Antimicrobial Research Articles

Anti-Tetanus Vaccination Is Associated with Reduced Occurrence and Slower Progression of Parkinson’s Disease—A Retrospective Study

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that progressively damages the autonomic and central nervous systems, leading to hallmark symptoms such as resting tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity. Despite extensive research, the underlying cause of PD remains unclear, and current treatments are unable to halt the progression of the disease. In this retrospective study, based on historical electronic health records (EHR) from a national health provider covering the period from 2003 to 2023, we investigated the impact of vaccination and medication purchases on PD occurrence and severity. Methods: Using a case–control design, we compared the vaccination histories of 1446 PD patients with 7230 matched controls to assess the association between vaccination and PD onset. Additionally, we explored statistical associations between vaccination, medication purchases, and PD severity over an average of 9 years of follow-up, utilizing a machine learning algorithm to quantify disease severity based on annual antiparkinsonian medication purchases.Results: Our analysis revealed a significant reduction in PD occurrence following tetanus–diphtheria (Td) vaccination, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.17 (95% CI [0.04, 0.70]) for PD onset within 5 years post-vaccination. Furthermore, a time-dependent relationship was identified between the duration since vaccination and both the rate of PD onset and disease progression. Notably, we observed that antimicrobial treatments significantly influenced disease severity, consistent with the antibiotic sensitivity profile of Clostridium tetani. Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that tetanus vaccination and/or C. tetani eradication may reduce PD occurrence and slow its progression, suggesting promising directions for future research in PD prevention and treatment.

Application of antimicrobial edible film incorporated with Caulerpa racemosa crude extract as active packaging of seaweed dodol

Using seaweed-based antimicrobial edible films containing antimicrobial seaweed extracts in food products has maintained product quality during storage. Caulerpa extracts have the potential to be antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. However, no research has been conducted regarding applying Caulerpa extract edible film to semi-wet food products, especially seaweed dodol. This study examines changes in the chemical composition and shelf life of seaweed dodol packaged with antimicrobial edible films made from agar added with crude extract of Caulerpa racemosa. The study employed a completely randomized design with two variables: packaging type and storage duration. The packaging types included an unpackaged (control), an antimicrobial edible coating (AEC), and the antimicrobial edible film (AEF), while the storage period was set to 6 days. The observed research parameters included changes in chemical quality and total microbes. Data on changes in the composition of free fatty acids and total plate numbers are also used to calculate shelf life. The results showed that using AEF as the primary packaging of seaweed dodol can inhibit changes in chemical composition during storage, especially moisture, carbohydrates and fats. The barrier to moisture and oxygen from AEF inhibits the chemical composition deterioration of the coated food product, which has an impact on increasing the product's shelf life. Seaweed dodol packaged with AEF demonstrated an extended shelf life by 2 days compared to both the control and AEC-packaged samples. Antimicrobial edible film of crude extract of C. racemosa has the potential to be developed as primary packaging in semi-wet food products.

Cloning and Functional Analysis of Skin Host Defense Peptides from Yakushima Tago’s Brown Frog (Rana tagoi yakushimensis) and Development of Serum Endotoxin Detection System

Background/Objective: Amphibian skin is a valuable source of host defense peptides (HDPs). This study aimed to identify HDPs with novel amino acid sequences from the skin of Rana tagoi yakushimensis and analyze their functions. Methods: cDNAs encoding HDP precursors were cloned and sequenced using RT-PCR and 3′-RACE. The novel HDPs were synthesized to evaluate their antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by way of broth microdilution and endotoxin- and β-glucan-binding capacity using an enzyme-linked endotoxin binding assay (ELEBA) and a modified ELEBA, respectively. Results: Nine cDNAs encoding precursors for various HDP families, including temporin, ranatuerin-2, brevinin-1, amurin-9, and a novel yakushimin peptide, were identified. Brevinin-1TYa exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and brevinin-1TYa and amurin-9TYa induced morphological changes in Escherichia coli and S. aureus. Yakushimin-TYa, amurin-9TYa, and brevinin-1TYa showed concentration-dependent antibacterial effects against the plant pathogens Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis. Amurin-9TYa demonstrated strong binding affinity to lipopolysaccharide, lipoteichoic acid, and β-glucan, exhibited antioxidant activity, and lacked cytotoxicity, making it a promising therapeutic candidate. Moreover, brevinin-1TYa showed strong cytotoxicity, whereas yakushimin-TYa exhibited weak cytotoxicity. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of these peptides, particularly amurin-9TYa, for future applications as antimicrobial and therapeutic agents.

A Comparison of Causative Pathogens in Bone and Prosthetic Joint Infections: Implications for Antimicrobial Therapy

Background: The microbiological profile of bone and joint infections is important for determining the empiric choice of both systemic and local antimicrobial therapy. This study assessed whether there was a difference in the bacterial species that were isolated on culture in osteomyelitis (OM), fracture-related infection (FRI) or prosthetic joint infection (PJI). This was a retrospective, observational cohort study of patients who had surgical intervention for PJI or OM or FRI with a positive microbial culture between 2019 and 2022. Methods: Data including patient demographics, the site of injury, JS-BACH score, organism classification and antibiotic resistance to vancomycin and gentamicin were extracted from the medical records. Results: A total of 440 patients were included in this study: 163 patients with osteomyelitis, 109 with fracture-related infection with fixation implants and 168 with prosthetic joint infection. The patients with PJI were older, more likely to be female and had a higher BMI and ASA score compared to those with OM. Patients with PJI were more likely to have a higher JS-BACH score and more complex infections. Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated organism in all three groups. It was more frequently isolated in osteomyelitis than in PJI (p = 0.016). In both osteomyelitis and FRI, after Staphylococcus aureus, the next most common organisms were Gram-negatives, whilst for PJIs, the most commonly isolated organisms were Staphylococcus aureus, followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococci and then Streptococcus species. The rates of other organisms were broadly similar between the three groups. When adjusted for confounders, including symptom duration, JS-BACH score, the location of injury, age and BMI, there was no statistically significant difference in the presence of Staphylococcus aureus (OR = 0.765; 95% CI 0.633–1.232; p = 0.465) or polymicrobial infection (OR = 1.175; 95% CI 0.803–1.721; p = 0.407). Conclusions: Causative pathogens are similar across bone and joint infections and are independent of the presence of prosthetic material.

Formulating an Innovative Emulsion Based on Poloxamer 407 Containing Oregano and Thyme Essential Oils as Alternatives for the Control of Mastitis Caused by Staphylococcus aureus

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant challenge in human and veterinary medicine, primarily due to the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial agents. This issue is especially problematic when treating bovine mastitis, a prevalent infection in dairy cattle often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. We developed a sterile emulsion incorporating essential oils (EOs) of Origanum vulgare and Thymus vulgaris, known for their antimicrobial properties. The formulation based on poloxamer 407 was designed for intramammary or topical application on bovine teats. The most promising emulsion was subjected to preliminary stability testing at various temperature conditions over a 35-day period, during which its physicochemical characteristics, texture profile, and film-forming capacity were assessed. In vitro assays were used to evaluate its efficacy against both antimicrobial-sensitive and -resistant S. aureus strains. Thymol was identified as the predominant bioactive compound in the EOs. The formulation, containing 10% (w/w) EOs, exhibited antimicrobial activity against all tested strains and remained stable without phase separation. The emulsion demonstrated film-forming properties along with a satisfactory texture profile. These findings suggest that the emulsion has potential as an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of antimicrobial-resistant S. aureus infections in bovine mastitis, highlighting the potential of natural compounds in combating AMR. Further clinical studies are necessary to confirm the safety and therapeutic efficacy of the emulsion in vivo.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Fructophilic Lactic Acid Bacteria on PHZM Gene of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolates from Wounds Infected

Abstract Introduction The study was to isolate and characterize fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) species from the honey bee gut. Based on the results of this study, it was found that the FLAB species obtained from honey were gram-positive and catalase-negative, and this identification was confirmed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Materials and methods The results indicated that yeast extract was the most effective nitrogen source, while glucose was the preferred carbon source for cell-free supernatant (CFS) production. The optimal pH for CFS production was found to be 5, and the incubation period of 72 hours was determined to be the most suitable for obtaining a high yield of CFS. Another aspect of the study aimed to identify multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates from burn wound infections. The isolates were identified using the VITEK 2 system, and the phzM gene was detected in all nine strains. Furthermore, the study evaluated the effect of the CFS of the selected strain (E5) on the expression of the phzM gene. Results The study showed a significant down-regulation of phzM gene expression in multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates following exposure to the CFS, indicating the potential of E. faecium as an effective antimicrobial agent against P. aeruginosa infections that are resistant to multiple drugs. We performed a primary screening to evaluate the effect of the CFS obtained from E. faecium (E5), and it was observed that the CFS showed a high inhibition zone of 23 mm against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa, as determined by the agar well diffusion assay. The study also investigated further to determine the optimal conditions for producing CFS. Conclusion Down-regulation and up-regulation in the expression of the genes following exposure to CFS indicate the potential of E. faecium as an effective antimicrobial agent against multi-drug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa infections.

Analysis of the virulence of a lethal, carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent KPC-33-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: Emergence of ST11-KL64 hv-CRKP in ICU

ObjectiveHypervirulent and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (hv-CRKP) poses a serious threat to public health. Here, we analyse a case of systemic infection caused by a hv-CRKP, which ultimately led to the patient's death from sepsis. And a total of 30 CRKPs were analyzed to elucidate the molecular epidemiological features of CRKPs in the hospital, and to provide a basis for clinical anti-infective therapy. MethodsIn this case, a total of 7 K. pneumoniae strains were isolated from the blood, sputum, urine, and feces of the patient. The Vitek-2 compact system was used to identify the strains and perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Biofilm formation, siderophore production assays and Galleria mellonella infection model were used to verify the virulence phenotypes of the strains in the case. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on the four hv-CRKP isolated from different samples in the case and 26 other CRKP collected in our hospital from September to November in 2022, using the Illumina Hiseq 6000 high-throughput sequencing platform to analyse the resistance and virulence genes. ResultsIn the case, after 7 days of treatment with ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA), the resistance profile of the strains changed. The strain that was initially sensitive to CZA developed to resistant, resistant to imipenem (IPM) developed to sensitive, and resistant to meropenem (MEM) developed to intermediate. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the four strains in the case were all ST11-KL64 K. pneumoniae, and the change in resistance phenotype was due to the mutation from blaKPC-2 to blaKPC-33. KPN7 had a total of six plasmids, with siderophore-related genes iucABCD and iutA, and mucoid phenotype-related gene rmpA2 located on plasmid p4-KPN7; resistance genes blaKPC-33, blaTEM-1B, and blaCTX-M-65 located on plasmid p5-KPN7; and virulence genes fim, irp, iutA, and ybt located on the chromosome. Biofilm formation and siderophore production assays confirmed that the seven K. pneumoniae strains isolated in this case had strong biofilm formation and siderophore production capabilities. Galleria mellonella Infection Model showed that KPN4 and KPN7 was phenotypically highly virulent and KPN7 performed lower virulence compared to KPN4. Apart from the 4 hv-CRKP strains, other 26 CRKP strains all carried blaKPC-2, and 69.2% (18/26) were ST-11 and 30.8%(8/26) were ST-15. And 83.3% (15/18) were ST11-KL64 strains, followed by ST11-KL25 strains 11.1%(2/18) and ST11-KL47 strain 5.6%(1/18). All the eight ST-15 strains were KL-19. ConclusionThe ST11-KL64 hv-CRKP clone spread widely in ICU carried numerous resistance and virulence genes, and under antibiotic pressure, they easily underwent mutations resulting in changes in resistance phenotypes, especially in mutations of blaKPC-2 gene in acquiring resistance to CZA. Therefore, clinical attention should be paid to such strains, and the use of antibiotics should be adjusted promptly based on the susceptibility of the strains to antimicrobial agents.

Separation of Antibiotics Using Two Commercial Nanofiltration Membranes—Experimental Study and Modelling

The widespread use of antimicrobial drugs has contributed to the increasing trace levels of contaminants in the environment, posing an environmental problem and a challenge to modern-day medicine seeking advanced solutions. Nanofiltration is one such breakthrough solution for the selective removal of antibiotics from wastewater due to their high efficiency, scalability, and versatility. This study examines the separation of antibiotics (sulfamethoxazole (SMX), trimethoprim (TMP), and metformin (MET), respectively) using commercially available membranes with an emphasis on AFC membranes (AFC 30 and AFC 80). Thus, we evaluate their efficacy, performance, and applicability in wastewater treatment processes. The data for characterizing the structural parameters of the NF membranes were determined from an uncharged organic solute rejection experiment, and the effect of various operating conditions on the retention of solutes was evaluated. All experimental data were collected using a laboratory-scale nanofiltration unit and HPLC, and rejection percentages were determined using analytical measurements. The results obtained allowed for the determination of the radius of the membrane pores using the Steric Hindrance Pore (SHP) model, resulting in values of 0.353 and 0.268 nm for the AFC 30 and AFC 80 membranes, respectively. Additionally, higher transmembrane pressure and feed flow were observed to lead to an increased rejection of antibiotics. AFC 30 demonstrated a rejection of 94% for SMX, 87% for TMP, and 87% for MET, while AFC 80 exhibited a rejection of 99.5% for SMX, 97.5% for TMP, and 98% for MET. The sieving effect appears to be the primary separation mechanism for AFC 30, as lower feed-flow rates were observed to intensify concentration polarization, thereby compromising rejection efficiency. On the contrary, AFC 80 experienced less concentration polarization due to its smaller pore sizes, effectively preventing pore clogging. Membrane performance was evaluated using the Spiegler–Kedem–Katchalsky model, based on irreversible thermodynamics, which effectively explained the mechanism of solute transport of antibiotics through the AFC 30 and AFC 80 membranes in the NF process.

Discovery of nostatin A, an azole-containing proteusin with prominent cytostatic and pro-apoptotic activity.

Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are intriguing compounds with potential pharmacological applications. While many RiPPs are known as antimicrobial agents, a limited number of RiPPs with anti-proliferative effects in cancer cells are available. Here we report the discovery of nostatin A (NosA), a highly modified RiPP belonging among nitrile hydratase-like leader peptide RiPPs (proteusins), isolated from a terrestrial cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. Its structure was established based on the core peptide sequence encoded in the biosynthetic gene cluster recovered from the producing strain and subsequent detailed nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry analyses. NosA, composed of a 30 amino-acid peptide core, features a unique combination of moieties previously not reported in RiPPs: the simultaneous presence of oxazole/thiazole heterocycles, dehydrobutyrine/dehydroalanine residues, and a sactionine bond. NosA includes an isobutyl-modified proline residue, highly unusual in natural products. NosA inhibits proliferation of multiple cancer cell lines at low nanomolar concentration while showing no hemolysis. It induces cell cycle arrest in S-phase followed by mitochondrial apoptosis employing a mechanism different from known tubulin binding and DNA damaging compounds. NosA also inhibits Staphylococcus strains while it exhibits no effect in other tested bacteria or yeasts. Due to its novel structure and selective bioactivity, NosA represents an excellent candidate for combinatorial chemistry approaches leading to development of novel NosA-based lead compounds.

Zingiber officinale-derived exosome-like nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents via lipid-mediated inhibition

Zingiber officinale-derived exosome-like nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents via lipid-mediated inhibition

Detection and assessment of antimicrobial resistance promotion risk in the Little Akaki River wastewater.

The misuse of antimicrobial agents in healthcare and animal farming has led to their release into the environment through wastewater, contributing to the emergence of resistant bacteria. This study analyzed selected antimicrobial concentration and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) risk in the Little Akaki River wastewater. Samples collected from March to December 2019, June 2020, and August 2022 were processed using solid phase extraction with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) cartridge and analyzed through ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) with mass spectrometry. Risk quotients (RQ) were calculated as the ratio of measured environmental concentrations (MEC) to predicted no-effect concentrations (PNEC). Ciprofloxacin concentrations ranged from 5.62 to 9.34 µg/L, cefotaxime from 1.89 to 64.79 µg/L, and sulfamethoxazole from 29.11 to 248.77 µg/L, with higher concentrations observed during the wet season. MECs for ciprofloxacin, cefotaxime, and sulfamethoxazole exceeded their PNECs (RQ > 2), indicating a high risk of resistance development. Sulfamethoxazole posed the greatest risk due to its consistently elevated levels. In contrast, erythromycin concentrations remained below the PNEC, suggesting minimal resistance risk. These findings highlight the urgent need for wastewater treatment strategies to mitigate AMR risks in aquatic environments.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel ursolic acid derivatives as potential antibacterial agents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

The misuse and abuse of antibiotics have led to the increase of drug resistance and the emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria. Therefore, it is an urgent need to develop novel antimicrobial agents to address this problem. Natural products (NPs) could provide an effective strategy for the discovery of drug due to their wide range of source and biological activities. Ursolic acid (UA) is a naturally occurring compound known for its wide range of biological properties. In this study, a series of UA derivatives were rationally designed and synthesized by incorporating antibacterial potential fragments of benzenesulfonamide and indole, with the aim of obtaining novel UA derivatives for the treatment of bacterial infections. Based on the preliminary screening, UA derivatives 27 (yield of 26 %), containing 4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide and 6-carboxyindole pharmacophores, as well as 34 (yield of 42 %), containing 4-carboxybenzenesulfonamide and unsubstituted indole pharmacophores, were identified as promising antibacterial agents against Staphylococcus aureus, especially for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), possessing MICs of 1 μM. Furthermore, both of them also displayed low hemolytic activity, non-resistance, and low-toxicity to mammalian cells. In addition, further mechanistic studies revealed that 27 and 34 were able to inhibit and eliminate MRSA biofilm formation, affecting the permeability of bacterial cell membrane, leading to increase intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ultimately inducing bacterial death. Notably, 27 and 34 also showed promising in vivo efficacy against MRSA in a mouse wound model. These results suggested that 27 and 34 should have promising applications against MRSA infection.

Engineered environment-friendly multifunctional food packaging with superior nonleachability, polymer miscibility and antimicrobial activity

This study was conducted primarily to develop an environment-friendly food packaging boasting several advantages, including good water vapor barrier, UV resistance, antimicrobial activity, non-leachability, and polymer miscibility. Initially, the starch-based antimicrobial agent (OCSI) was synthesized through a simple esterification reaction between oxidized corn starch (OCS) and indoleacetic acid (IAA). Subsequently, OCSI was further blended separately with environmentally-friendly materials (PVA, PBAT, PCL), and a series of environment-friendly packaging films were successfully prepared. The resulting films exhibited desirable thermal stability and 100 % barrier against both UV-A and UV-B rays. Moreover, the films presented effective barriers against water vapor, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Meanwhile, the films could significantly inhibit the deterioration of fresh fruits and prolong shelf life, considerably expanding their utilization in safe packaging. The environment-friendly packaging not only realized the sustainable utilization of green polymers, but also offered novel insights into the exploration of sustainable packaging.

Investigating novel Streptomyces bacteriophage endolysins as potential antimicrobial agents.

As antibiotic resistance has become a major global threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) has urgently called for alternative strategies for control of bacterial infections. Endolysin, a phage-encoded protein, can degrade bacterial peptidoglycan in the bacterial cell wall and disrupt bacterial growth. According to the WHO, there are only three endolysin products currently in clinical phase development. In this study we explored novel endolysins from Streptomyces phages as only a few of them have been experimentally characterized. Using several bioinformatics tools, we identified nine different combinations of functional enzymatic domain types from 250 Streptomyces bacteriophages possible endolysins. From these, three potential endolysins were selected for experimental characterization. All three showed positive results in degrading cell wall material and disrupting bacterial growth, indicating their potential as possible antimicrobial agents.

A seemingly considerable increase in antimicrobial resistance in the Bacteroides fragilis group from blood cultures – the second national study in Denmark

Background Bacteroides fragilis group species are the most frequently encountered bacteria involved in anaerobic bacteraemia and associated with high mortality rates. In 2012, we performed the first national study of antimicrobial susceptibility in the B. fragilis group from blood cultures in Denmark. Objectives The purpose of the present study was to compare the antimicrobial susceptibility rates of piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem, clindamycin and metronidazole in the B. fragilis group from blood cultures in Denmark in 2022 with susceptibility rates from 2012. In addition, we wanted to investigate whether changes to susceptibility was related to the overall use of the specified antimicrobial agents from 2012 to 2022. Methods Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed in accordance with EUCAST guidelines using the agar dilution method and the disc diffusion method. Results The study showed a seemingly considerable increase in resistance in the B. fragilis group (n = 234) to piperacillin-tazobactam from a reported 8.5% in 2012 to 42.7% in 2022. Resistance towards meropenem also increased from a reported 3.4% to 10.7%. Most of the increase in resistance for piperacillin-tazobactam and meropenem is caused by a recent EUCAST breakpoint change. Metronidazole still has the lowest resistance rate for the B. fragilis group (one isolate, 0.4%) in this study. The sales of piperacillin-tazobactam in the same period revealed a corresponding increase (+130%), whereas meropenem sales were stable. Conclusion The results underscore the need for timely routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing of B. fragilis group species and questions piperacillin-tazobactam monotherapy as empiric treatment for septic patients with a suspected abdominal source.

Eco-friendly synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles fabricated using Fioria vitifolia L. and their Biomedical Potentials

The present study aimed to environmentally friendly synthesis of ZnO NPs using Fioria vitifolia leaf extracts which provides a sustainable and green approach for production of NPs. The produced ZnO NPs were evaluated using various spectrum approaches (UV-vis, FTIR XRD, TEM and EDAX). The synthesized ZnO NPs was confirmed by UV-Visible spectroscopy exhibited a peak at 370 nm. SEM imaging revealed a flash-like and needle-like bottom morphology. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis detected vibrations corresponding to alcohols, halides, and aromatics functional groups. TEM showed spherical-shaped NPs with an average diameter of 11 nm. XRD analysis exhibited distinct peaks at 2θ values of 31.7°, 34.3°, 36.2°, 47.4°, 56.6°, 62.8°, 66.4°, 67.9°, 69.1°, and 76.8°, corresponding to the crystallographic planes (100), (002), (101), (102), (110), (103), (200), (112), (201), (004), and (202) planes respectively. The antibacterial activity demonstrated significant zones of inhibition against E. coli (17±0.6 mm) and S. aureus (23.7±0.5 mm), and inhibition of biofilm formation in S. aureus and C. albicans. Additionally, S. mutans exhibited the highest sensitivity to the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ZnO NPs, with complete inhibition occurring at 7.5 μg/mL. Furthermore, antioxidant DPPH assays exhibited IC50 values of 42 μg/mL. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of ZnO NPs of F. vitifolia were evaluated in-vitro using models utilizing the human red blood cells (HRBC) membrane stabilization method (MSM), and it was shown to have an MSM of 83.87% at 250 μg/mL. Furthermore, ZnO NPs exhibited anticancer activity against the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line with an IC50 value of 35.50 μg/mL. Toxicological evaluation of FV-ZnO nanoparticles in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos indicated low toxicity at maximum concentration. These is first findings suggest that ZnO NPs synthesized from F. vitifolia leaf extracts possess significant antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Additionally, their low toxicity in zebrafish embryos makes them suitable for further development in antimicrobial therapies with minimal side effects, offering a sustainable, biocompatible solution to tackle multidrug-resistant microbial infections.

Evaluation of Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Agents for the Suppression of Contamination in in vitro Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) Seedlings

Evaluation of Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Agents for the Suppression of Contamination in in vitro Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) Seedlings

Introduction to Pharmaceutical Microbiology

Pharmaceutical microbiology is a specialized discipline within pharmaceutical sciences that looks at microorganisms and their impact on drugs, manufacturing methods, and the environment. Microorganisms, inclusive of microorganisms, fungi, viruses, and parasites, can drastically affect the protection, efficacy, and best of pharmaceutical products.with knowledge of their characteristics, interactions, and management measures is crucial to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medicinal drugs.the field covers diverse components along with infection manipulation, sterility trying out, microbial identification, antimicrobial efficacy testing, and environmental monitoring. One of the main challenges in pharmaceutical microbiology is stopping microbial infection at some stage in the manufacturing process, as even minimum microbial presence can compromise the quality of drug Product and pose risk to the affected person's health. Sterility testing is an important aspect of pharmaceutical microbiology, making sure that sterile products are loose from feasible microorganisms. additionally, microbial identity strategies are used to locate and become aware of microorganisms in pharmaceutical production environments. Pharmaceutical microbiologists play a vital role in the development and testing of antimicrobial agents including antibiotics and antifungals,in the fight in against to microbial contemination. moreover, environmental tracking programs are carried out to assess and manage microbial infection in production centers, making sure compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines. In conclusion, pharmaceutical microbiology is essential for ensuring the protection, efficacy, and first-rate of pharmaceutical products. by knowledge and handling microbial dangers, pharmaceutical microbiologists assist supply secure medications that help public health globally.

Structural, DFT, Molecular Docking and Biological Activity of New Albendazole-Norfloxacin Mixed-Ligand Complexes: Promising Metal Complexes for Combating Microbial Resistance and Inflammation.

This study presents a comprehensive characterization of the Fe(III) (C1) and Co(II) (C2) complexes that were synthesized from the Albendazole (Alb) and Norfloxacin (Nor) ligands. The complexes exhibit remarkable thermal stability, low water solubility, and a non-electrolytic nature, characteristics that enhance their suitability for diverse applications. Conductivity measurements indicate molar conductivities of 9.85 and 8.59 Ω-1cm2mol-1, confirming their status as neutral molecules. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy reveals significant ligand-metal interactions, marked by shifts in vibrational frequencies that confirm chelation, while Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy supports the identification of octahedral geometries for both complexes. Magnetic moment assessments align with their electronic configurations, and stoichiometric analysis consistently shows a 1:1:1 ratio, further validated by mass spectrometry. Thermal stability studies highlight anhydrous characteristics and distinct thermal decomposition behaviors, underscoring their structural integrity. Employing Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations using the B3LYP functional, we evaluate the electronic properties of the ligands and their metal complexes, revealing reduced energy gaps (ΔE) of 2.29eV for C1 and 2.15eV for C2, significantly lower than those of the ligands (Alb: 4.61eV, Nor: 4.17eV), indicating enhanced reactivity and potential biological activity. Additionally, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps provide insights into charge distributions, suggesting critical regions for interactions with biomolecules. Notably, the results demonstrate that metal coordination significantly enhances antibacterial/anti-fungal activity surpassing both the free ligands and the standard antibiotic Ofloxacin/Fluconazole. Furthermore, the complexes show significant improvement in anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting protein denaturation more effectively than their ligand counterparts. Molecular docking studies reveal stronger binding affinities and interactions with antimicrobial target proteins 1HNJ and 5IKT, attributed to enhanced hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. These findings position C1 and C2 as promising candidates for developing effective antimicrobial therapies, highlighting the crucial role of metal ions in enhancing biological reactivity and addressing resistant strains of pathogens.

Effect of Empirical Antimicrobial Therapy of Piperacillin-tazobactam Versus Carbapenems on Mortality for Patients with Sepsis from Nursing Homes.

Background Nursing home residents with a high risk of multidrug-resistant organism infection pose a complex challenge to broad-spectrum empirical antimicrobial therapy, particularly those infected with extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. The present study compared the efficacy of piperacillin-tazobactam and carbapenems as empirical antimicrobial treatments for patients with sepsis from nursing homes. Patients and Methods Using a nationwide inpatient database in Japan, we identified patients diagnosed with sepsis within two days of admission from nursing homes between 2018 and 2021. We selected patients who received intravenous piperacillin-tazobactam or carbapenems within two days of admission. In-hospital mortality was compared between the piperacillin-tazobactam and carbapenem groups using inverse probability of treatment weighting. Result We identified 8,025 eligible patients. Of these, 3,391 (42%) received piperacillin-tazobactam, and 4,634 (58%) received carbapenems within 2 days of admission. The inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis showed no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between the groups (31.6% in the piperacillin-tazobactam group and 32.8% in the carbapenem group; risk difference, 1.2%; 95% confidence interval, -3.2% to 0.9%). Conclusions Carbapenems and piperacillin-tazobactam as empirical antimicrobial therapy in patients with sepsis from nursing homes were associated with comparable in-hospital mortality rates. These findings highlight the importance of making decisions regarding broad-spectrum empirical antimicrobial therapy.