Antibiotic Resistance Profile Of Bacteria Research Articles

Antibiotic Resistance of Bacteria Isolated from Clinical Samples and Organs of Rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) in Southern Italy.

Antimicrobial resistance affects all environments, endangering the health of numerous species, including wildlife. Increasing anthropic pressure promotes the acquisition and dissemination of antibiotic resistance by wild animals. Sea turtles, being particularly exposed, are considered sentinels and carriers of potential zoonotic pathogens and resistant strains. Therefore, this study examined the antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from loggerhead sea turtles hospitalised in a rescue centre of Southern Italy over a 9-year period. Resistance to ceftazidime, doxycycline, enrofloxacin, flumequine, gentamicin, oxytetracycline and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim was evaluated for 138 strains isolated from the clinical samples or organs of 60 animals. Gram-negative families were the most isolated: Vibrionaceae were predominant, followed by Shewanellaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Morganellaceae. These last three families exhibited the highest proportion of resistance and multidrug-resistant strains. Among the three Gram-positive families isolated, Enterococcaceae were the most represented and resistant. The opportunistic behaviour of all the isolated species is particularly concerning for diseased sea turtles, especially considering their resistance to commonly utilised antibiotics. Actually, the multiple antibiotic resistance was higher when the sea turtles were previously treated. Taken together, these findings highlight the need to improve antimicrobial stewardship and monitor antibiotic resistance in wildlife, to preserve the health of endangered species, along with public and environmental health.

Camel Milk Resistome in Kuwait: Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the major global health and economic threats. There is growing concern about the emergence of AMR in food and the possibility of transmission of microorganisms possessing antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to the human gut microbiome. Shotgun sequencing and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing were used in this study to provide a detailed characterization of the antibiotic resistance profile of bacteria and their ARGs in dromedary camel milk. Eight pooled camel milk samples, representative of multiple camels distributed in the Kuwait desert, were collected from retail stores and analyzed. The genotypic analysis showed the presence of ARGs that mediate resistance to 18 classes of antibiotics in camel milk, with the highest resistance to fluoroquinolones (12.48%) and disinfecting agents and antiseptics (9%). Furthermore, the results pointed out the possible transmission of the ARGs to other bacteria through mobile genetic elements. The in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated that 80% of the isolates were resistant to different classes of antibiotics, with the highest resistance observed against three antibiotic classes: penicillin, tetracyclines, and carbapenems. Multidrug-resistant pathogens including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter hormaechei were also revealed. These findings emphasize the human health risks related to the handling and consumption of raw camel milk and highlight the necessity of improving the hygienic practices of farms and retail stores to control the prevalence of ARGs and their transmission.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of mastitis causing bacteria isolated from dairy goats in Mukurweini Sub-County, Nyeri County, Kenya.

Ruminant mastitis continues to be a cause of economic losses in the dairy industry and remains a major public health hazard globally. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Mukurweini Sub-County of Nyeri County, Kenya, to investigate the prevalence of bacteria causing mastitis, risk factors associated with goat mastitis and the antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from the goat milk. Farm level data on risk factors for mastitis was obtained from 56 farmers using a semi structured questionnaire. A total of 189 goat milk samples were collected. The goat's udder was observed for signs of clinical mastitis and the California Mastitis Test (CMT) used to test the milk for sub-clinical mastitis. All samples were then cultured for morphological identification of bacteria and strain typing by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI)-Time of Flight (ToF) technique. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacter spp., Proteus vulgaris and Escherichia vulneris to eight commonly used antibiotics was done by the disc diffusion method and validated by determining the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (mecA and blaTEM) using polymerase chain reaction method. The prevalence of clinical mastitis was 1.1% (2/189) while that of sub-clinical mastitis was 84.7% (160/189). Higher (p<0.05) prevalence of mastitis was observed in goats whose houses were cleaned fortnightly and in cases where farmers used same towel to dry different does' udders during the milking process. Thirteen different bacterial species were isolated from the milk samples and identified by MALDI-ToF, and these included S. aureus (22.0%), CoNS (20.3%), E. coli (18.1%), Pseudomonas spp. (14.3%), Enterobacter spp. (10.4%), K. oxytoca (6.0%), E. vulneris (1.7%), P. vulgaris (1.7%), Raoutella ornithinolytica (1.7%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (1.1%), Pantoea agglomerans (1.1%), Serratia marcescens (1.1%) and Cedeceas spp. (0.6%). One hundred pathogenic bacterial isolates were randomly selected and tested for antibiotic sensitivity to eight antibiotics out of which S. aureus were 97.5% resistant to Oxacillin and 100% sensitive to Ciprofloxacin. The CoNSs were 100% resistant to Oxacillin and 100% sensitive to Ciprofloxacin. E. coli were 93.9% resistant to Oxacillin, 69.7% sensitive to Ciprofloxacin and 87.9% sensitive to both Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid and Meropenem. The antimicrobial resistant genes detected in S. aureus and E. coli were mecA [66.7%, 0%], and blaTEM [20% and 78.3%], respectively. In conclusion, the study showed that most of the does were affected by subclinical mastitis with the main causative bacteria being Staphylococci spp. and coliforms. Farmers need to be trained on improved control of mastitis by adoption of good milking practices and use of CMT kit for early detection of mastitis. Occurrence of multidrug resistance by key mastitis causing pathogens was shown to be prevalent and therefore there is need for development of intervention strategies.

Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance of Bacteria Isolated from Cerebrospinal Fluid of Neurosurgical Patients in Malang, Indonesia

Background: Central nervous system infections are a critical concern in neurosurgical practice, often leading to severe complications and prolonged hospital stays. Understanding the prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of the bacteria causing these infections is essential for effective patient management. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from cerebrospinal fluid in neurosurgical patients in Malang, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted to investigate the positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures in patients who underwent craniotomy within the period of January 2019 to December 2021. The gathered data encompassed the identification of etiological agents and the determination of their respective antimicrobial susceptibilities. Data analysis was performed on a total of 33 individuals, with 67 isolates out of 239 patients and 515 CSF culture samples. Results: The preponderant microorganism identified in the sample was coagulase-negative Staphylococci, with a majority exhibiting methicillin resistance, commonly referred to as methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci (MRCoNS). All specimens exhibited susceptibility to both vancomycin and tigecycline. Klebsiella pneumoniae, a Gram-negative bacterium, was identified as the predominant etiological agent and exhibited resistance to a substantial proportion of the antimicrobial agents tested, specifically 13 out of the 16 antimicrobials evaluated. Conclusions: The sensitivity rates of ceftriaxone and meropenem were found to be 0% and 100%, respectively. The predominant bacteria is MRCoNS, which is completely susceptible to tigecycline, vancomycin, linezolid, and nitrofurantoin. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae is difficult to treat, especially in central nervous system infections when antimicrobials are scarce.

Antibiotic Resistance in the Apennine Wolf (Canis lupus italicus): Implications for Wildlife and Human Health.

The Apennine wolf (Canis lupus italicus) is a subspecies of gray wolf that is widespread throughout Italy. Due to hunting and habitat loss, their population declined dramatically in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but conservation efforts improved to restore the species to an estimated population of 3300 individuals. The presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Apennine Wolf may pose a risk to its health and survival, as well as the health of other animals in its environment. In this study, we investigated the antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria collected from Apennine wolves admitted to the Wildlife Research Center of Maiella National Park (Italy) in 2022. A total of 12 bacteria collected from four wolves were isolated and tested for susceptibility to antibiotics used in veterinary medicine and to critically important antibiotics for human health by means of the Vitek 2 system. All isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and six bacteria were multidrug resistant to critically important antibiotics (third-generation cephalosporins, carbapenems and fluoroquinolones). The results of this pilot study have allowed for the characterization of resistant profiles in Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and other bacterial species not previously reported in Apennine wolves. Our findings provide important insights into antibiotic resistance in wildlife and its potential implications for the conservation of biodiversity and public health.

Antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance profile of bacteria isolated from out-patients of Pakem primary healthcare, Yogyakarta

Background: The use of antibiotics is one of the procedures in the treatment of infectious diseases. Antibiotics are given to kill or inhibit the growth of infectious bacteria within the host’s system. Inappropriate use of antibiotics may lead to antibiotic resistance where the bacteria can resist the effect of the drugs. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in out-patients at the Pakem Health Center, Yogyakarta. Method: This study employed a descriptive research design using the data of patients with bacterial infections. Twenty-six patients were the subjects of the study with predetermined characteristics, namely age, gender, occupation, and antibiotics given. Result: The result showed the five (5) common types of infections were pyoderma, pharyngitis, abscess, bronchitis, and wound infection. Meanwhile, the infectious bacteria found were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus betahaemolyticus. The prescribed antibiotics included amoxicillin (73.33%), metronidazole (16.67%), gentamicin (6.67%), and ciprofloxacin (3.33%). The antibiotic resistant bacteria were Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Staphylococcus aureus. Among the test bacteria, several groups showed multiple-drug resistance. The five highest antibiotic resistance found were penicillin (52.9%), ampicillin (40.0%), tetracycline (33.3%), cefuroxime (33.3%), and amikacin (33.3%). Conclusion: The most common type of infection was pyoderma and the antibiotic treatment given to most occurring cases of infection was amoxicillin.

Description of Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns at the National Institute of Hygiene in Lome, Togo.

The monitoring of antimicrobial resistance has become a priority, mainly in developing countries, to control the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. This study evaluated the antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated at the National Institute of Hygiene in Togo. The laboratory records from January 2013 to December 2015 were examined, which showed that a total of 33,147 samples had been analyzed. Among them, vaginal swabs and urine samples were predominant, amounting to 38.17% and 33.24%, respectively. In total, 3,497 Gram-positive and 1,970 Gram-negative bacterial strains were cultured. Enterobacteriaceae (57.6%), Staphylococcus spp. (21.1%), and Streptococcus spp. (10.5%) were primarily isolated. The records showed that over 3 years, Escherichia coli was resistant to piperacillin (79.66%, 75.1%, and 83%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (79.3%, 82%, and 82.8%), ticarcillin (89%, 89.7%, and 93%), and amoxicillin (94.1%, 94%, and 96.09%), whereas Staphylococcus aureus was resistant to penicillin G. Streptococcaceae isolates were resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (78.11-87.1%), tetracycline (82.2-91.16%), and norfloxacin (86.16-94.3%). Escherichia coli and S. aureus isolated from urine were more resistant to antibiotics than those isolated from vaginal swabs. There is a need to develop new strategies to fight the emergence of multi-resistant bacteria in Togo.

Assessment of antibiotic resistance profile of bacteria isolated from Ghaghara River, India

Abstract Excessive anthropogenic activities play a significant role in the emergence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance in urban streams and river sediment. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility profile, molecular detection of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and identification of multidrug-resistant bacterial isolates in the mainstream and tributaries of the Ghaghara River. The obtained data indicated that the majority of the isolates were identified as Bacillus spp. (40%) followed by Klebsiella quasipneumoniae (20%), Exiguobacterium undae (13.33%). Most of the bacterial isolates were resistant against penicillin G (P) (24%), cefuroxime (CXM) (20%), amoxicillin (AMX) (18%), and ampicillin (AMP) (17%) in sediments samples, whereas penicillin G (27%), cefuroxime (CXM) and erythromycin (E) was 13%, AMP and cefaclor both showed 12% in water samples respectively. This study provides insight into the prevalence of multiple antibiotic-resistant bacterial diversity in the Ghaghara River and provides the route to disseminate the multidrug-resistant pathogens in the human and animal population through the aquatic environment.

P14 The antibiotic resistance profile of bacteria causing acute respiratory tract infections in Khartoum, Sudan

BackgroundAcute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are the most common indication for antibiotic prescriptions. This is associated with irrational prescription and correlated with antimicrobial resistance especially in low-income countries including Sudan. This is a cross-sectional study aimed at identifying bacterial pathogens causing ARTIs and their susceptibility to the commonly prescribed antibiotics.MethodsBacterial pathogens (51 isolates) were obtained from 29 ARTI patients from two hospitals in Khartoum in the time period March 2021 to March 2022. Samples were collected from each patient using both nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs. They were then cultured using blood and chocolate agar. The isolated colonies were identified using Gram staining technique, biochemical test, and selective media. Antibiotic susceptibility tests (AST) were done using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion susceptibility test protocol. Susceptible strains were determined following CLSI guidelines. The susceptibility of isolates was determined for different antibiotics representing the important classes including co-amoxiclav, cefixime, penicillin G, oxacillin, ceftriaxone, erythromycin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and meropenem.ResultsIsolates were found to be mostly (82.3%) Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most abundant (17.9%) Gram-negative bacteria. S. aureus isolates were found to be 100% susceptible to levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and meropenem. S. aureus exhibited less susceptibility to ceftriaxone (75%), and the least susceptibility to co-amoxiclav (37.5%), cefixime (31.3%), oxacillin (18.8) and erythromycin (25%). S. pyogenes isolates were found to be completely susceptible (100%) to co-amoxiclav, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone. S. pyogenes had less susceptibility to vancomycin (92%), and the least susceptibility to cefixime (38.5%) and erythromycin (26.9%). P. aeruginosa isolates were found to be 100% susceptible to levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone, with less susceptibility to ceftriaxone (66%) and the least susceptibility to co-amoxiclav (22.2%), cefixime (33.3%), erythromycin (11.1%), vancomycin (11.1%) and oxacillin.ConclusionsCo-amoxiclav is extensively used in Sudan empirically. The results show that S. aureus and P. aeruginosa are increasingly becoming resistant to this drug. However, S. pyogenes is still susceptible to it. Conversely resistance to erythromycin and cephalosporins is shown in all the different isolated species, however these drugs are still widely used without even culture and ASTs. Luckily, non-susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin was not detected here. Obviously, laboratory identification and ASTs are much needed along with surveillance programmes in hospitals. Together with rational use of antibiotics these measures will help to slow down the progress of the deadly AMR pandemic.

Early and Late Onset Neonatal Sepsis: Epidemiology and Effectiveness of Empirical Antibacterial Therapy in a III Level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Bloodstream infections play an important role in neonatal morbidity and mortality. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed etiology and antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from blood or Cerebro Spinal Fluid (CSF) cultures to evaluate the appropriateness of initial empirical therapy of neonatal sepsis. Methods: microbiological data from patients admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), from January 2005 to October 2018, were anonymously extracted from the Laboratory of Microbiology database. According to the neonatal sepsis definition for patients admitted to NICU, positive cultures obtained within the first 72 h of life were labeled as Early Onset Sepsis (EOS); and Late Onset Sepsis (LOS) for those obtained later. Results: 859 bacterial strains, 846 from blood and 13 from CSF, were detected in 611 neonates. In EOS, 75 blood cultures were found: 61 yielded Gram-positives and 14 Gram-negatives. Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) represented the majority (52% n = 39). Streptococcus agalactiae and Escherichia coli were both isolated in 8% (n = 6) of cases. 784 strains were isolated in LOS: 686 (87%) Gram-positives and 98 (13%) Gram-negatives. CoNS represented most pathogens (n = 560, 71.4%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (n = 57, 7.3%) and Enterococcus faecalis (n = 33, 4.2%). Ampicillin/gentamicin therapy resulted effective in 15/20 (75%) of EOS isolates. Internal protocol for LOS initial empirical therapy, calling for piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin resulted effective in 98.5% (734/745) of LOS strains. Conclusions: knowledge of local epidemiology of resistant pathogens, both in EOS and LOS, is fundamental to set up an effective empirical therapy in NICU. Aminoglycosides were fundamental in EOS. On the other side, LOS empirical therapy with vancomycin is sustained by the observation of 38% of methicillin resistance among S. aureus and about 95% in CoNS.

A Preliminary Study on Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. Grown on Mannitol Salt Agar in European Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) Hunted in Campania Region-Italy.

Simple SummaryDuring the last decade, an increase in the European wild boar (Sus scrofa) population occurred; thus, over the years, wild boars have become an important potential carrier of pathogenic bacteria for both livestock animals and pets, but also for humans. Since antibiotic resistance has become one of the greatest challenges of global public health, the aim of the present study was to define the prevalence and the antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria grown on the selective medium mannitol salt agar (MSA), isolated from nasal swabs of wild boars hunted in Campania Region (southern Italy). The most prevalent isolated bacteria were represented by the Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. strains, which showed worrying antibiotic-resistant profiles. Consequently, constant surveillance of wild boars is strongly recommended, in order to assess their role as reservoirs of antibiotic resistant bacteria and as sentinels of a possible environmental contamination.The importance of wild boar lies in its role as a bioindicator for the control of numerous zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases, including antibiotic resistance. Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) is a selective medium used for isolation, enumeration, and differentiation of pathogenic staphylococci. Other genera such as Enterococcus spp. are also salt tolerant and able to grow on MSA. The present study focused on the identification, by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), of bacteria grown on MSA isolated from the nasal cavities of 50 healthy wild boars hunted in Campania Region (southern Italy) in the year 2019. In addition, the antimicrobial resistance phenotype of the isolated strains was determined by disk diffusion method. Among genus Staphylococcus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) were the most common isolated species, with Staphylococcus xylosus as the most prevalent species (33.3%). Furthermore, Enterococcus spp. strains were isolated, and Enterococcus faecalis was the species showing the highest frequency of isolation (93.8%). For staphylococci, high levels of resistance to oxacillin (93.3%) were recorded. Differently, they exhibited low frequencies of resistance to tested non-β-lactams antibiotics. Among enterococci, the highest resistances were observed for penicillin (93.7%), followed by ampicillin (75%), and ciprofloxacin (68.7%). Interestingly, 43.7% of the isolated strains were vancomycin-resistant. In conclusion, this study reports the phenotypic antibiotic resistance profiles of Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. strains isolated from nasal cavities of wild boars hunted in Campania Region, highlighting that these wild animals are carriers of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Biodiversity of Soil Bacterial Communities from the Sasso Fratino Integral Nature Reserve

The Sasso Fratino Integral Nature Reserve (Italy) aims to protect nature and territory. Since no anthropic activities are allowed, it represents a good model to study the bacterial community of a wild environment. The aim of this work was to characterise the cultivable and the total bacterial community of soil samples from the reserve in terms of taxonomy, composition, and structure. Seven soil samples were collected at different altitudes, and the chemical composition, the total and the cultivable microbiota, and the antibiotic resistance profiles of isolates were investigated. Total bacterial communities, studied through Next Generation Sequences analysis, included 390 genera. Samples differed in terms of microbial composition basing on the different altitude/vegetation of collection points. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Analysis (RAPD) allowed to identify 82 haplotypes out of 158 bacterial isolates. The taxonomic identification through 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that the strains were affiliated to 21 genera. Antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria were also investigated, highlighting a high resistance against streptomycin and kanamycin. This work represents the first description of the soil bacterial community from the Natural Reserve of Sasso Fratino, and it is the first study considering the soil microbiota of an Italian integral nature reserve.

Bacterial loads and antibiotic resistance profile of bacteria isolated from the most popular street food (Phuchka) in Bangladesh.

Objective:Phuchka is one of the most common street foods in Bangladesh. It is served with salad, sweet and sour tamarind dispersed water, and minced eggs as topping at places where people usually gather. This makes these foods susceptible to bacterial contamination. Therefore, assessing the bacterial load and antimicrobial profile of organisms isolated from phuchka and other foodstuffs served with it was the focus of this study.Materials and Methods:Bacterial isolates were isolated and identified from the samples after the bacterial loads were assessed as total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), and total staphylococcal count (TSC). The antibiotic resistance profile of the isolates was obtained using the disk diffusion method. Molecular detection of Escherichia coli isolates and the presence of gene responsible for tetracycline resistance was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction.Results:According to the recommendations, the TVC value of 70% phuchka and egg samples was safe, whereas TSC value illustrated that 80% of both phuchka and egg samples were at safety level. For the TCC value, 80% egg and 70% phuchka samples were found to be safe for consumption. Among all the samples, the microbial loads of the vendors’ hand wash were least in the safety level. Antibiotic sensitivity tests revealed that both Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli isolates were sensitive to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin but showed resistance to ampicillin. Conclusion:The data of this study indicate that phuchka can pose a public health problem as foodborne bacterial isolates which are antibiotic-resistant are found in it.

Bacteriological Quality and Antibiotics' Susceptibility Profile of Small-medium Scale Commercial Fish farms in Nigeria

Background: Fish currently provide 6.7% of all proteins consumed by humans globally; nevertheless, the aquaculture system has been linked to fish, environmental contamination and disease outbreak. The aim of this study was to determine the bacteriological quality and the antibiotic resistance profile of bacteria from water samples of pond stocked with Tilapia and Catfish in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Objective: To isolate, identify and characterise heterotrophic bacteria and test for the antibiogram of detected Coliforms. Methods: Water samples were collected from ponds stocked with Tilapia and Catfish, and tested for total heterotrophic and coliform bacteria as well as the antibiogram. The susceptibility of the isolates was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar. Results: A total of 40 isolates were recovered from the water samples, of which 5 species were Gram positive bacteria representing two genera, and 35 species were Gram negative bacteria representing four genera. The temperature for all ponds ranged from 25°C to 28°C. The mean bacterial count varied from 1.9×104 to 5.4×104 CFU/ml per fish pond. All isolates were 100% resistant to ceftazidime, cefuroxime and augmentin. More resistance to cefixime (80%) and gentamicin (73.3%) and nitrofurantoin (66.7%) was also recorded. However, only 16.6% and 8.3% of the isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin, respectively. The multiple antimicrobial resistance index (MARI) ranged from 0.5 to 0.9. The water physicochemical parameters (temperature and pH) and the type of bacteria detected in all pond types did not differ significantly. Conclusion: Fish pond is a reservoir of multi-drug resistant bacteria that could serve as environmental source of drug resistance gene transfer. This calls for effective monitoring and assessment as well as management devices for the protection of community and environmental health.

Isolation and characterization of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae from raw cow milk in Jiangsu and Shandong provinces, China.

Antimicrobials are the most important therapy to bovine mastitis. Bacterial infection and antibiotic treatment of mastitis cycles frequently in dairy farms worldwide, giving rise to concerns about the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. In this study, we examined the microbial diversity and antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from raw milk from dairy farms in Jiangsu and Shandong provinces, China. Raw milk samples were collected from 857 dairy cattle including 800 apparently healthy individuals and 57 cows with clinical mastitis (CM) and subjected to microbiological culture, antimicrobial susceptibility assay and detection of antibiotic-resistant genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. A total of 1,063 isolates belonging to 41 different bacterial genera and 86 species were isolated and identified, of which Pseudomonas spp. (256/1,063, 24.08%), Staphylococcus. spp. (136/1,063, 12.79%), Escherichia coli (116/1,063, 10.91%), Klebsiella spp. (104/1,063, 9.78%) and Bacillus spp. (84/1,063, 7.90%) were most frequently isolated. K.pneumoniae, one of the most prevalent bacteria, was more frequently isolated from the farms in Jiangsu (65/830, 7.83%) than Shandong (1/233, 0.43%) province, and showed a positive association with CM (p<.001). The antimicrobial susceptibility assay revealed that four of the K.pneumoniae isolates (4/66, 6.06%) were MDR bacteria (acquired resistance to ≥three classes of antimicrobials). Furthermore, among 66 isolates of K.pneumoniae, 21.21% (14/66), 13.64% (9/66) and 12.12% (8/66) were resistant to tetracycline, chloramphenicol and aminoglycosides, respectively. However, all K.pneumoniae isolates were sensitive to monobactams and carbapenems. The detection of antibiotic-resistant genes confirmed that the β-lactamase genes (blaSHV and blaCTX-M ), aminoglycoside modifying enzyme genes [aac(6')-Ib, aph(3')-I and ant(3″)-I], tetracycline efflux pump (tetA) and transposon genetic marker (intI1) were positive in MDR isolates. This study indicated that MDR K.pneumoniae isolates emerged in dairy farms in Jiangsu province and could be a potential threat to food safety and public health.

Prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria isolated from imported ornamental fish in Italy: A translocation of resistant strains?

The rapid expansion of the ornamental aquaculture industry over the past decades has resulted in a concomitant increase in the use of antibiotics to combat infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the possible role of ornamental fish in the translocation of antibiotic resistant bacteria, with possible consequences for aquarium and public health. We assessed the prevalence of bacterial infections and the antibiotic resistance profile of bacteria isolated from 134 ornamental fish imported into northwest Italy during two years of monitoring. Ornamental fish analyzed were imported mainly from Singapore (40%) and Israel (20%), followed by Thailand (13%), Sri Lanka (12%), Czech Republic (7%), Vietnam (5%) and Indonesia (3%). The most commonly imported fish were freshwater species, particularly those belonging to the Poeciliidae family. Bacteriological exam was positive in 68% of the fish examined. The most frequently isolated bacterium was Aeromonas sobria (37%). Bacteria showed resistance against lincomycin, ampicillin, oxytetracycline and tetracycline. Sensitivity was found for florfenicol, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Odds ratio (OR) values were calculated as a measure of the association between antibiotic resistance of A. sobria and selected factors (country of origin, fish family and fish species), considering Thailand, Poeciliidae and Poecilia reticulata as control cases. Higher values were found for Vietnam (OR 5.6) and Xiphophorus helleri and X. maculatus (OR 3.0 and 3.7 respectively). Our findings underline the need to improve targeted surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and prevent the translocation of resistant or multi-resistant bacterial strains in ornamental fish, especially in fish imported from countries where surveillance is limited or lacking.

Benzalkonium chloride alters phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance profiles in a source water used for drinking water treatment

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern. Triclosan is an antimicrobial compound with direct links to antibiotic resistance that was widely used in soaps in the U.S. until its ban by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a quaternary ammonium compound, has widely replaced triclosan in soaps marketed as an antibacterial. BAC has been detected in surface waters and its presence will likely increase following increased use in soap products. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of BAC on relative abundance of antibiotic resistance in a bacterial community from a surface water used as a source for drinking water treatment. Bench-scale microcosm experiments were conducted with microbial communities amended with BAC at concentrations ranging from 0.1 μg L−1 to 500 μg L−1. Phenotypic antibiotic resistance was quantified by culturing bacteria in the presence of different antibiotics, and genotypic resistance was determined using qPCR to quantify antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). BAC at concentrations ranging from 0.1 μg L−1 to 500 μg L−1 was found to positively select for bacteria resistant to ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole, and negatively select against bacteria with resistance to six other antibiotics. Exposure to BAC for 14 days increased the relative abundance of sul1 and blaTEM. This study re-highlights the importance of employing both culture and non-culture-based techniques to identify selection for antibiotic resistance. The widespread use of BAC will likely impact antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria in the environment, including in source waters used for drinking water, wastewater treatment plants, and natural waterways.

Microbiological quality assessment of herbal medicinal products and antibiotic resistance profile of bacteria

The microbiological quality of some herbal medicinal products available in Dhaka, Bangladesh was evaluated. In the studied samples, the total aerobic bacterial count (TABC) varied from 6.20 × 102 to 2.97 × 105 cfu /ml, total yeast and mold count ranged from 0 to 1.80 × 104 cfu /ml, total coliform count varied from 0 to 2.80×103 cfu/ml and total staphylococcal count (TSC) ranged from 0 to 2.30 × 104 cfu/ml. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.849) was observed between TABC and TSC. Out of 24 herbal medicinal samples examined, 5 (20.83%) did not comply with the microbiological criteria set by internationally recognized organizations. The study revealed that 100% of the Escherichia coli isolates were resistant to amoxicillin and penicillin G, 85.71% were resistant to nitrofurantoin and 71.43% were resistant to ceftriaxone and cefuroxime: and 57.14% were resistant to erythromycin. Among the Staphylococcus aureus isolates tested, 100% were resistant to amoxicillin, nalidixic acid and Penicillin G; whereas 33.33% showed resistance to cefuroxime.

Evaluation of a constructed wetland for wastewater treatment: Addressing emerging organic contaminants and antibiotic resistant bacteria

The occurrence of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) in wastewaters and the inability of the conventional wastewater treatments plants to deal with them have been pointed out several times over the last few years. As a result, remnants of those compounds released into the aquatic environment present a potential risk for public health. Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been proposed as environmentally friendly, low-cost alternative systems with satisfactory results for different types of contaminants. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a CW system, planted with the halophyte Juncus acutus, to eliminate bisphenol A (BPA) and two antibiotics, namely ciprofloxacin (CIP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) under different operating conditions. The behavior of Escherichia coli and enterococcal populations in terms of changes in their resistance profile for the selected antibiotics and the abundance of two resistance genes (qnrA and sul1) were also examined. BPA and CIP were significantly removed by the CW, with an overall removal of 76.2% and 93.9% respectively and with the plants playing a vital role. In contrast, SMX was not significantly eliminated. Moreover, fluctuations in the antibiotic resistance profile of bacteria were observed. Treatment processes affected the response of the two selected bacterial indicators, depending on the conditions employed in each case. Furthermore, increased levels of resistance genes were monitored in the system effluent. This study indicates that CWs, as tertiary wastewater treatment systems, may demonstrate high removal rates for some but not all EOCs. This implies that each EOC identified in the feed stream should be tested assiduously by analyzing the final effluents before their reuse or discharge into water bodies.

Isolation, characterization and antibiotic resistance profile studies of bacteria from an excavated pond in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

The Antibiotic Resistance profile of bacteria isolated from Rumuola pond water in the Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria was investigated. Total of 48 bacterial species were isolated on Nutrient Agar and a set of selective diagnostic media. The isolates were identified as Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus sp.; Shigella sp.; Klebsiella sp.; Vibrio sp.; and Salmonella sp. The total culturable heterotrophic bacterial count (TCHB) and faecal coliform count of the water samples ranged from 1.02 x 10 6 – 1.90 x 10 6 cfu/ml and 3.70x 10 5 – 8.15x10 5 cfu/ml respectively. The sensitivity of the isolates from the water samples to 12 different antibiotics selected was ascertained on Muller-Hinton agar using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The zone diameter obtained was interpreted using the Clinical Laboratory Standard International (CLSI) and British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC) zone diameter breakpoints. Isolates were recorded as susceptible (S), intermediate susceptible (I) or resistant (R) based on the guidelines. The level of resistance exhibited by the isolates to specific antibiotics used were; Lincocin 74.8%, Rifampicin 71.4%, Augumentin 71.2%, Chloramphnicol 68.2%, Erythromycin 64.3%, Cotrimoxazole 55.8%, Streptomycin 50.2%, Pefloxacin 48.6%, Gentamycin 43%, Norfloxacin 42.9%, Ofloxacin 16.2%, Ciprofloxacin 13%. The resistance to Lincocin (74.8%) was the highest followed by Rifampicin (71.4%). The highest level of bacterial resistance pattern to all tested antibiotics was observed in sites with highest human activities. The result showed multiple antibiotic resistance patterns among the bacterial isolates suggesting a pool of resistance genes among isolates in the pond. Most of the bacterial isolates are potential pathogens. Modern health services for effective disease management for this community would include antibiotic/drug mapping for individuals. Keywords: Antibiotic Resistance, Rumuola Pond, Port Harcourt