy, and it will be useful in the management of antibiotic therapy in this patients.

Need for Abundant Caution in Prophylactic Application of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine for Viral Infections Including COVID-19

Significant interest in the application of chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19 has been recently reported throughout the world. In the light of this, it has become important to revisit the mechanisms of action, as well as clinical evidence for the efficacy of CQ and HCQ in similar viral infections. We note that while some evidence exists for therapeutic efficacy of CQ and HCQ in mitigating morbidities associated with virus-induced inflammation and immunohyperactivity, abundant caution is necessary for expecting prophylactic efficacy in the light of therapeutic evidence. In particular, we intend to draw urgent attention to the fact that the same immunosuppresive and immunomodulatory properties of CQ and HCQ which render them useful as therapeutic agents in viral pneumonia and cytokine storm syndrome are also expected to make them dangerous prophylactic agents against viral infections. We also intend to draw attention to some other potential concerns associated with widespread prophylactic usage of CQ and HCQ.

Severe pneumonia in a street rat (Rattus norvegicus) caused by Rodentibacter rarus strain RMC2

Background Rodents are one of the most dangerous reservoirs and carriers of infectious diseases. Gradually, rats have become predominant in cities, sometimes staying in close vicinity to humans, pets, and other animals. Consequently, they tend to increase the transmission risk of pathogens. Case description Here, we report an original case of bacterial pneumonia in a street rat (Rattus norvegicus). The rat was found dead on a street in the chief town of Marseille (France) after being run over by a car. The necropsy of the corpse revealed generalized granulomatous pneumonia in almost all the pulmonary lobes. Lung lesions and predominantly multiple fibro-inflammatory areas are presumably the witness of an infectious etiology. Bacterial isolation was carried out from lung tissues. Colonies were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and confirmed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The following bacteria were identified: Staphylococcus cohnii, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Bordetella parapertussi, Corynebacterium glucuronolyticum, Pelistega suis and Rodentibacter rarus. Based on the histopathological diagnosis and the avoidance approach, the most likely etiological agent of pneumonia is therefore R. rarus, a little-known Pasteurellales bacterium that is closely related to Rodentibacter pneumotropicus. Conclusion These data emphasize the severity of R. rarus infection in rodents. Thus, pointing out a potential risk for other animals (dogs, cats, and birds), as well as humans. The health monitoring program for rodents and rabbits pasteurellosis should now include R. rarus. Therefore, the pathological effect of the Rodentibacterspecies and/or strains needs to be better explored.

Characteristics and outcomes of bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia of patients with and without HIV infection in Argentina

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the main causative agent of pneumonia, with a 10 to 25 percent rate of isolation in blood cultures. Controversies exist regarding the prognostic impact of a history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on community-acquired pneumonia. The aim of our work was to analyze and compare the clinical presentation, radiological findings and progression of pneumococcal pneumonia in patients infected with and not infected with HIV. We retrospectively analyzed adult patients with positive blood cultures for Streptococcus pneumoniae and clinical and radiological findings compatible with pneumonia in the period between January 2012 and May 2017. Age, sex, comorbidities, clinical and laboratory variables, radiological severity, progression and mortality were analyzed. Comparative analysis between HIV-positive and -negative patients was carried out. Receiver operating curves (ROC) for CURB-65 were performed to predict mortality in both groups. We included 107 patients (21 HIV-positive and 86 HIV-negative). HIV patients were on average younger (38 vs 58 years) with lower hematocrits (31.7 vs 36.5%) and fewer comorbidities (47 vs 72%). Overall mortality was 36 percent, and the area under the curve (AUC) of the CURB-65 ROC was 0.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.58–0.79) for all patients without differences between the two groups. Patients with a history of HIV infection had the same progression and mortality as the group of patients without that background.

Bacterial Microbiota in Unfed Ticks (Dermacentor nuttalli) From Xinjiang Detected Through 16S rDNA Amplicon Sequencing and Culturomics

Background: Ticks are a major arthropod vector of zoonotic diseases affecting both humans and domestic animals worldwide. Thus, studying tick microbiota would aid in understanding of the potential threats posed by ticks. Methods: Approximately 8,000 unfed ticks, identified as Dermacentor nuttalli, were collected from the sylvosteppe in the western Tianshan mountains. To investigate their potential pathogens, we divided the ticks into 36 groups of 200–300 individuals each for examination with culturomics and 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. Results: A total of 237 bacterial genera were identified with the two methods. Culturomics identified 46 bacterial species from 23 genera, predominantly Pseudomonas, Pantoea, and Bacillus, whereas 16S rDNA sequencing identified 461 OTUs from 233 genera, predominantly Pseudomonas (53.8%), Coxiella (17.2%), and Pantoea (6.4%). Coxiella, Rickettsia, and ten other genera were discovered only by sequencing, because optimal cultivating conditions were not used for their isolation, whereas Arthrobacter and three other genera were discovered only through culturomics. Conclusions: Several of the identified bacteria, such as line-related sepsis-causing Delftia acidovorans and the pneumonia agent Acinetobacter pittii, can cause human diseases. Thus, both sequencing and culturomics methods are crucial for comprehensive understanding of the microbiota of D. nuttalli.

Rapid diagnosis of acute respiratory infections by multiplex endpoint PCR technology

Introduction: The multiplex endpoint PCR technology offers a number of potential advantages, results are available in a matter of hours rather than days, the extreme sensibility facilitates detection of even minutes the amounts of pathogen DNA in clinical samples and the test is not significantly affected by prior administration of antibiotics. Aim: The aim of this work was to rapidly identify the antibiotic resistance the monitoring of pathogen growth at the patients admitted in Hospitalization Intensive Care Unit, with the diagnosis of Community Acquired Pneumonia, (CAP). Method: The Analyzer Unyvero™ Pneumonia Application was used in detection of pneumonia associated pathogens and their antibiotic resistance genes using the Pneumonia Unyvero™ System, following PCR pathogen species with sequencing of the amplified microbial DNA. Results: The main pathogens of community acquired pneumonia from the cohort study,36 cases, (20 males in mean age 35-66 years and 16 females in mean age 40-55 mean years), were Streptococcus pneumonia, (16 cases), Staphilococcus aureus, (10 cases), Klebsiella pneumonia (5 cases) and other important agents were “atypical”, such as Haemophilus Influenzae, Chlamidophilapneumonie and Moraxelacataralis. A case with Acinetobacter baumani and Proteus Sp. was also widely resistance to mefA gene / ermB gene as all cases of analyzed. The more frequency of genes resistant (29 cases) are ermA gene / ermC / ermB for Staphilococcus aureus and the gene tem+shv / gene / ctx-M with the Chromosomal mutation (7 cases), as gyrA83_87 Ecoli / Pseu for Klebsiella pneumonia agents. Also, most resistance antibiotics were Makrolides, (29 cases and Lincosamides (6 cases) and these cases have had the chromosomial integrates. The most resistance microbe, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1 case), has been registered as multi drugs resistance [MDR]*. Conclusion: The Unyvero™ results have been available 2 days before the primary microbiology report and 3 days before the final confirmation results, obtained by microbiology culture. The Unyvero Analyzer only provides rapid data to support the therapeutic decision of currant medic.

Evaluation of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Pneumonia Patients Followed up in Intensive Care Unit from the Perspective of COVID-19

Introduction: Influenza A (H1N1) virus have been a serious problem in 2009, which was considered as a pandemic and caused the death of more than 12000 people. Pneumonia is the most common complication of influenza infection and can be seen as viral pneumonia and/or bacterial coinfection. However, since November 2019, the world has been exposed to a new pneumonia agent named SARS - CoV - 2 from the Coronavirus family. In this case series, we aimed to re-evaluate the cases we followed up in the intensive care unit due to severe pandemic Influenza A infection between November 2019 and March 2020 from the Covid-19 perspective. Cases: There were five cases diagnosed with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) pneumonia in intensive care between November 2019 and March 2020, and the average age was 50. Given the risk factors two patients had immunosuppression and two patients had diabetes. Fever, respiratory distress and cough were the most prominent symptoms, and involvement in both lungs was detected in all patients on radiological imaging. Unfortunately, all patients had died despite antiviral therapy, antibiotic treatment against secondary bacterial infection, hemodynamic and respiratory support treatments. Discussion: Considering the literature, covid-19 and influenza co-infections have been detected in 34 cases since November 2019. In general terms, covid-19 and influenza tables are similar, with slight differences. In this case we look back to our findings, similar cases are considered as covid-19 under current conditions.

Antimicrobial susceptibility monitoring of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae isolated from seven European countries during 2015–2016

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is the causative agent of porcine enzootic pneumonia, a chronic respiratory disease, causing significant economic losses. Results from the 2015−2016 MycoPath pan-European antimicrobial susceptibility monitoring survey of M. hyopneumoniae are presented. In total, 147 M. hyopneumoniae porcine isolates from Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, and Spain were tested. One isolate per farm was retained from pigs that had not been recently treated with antimicrobial agents. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 13 antimicrobial agents was determined in a central laboratory using a broth microdilution method, with Friis Medium, incubated at 35 ± 1 °C for 5–12 days. M. hyopneumoniae NCTC 10110 was used as Quality Control. MIC50/MIC90 (mg/L) values were: enrofloxacin 0.06/1; marbofloxacin 0.06/2; spiramycin 0.06/0.25; tulathromycin ≤0.001/0.004; gamithromycin 0.06/0.5; tylosin 0.016/0.06; tilmicosin 0.06/0.5; florfenicol 0.5/1; doxycycline 0.25/1; oxytetracycline 0.25/2; lincomycin 0.06/0.25; tiamulin 0.016/0.06 and valnemulin ≤0.001/0.004. Compared with the data from 2010 to 2012 MycoPath study (50 isolates), MIC50/90 results were similar and the majority were within ± two dilution steps, except for the MIC50 of oxytetracycline which is more than two dilution steps higher in the present study. Between-country comparisons show some differences in the MIC values for the fluoroquinolones, tulathromycin and tylosin, but the limited sample size per country precludes performing meaningful country comparisons for several countries. Standardized laboratory methods and interpretive criteria for MIC testing of veterinary mycoplasmas are clearly needed; there are currently no clinical breakpoints available to facilitate data interpretation and correlation of MICs with in vivo efficacy.

Anti-biogram of pneumococcal isolates in a tertiary care hospital

Anti-biogram of pneumococcal isolates in a tertiary care hospital - IJMMTD- Print ISSN No: - 2581-4753 Online ISSN No:- 2581-4761 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/2455-6807.2018.0006, IP International Journal of Medical Microbiology and Tropical Diseases-IP Int J Med Microbiol Trop Dis

Lectin Protein as a Promising Component to Functionalize Micelles, Liposomes and Lipid NPs against Coronavirus.

The outbreak of a novel strain coronavirus as the causative agent of COVID-19 pneumonia, first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019, has resulted in considerable focus on virulence abilities of coronavirus. Lectins are natural proteins with the ability to bind specific carbohydrates related to various microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Lectins have the ability to agglutinate and neutralize these pathogeneses. The delivery of the encapsulated antiviral agents or vaccines across the cell membrane can be possible by functionalized micellar and liposomal formulations. In this mini-review, recent advances and challenges related to important lectins with inhibition activities against coronaviruses are presented to obtain a novel viewpoint of microformulations or nanoformulations by micellar and liposomal cell-binding carriers.

Selective Pressure-Free Treatments for COVID-19

The new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has caused more than 40 million human infections since December 2019, when a cluster of unexplained pneumonia cases was first reported in Wuhan, China. Just a few days after the coronavirus was officially recognized, it was identified as the causative agent of this mysterious pneumonia. This paper discusses the pros and cons of antiviral drugs from the selective pressure and possible drug resistance point of view. We also address the key advantages of potential selective pressure-free treatment methods such as the use of sparsely and densely ionizing low-dose radiation (LDR). It is known that LDR has the capacity to modulate excessive inflammatory responses, regulate lymphocyte counts and control bacterial co-infections in patients with COVID-19 and different modalities. Substantial evidence shows that viruses are constantly mutating and evolving. When an antiviral immune response is unable to eliminate a virus, viral evolution is promoted. Therefore, it is of crucial importance to limit the use of antivirals/vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 when their effects on viral fitness are not fully understood. Furthermore, to limit the spread of the virus, it is essential to develop a vaccine that is available for as many people as possible. However, with the advent of vaccines or new therapies, the new situation may force the virus to evolve. Given this consideration, selective pressure-free treatments for COVID-19 are of great importance.

Meningococcal pneumonia, a case report

Background: Traditionally, Neisseria meningitidis posed significant morbidity and mortality causing epidemics or sporadic cases of meningitis or septicemia with moribund complications if untreated early. However, it has been observed rarely causing community-acquired pneumonia, without any central nervous system complications. Case Description: A 64 year old gentleman, with underlying diabetes mellitus presented with 1 week history of non-productive cough, fever and lethargy. There was no neck stiffness or headache and the immediate family members denied any altered sensorium or behavioral changes. He was well prior to admission and no recent travelling or Hajj pilgrimage. He was febrile at 38.3 C and fine bibasal crepitations noted on auscultation. Chest radiograph revealed bilateral perihilar haziness. Blood culture grew Neisseria meningitidis, identified by Vitek-2 NH and API NH systems. The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that the isolate was susceptible to ceftriaxone, meropenem. Penicillin was intermediate with MIC of 0.094 μg/ml. The isolate was also sent to Institute of Medical Research (IMR), Kuala Lumpur which has confirmed the isolate as Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135. The patient was treated with IV ceftriaxone for 1 week and kept in isolation room with contact precaution advised. Close contacts and laboratory personnel were offered post-exposure prophylaxis for those who had been exposed. He was subsequently discharged well. Discussion: Neisseria meningitidis is frequently associated with meningitis and meningococcal disease with severe debilitating complications. It is a fastidious gram negative diplococci, which is found in humans, as the only reservoir. It is transmissible by droplets from the nasopharynx of colonized persons. This organism commonly causes meningococcemia and acute meningitis. However, meningococcal pneumonia was being infrequently reported, partly due to low clinical suspicion and uncertainty to establish diagnosis of pneumonia. Many cases were initially misidentified hence the need for high clinical suspicion and precise laboratory identifications in suspected cases. Conclusion: Here, we reported a case of primary meningococcal pneumonia. The patient did not succumb to any neurological complications and was discharged well after one week of ceftriaxone. Thus, Neisseria meningitidis should be considered as an aetiological agent of community-accquired pneumonia especially in the elderly.

Acinetobacter baumannii as a causative agent of health care associated infections

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen that seriously affects sick patients, causing Health Care Associated Infections (HCAI) such as pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation, urinary tract infections and bacteremia, in recent years this bacterium has become a health problem worldwide, its isolation from infections present in hospitalized patients has been increasing, and it also has various mechanisms of resistance to antibiotics. The present documentary research aims to describe the mechanisms of pathogenicity and resistance to antibiotics used by Acinetobacter baumannii as a causal agent of HCAI. To carry out this work, a literature search was carried out in databases such as: Scielo, PubMed, NCBI, and Elsevier. The pathogenicity mechanisms that allow it to colonize and develop infections in hospitalized patients are: porins, biofilms, pili, lipopolysaccharides, phospholipases, outer membrane vesicles and the production of siderophores. It has enzymatic resistance mechanisms such as beta-lactamases and non-enzymatic mechanisms such as porin modification, efflux pumps, and modifications in DNA gyrase. There are extrinsic factors that favor the development of HCAI, such as the immunological and health condition of the patient, as well as the association with medical equipment. Studies carried out between the years 2005 to 2018 reveal that A. baumannii is one of the main causative agents of pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation in patients admitted to the Intensive care unit.

First report of a newly-described lungworm, Dictyocaulus cervi (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea), in moose (Alces alces) in central Europe.

Lungworms from the genus Dictyocaulus are the causative agents of verminous pneumonia in domestic and wild ungulates. Recently, in 2017, a new species was isolated from red deer and described as Dictyocaulus cervi; however, little is known about its epidemiology and pathogenicity in other cervids. The aim of our study was to determine the extent of infection with Dictyocaulus nematodes in the moose population in Poland.Parasitological necropsies were performed in 18 moose and 249 faecal samples were analysed. A combination of multiplex PCR and analysis of the partial SSU, cox1 and cyt B regions revealed the presence of D. cervi infection in two of the necropsied moose. Histopathological examinations revealed changes, including multiple cross sections of larvae of nematodes in alveoli, massive pulmonary fibrosis, mononuclear cell infiltration and diffuse alveolar damage in the lungs of four animals. The lesions were more pronounced when adult Dictyocaulus nematodes were present in the bronchi and bronchioles. Some of the observed pathological changes could be attributed to co-infection by nematodes of the Protostrongylidae, whose larvae were found in all four animals with lung pathologies. In the faeces, Dictyocaulus sp. larvae only occurred together with Protostrongylidae larvae; in addition, higher numbers of Protostrongylidae larvae were excreted in the faeces of animals with dictyocaulosis.The present study is the first report of the presence of D. cervi in moose, and demonstrates the value of multiplex PCR in the identification of Dictyocaulus nematodes. Our findings indicate that co-infections with multiple species of lung nematodes in moose may be commonplace, and this should be considered as a factor aggravating the course of parasitosis.

Therapeutic potential of miRNAs targeting SARS-CoV-2 host cell receptor ACE2

In late December 2019, several cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology (COVID-19) were reported in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. Based on clinical findings, blood tests and chest radiographs, this disease was diagnosed as a virus-associated pneumonia. Sequence analysis revealed a novel coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2 (formerly called 2019-nCoV), as the causative agent of pneumonia of unknown etiology. So far, the SARS-CoV-2 infection continues to spread, and this virus poses a serious public health threat. In this study, it was aimed to reveal potential miRNA targets for the regulation of SARS-CoV-2 host cell receptor ACE2. For the identification of potential miRNA targets for the ACE2 gene, TarBase v.8 (DIANA Tools), TargetScan, miRTarBase and miRDB miRNA-target prediction algorithms were used. FANTOM5 CAGE was used for the cellular ontology analysis. Expression levels of these miRNAs were determined using OncomiR Pan-Cancer miRNome Atlas. The results suggest that members of miR-200 family of miRNAs, especially miR-200c-3p, are strong candidate targets for the regulation of ACE2 in respiratory system cells. Consequently, the present study for the first time emphasizes potential use of miRNA-based therapeutics in the battle against SARS-CoV-2 infection and its deadly disease, COVID-19.

Results of Detecting SARS-CoV-2 and Other Pathogens of Community-Acquired Pneumonia by PCR in the Tyumen Region

The aim of this work was to identify the causative agent of community-acquired pneumonia and coinfection using PCR study of biomaterial from patients.Materials and methods. PCR testing of 268 samples from 258 patients was carried out to identify RNA/DNA of viral and bacterial pathogens of respiratory infections.Results and discussion. In 43.3 % of samples SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected, in 4.5 % – RNA/DNA of acute respiratory viral infections pathogens, in one sample – DNA of Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Co-infection was detected only in patients of the anti-tuberculosis dispensary (SARS-CoV-2 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis). In the examined patients with pneumonia, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was significantly more often detected in biomaterial from the lower respiratory tract (52 %) than in respiratory smears (8.5 %). In the first week from the onset of the disease, 19.2 % of positive samples were found, in the second – 56.5 %.