Antimicrobial Profiles Research Articles

Effects of intrinsic characteristics of Salmonella enterica strains isolated from foods and humans, and their interaction with food matrices during simulated gastric conditions

The stomach's acidic pH is a crucial barrier against foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella enterica. This study investigated the survival of S. enterica under simulated oral and gastric conditions (SGC; pH 2 for 120 min) as a function of intrinsic pathogen characteristics and food matrix. Fifty-seven S. enterica strains isolated from food and human infections (previously characterized by serotype, virulotype, multi-drug resistance, isolation source, and isolation season) were subjected to SGC using water as a vehicle. Population reduction among the 57 isolates ranged from 2.7 to 4.7 log CFU, revealing that human isolates were inactivated less than food isolates (p = 0.0008). Among food strains, strains isolated during the cold season (food sampled from December to February) displayed the highest reduction (p = 0.00002). Six representatives of the 57 S. enterica strains were selected according to their virulotype and antimicrobial profile. They were further used to evaluate their survival under SGC in four food matrices (water, mango, tomato, and chicken), measuring S. enterica at 30 min intervals. The strains in chicken showed the lowest reduction and inactivation rate (1.42 ± 0.35 log CFU; 0.03 ± 0.005 min−1), followed by tomato (3.75 ± 0.57 log CFU; 0.15 ± 0.02 min−1), water (4.23 ± 0.27 log CFU; 0.17 ± 0.02 min−1), and mango (4.49 ± 0.39 log CFU; 0.17 ± 0.03 min−1). These data suggest that not all S. enterica strains have the same ability to survive under SGC, influencing the probability of arriving into the small intestine.

Genomic analysis of Salmonella enterica from Metropolitan Manila abattoirs and markets reveals insights into circulating virulence and antimicrobial resistance genotypes.

The integration of next-generation sequencing into the identification and characterization of resistant and virulent strains as well as the routine surveillance of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella enterica have not yet been accomplished in the Philippines. This study investigated the antimicrobial profiles, virulence, and susceptibility of the 105 S. enterica isolates from swine and chicken samples obtained from slaughterhouses and public wet markets in Metropolitan Manila using whole-genome sequence analysis. Four predominant serovars were identified in genotypic serotyping, namely, Infantis (26.7%), Anatum (19.1%), Rissen (18.1%), and London (13.3%). Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiling revealed that 65% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, 37% were multidrug resistant (MDR), and 57% were extended-spectrum β-lactamase producers. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that isolates had resistance genes and plasmids belonging to the Col and Inc plasmid families that confer resistance against tetracycline (64%), sulfonamide (56%), and streptomycin (56%). Further analyses revealed the presence of 155 virulence genes, 42 of which were serovar-specific. The virulence genes primarily code for host immune system modulators, iron acquisition enzyme complexes, host cell invasion proteins, as well as proteins that allow intracellular and intramacrophage survival. This study showed that virulent MDR S. enterica and several phenotypic and genotypic AMR patterns were present in the food chain. It serves as a foundation to understand the current AMR status in the Philippines food chain and to prompt the creation of preventative measures and efficient treatments against foodborne pathogens.

Occurrence, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Virulence Profiles of Salmonella Serovars Isolated from Wild Reptiles in South Africa.

Reptiles are carriers of an array of microorganisms, including significant zoonotic bacteria of the genus Salmonella, which cause a disease referred to as salmonellosis that affects both animals and humans. This study investigated the occurrence of Salmonella serovars in wild reptiles at Timbavati Private Game Reserve in Limpopo Province, South Africa, and examined their virulence and antimicrobial resistance gene profiles. A total of 19 wild reptiles were sampled, which resulted in 30 presumptive Salmonella isolates. The isolates were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by amplifying the invA gene and were further confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Salmonella serovars were detected in chameleons (36.8%), lizards (31.6%), snakes (15.8%), and tortoises (15.8%). The use of 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Salamae (30%), S. enterica subsp. enterica (16.7%), S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (13.3%), and S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Indiana (13.3%) were the four most common subspecies among the investigated 30 isolates. Detected virulence genes included pagN (100%), hilA (96.7%), ssrB (96.7%), prgH (86.7%), and marT (86.7%). The isolates exhibited resistance to nalidixic acid (43.3%) and kanamycin (43.3%), followed by streptomycin (16.7%) and ciprofloxacin (3.3%). Antibiotic-resistant genes were detected as follows: strA, strB, qnrA, qnrS, parC, aadA, aac(6')-Ib, and aac(6')-Ib-cr at 33.3%, 6.7%, 16.7, 13.3%, 10%, 23.3%, 6.7%, and 10%, respectively. The findings highlight the necessity of educational initiatives aimed at reducing reptile-related infections. Effective antibiotic treatment appears promising for infection, given the minimal drug resistance observed in reptile Salmonella serovars in the current study.

Frequency of Fecal Carriage of ESBL Resistance Genes in Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Cancer Patients at Laquintinie Hospital, Douala, Littoral Region, Cameroon.

Background. Opportunistic infections are the second cause of death among cancer patients. This study aimed at determining the antimicrobial profile and the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-gene carriage of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates among cancer patients at the Douala Laquintinie Hospital, Littoral Region of Cameroon. Between October 2021 and March 2023, 507 study participants were recruited among whom 307 (60.55%) were cancer patients, compared to 200 (39.45%) noncancer patients. Fifty-eight P. aeruginosa isolates were isolated from fecal samples of forty-five cancer patients and thirteen noncancer patients using Cetrimide agar. The antimicrobial resistance profile of the isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes among P. aeruginosa isolates. P. aeruginosa showed significant resistance rates in cancer patients compared to noncancer patients to imipenem, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime, piperacillin-tazobactam, ticarcillin-clavulanic acid, and ciprofloxacin. The multidrug resistance (MDR) rate was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in cancer patients than in noncancer patients. The frequency of beta-lactamase genes in the 58 ESBL-producing P. aeruginosa isolates was determined as 72.41% for bla TEM, 37.93% for bla OXA, 74.14% for blaCTX-M, and 44.83% for bla SHV genes. The study revealed an alarmingly high prevalence of fecal carriage of ESBL-producing P. aeruginosa with a high rate of MDR among cancer patients. It indicates that regular monitoring and surveillance of ESBL-producing P. aeruginosa among cancer patients are needed to improve the management of patients.

Hollow-fibre infection model: adaptations for the culture and assessment of fastidious organisms.

The hollow-fibre infection model (HFIM) is a valuable in vitro platform for emulating antimicrobial drug pharmacokinetic profiles. Despite its potential, standardized protocols for HFIM operation, especially concerning fastidious organisms, are lacking. This study addresses this gap by examining challenges in culturing Pasteurella multocida and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, two fastidious organisms, in the HFIM. Our findings reveal effective strategies to prevent system clogging, involving multiple freeze-thaw cycles of horse blood, centrifugation and cell straining to enhance the clarity of the Mueller-Hinton fastidious medium defined by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Additionally, we propose that the provision of a CO2 atmosphere, along with the utilization of gas-permeable tubing and gas vent filters, significantly facilitates the growth of fastidious organisms. Remarkably, both P. multocida and A. pleuropneumoniae were sustained for a period of up to 10 days under these optimized conditions. This study provides crucial insights into the modifications necessary to successfully culture fastidious organisms in the HFIM, paving the way for more accurate and representative in vitro models for antimicrobial drug testing. These advancements hold promise for advancing research in the field of antimicrobial pharmacokinetics and efficacy against challenging pathogens.

Свойства бактерий, вызывающих инфекции мочевыводящих путей у пациентов в медицинских учреждениях Болгарии

Pathogenic microorganisms of urinary tract infections are mainly representatives of different bacterial species with a wide variety of virulence factors and multi-drug resistant strains. In connection with determining the empirical therapy of urinary tract infections, it is necessary to know the prevalence and incidence of uropathogens in the region. Objective. To determine the etiological structure of urinary tract infections among Bulgarian patients in the outpatient healthcare setting and their antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance. Patients and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 763 outpatients. There were applied microbiological procedures – urine sample culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test. The principles of the Disc Diffusion Method were applied in determining the sensitivity of microorganisms to antimicrobial chemotherapeutics. Results. The leading contingent were mostly women (75.6%). Predominant working diagnoses as the reason for microbiological analysis were cystitis or tubulointestinal nephritis. A positive urine culture was reported in a significant part of the respondents (46.26%) referred by specialists from primary and secondary health care. Among the isolated strains, Escherichia coli was identified in more than half of the examined individuals (53.3%), with high rates of sensitivity to most antibiotics used in medical practice. 17% and 12.2% were the representations of Enterococcus faecalis and Klebsiella pneumonia in the sample, in which increasing levels of resistance and respectively disturbingly high ones to some of the widely applied antimicrobial agents were measured. Conclusion. E. coli is the most common gram-negative bacteria causing urinary tract infections in the outpatient medical care. An alarming trend of high levels of resistance was reported in E. faecalis, which was the second most common uropathogen of urinary tract infections in the sample. There was a tendency towards significantly increased rates of resistance in less frequently isolated uropathogens in outpatient medical care. Referring to the obtained results of the study, the authors emphasize the need to grade various antimicrobial resistance bacterial profiles in the outpatient healthcare setting. Key words: urinary tract infections, etiology, antibiotic susceptibility

Haematological Profile and Antibiotic Resistance of Bacteria Responsible for Enteric Infections Isolated From Patients Suffering From Malaria and Enteric Infections on Consultation at the Dschang Regional Hospital.

Malarial and bacterial coinfections in low-income countries are a serious cause of morbidity and mortality, necessitating coadministration of antibiotics and antimalarials. This study investigated the relationship between malaria infection and bacterial drug resistance in malaria and nonmalaria patients on consultation at the Dschang Regional Hospital. A follow-up study was carried out from October 2020 to December 2021 on 127 malaria and 174 nonmalaria patients having enteric infections. Clinical and haematological parameters were measured using standard methods. CD4 and CD8 cells were determined using flow cytometry. Enteric bacteria pathogens were isolated from stool, and antimicrobial and antimalarial profiles were determined using agar diffusion and microdilution methods, respectively. Significant reduction of RBCs, WBCs, CD4, CD8, granulocytes, monocytes and platelets was seen in coinfected patients compared to monoinfected participants (p ≤ 0.0491). E. coli was the main pathogenic bacteria isolated from the digestive tract of coinfected patients (40.63%) and monoinfected patients (59.37%). E. coli showed a high level of resistance to AMX (57.69%) and CDA (61.54%) in coinfected patients compared to 55.26% and 41.67%, respectively, in monoinfected patients. Quinine (53[50.00%]; 6[42.86%]) presented a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 32 μg/mL on the bacteria isolates from coinfected and monoinfected patients, respectively, while Artemether 89 (83.96%), Maloxine 5 (3.94%) and Surquina 250 (39.37%) presented a MIC of 64 μg/mL on bacterial isolates of coinfected and monoinfected patients. E. coli showed high resistance against AKI (45.93%), AMX (43.75%) and ERY (59.37%) in malaria patients who were under antimalarial drugs compared to malaria patients who were not under malaria drugs (29.68%, 34.37% and 32.81%, respectively). This study highlights that antimalarial drugs might certainly have an influence on the acquisition and emergence of bacterial resistance in the case of malaria bacterial coinfection, and therefore, adequate management and planning effective control programmes might certainly go a long way to reduce the rate of morbidity and mortality.

Antimicrobial profile of protein extract of Atlantia monophylla

Background: Plants have long been recognized as having a wide range of biological properties, including antibacterial, analgesic, anticancer, antipyretic, and antihypertensive action. They are also a significant source of several chemicals with biological activity. The Rutaceae family consists of a shrub Atalantia monophylla. It is available all over India. The extracts from its leaves have been reported to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the extraction protein content and antimicrobial activity of A. monophyla protein extract. The objective of the present study is to isolate protein extract from the aqueous extract of A. monophyla and to screen for antimicrobial activity. Materials and Methods: The A. monophylla protein isolate was prepared from aqueous extract. The protein isolate was done using the ammonium sulfate method and quantified using Lowry’s method. Agar disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration were used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the extract. Results: The Lowry’s method revealed 5.73 mg/mL protein isolate. The microbiological studies revealed significant inhibitions of microbes. Conclusion: The AM protein extract has significant microbiological action.

Clinical and Antimicrobial Profile of Acinetobacter Species in Critical Care Setting- An Emerging Nosocomial Bug

Clinical and Antimicrobial Profile of Acinetobacter Species in Critical Care Setting- An Emerging Nosocomial Bug

Prevalence, Serotypes and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella Isolated from Children in Guangzhou, China, 2018-2023.

Acute gastroenteritis caused by Salmonella spp. among children post a great threat for global public health. The increasing rate of drug-resistant Salmonella spp. has also become a challenging problem worldwide. In this study, the prevalence, serotypes, and antimicrobial characteristics of Salmonella isolated from children in Guangzhou, China, were investigated to provide supporting information for clinical treatment and prevention. Clinical data of children featured with gastroenteritis symptoms from 2018 to 2023 in Guangdong Women and Children Hospital were collected. The difference and fluctuation of antimicrobial resistance between serotypes and years were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 1304 Salmonella isolates were cultural-confirmed. The overall positive rate of Salmonella isolated from stool samples was 22.0% (1304/5924). Salmonella infections occur mainly from June to September and the majority of infected children aged under 4 years. Serogroup B was the most common serogroup among Salmonella isolates (74.6%, 973/1304). The predominant serotypes of Salmonella isolates were Typhimurium (63.1%, 823/1304). Higher drug resistance rate of Salmonella spp. to ceftriaxone was observed in 2023. The drug resistance rates of Salmonella isolates to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and ampicillin are at high level during the past 6 years. Notably, higher multi-drug resistance (MDR) rate was demonstrated in Salmonella Typhimurium compared with other serotypes. Salmonella Typhimurium was the most common serotype isolated from children in Guangzhou, China, and it may mainly account for the high drug resistance rate in Salmonella spp. to most of the antimicrobial profiles. For controlling the high drug resistance rate of Salmonella spp. continuous surveillance of drug resistance and appropriate use of antibiotics based on clinical and laboratory results are of great significance.

Exploring Bougainvillea glabra flowers: a promising source of natural antimicrobial and anticancer agents

In response to the challenge posed by antimicrobial resistance and the demand for innovative anticancer drugs, the aim of this study was to examine the potential source of natural antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer compounds from purple flowers of Bougainvillea glabra. The dried purple flower of B. glabra was sequentially extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water. The extracts were used for investigating antioxidants, antimicrobial activity, anticancer properties, and phytochemical composition. The methanol extraction exhibited the highest total phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity. The hexane and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against a broad range of microorganisms in both American type of culture collection (ATCC) and clinical strains, while the methanol extract displayed a narrower antimicrobial profile that implied the promise of B. glabra as a developmental reservoir of specific antimicrobial agents. Notably, the hexane extract demonstrated the most promising anticancer activity against various cancer cell lines, including lung cancer (A549), colon cancer (HT-29), breast cancer (MCF-7), and bile duct cancer (KKU-213A). In conclusion, this study reveals the pharmaceutical potential of crude extracts from B. glabra flowers; thereby, paving the way for future exploration of these compounds within the drug development industry.

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant Activities, Phytochemical Evaluation and GC-MS Profiling of Madhuca longifolia Bark Extracts

Madhuca longifolia, locally known as Mahua is a large to medium sized tree grows in Tarai region of Nepal. It is a medicinal plant of high economic value. Almost all parts of the plant are used by the indigenous people to cure various diseases. The bark is used to treat diabetes, cuts, wounds, itching and bleeding gums. The scientific reports about the phytochemical analysis on the bark of M. longifolia is very limited. Here we report about the extraction based on solvent polarities, chemical screening of extracts, estimation of phenolics, flavonoids, gallotannins, condensed tannins and sugars in different extracts, their antioxidant and antibacterial activities as well as GC-MS profiling of hexane extract. In our findings, ethyl acetate, methanol and 50% aqueous methanol extracts showed the presence of most of the phytochemicals like terpenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and glycosides. The greater amounts of phenolics (196±15.28 mg gallic acid equivalent, GAE/g extract), flavonoids (975±13.31 mg catechin equivalent, CE/g extract), condensed tannins (980±10.75 CE/g extract) and sugars (126±8.83 mg glucose equivalent, GE/g extract) were detected in the methanol extract, greater amounts of gallotannins were detected in the ethyl acetate extract (126±8.83 mg tannic acid equivalent, TAE/g extract). In DPPH radical scavenging assay, methanol extract showed strong radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 18.86 ± 1.07µg/mL. In antibacterial assay, ethyl acetate, methanol and 50% aqueous methanol extracts showed activity against S. aureus and E. coli with the inhibition zone ranged from 15-22 mm. GC-MS analysis of hexane extract showed the presence of more than nine compounds and squalene, β-amyron, β-amyrin acetate, lupeol, lupeol acetate and cis-3,14-Clerodadien-13-ol were tentatively identified by comparing mass fragmentation patterns with the standard NIST database. The finding of this study indicated that M. longifolia bark extracts can be used as a natural source of antioxidant, antibacterials and anti-inflammatory agents and supports its traditional use.

DETERMINING THE OCCURRENCE OF SOME VIRULENCE GENES IN PROTEUS SPECIES ISOLATES

Forty isolates of Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria termed as Proteus, widely known for their swarming motility and urease activity, which cause complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), were isolated and identified. Two hundred and ten urine specimens collected from the patients suffering from UTIs, who were hospitalized in Babylon hospitals, were used for the isolation of Proteus species isolates. The morphological features (for cells and colonies), biochemical tests, VITEK 2 compact and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Proteus-specific genes were used for the identification of these isolates. The assessment of the antimicrobial profiles that represent the prevalence and the level of pathogenicity of the isolates was also carried out. Furthermore, the whole genomic DNA of the isolates was extracted to determine the sites of blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV genes on the genome of the isolates. The results revealed that thirty isolates were P. mirabilis and ten isolates were P. vulgaris. These isolates were given names as PM1 to PM30 for P. mirabilis and PV31 to PV40 for P. vulgaris. The most effective antibiotics against the isolates were erythromycin (97.5%), followed by tobramycin (85%), ampicillin (82.5%), chloramphenicol (60%), piperacillin (55%) and 52.5% for each sulfamethoxazole and azithromycin. The meropenem and imipenem showed less resistance (35%) followed by ciprofloxacin (30%) and gentamicin (15%). The PCR assay exhibited that these isolates carried blaTEM gene at the rate of 38/40 (95%), blaSHV gene at the rate of 33/40 (82.5%) and blaCTX-M gene at the rate of 37/40 (92.5%). Therefore, reducing the frequency and severity of infections, however, more research is needed to understand how the rates of pathogenicity of Proteus species isolates can be controlled.

Antibiogram of Salmonella spp Isolates from Raw Chicken Meat of Kathmandu Valley

Salmonella is one of the pathogenic microbe responsible in food borne diseases. In developing countries like Nepal, Salmonellosis is one of the leading food-borne disease. The present study was conducted with an objective to enumerate coliform and to find the prevalence of Salmonella species in chicken meat along with their antimicrobial susceptible profile. A total of 30 chicken meat samples were collected and examined following the standard techniques and procedures at the Med Micro Lab from January 2020 to April 2020. The study was performed following the conventional methods for the detection of Salmonella spp. Biochemical methods were implied for the detection of isolates and Antibiotic Susceptibility Test were performed by modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion test [1]. Out of the 30 samples, 12(40%) sample showed positive for Salmonella spp. Salmonella spp 2(16.67%) were found to be resistant to Ciprofloxacin, Chloramphenicol 1 (0.33%), Cotrimoxazole 2(16.66%), Nalidixic acid 7 (58.33%) Ampicillin 3 (25%) and Ceftriaxone (0%). Salmonella was found to be 100% sensitive towards Ceftriaxone. The highest resistance was observed towards Nalidixic acid (58.33%) followed by Ampicillin (25%) and Cotrimoxazole (16.67%). Finally, the result of the study recommended that the use of standardized procedures in slaughtering and handling of chicken meat, provision of training on best practice of handling of meat for handlers and raising the level of awareness of people about the healthy consumption of chicken meat should be increased.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Enteric Bacteria from Poultry Farms in Kano State, Nigeria

With poultry being the most abundant domestic animals worldwide, poultry farms have emerged as a prospective and widely distributed business industry in Nigeria. The outbreak of several deadly diseases that cause economic loss and discourage poultry keeping is a major challenge to poultry farming. The main goal of this study is to isolate and identify different enteric bacteria and to find the antimicrobial sensitivity profile against the pathogens isolated from specific poultry farms in Kano State. A total of 50 samples, including both poultry feed and droppings, were collected from five different poultry farms for analysis to detect the presence of enteric bacteria. The results revealed that all bacterial isolates displayed varying levels of resistance to the tested antibiotics, but they were completely susceptible to Sulfamethoxazole and Cephalexin. In general, the results of this study indicate that these samples serve as sources of E. coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Proteus mirabilis in poultry. These pathogenic bacteria pose a health threat, potentially leading to food poisoning and infections in both animals and humans. Consequently, efficient control measures such as proper management and handling of poultry birds, and sensitization of farmers on the abuse of antibiotics are crucial to prevent cross-contamination within poultry houses and ensure the provision of high quality poultry products.

Utilisation des anti-infectieux au sein d’un centre hospitalier universitaire mère–enfant au Canada : une étude observationnelle

The proper use of antimicrobials is a challenge in healthcare establishments. Describe the detailed antimicrobial consumption profile in 2021-2022. Describe the annual evolutionary profile of the use of antimicrobials in days of therapy/1000 patient days, antibiotic spectrum index/1000 patients days and according to the proportion of days of therapy administered by parenteral route from 2005-2006 to 2021-2022. Descriptive and retrospective study. All patients admitted to our mother-child hospital center between April 1, 2005 and March 31, 2022 were included. The study covers the consumption of all antimicrobials through the AWare classification of the World Health Organization and antibiotic spectrum index. A total of 673.9 days of therapy/1000 patients days was calculated in 2021-2022, i.e. 550.8 for antibiotics, 46.5 for antivirals, 67.9 for antifungals and 8.7 for others. A total of 2436 ASI/1000 patient days was calculated in 2021-2021. According to the AWaRe classification, in 2021-2022, 52.1% (287/551) of days of therapy/1000 patients days referred to the "Access" group, 47.8% (263/551) to the "Watch" group and 0.2% (1/551) to the "Reserve" group. This study aims to explore the use of antimicrobials in a mother-child hospital center. It puts into perspective a stable or even slightly decreasing use of a selection of antimicrobials and compares favorably with published data. Antibiotic governance is based in particular on the periodic evaluation of consumption. Our study illustrates different approaches to quantify and describe this use.

THE CORRESPONDENCE OF THE CARBAPENEMASE GENOTYPE AND PHENOTYPIC ANTIMICROBIAL PROFILES OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA

The aim of the study was to determine the correspondence between the carbapenemase genotype and the phenotypic antimicrobial profiles of P. aeruginosa. Materials and methods. The study included 51 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa, isolated from the patients with post-operative complications of the respiratory organs. The final identification of the obtained isolates was performed in the Riesbeck laboratory using MALDI-ToF (Bruker), followed by the determination of their sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs at the EUCAST Development Laboratory (Växjö, Sweden). Determination of the resistance genes was carried out by using polymerase chain reaction in real time (PCR-RF). The antimicrobial resistance index (ARI) was determined according to the method of G.V. de Socio. Statistical analysis was performed using the standard IBM SPSS Statistics software version 22.0 and GraphPad Prism Software 10.1.0. (USA, 2023). Results. 39 strains of P. aeruginosa (76.5%) showed polyresistance, and 26 of them (51.0%) were resistant to all antibiotics. According to research data, P. aeruginosa isolates most often carried the blaVIM gene. Genetically determined production of oxacillinase group -lactamase class D among clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa occurred somewhat less often. Based on the obtained results, four carbapenemase genetic resistotypes of P. aeruginosa as pathogens of respiratory tract complications in critically ill patients were established. We detected the antimicrobial resistance index (ARI) based on the phenotypic characteristics of P. aeruginosa at the level of 0.690.39. The phenomenon of statistically reliable correlation of the ARI of microorganisms by phenotypic characteristics with their carbapenemase genetic resistotypes was established. Conclusions. 76.5% of strains of P. aeruginosa show polyresistance, and 51.0% of them are resistant to all antibiotics. Four different carbapenemase genetic resistotypes of P. aeruginosa as pathogens of respiratory tract complications in critically ill patients were established. There is the phenomenon of statistically reliable correlation of the ARI of microorganisms by phenotypic characteristics with their carbapenemase genetic resistotypes.

Anti-Microbial Activity and GC-MS Profiling of Leaves Extracts of Hyptis suaveolens: In vitro and In silico Studies

Anti-microbial resistance turned into the main source of death universally, bringing about a critical requirement for the development of new, safe, and potent anti-microbial agents. Compounds retrieved from plants can be a fundamental source of new antibiotics. The Hyptis suaveolens plant is rich in anti-microbial phytochemicals. Here, we used the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) approach for the quantitative and qualitative identification of bioactive compounds in the methanolic extract of Hyptis suaveolens leaves. Subsequently, anti-microbial activity, pharmacokinetics, and toxicological properties were predicted using in silico tools. The methanolic extract of Hyptis suaveolens leaves was found to have anti-microbial activity against all pathogenic strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans). The methanolic crude extract shows the highest zone of inhibition against Candida albicans, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. The phytochemical, TLC, UV-VIS, and FTIR analyses represented the maximum absorption and functional groups of phytochemicals. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 34 secondary metabolites. In silico studies revealed that megastigmatrienone was the most active compound on dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) in different organisms. It showed the best minimum binding energy (-6.8 kcal/mol). The methanolic crude extract of Hyptis suaveolens leaves showed powerful anti-microbial action against five types of bacteria and one fungus. Megastigmatrienone was the most bioactive compound, and it passed Lipinski's rule of 5 to determine the drug-likeness properties. Therefore, the compound Megastigmatrienone is further subjected to animal testing and clinical trials for its use as an anti-microbial agent with commercial values.

The Molecular Detection and Antimicrobial Profiles of Selected Bacterial Pathogens in Slaughterhouses in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

Inadequate hygienic conditions and poor handling are the primary causes of contamination in abattoirs. This study aimed to identify and molecularly detect pathogenic bacteria in sheep meat at slaughterhouses in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the study evaluated the sensitivity of these bacteria to various antimicrobials. In total, 150 samples were collected three times every two months from November 2021 to March 2022 from four abattoirs located in the south, west, east, and north of Riyadh. Pathogenic bacteria were separated using selective media, and the Vitek 2 system was utilized to identify all species and test their response to antibiotics. PCR was employed to detect virulence genes. The four pathogenic bacteria identified in all samples were Escherichia coli (12%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (9.3%), Salmonella enterica (7.3%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.6%). Abattoir D had a high number of bacteria isolated in January. K. pneumoniae and S. enterica exhibited resistance to ampicillin. S. enterica also demonstrated resistance to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. P. aeruginosa was resistant to tigecycline. PCR results indicated positive tests for the E. coli gene FimH, the P. aeruginosa genes plcH and toxA, and the K. pneumoniae gene mrkD. Pathogenic bacteria with positive results for virulence genes have the potential to cause contamination and human diseases. To improve quality and reduce contamination, the government must address the issue of providing adequate and safe water for activities in all abattoirs in Riyadh City.

Assessment of Salmonella Species and Escherichia Coli Prevalence, as well as Antimicrobial Profiles, in Sliced Pineapple Vended within Abakaliki Metropolis

The prevalent practice of vending sliced pineapple and various fruits on the streets of Nigeria due to cost constraints among buyers has raised concerns regarding potential contaminations and subsequent health risks to consumers. This study procured sixty samples of sliced, ready-to-eat pineapple from street vendors in Abakaliki Metropolis, analyzing them for Salmonella and E. coli contamination using microbiological and biochemical techniques. The isolates underwent antibiotic sensitivity screening via the disc diffusion method. The findings revealed a 20% prevalence of Salmonella species and a striking 70% prevalence of Escherichia coli in the sliced pineapple fruits. Further investigation into antibiotic susceptibility exhibited a concerning pattern of high multidrug resistance among the isolated organisms. Salmonella species showcased resistance percentages ranging from 50% to 100% against ceftriaxone, nitrofurantoin, meropenem, pefloxacin, chloramphenicol, ofloxacin, and amoxicillin. In comparison, Escherichia coli exhibited resistance values varying between 28.6% and 100% against the same antibiotics. This study emphasizes that the prevalent practice of slicing and vending fruits on the streets significantly contributes to the dissemination of multi-drug resistant pathogens. Urgent intervention and discouragement of this practice by pertinent authorities are imperative to mitigate the escalating health risks associated with such contaminated fruit vending practices. Keywords: Street vended fruits, sliced pineapple fruits, fruit contamination, multi-drug resistance, Samonella species, E. coli.