Antibiotic Sensitivity Research Articles

Antibiotic sensitivity pattern among diabetic patients admitted with urinary tract infection.

Objective: To determine the frequency of types of bacterial pathogens involved in urinary tract infections and antibiotic sensitivity patterns among diabetic patients in the medical units of Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Medicine, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Period: November 9, 2022 until May 8, 2023. Methods: The study was conducted after the approval of the hospital's ethical committee and the written informed consent of patients. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS. Patients aged 16 to 80 years of both genders admitted to medical units with diabetes and diagnosed with urinary tract infection were enrolled using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Results: In our study, a total of 184 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 52.08±18.4 years. There were 42.4% male and 57.6% female patients. The most common organism isolated was E. coli in 37% of patients, followed by Klebsiella in 23.9% of patients, Pseudomonas in 6.3%, Enterococcus in 12%, and Proteus mirabilis in 10.9% of patients. The most sensitive drug was Fosfomycin in 89.1% of patients, followed by nitrofurantoin in 81.5%, imipenem in 77.1%, amikacin in 73.3%, Piperacillin/tazobactam in 69%, gentamycin in 67.9%, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in 66.8%, Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in 59.7%, ciprofloxacin in 54.3%, ceftriaxone in 51%, and cefixime in 46.1% of patients. Conclusion: E. coli is the most common organism isolated in urinary tract infection in diabetics and Fosfomycin is the most sensitive drug for treatment.

Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of deep skin and soft tissue infections in Pakistan.

Objective: To determine the antibiotic spectrum of deep skin and soft tissue infections in Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Dermatology at Madinah Teaching Hospital, Faisalabad. Period: June, 2023 to December 2023. Methods: Inclusion criteria covered consenting patients aged 15-60, excluding those with specific conditions. The study aimed to ascertain antibiotic sensitivity patterns in deep skin and soft tissue infections. Ethical approval was obtained, and subjects meeting criteria were enrolled after informed consent, contributing valuable insights into healthcare-associated infections. Results: Examining 60 patients, the age distribution indicates a prevalent cohort up to 50 years (61.7%), highlighting potential health concerns in earlier years. Those above 50 constitute 38.3%, signifying distinct challenges in older age. With 61.7% males, Gram stain analysis reveals microbial diversity. Notably, Ciprofloxacin (90%) and Cefipime (98.3%) exhibit high resistance, while Cephradine (48.3%) and Cefoxitin (20%) show sensitivity. Meropenem and Vancomycin display moderate resistance (28.3% and 25%), while Tigecycline (10%) and Teicoplanin (1.7%) exhibit lower resistance, offering insights for effective treatment strategies. Conclusion: Our study reveals notable antibiotic resistance, with Ciprofloxacin (90%) and Cefipime (98.3%) exhibiting high resistance. Conversely, Cephradine (48.3%) and Cefoxitin (20%) show sensitivity, guiding tailored treatment strategies for deep skin and soft tissue infections.

Drug resistance and genomic variations among Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from The Nile Delta, Egypt

Tuberculosis is a global public health concern. Earlier reports suggested the emergence of high rates of drug resistant tuberculosis in Egypt. This study included 102 isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis collected from two reference laboratories in Cairo and Alexandria. All clinical isolates were sub-cultured on Löwenstein–Jensen medium and analyzed using both BD BACTEC MGIT 960 SIRE Kit and standard diffusion disk assays to identify the antibiotic sensitivity profile. Extracted genomic DNA was subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS) using Illumina platform. Isolates that belong to lineage 4 represented > 80%, while lineage 3 represented only 11% of the isolates. The percentage of drug resistance for the streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol were 31.0, 17.2, 19.5 and 20.7, respectively. Nearly 47.1% of the isolates were sensitive to the four anti-tuberculous drugs, while only one isolate was resistant to all four drugs. In addition, several new and known mutations were identified by WGS. High rates of drug resistance and new mutations were identified in our isolates. Tuberculosis control measures should focus on the spread of mono (S, I, R, E)- and double (S, E)-drug resistant strains present at higher rates throughout the whole Nile Delta, Egypt.

Analysis of the Pathogen Distribution and Antimicrobial Resistance after Plastic Surgery of the Urogenital System.

We aimed to summarize the distribution of pathogenic bacteria for postoperative infection of different genitourinary plastic surgery and the antimicrobial resistance of the major pathogens. Between January 2011 and December 2021, following plastic surgery of the urogenital system, microbial strains from infected patients were collected, identified, and counted. The antibiotic sensitivity and distribution characteristics of common pathogens in relation with the surgical procedures were studied by WHONET 5.6, along with the main bacteria accounting for early infection. A total of 76 cases were included in the study. Among these, 53 Gram-negative bacteria were detected, with Escherichia coli (18 of 53) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (nine of 53) accounting for the majority. There were also 23 Gram-positive bacteria, among which Staphylococcus aureus (six of 23) and Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (five of 23) were the most common. In terms of antimicrobial resistance, E. coli was highly sensitive to amikacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, cefoxitin, and imipenem, whereas P. aeruginosa was highly sensitive to gentamicin, amikacin, cefepime, piperacillin/tazobactam, imipenem, ceftazidime, and ciprofloxacin. Procedures for urethral repair, urethral reconstruction, and lump resection were most commonly associated with infection. Among these, urethral repair was responsible for the majority of infections. The pathogenic bacteria involved in postoperative infections varied overall, but the most prevalent was E. coli. Gram-negative bacteria are the major cause of infection following genitourinary plastic surgery. The specific bacterial strains, degrees of antimicrobial resistance, and length of infection varied among the various procedures. The results of this study may provide references for clinical medication and the prevention and control of such infections.

S100A12 inhibits Streptococcus pneumoniae and aids in wound healing of corneal epithelial cells both in vitro and in vivo

Streptococcus pneumoniae, a leading cause of corneal infections worldwide, are extremely aggressive despite antibiotic sensitivity and exhibit increased resistance towards antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides are often considered as potent alternatives against antibiotic resistance and here we have investigated the possible roles of S100A12, a host defense peptide, in wound healing and S. pneumoniae infection. S100A12 significantly inhibited growth of S. pneumoniae by disruption of membrane integrity along with increased generation of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, S100A12 accelerated cell migration and wound closure in human corneal epithelial cells and in a murine corneal wound model by activation of EGFR and MAPK signaling pathways.

Invasive Pneumococcal Infections Among Moroccan Children: Pneumococcal Vaccination Challenges in the Mature Vaccine Era.

Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality, disproportionately affects children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Despite vaccination efforts, the challenge of serotype replacement highlights the ongoing struggle against invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) in Morocco, emphasizing the need for updated public health strategies and vaccine efficacy assessments. This study was conducted at the Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center and the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center from 2019 to 2022, focusing on hospitalized children. It involved the analysis of 74 strains of IPD, assessing the distribution of pneumococcal serotypes and their antibiotic sensitivity in the post-vaccination era. The prevalence of meningitis or meningo-encephalitis was found to be 66% among the study subjects, with the most frequent serotypes being 3, 19A, 6B, 14, and 11. These serotypes varied significantly by age and location. Coverage rates for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, PCV-10 and PCV-13, were 20.27% and 56.75%, respectively. Notably, 43% of the strains were non-vaccine serotypes, with serotypes 3 and 19 accounting for 36% of the infections in children, indicating a lack of vaccine efficacy against these types. Additionally, 31.3% of the strains were Penicillin non-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PNSP), with 81.25% associated with non-vaccine serotypes. This study highlights the persistence of IPD in Moroccan children, revealing significant challenges despite vaccination efforts. With the reintroduction of PCV-13, concerns about the efficacy against non-vaccine serotypes, particularly 3 and 19A, remain. Continuous surveillance and adaptable vaccination strategies are essential to combat these serotype replacements and ensure the effectiveness of future preventive measures.

Discovery of β-nitrostyrene derivatives as potential quorum sensing inhibitors for biofilm inhibition and antivirulence factor therapeutics against Serratia marcescens.

Quorum sensing (QS) inhibition has emerged as a promising target for directed drug design, providing an appealing strategy for developing antimicrobials, particularly against infections caused by drug-resistant pathogens. In this study, we designed and synthesized a total of 33 β-nitrostyrene derivatives using 1-nitro-2-phenylethane (NPe) as the lead compound, to target the facultative anaerobic bacterial pathogen Serratia marcescens. The QS-inhibitory effects of these compounds were evaluated using S. marcescens NJ01 and the reporter strain Chromobacterium violaceum CV026. Among the 33 new β-nitrostyrene derivatives, (E)-1-methyl-4-(2-nitrovinyl)benzene (m-NPe, compound 28) was proven to be a potent inhibitor that reduced biofilm formation of S. marcescens NJ01 by 79%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) results revealed that treatment with m-NPe (50 μg/ml) not only enhanced the susceptibility of the formed biofilms but also disrupted the architecture of biofilms by 84%. m-NPe (50 μg/ml) decreased virulence factors in S. marcescens NJ01, reducing the activity of protease, prodigiosin, and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) by 36%, 72%, and 52%, respectively. In S. marcescens 4547, the activities of hemolysin and EPS were reduced by 28% and 40%, respectively, outperforming the positive control, vanillic acid (VAN). The study also found that the expression levels of QS- and biofilm-related genes (flhD, fimA, fimC, sodB, bsmB, pigA, pigC, and shlA) were downregulated by 1.21- to 2.32-fold. Molecular dynamics analysis showed that m-NPe could bind stably to SmaR, RhlI, RhlR, LasR, and CviR proteins in a 0.1 M sodium chloride solution. Importantly, a microscale thermophoresis (MST) test revealed that SmaR could be a target protein for the screening of a quorum sensing inhibitor (QSI) against S. marcescens. Overall, this study highlights the efficacy of m-NPe in suppressing the virulence factors of S. marcescens, identifying it as a new potential QSI and antibiofilm agent capable of restoring or improving antimicrobial drug sensitivity.

Bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of bloodstream infections from a teaching institution in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, North India.

Bloodstream infections (BSIs), encompassing both self-limiting bacteremia and potentially fatal septicaemia, make up the majority of healthcare-associated ailments worldwide. The organisms encountered are mostly multidrug-resistant (MDROs), leading to increased hospital stays. Our study aims to collect data about blood culture isolates from a medical college in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. A retrospective analysis of blood culture isolates obtained at our laboratory for ten months from patients with clinical suspicion of sepsis or infection with the possibility of haematogenous spread was done. We only considered consecutive and patient-specific, non-duplicate isolates. Blood samples were initially incubated in BacT/ALERT® and then manually processed once they flagged positive. A total of 1,033 blood samples were received, of which 217 (21%) showed the growth of a pathogenic organism. The positivity rate varied significantly across different age groups, locations, and departments (P value < 0.001). It was higher among in-patients, those with central venous access, and patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Staphylococcus aureus [n = 105, 48.38%] was isolated most commonly, with a high prevalence of methicillin resistance (83%). Enterococcus demonstrated a high degree of resistance. MDROs accounted for 68% of the detected Gram-negatives. This study comprehensively analyses blood culture results from a diverse group of patients and emphasizes the association between risk factors and positive blood cultures. Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates demonstrated low sensitivity to common antibiotics, urging vigilant monitoring and specific therapy. Our study reveals important insights guiding clinical practices, antimicrobial stewardship, and infection control strategies.

Pheno- and Genotypic Epidemiological Characterization of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Isolates from Intensive Care Unit Patients in Central Türkiye.

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) has been detected in Türkiye. Only limited information is available on its dissemination in the central regions of the country. This study describes the first epidemiological characterization of VRE clinical isolates detected in patients in a hospital in the province of Aksaray. In this one-year study conducted between 2021 and 2022, stool samples from intensive care unit patients were screened for VRE using the phenotypic E-test method, and the antibiotic sensitivity test was analyzed by using the VITEK® 2 system. A molecular assay for confirmation of species level was carried out by 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing and testing for antibiotic resistance (vanA or vanB) and virulence factor-encoding genes (esp, asa1, and hyl). Further, genotypic characterization was determined by macro-restriction fragment pattern analysis (MRFPA) of genomic DNA digested with SmaI restriction enzyme. Of the total 350 Enterococcus positive patients from different hospital intensive care units, 22 (6.3%) were positive for VRE using the phenotypic E-test method. All isolates showed resistance to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, and teicoplanin and positive amplification for the vanA gene. However, none of the isolates was positive for the vanB gene. The most prevalent virulence gene was esp. The results indicate that the isolates are persistent in the hospital environment and subsequently transmitted to hospitalized patients, thus representing challenges to an outbreak and infection control. These study results would also help formulate more effective strategies to reduce the transmission and propagation of VRE contamination in various hospital settings.

Trends and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of diarrhoeal pathogens - experience over 14 years in southern India.

Introduction. Enteric pathogens contribute significantly to morbidity in a developing country such as India. Early and prompt diagnosis of diarrhoeal diseases can reduce the mortality rate, particularly in children. The pattern of sensitivity to antimicrobials for the common pathogens can vary from time to time. The present study was conducted to study the pathogen distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern during the study period (January 2010 to December 2023). Hypothesis/gap statement. Studying the changing trend in the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of diarrhoeal pathogens over a decade can help to plan future treatment options. Aim. This study was undertaken to provide insights into the changing pattern of pathogen distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility for enteric pathogens over 14 years. Methods. A retrospective observational cohort analysis was conducted on all the stool pathogens isolated from the samples received in the microbiology department of a tertiary care hospital from 2010 to 2023. The demographic details, stool microscopy, culture reports, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were noted. Results. A total of 18 336 stool specimens were received in the microbiology laboratory between January 2010 and December 2023, of which 1354 specimens had diarrhoeal pathogens grown in culture. Out of these 1354 specimens, 591 (44%) had Salmonella, 471 (35%) Shigella, 181 (13%) Vibrio cholerae, and 80 (6%) Aeromonas species. Among these pathogens, susceptibility to ceftriaxone was seen in 93% (552 isolates) of Salmonella species, 89% (420 isolates) of Shigella species, and 95% (171 isolates) of Vibrio cholerae; 91% (73 isolates) of Aeromonas species were susceptible to chloramphenicol. Some major parasites were also observed on microscopy. Conclusion. Timely diagnosis of diarrhoeal pathogens can be life-saving for patients at the extremes of age, i.e. in children and the elderly. Pathogens can exhibit a changing susceptibility pattern to antibiotics, which should be regularly observed to plan future therapy.

Managing multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a premature neonate with sepsis: A case report

Background: Neonatal sepsis, which is a systemic response to infection, is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in newborns, with an incidence of 1 to 8 per 1,000 live births. Acinetobacter baumannii is a common nosocomial pathogen, often associated with antibiotic resistance, complicating treatment and worsening outcomes [1,2]. Case Description: A neonate born prematurely at 34 weeks due to eclampsia (Apgar score 5/7, birth weight 2100 grams), presented with signs of severe infection, including fever, abdominal distension, seizures, and hypotonia. Laboratory results indicated severe thrombocytopenia, and elevated CRP. Blood cultures identified Acinetobacter baumannii resistant to 10 antibiotics. The patient was treated with oxazolidinones and third-generation cephalosporins for 21 days, resulting in gradual clinical improvement. Conclusion: Blood culture remains the gold standard for diagnosing neonatal sepsis. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive antibiotic sensitivity testing in managing multidrug-resistant infections, ensuring appropriate and effective therapy.

Antilisterial and antioxidant exopolysaccharide from Enterococcus faecium PCH.25 isolated from cow butter: characterization and probiotic potential.

Exopolysaccharides produced by lactic acid bacteria have gained attention for their potential health benefits and applications in functional foods. This study explores the isolation and characterization of a novel exopolysaccharide-producing strain from dairy products. The aim was to evaluate its probiotic potential and investigate the properties of the produced exopolysaccharide. A strain identified as Enterococcus faecium PCH.25, isolated from cow butter, demonstrated exopolysaccharide production. The study's novelty lies in the comprehensive characterization of this strain and its exopolysaccharide, revealing unique properties with potential applications in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The E. faecium PCH.25 strain exhibited strong acid tolerance, with a 92.24% viability rate at pH 2 after 2h of incubation. It also demonstrated notable auto-aggregation (85.27% after 24h) and co-aggregation abilities, antibiotic sensitivity, and absence of hemolytic activity, suggesting its probiotic potential. The exopolysaccharide produced by this strain showed bactericidal activity (MIC and MBC = 1.8mg/ml) against Listeria monocytogenes and antioxidant properties (22.8%). Chemical analysis revealed a heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose and fructose monomers, with various functional groups contributing to its bioactivities. Physical characterization of the exopolysaccharide indicated thermal stability up to 270°C, a negative zeta-potential (-27 mV), and an average particle size of 235nm. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis revealed a smooth, nonporous structure primarily composed of carbon and oxygen, with an amorphous nature. These findings suggest that the exopolysaccharide from E. faecium PCH.25 has potential as a natural antibacterial and antioxidant polymer for use in functional foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Antibacterial blue light is a promising tool for inactivating Escherichia coli in the food sector due to its low risk of cross-stress tolerance

BackgroundEscherichia coli is an integral part of the colonic microflora, though its pathogenic intestinal strains can contaminate animal and plant products and cause significant challenges in the food industry. Thermal processing is one of the most common methods used to preserve food. Nevertheless, non-thermal antibacterial methods, such as antibacterial blue light (aBL), are attracting more interest due to the growing demand for minimally processed products. Thus, the current study was aimed at assessment whether the risk of co-selection for these two food processing approaches exist.ResultsThe development of E. coli tolerance to both selective factors was observed after repeated exposure to sublethal doses of heat and aBL, and the observed adaptations were confirmed to be phenotypically stable. The results demonstrated that populations with increased tolerance to aBL also exhibited increased tolerance to temperature, while the sensitivity of temperature-tolerant populations to aBL did not change. We also identified 11 genes that could be involved in cross-stress tolerance. Neither adaptation changed the antibiotic sensitivity of the tolerant strains. Finally, short- and long-term pre-incubation at elevated temperatures significantly increased the tolerance of E. coli BW25113 to aBL.ConclusionsThe results obtained clearly demonstrate that aBL may serve as a complementary approach in food industry lacking resistance development and exerting no impact on microbial drug susceptibility. Nevertheless, the phenomenon of cross-tolerance should be considered an issue when designing food processing including sequential use of aBL and high temperature.Graphical

Antimicrobial Activity of Senna didymobotrya and Thunbergia alata Plant Extracts Against Selected Bacterial Clinical Isolates from Kericho Referral Hospital in Kenya

Bacterial infections are distributed worldwide and cause deadly infectious bacterial diseases such as skin, soft tissue and respiratory tract infections, meningitis, and tuberculosis. Bacterial infections are very common and can be easily acquired since bacteria are ubiquitous. It has challenged modern healthcare providers; conventional drugs are costly and have side effects. Therefore, alternative remedies that are easily available, affordable, and effective are needed. This study was carried out to determine the antimicrobial activity of Senna didymobotrya and Thunbergia alata crude plant extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and pseudomonas aeruginosa common in Kericho County. Plant leaves of the two plants were sourced from two sites (Bomet and Kabianga), dried, milled into powder and solvent extracted using hexane, dichloromethane: methanol ratio (1:1) and methanol. Phytochemicals present in each plant extract were evaluated using standard laboratory procedures. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing, Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined. Discs impregnated with standard antibacterial drugs were used as positive control. Leaves of T. alata and Senna didymobotrya collected from Bomet contained 7.41% and 10.4% while those from Kabianga contained 8.07% and 17.71% of extracts respectively, suggesting that site conditions do not influence the percentage of extracts. Leave extracts of S. didymobotrya and T. alata were found to be rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides and tannins irrespective of plant collection site, solvent of extraction. S. didymobotrya and T. alata plant extracts significantly inhibited growth of the exposed microbes in the following order: S. aureus, ≥S. pyogenes and≥ P. aeruginosa bacteria in comparison with commercial antibiotics (penicillin, chloromphenical, and erythromycin). The MIC values of the isolates ranged from 20×10-3 mg/ml to 4.8 ×10-3 mg/ml. However, bacterial inhibition by plant extracts showed re-growth of S. pyogenes after 36 hours, suggesting bacteriostatic nature. These results suggest that S. didymobotrya and T. alata leaves contain significant amounts of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides and tannins hence can be used as traditional medicine to manage S. aureus, S. pyogenes and P. aeruginosa bacteria found on human skin

Detection of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Escherichia coli Isolated from Chicken Eggs

Total 150 chicken eggs were randomly collected from farms, households, and markets of Rajshahi and Naogaon districts. Isolation and identification of E. coli was done by using cultural and staining characteristics, and biochemical properties. Antibiotic sensitivity assay was also performed for the isolated E. coli by using disc diffusion method. Characterization and detection of antibiotic resistance genes in E. coli isolates were done through PCR analysis. Prevalence of E. coli was 30.00% in chicken eggs in Rajshahi and Naogaon districts. Results of antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the isolated E. coli showed 57.78%, 33.33%, 31.11%, 28.89%, 26.67%, 17.78%, 15.56%, 13.33%, 13.33%, and 11.11% resistance to ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, oxytetracycline, ceftriaxone, amoxycillin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, enrofloxacin, gentamycin, and neomycin, respectively. The isolates also showed 94.44%, 82.22%, 80.00%, 77.78%, 66.67%, 60.00%, 55.56%, 48.89%, 46.67%, and 33.33% sensitive to neomycin, enrofloxacin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, gentamycin, ceftriaxone, oxytetracycline, doxycycline, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin, respectively. All 45 phenotypic identified isolates were confirmed as E. coli by PCR analysis. Genotypic identified isolates of E. coli were further characterized by PCR to detect antibiotic resistance genes. Out of 45 E. coli isolates 37 (82.22%) showed tetracycline resistance (tetA) gene, 32 (71.11%) showed tetracycline resistance (tetB) gene, and interestingly all 45 (100%) isolates showed quinolone group resistance (gyrA) gene by PCR analysis. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 5(1): 135-142, 2023

PCR identification of Enterococcus Species as a Primary Pathogen in Neonatal Bloodstream Infections at Damascus University Paediatric Hospital

Bacterial septicaemia is one of the most common causes of death in newborns throughout the globe. Recently, gram positive bacteria have been detected as a main responsible of hospital acquired blood infection in developed country especially Enterococcus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. This preliminary study aimed to identify Enterococcus species and Staphylococcus species isolated form acquired blood infection in the department of premature and neonates at paediatric university hospital in Damascus, based on PCR technology. the antibiotic sensitivity these pathogens was also investigated against common antibiotics usually used to treat septicaemia in this hospital. Bacterial gDNA was extracted directly from blood samples of children with acquired Septicemia. The bacterial infection was confirmed in 50 samples based on the amplification of 16srDNA gene. Genus Enterococcus sp. and Staphylococcus species were identified as source of infection in samples using specific primers via PCR technique. The antibiotic sensitivity of isolated bacterial strains was studied using Kirby-Bauer disc method. Our study showed that 47 of the 50 samples of the infection were bacterial. The rate of blood infection caused by Enterococcus species was 24%, and 4% for Staphylococcus sp. the isolated bacteria showed a high sensitivity to Amikacin, medium sensitivity to Vancomycin, and less sensitivity to Ampicillin and Gentamycin. Enterococcus species Showed good sensitivity to Amikacin and Vancomycin and low sensitivity to Gentamycin, while was resistant to Ampicillin. Furthermore, the two isolated stains Enterococcus sp and Staphylococcus species showed a good sensitivity against chlorhexidine. This study confirmed the importance of molecular technologies in diagnosing the acquired septicaemia and identifying the specific infectious agent. The molecular test showed that Enterococcus sp. was an important cause of acquired blood infection in neonates respect to ampicillin resistant staphylococcus species.

Tigecycline Resistant Pattern among Carbapenem Resistant Gram-negative Bacilli: Prospective Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Tigecycline is a unique tetracycline class of semi-synthetic, last-line broad spectrum antibiotic against multi-drug-resistant bacteria. However, recently, resistance to this antibiotic is on the rise. Aims: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of tigecycline resistance amongst carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) isolated from clinical samples (pus and sputum) as well as to evaluate their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Study design: Prospective cross sectional Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences Lucknow, between January 2023 and December 2023. Methodology: Identification of GNB grown on culture was done by conventional biochemical tests and later validated by MALDI-TOF MS. The antimicrobial sensitivity testing of isolates was done using the E-test, and disk diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration determination was done by Broth micro-dilution (BMD) method. Results: Amongst 8326 pus and respiratory samples, GNBs were recovered from 63.15% (5258/8326). Of 5258 GNB isolates, 50.74% (2668) were carbapenem-resistant, while 7.85% (413) demonstrated resistance to both tigecycline and carbapenem. Common isolates in this group were Klebsiella pneumoniae (37.04%), Acinetobacter spp. (25.18%), Enterobacter spp. (14.28%) and Escherichia coli (12.59%). BMD results demonstrated highest activity of tigecycline against carbapenem-resistant E. coli, followed by Citrobacter and Enterobacter. It works against resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii and K. pneumoniae as well, but in higher concentrations. Conclusion: High tigecycline resistance (one of the last-resort drugs) among carbapenem resistant GNB isolates is a matter of clinical concern, leaving physicians with limited options for treatment of such infections. Proper adherence to the policies of antimicrobial stewardship programs can reduce the emergence of resistance.

Application and valorization of novel indigenous Azadirachta indica leaf in leather processing

This study investigated the viability of locally available organic sources of Azadirachta indica leaf as vegetable tannin agent in leather processing to promote green leather manufacturing. Leather tanned with Azadirachta indica leaf powder (NPT), extract (NET) and conventional vegetable tanned leather (CVT) was characterized with FTIR, DLS, HPLC, DSC, TGA, and SEM. Total soluble solid, pH, tannin content, and tanning strength of Azadirachta indica leaf extract were found to be 24 %, 4.81, 12.34 % and 1.81 respectively. Moisture content, fat content, and water-soluble content of Azadirachta indica leaf extract tanned leather (NET) were 12.26 %, 10.8 % and 7.2 % respectively. The shrinkage temperature, tensile strength, stitch tear strength, grain crack load, and finished film bond strength of NET leather were 86 °C, 282.52 kg/cm2, 139.53 kg/cm, 24 kg, and 414 g/cm respectively. NET leather exhibited better anti-microbial sensitivity against E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa than NPT and NET leather. Overall, the experimental results of this study indicate the A. indica leaf could serve as a prime renewable tanning agent, substituting hazardous chromium and imported conventional vegetable tannin chemicals in leather manufacturing. Thus, developed A. indica leaf tannin material from plant sources could provide sustainable leather production, contributing to eco-friendly and viable green leather processing options.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus in a Pediatric Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern India

Objectives: To determine the current antimicrobial sensitivity profile of MRSA and compare it with the antimicrobial sensitivity of MSSA (Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus) Material and Methods: Antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus is a global public health concern. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is often resistant to the many classes of antibiotics compared to the methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Five hundred and fifty S. aureus isolates obtained from clinical samples of pediatric patients were studied to determine the difference in the antimicrobial susceptibility between MRSA and MSSA. Results: Out of 550 S. aureus isolates, 59.3% were MSSA, and 40.7% were MRSA. The antimicrobial sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, clindamycin, erythomycin, tetracycline of MSSA was 26.4% , 93.6%, 81.5%, 61.2%, 95.4% respectively, and that of MRSA was 4.9%, 56.2%, 58%, 31%, 89.8% respectively. Conclusion: Antimicrobial sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, clindamycin, erythromycin, and tetracycline were significantly higher in MSSA than in MRSA.

Respiratory diphtheria in the time of Omicron.

Diphtheria is a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by toxin-producing strains of corynebacteria, most often Corynebacterium diphtheriae and less commonly Corynebacterium ulcerans. Incidence of the disease has fallen significantly since the introduction of vaccination programs; it is now rare in countries with high vaccination coverage such as Australia. This article presents the most recent respiratory cases of diphtheria in two children in New South Wales-the first locally acquired childhood cases in Australia in 30 years-and discusses potential contributing factors. These encompass the lack of clinical awareness and the delays in laboratory diagnosis in regional laboratories. The cases also highlight the problem of vaccine hesitancy and the role that primary carers play in addressing these anxieties. While clinical management of the cases progressed well, factors in the public health responses were complicated by access to appropriate care and by delays in antibiotic sensitivity profiles. The public health response to these cases raises important considerations for clinicians and public health practitioners, including preparedness for rare and re-emerging diseases, the need for culturally safe environments and the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy. Preparedness requires consideration of the capacity of regional health systems with fewer resources and of how public health departments can support response to multiple crises. Preparedness also relies on access to necessary diagnostic laboratory resources, on up-to-date guidelines, and on maintaining awareness among clinicians for these rare infections.