Antimicrobial Drug Resistance Research Articles

Synthesis, molecular modelling and biological significance of N-(4-(4-bromophenyl) thiazol-2-yl)-2-chloroacetamide derivatives as prospective antimicrobial and antiproliferative agents

To combat the antimicrobial and anticancer drug resistance by pathogens and cancerous cells, efforts has been made to study the pharmacological activities of newly synthesized N-(4-(4-bromophenyl)thiazol-2-yl)-2-chloroacetamide derivatives. The molecular structures of the synthesized derivatives were confirmed by their physicochemical properties and spectroanalytical data (NMR, IR and elemental). The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against bacterial (Gram positive and Gram negative) and fungal species using turbidimetric method and anticancer activity against oestrogen receptor positive human breast adenocarcinoma cancer cell line (MCF7) by Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Molecular docking studies were carried out to study the binding mode of active compounds with receptor using Schrodinger v11.5. The antimicrobial activity results revealed that compounds d1, d2 and d3 have promising antimicrobial activity. Anticancer screening results indicated that compounds d6 and d7 were found to be the most active ones against breast cancer cell line. Furthermore, the molecular docking study demonstrated that compounds d1, d2, d3, d6 and d7 displayed good docking score within binding pocket of the selected PDB ID (1JIJ, 4WMZ and 3ERT) and has the potential to be used as lead compounds for rational drug designing.

Genome-wide analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis polymorphisms reveals lineage-specific associations with drug resistance

BackgroundContinuing evolution of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) complex genomes associated with resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs is threatening tuberculosis disease control efforts. Both multi- and extensively drug resistant Mtb (MDR and XDR, respectively) are increasing in prevalence, but the full set of Mtb genes involved are not known. There is a need for increased sensitivity of genome-wide approaches in order to elucidate the genetic basis of anti-microbial drug resistance and gain a more detailed understanding of Mtb genome evolution in a context of widespread antimicrobial therapy. Population structure within the Mtb complex, due to clonal expansion, lack of lateral gene transfer and low levels of recombination between lineages, may be reducing statistical power to detect drug resistance associated variants.ResultsTo investigate the effect of lineage-specific effects on the identification of drug resistance associations, we applied genome-wide association study (GWAS) and convergence-based (PhyC) methods to multiple drug resistance phenotypes of a global dataset of Mtb lineages 2 and 4, using both lineage-wise and combined approaches. We identify both well-established drug resistance variants and novel associations; uniquely identifying associations for both lineage-specific and -combined GWAS analyses. We report 17 potential novel associations between antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and Mtb genomic variants.ConclusionsFor GWAS, both lineage-specific and -combined analyses are useful, whereas PhyC may perform better in contexts of greater diversity. Unique associations with XDR in lineage-specific analyses provide evidence of diverging evolutionary trajectories between lineages 2 and 4 in response to antimicrobial drug therapy.

Effects of laboratory capabilities on combating antimicrobial resistance, 2013-2016: A static model panel data analysis.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a serious global public health problem. The World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union (EU) have taken actions to combat this issue, in which laboratory capability construction is a crucial part. This study aimed to explore the relationship between laboratory capabilities and antimicrobial resistance from a macro perspective. The study used annual national level penal data from the EU Laboratory Capability Monitoring System and Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Europe 2013-2016. A conventional static panel data analysis was constructed to establish the relationship between the antimicrobial resistance rates and laboratory capabilities. Laboratory capability on antimicrobial drug resistance characterisation and monitoring (LC8) showed a positive effect on Escherichia coli (E. coli) combined resistance rate (Y5), E. coli resistant rate of aminoglycosides (Y4), and Klebsiella pneumoniae resistant rate of carbapenems (Y8) (OR=0.929, 0.957, and 0.861; P=0.035, 0.007, and 0.026, respectively). However, following the diagnostic testing guidelines (LC2) caused higher resistance rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae to fluoroquinolones (Y6), third-generation cephalosporins (Y7), and aminoglycosides (Y9) (OR=1.076, 1.093, and1.065; P=0.011, 0.032, and 0.002, respectively). Antimicrobial drug resistance characterisation and monitoring by laboratories has contributed to minimising antimicrobial resistance, while the mechanism of laboratory capabilities to pose an ineffective or negative impact on AMR remains to be further studied.

Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli and Antimicrobial Drug Resistance in a Maharashtrian Drinking Water System.

Although access to piped drinking water continues to increase globally, information on the prevalence and clonal composition of coliforms found in piped water systems in low-resource settings remains limited. From June to July 2016, we examined Escherichia coli isolates in domestic water from the distribution system in Alibag, a small town in India. We analyzed the isolates for drug resistance and genotyped them by multilocus sequence typing. Of 147 water samples, 51 contained coliforms, and 19 (37%) of the 51 were biochemically confirmed to contain E. coli. These samples contained 104 E. coli isolates-all resistant to ampicillin. Resistance to ceftazidime was observed in 52 (50%) isolates, cefotaxime in 59 (57%), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim in 46 (44%), ciprofloxacin in 30 (29%), and gentamicin in two (2%). Thirty-eight (36%) belonged to sequence types recognized as extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC); 19 (50%) of these 38 ExPEC belonged to known uropathogenic E. coli lineages. This exploratory field research shows the extent to which "improved" drinking water is a potential source of E. coli strains capable of causing extraintestinal infections.

Pattern of Anti-microbial Drug Resistance in Childhood Typhoid Fever in a Selected Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction: Typhoid fever is a major public health issue in Pakistan. Variations in clinical manifestations make diagnosis a challenging task. Over use of antibiotics make the organism resistant. Antibiotic resistance is currently the most threatening issue as regards to infection control and our study would be helpful in the understanding of this feature of the microbes. The main purpose of this study was to determine the antimicrobial drug resistance and sensitivity pattern in Salmonella typhi and S. paratyphi.
 Methods: This is a descriptive study carried out in a private hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. One hundred consecutive patients, children from age one day till 12 years admitted in the hospital with the history of fever and had positive blood culture for Salmonella typhi and S.paratyphi were included, 9 antimicrobial drugs were taken into account to check their sensitivity. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0). Data was expressed in frequencies and percentages.
 Results: Most of the children belong to middle class 58% with 62% male and common age group (40%) was 1 day to 4 years. Nearly half of them drinking un-boiled water and had ladder pattern of high grade fever. Most pronounced symptoms were abdominal pain, nausea and anorexia. Resistance pattern was ciprofloxacin 100%, chloramphenicol 89.1%, Ampicillin 87.1% Ceftriaxone 76.2%, Cefixime 75.2%, Amoxicillin 65.3%.
 Conclusion: Typhoid fever is most commonly observed with unhygienic practices, eating of unhealthy outside food and contaminated water. Pattern of anti microbial resistance gives us a little choice to select antibiotic for typhoid fever. Typhoid fever still remains the commonest bacteraemic illness in Pakistan with children being especially susceptible. Antimicrobial non-susceptibility continues to complicate management.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of a highly dispersed silica and polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMG-HC) composite for local infections treatment

The problem of antimicrobial drug resistance can be solved through the development of novel antimicrobial compounds and combination drugs. In order to enhance polyhexamethyleneguanidine hydrochloride (PHMG-HC) therapeutic benefits, a composite (code name CMU-211) of PHMG-HC with a nanoparticle-based sorbent of highly dispersed silica (HDS) was developed. Aim. To evaluate in vitro antimicrobial activity of highly dispersed silica and PHMG-HC (HDS + PHMG-HC) composite (CMU-211), highly dispersed silica (HDS) suspension (CMU-212), and PHMG-HC solution as a reference against standard test-strains. Materials and methods. HDS + PHMG-HC composite, HDS suspension, and PHMG-HC solution. Microbial test-strains ( Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Salmonella enterica , Klebsiella pneumoniae , and Candida albicans ). An antimicrobial activity of substances was studied with broth dilution method in LB liquid medium, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were obtained. Results. CMU-211 has been shown to have high activity against C. albicans and S. aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 48.83/9.77 μg/mL (HDS/PHMG-HC) and marked effect on E. coli (MIC of 97.66/19.53 μg/mL) and S. enterica (MIC of 195.31/39.06 μg/mL). The relatively low activity of CMU-211 was reported against K. pneumoniae (MIC of 390.63/78.13 μg/mL) and P. aeruginosa (MIC of 195.31/39.06 μg/mL), however, the effect on P. aeruginosa was consistent with the activity of PHMG-HC applied alone. The concentrations of CMU-211 had to be twice as high as the MICs to ensure bactericidal (fungicidal) effect on microorganisms studied, except of S. enterica and K. pneumoniae for which bacteriostatic concentration was also proved to be bactericidal. Conclusions. These results taken together with previous findings on CMU-211 high sorption activity suggest that the composite has double therapeutic activity and may be beneficial for local infections treatment.

Emergence and Spread of Cephalosporin-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae with Mosaic penA Alleles, South Korea, 2012-2017.

In South Korea, surveillance of antimicrobial drug resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is extremely limited. We describe the emergence and subsequent national spread of N. gonorrhoeae strains with mosaic penA alleles associated with decreased susceptibility and resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins. From 2012 through 2017, the proportion of mosaic penA alleles in gonococcal-positive nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) specimens across South Korea increased from 1.1% to 23.9%. Gonococcal strains with mosaic penA alleles emerged in the international hubs of Seoul in Gyeonggi Province and Busan in South Gyeongsang Province and subsequently spread across South Korea. Most common was mosaic penA-10.001 (n = 572 isolates; 94.7%), which is associated with cefixime resistance. We also identified mosaic penA-34.001 and penA-60.001, both of which are associated with multidrug-resistant gonococcal strains and spread of cefixime and ceftriaxone resistance. Implementation of molecular resistance prediction from N. gonorrhoeae–positive nucleic acid amplification test specimens is imperative in South Korea and internationally.

Photoinactivation of ESKAPE pathogens: overview of novel therapeutic strategy.

The emergence of antimicrobial drug resistance requires development of alternative therapeutic options. Multidrug-resistant strains of Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp. are still the most commonly identified antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. These microorganisms are part of the so-called 'ESKAPE' pathogens to emphasize that they currently cause the majority of hospital acquired infections and effectively 'escape' the effects of antibacterial drugs. Thus, alternative, safer and more efficient antimicrobial strategies are urgently needed, especially against 'ESKAPE' superbugs. Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation is a therapeutic option used in the treatment of infectious diseases. It is based on a combination of a photosensitizer, light and oxygen to remove highly metabolically active cells.

Transcriptome analysis predicts mode of action of benzimidazole molecules against Staphylococcus aureus UAMS-1.

Antimicrobial drug resistance is one of the most critical problems that plagued the human race in modern times. Discovery of novel antibiotics is important to counter this threat. Accordingly, herein we have reported the discovery of substituted benzimidazole class of molecules with antimicrobial property (specifically against Staphylococcus aureus). They were initially identified through a random screening and a novel catalytic synthetic strategy was utilized to access them. in vitro screening and phenotypic profiling revealed the antimicrobial nature. De novo transcriptome and gene analyses predicted the putative targets. This work provides a solid foundation for developing the benzimidazoles as a target specific antimicrobial preclinical candidate.

Biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in meticillin-resistant and meticillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus isolated from burns.

To investigate the relationship between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance patterns in meticillin-resistant and meticillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, isolated from burns. In a cross-sectional study, pus/wound swab samples were obtained from burns. Presence of Staphylococcus aureus was confirmed, and biofilm formation-related icaABCDR and eta, etb genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Biofilm formation assay was assessed using the microtiter plate method. Antibiotic resistance was performed using the disk diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration. A total of 95 patients with burns were recruited. Of the 95 wounds swabbed, Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 50 (62.5%), and 47 (94%) isolates capable of producing biofilm. Biofilm production levels were classed as 'strong' (n=29; 58%), 'moderate' (n=11; 22%), 'weak' (n=7; 14%) and 'non-biofilm forming' (n=3; 6%). There was an almost even split between isolates identified as meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), n=24 (48%), and meticillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) n=26 (52%). The prevalence of the icaA, icaB, icaC, icaD and icaR genes among the studied isolates were 96%, 80%, 80%, 96% and 84%, respectively. The prevalence of eta and etb genes in isolates were 84% and 92%, respectively. Biofilm producing isolates of Staphylococcus aureus showed greater multidrug resistance than non-biofilm producers. In our study, a high rate of biofilm formation and antimicrobial drug resistance was seen. Our results highlight the alarming levels of antimicrobial resistance among MRSA strains and important data about the prevalence of eta and etb genes in Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from burn patients in this study.

Epidemiologic analysis and control strategy of Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in intensive care units in a teaching hospital of People's Republic of China.

BackgroundKlebsiella pneumoniae (KP) is the most common pathogen isolated in intensive care units (ICUs) and the most frequently encountered carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Increasing antimicrobial drug resistance, especially in carbapenem-resistant KP (CRKP), can limit the choice of antibiotics used for the treatment of infectious diseases and further poses a negative impact on patient outcome. However, the reason behind this increasing resistance is not well known.Patients and methodsA retrospective analysis of laboratory records and clinical cases of KP infection in the ICUs of a hospital from January 2013 to December 2017 was conducted. The disk diffusion method and double-paper synergy test were used to test drug sensitivity for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) detection. WHONET5.6 and SPSS 21.0 software were used for statistical analysis.ResultsA total of 64.8% (570/847) of patients with KP infection were older than 60 years. The lower respiratory tract was the main infection site, accounting for 70.84% (600/847); the highest rate of ICU admission was for neurosurgery, accounting for 28.69% (243/847). Some 444 multidrug-resistant KP strains were detected, including 69 CRKP and 299 ESBL-producing strains. In the past 5 years, the resistance rate of detected strains to common antibiotics increased to various degrees, particularly carbapenem-resistant strains which increased from 4.76% (9/189) in 2013 to 16.00% (28/175) in 2017. All carbapenem-resistant isolates were resistant to β-lactam antibiotics, and no isolates were resistant to tigecycline.ConclusionCRKP and ESBLKP prevalence and resistance rates gradually increased in our ICUs in the past 5 years. The reasons for this are manifold. Regular surveillance of resistance, rational use of antibiotics, and other effective infection control measures need to be strengthened to slow down the production of multidrug-resistant bacteria and prevent their spread in ICU settings.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Salmonella Isolates in Chicken Carcasses in Dakar, Senegal.

The incidence of the Salmonella contamination of poultry products in Senegal is unknown. Salmonella contamination and antimicrobial drug resistance profiles in chicken carcasses were investigated. Between July 2012 and July 2013, three types of chicken carcasses (broilers, laying hens, and premises chickens) obtained from retailers in the markets of Dakar and its suburbs were tested for Salmonella contamination. Salmonella strains were isolated from 300 chicken carcasses according to International Organization for Standardization ISO 6579 (2002) guidelines. In these samples, 273 isolates were obtained, belonging to 22 serovars, and 53% samples were contaminated with at least 1 serovar. Standardized techniques were used for the susceptibility testing and serotyping of isolates. Hygiene conditions, in terms of the cleanliness of stalls, the packing of chicken carcasses in bags, and the maintenance of the cold chain at the stall, were moderately poor. The three serovars most frequently identified were Salmonella Istanbul (28%), Salmonella Brancaster (19%), and Salmonella Kentucky (13%). Overall, 21% of isolates were resistant to quinolones and fluoroquinolones. Serovar Istanbul was resistant to tetracycline (TE) and trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole (SXT). Serovars Brancaster and Kentucky were resistant to betalactams and to quinolones or fluoroquinolones. The uncommon serovar Senftenberg had the strongest resistance profile, displaying resistance to betalactams including imipenem (IMP). Large numbers of isolates were resistant to TE (66%) and SXT (47%). Resistance to cephalosporins (5%), chloramphenicol (2%), gentamicin (8%), and IMP (1%) was less frequent. A large proportion of the broilers sold in Dakar markets were contaminated with Salmonella. This situation probably resulted from poor hygiene conditions in chicken farms and slaughterhouses and from breaks in the cold chain at some point in the distribution of poultry products.

Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing in the U.S.

Antimicrobial drug resistance, rather than the emergence of new infectious agents, may be the most daunting infectious disease problem confronting

Microbial Quality, Antimicrobial Drug Resistance and Multidrug Resistance Pattern of Staphylococcus aureus from Milk and Milk Products in Nanded Region, India

Microbial Quality, Antimicrobial Drug Resistance and Multidrug Resistance Pattern of Staphylococcus aureus from Milk and Milk Products in Nanded Region, India

Antibiotics-Peptide Conjugates Against Multidrug-resistant Bacterial Pathogens.

The menace of multi-drug resistance by bacterial pathogens that are responsible for infectious diseases in humans and animals cannot be over-emphasized. Many bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics by one or more combination of resistance mechanisms namely, efflux pump activation thereby reducing bacteria intracellular antibiotic concentration, synthesizing a protein that protects target site causing poor antibiotic affinity to the binding site, or mutations in DNA and topoisomerase gene coding that alters residues in the binding sites. The ability to use a combination of these resistance mechanisms among others creates a phenomenon known as antimicrobial drug resistance. The development of a new class of antibiotics to address bacterial resistance will require many resources, such as time-consuming effort and high cost associated with commercial risk. Hence, the researchers have adopted a strategic approach to enhance the antibacterial efficacy of existing antibiotics by conjugation or combination of existing antibiotics. A number of peptides have become known as antibacterial, cell-penetrating, or membrane-active agents. Antibiotics-Peptide Conjugates (APCs) are a combination of known antibiotics with a peptide connected through a linker. The rationale is to produce an alternative multifunctional antimicrobial compound that will elicit synergistic antibacterial activities while reducing known shortcomings of antibiotics or peptides, such as cellular penetration, serum instability, cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and instability in high salt conditions. In this review, we overview APCs which are used, as a strategy to combat the menace of multi-drug resistance of bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, we explain the focus area of adopted APC strategies and physicochemical properties data that show how they can be used to improve antibacterial efficacy.

Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Children with UTI: A Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common pediatric infections. It distresses the child, concerns the parents, and may cause permanent kidney damage. Occurrences of a first-time symptomatic UTI are highest in boys and girls during the first year of life and markedly decrease after that. Febrile infants younger than 2 months constitute an important subset of children who may present with fever without a localizing source. For resistance knowledge of etiology pathogens of UTIs and their antimicrobial resistance patterns in specific geographical location may help clinicians in choosing the appropriate antimicrobial. Our aim was to assess bacteriological profile and antibiotic resistance pattern in pediatric UTI. A cross sectional study was conducted at Dhaka Shishu Hospital during the period from Feb 2016 to Aug 2016. A total of 147 culture positive UTI patient were considered for analysis. Colony counts for these samples were identified, and the profile of antibiotic resistance was identified. Here, samples with a colony count of ≥105 CFU/mL bacteria were considered positive. A total 147 culture positive UTI patients were enrolled. Here, Escherichia coli (E-coli) was found as the most prevalent isolates 103 (70%) followed by Klebsiella spp. 13.6%, Pseudomonas 5.44%, Enterobacter spp 3.40%, Staphylococcus Aureus 3.40%, Proteus 2.72% and Enterococcus 1.36%. Twelve (12) antimicrobial agents were used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The most resistant drugs we found were Colistin (CL) (94.55%), followed by Cefradine (79.59%), Co-trimoxazole (SXT) (69.39%), Nalidixic acid (NA) (66.67%) and Ceftazidime (CTM) (48.98%). None of the drug found was 100% resistance against urinary pathogens. Antimicrobial drug resistance is decreasing among urinary pathogens. We suggest that, empirical antibiotic selection should be based on knowledge of the local prevalence of bacterial organism and their antibiotic resistance in a specific area rather than on universal or even national guidelines.

Prescription of Antibacterial Drugs for HIV-Exposed, Uninfected Infants, Malawi, 2004-2010.

Antimicrobial drug resistance is a serious health hazard driven by overuse. Administration of antimicrobial drugs to HIV-exposed, uninfected infants, a population that is growing and at high risk for infection, is poorly studied. We therefore analyzed factors associated with antibacterial drug administration to HIV-exposed, uninfected infants during their first year of life. Our study population was 2,152 HIV-exposed, uninfected infants enrolled in the Breastfeeding, Antiretrovirals and Nutrition study in Lilongwe, Malawi, during 2004-2010. All infants were breastfed through 28 weeks of age. Antibacterial drugs were prescribed frequently (to 80% of infants), and most (67%) of the 5,329 prescriptions were for respiratory indications. Most commonly prescribed were penicillins (43%) and sulfonamides (23%). Factors associated with lower hazard for antibacterial drug prescription included receipt of cotrimoxazole preventive therapy, receipt of antiretroviral drugs, and increased age. Thus, cotrimoxazole preventive therapy may lead to fewer prescriptions for antibacterial drugs for these infants.

Erythromycin-Susceptible but Clindamycin-Resistant Phenotype of Clinical ermB-PCR-Positive Group B Streptococci Isolates with IS1216E-Inserted ermB.

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is a pathogen which causes neo natal sepsis, meningitis, and invasive infections in the elderly and people with medical conditions. Macrolide and lincosamide resistance rates of GBS strains have been increasing worldwide. A macrolide resistance gene, erythromycin ribosomal methylase (erm), typically confers macrolides, lincosamides, streptogramin B resistance phenotype. However, in the current study, we recovered and characterized 3 clinical ermB-PCR-positive isolates of GBS with L phenotype. The presence of ermB and lnuB (lincosamide nucleotidyltransferase) genes in all 3 clinical isolates was confirmed using PCR. The ermB gene of the clinical isolates harbored C222T (N74N), T224C (I75T), and A299G (N100S) nucleotide (amino acid) substitutions, and insertion of an IS1216E element at nucleotide position 643, resulted in the deletion of a segment spanning nucleotides 643-738 of ermB gene, which suggested the loss-of-function of ErmB protein in the 3 clinical isolates. Since these clinical isolates show positive PCR result for a drug resistance gene despite its partial deletion, these results contradict their drug resistance phenotype. These factors must be considered while performing PCR-based detection of antimicrobial drug resistance genes.

Leveraging donor support to develop a national antimicrobial resistance policy and action plan: Ghana's success story.

BackgroundTo mitigate the increasing trend of antimicrobial drug resistance (AMR), the Global Action Plan (GAP) on AMR was adopted at the 68th World Health Assembly in May 2015. Subsequently, member countries were encouraged to mirror the five key strategic objectives of GAP to develop their respective National Action Plans (NAPs) by 2017. Country-specific data on AMR is, however, critical for a comprehensive NAP that will inform policy and also anchor all the objectives of GAP. Systematic reviews have been suggested by some authors to generate relevant data to inform NAP development.ObjectivesThis article highlights Ghana’s success story in the development of its AMR policy documents and how it could further be implemented through donor support.MethodsLiterature and desk review of the activities of Ghana’s National Platform on Antimicrobial Resistance leading to the development of the NAP and AMR policy was done.ResultsGhana launched its NAP together with the accompanying policy document in April 2018. Country-specific data, which guided these documents, were obtained by leveraging donor support activities through the National Platform on Antimicrobial Resistance.ConclusionGhana’s success story on the development of AMR policy documents is pivoted on a strong political will and the leveraging of donor support for specific activities.

Alleviating the Neglected Tropical Diseases: Recent Developments in Diagnostics and Detection

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are communicable diseases caused by a group of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and helminths prevalent in more than 145 countries that affect the world's poverty stricken populations. WHO enlists 18 NTDs amongst people living in endemic areas having inaccessibility to preventive measures. Steps to reduce the global disease burden of the NTDs need attention at multi-factorial levels. Control programmes, mass drug administrations, transmission checks, eradication surveillances and diagnoses are some of them. The foremost in this list is confirmatory diagnosis. A comprehensive summary of the innovative, high-impact, multiplexed, low-cost diagnostic tools developed in the last decade that helped to meet the needs of users can depict a holistic approach to further evaluate potential technologies and reagents currently in research. Major Advancements: A literature survey based on developing nano-biotechnological platforms to meet the diagnostic challenges in NTDs towards development of a useful point-of-care (POC) unit is reported. However, in order to pave the way for complete eradication more sensitive tools are required that are user-friendly and applicable for use in endemic and low-resource settings. There are various novel research progresses/advancements made for qualitative and quantitative measurement of infectious load in some diseases like dengue, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis; though further improvements on the specificity and sensitivity front are still awaited. Strategies to combat the problem of antimicrobial drug resistance in diagnosis of NTDs have also been put forward by various research groups and organizations. Moreover, the state-of-the-art "omics" approaches like metabolomics and metagenomics have also started to contribute constructively towards diagnosis and prevention of the NTDs. A concrete solution towards a single specimen based common biomarker detection platform for NTDs is lacking. Identifying robust biomarkers and implementing them on simple diagnostic tools to ease the process of pathogen detection can help us understand the obstacles in current diagnostic measures of the NTDs.