Antimicrobial Resistance Research Articles

Synthesis and evaluation of vanillin Schiff bases as potential antimicrobial agents against ESBL-producing bacteria: towards novel interventions in antimicrobial stewardship.

The escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance necessitates the development of novel antibacterial agents. In this study, a series of five vanillin Schiff bases (SB-1 to SB-5) were synthesized from vanillin and various aromatic amines. The chemical structures of these compounds were characterized using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( -NMR), carbon-13 NMR ( -NMR), and mass spectrometry techniques. Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated against strains of bacteria producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae using the disc diffusion method. Cytotoxic effects were assessed through haemocompatibility and brine shrimp lethality assays. The Schiff bases demonstrated notable antibacterial activities, with SB-1, SB-2, SB-4, and SB-5 exhibiting zones of inhibition up to 16.0, 16.5, 16.6, and 15.5 mm against ESBL E. coli, respectively. SB-3 showed a maximum inhibition zone of 15.0 mm against ESBL K. pneumoniae. In cytotoxicity assays, the compounds exhibited IC values against red blood cells (RBCs) greater than 200 μg/mL and ranging from 45.7 to 50.5 μg/mL for the brine shrimp assay. While demonstrating potent antibacterial properties, the toxicity towards human RBCs suggests that further toxicity evaluations and structural modifications are essential for developing safer therapeutic agents based on vanillin Schiff bases.

Antibiotic resistance and serotype distribution of Shigella strains in Bangladesh over the period of 2014-2022: evidence from a nationwide hospital-based surveillance for cholera and other diarrheal diseases.

This nationwide study in Bangladesh assessed Shigella infections from 2014 to 2022 from clinical samples. S. flexneri was predominant, with concerning antibiotic resistance, notably to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid in over 96% of isolates. This emphasizes the urgency of prudent antibiotic use and improved hygiene. The findings provide crucial antimicrobial resistance patterns of Shigella species, highlighting the need for ongoing resistance monitoring and potentially informing future vaccine trials.

Advancing the management of maternal, fetal, and neonatal infection through harnessing digital health innovations.

Infections occurring in the mother and neonate exert a substantial health burden worldwide. Optimising infection management is crucial for improving individual outcomes and reducing the incidence of antimicrobial resistance. Digital health technologies, through their accessibility and scalability, hold promise in improving the quality of care across diverse health-care settings. In settings with poor access to laboratory services, innovative uses of existing data, point-of-care diagnostics, and wearables could allow for better recognition of host responses during infection and antimicrobial optimisation. The linkage and connectivity of information can support the coordinated delivery of care between health-care facilities and the community. Continuous real-time monitoring of infection markers in the mother and neonate through biosensing can provide notable opportunities for intervention and improvements in care. However, the development and implementation of these interventions should be respectful, prioritise safety, and emphasise sustainable, locally derived solutions. Addressing existing gender, economic, and health-care disparities will be essential for ensuring equitable implementation.

Biofilm targeting with chitosan-based nanohydrogel containing Quercus infectoria G. Olivier extract against Streptococcus mutans: new formulations of a traditional natural product.

Biofilm formation has a crucial role in the cariogenic virulence of Streptococcus mutans, which leads to resistance to common antibacterials. The antimicrobial resistance crisis has led to increased research about traditional natural products. Quercus infectoria extract (QI extract) and nano hydrogels containing QI extract (QI-NH) and tannic acid (TA-NH) were evaluated against this pathogen. QI extract was analyzed by HPLC and the physiological characteristics of nanohydrogels were assessed by SEM, FTIR, zeta potential, DLS and determination of release kinetics and encapsulation efficiency. Determination of MIC and MBC of the material and their anti-biofilm effect was done by the microtiter method and on the extracted tooth surface. The properties of extracts and nano hydrogels in the expression of genes codifying glucosyltransferases (gtfB, gtfC and gtfD) and glucan binding protein B (gbpB) were quantified. Their toxicity was tested by the MTT method against the KB cell line. According to HPLC, 55.18% of QI extract contained TA. The encapsulation efficiency of QI-NH and TA-NH was equal to 60% and 80%, respectively. SEM and FTIR exhibited that QI extract and TA were successfully entrapped in the networks resulting from the chemical bonding of chitosan and TPP. The average size of QI-NH and TA-NH was 70.45 and 58.43nm, and their zeta potential was 6.17 ± 2.58 and 0.25 ± 0.03 mv, respectively. PDI < 0.3 of nano hydrogels indicated the favorable polydispersity of nanohydrogels. MIC of QI extract, QI-NH and TA-NH were 937.5, 30 and 10µg/ml, respectively. Also their MBIC50 was 35.1, 2.1 and 0.95µg/ml, respectively, and the extracts and nano hydrogels restrained the biofilm maturation on enamel. The pivotal genes of S. mutans in biofilm formation were significantly less expressed by treatment with QI-NH and TA-NH than others. Based on the MTT test, QI-NH had less acute toxicity than QI extract and TA-NH. IC50 of QI-NH was calculated as 775.4µg/ml, while it was equal to 3.12µg/ml for chlorhexidine as a common antibacterial agent. QI-NH, a new formulation derived from traditional anti-caries, can be a safe and efficient option to combat dental biofilm.

Assessment of myco-fabricated Al2O3 NPs toxicity on cancer cells and pathogenic microbes by suppression of bacterial metabolic key enzymes.

There has been a recent change in global attention towards addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a result of the concerning increase in mortality rates. Nanomaterials have become highly favorable options for a wide range of industrial and biological uses. The objective of this study was to produce aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) using a crude extract from the fungus Aspergillus sp. WAH23, and then analyze the nanoparticles using UV-analysis, electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), and (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results revealed that formed nanoparticles are spherical with an average size of 8.5 nm. XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the synthesized Al2O3 NPs. The Al2O3 nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial properties against a wide range of pathogenic microbes. The antibacterial efficacy of these nanoparticles on the examined bacterial strains was exhibited through their ability to hinder several metabolic processes, including phosphofructokinase (PFK), enolase, and glutamine synthetase. Additionally, the nanoparticles increased the activity of NADH-oxidase, the content of MDA, and the formation of H2O2. The study also examined the anticancer properties of Al2O3 nanoparticles on various types of cancer cells.

The Impact of Urban Pollution on Plasmid-Mediated Resistance Acquisition in Enterobacteria from a Tropical River

Background: The exposure of environmental bacteria to contaminants in aquatic ecosystems accelerates the dissemination of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Methods: In this study, we sampled three locations along a contamination gradient of a polluted river, focusing on isolating Enterobacteria from the surface waters to investigate the relationship between urban pollution and antibiotic resistance. The genomes of 15 isolates (5 per site) were sequenced to identify plasmid-borne ARGs and their association with resistance phenotypes. Results: Isolates from the site with the highest contamination (Site 3) showeda larger number of ARGs, plasmids, and resistance phenotypes. Notably, one of the isolates analyzed, E. coli A231-12, exhibited phenotypic resistance to seven antibiotics, presumably conferred by a single plasmid carrying 12 ARGs. Comparative analysis of this plasmid revealed its close evolutionary relationship with another IncH plasmid hosted by Salmonella enterica, underscoring its high ARG burden in the aquatic environment. Other plasmids identified in our isolates carried sul and dfrA genes, conferring resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, a commonly prescribed antibiotic combination in clinical settings. Conclusions: These results highlight the critical need to expand research on the link between pollution and plasmid-mediated antimicrobial resistance in aquatic ecosystems, which can act as reservoirs of ARGs.

Draft genome sequences of six multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from pigeons in Bangladesh.

Household pigeons are a potential source of multidrug-resistant (Escherichia coli (E. coli) and act as a transmission vehicle of this bacterium to humans. Here, we characterized the antimicrobial resistance profile and molecular properties of the whole genome sequences of six E. coli strains from household pigeons.

Novel sequence types and low levels of antimicrobial resistance associated with clinical mastitis in sheep flocks across Scotland.

This research paper aimed to demonstrate that mammary secretions provided by sheep farmers across Scotland from cases of clinical mastitis are free from environmental contamination, as well as to provide information on the major bacterial causes of disease and levels of antimicrobial resistance. Mastitis represents one of most significant diseases of small ruminant production worldwide. Staphylococcus aureus, Mannheimia haemolytica, Streptococcus uberis and coagulase-negative Staphylococcal species are common pathogens isolated from cases of sheep mastitis. Sampling kits supplied to 23 farms provided 33 samples for bacteriology, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genetic analysis. Of the bacterial isolates identified, 60% were S. aureus, 23% M. haemolytica and 7% coagulase-negative staphylococci. Low levels of antimicrobial resistance were identified in the S. aureus isolates which provided novel multi-locus sequence types. In conclusion, this proof-of-concept survey demonstrated that mammary secretions free from environmental contamination may be provided by sheep farmers. It also provided data on the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance associated with clinical mastitis in sheep and will inform on the scale required for larger surveys aiming to improve current strategies for mastitis control in sheep flocks across the UK.

Antibiotic consumption patterns in older adults: a comparative study of people 65 years and older in and outside nursing homes, Belgium, 2016 to 2022.

BackgroundInappropriate antimicrobial consumption (AMC) drives the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Institutionalised, older populations are associated with antimicrobial treatments of longer duration and broader spectrum than recommended, higher rates of multidrug-resistant infections and poorer outcomes for resistant infections. Yet systematic, national monitoring of AMC in nursing home (NH) residents is lacking.AimTo perform a retrospective analysis of antibiotic consumption in Belgian NHs, we compared analogous populations inside and outside NHs. We aimed to provide a blueprint for establishing surveillance of NH AMC, based on national reimbursement data.MethodsThe National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance supplied reimbursement AMC data for outpatients from 2016 to 2022. Data were classified by the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical system, expressed as defined daily doses (DDD) and aggregated by prescription month, patient age, sex and residency inside/outside a NH. The number of ensured beneficiaries, aggregated by the same demographic variables, was collected from the Intermutualistic Agency. We compared the DDDs per 1,000 beneficiaries per day, along with secondary metrics for national and international targets for analogous populations inside and outside NHs.ResultsTotal antibiotic consumption decreased in both populations but remained twofold higher in NH residents. Proxy prescription quality metrics were consistently less favourable within NHs and diverged further during the COVID-19 pandemic. Distinct consumption patterns and greater seasonal fluctuations were observed in NH residents.ConclusionGiven the different infection risks and higher antibiotic consumption of NH residents, AMC surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship efforts targeting this fragile population are needed.

Characteristics of Urinary Tract Infections in Patients with Diabetes from Timișoara, Romania: Prevalence, Etiology, and Antimicrobial Resistance of Uropathogens

Characteristics of Urinary Tract Infections in Patients with Diabetes from Timișoara, Romania: Prevalence, Etiology, and Antimicrobial Resistance of Uropathogens

Low-cost, real-time detection of bacterial growth via diffraction-based sensing.

The emergence of antibacterial resistance impacts healthcare networks globally, with mortality rates and linked burdens of infection disproportionately affecting the developing world. Rapid alternatives to antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) allow for swifter, more effective treatment, though they are limited in use in low-resource settings due to significant cost barriers. Herein we demonstrate a simple, cost-effective diffraction sensing-based approach for rapidly detecting bacterial growth (a precursor to AST). Diffraction gratings (1D, lined) directly comprised of our test bacteria (Escherichia coli DH5α) were produced using soft agar-based gel templates designed to direct bacterial attachment and produce a near-zero background signal. The diffraction spot intensities from the live bacterial gratings were monitored in growth and no growth (ampicillin) conditions at room temperature, using a simple fixed laser and photodetector setup. Growth-induced differences in signal were observed within 10-20 minutes, highlighting the sensitivity of this approach and its potential to be adapted as a rapid and accessible AST alternative.

The Influence of COVID-19 on Antimicrobial-Resistance in Gram-Positive Bacteria at a Private Saudi Hospital: A Five-Year Evaluation

Due to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistance (AR) as a public health threat, the Saudi National Action Plan (SNAP) was implemented in 2017, incorporating various strategies to combat AR. To evaluate the effectiveness of SNAP and the impact of COVID-19, the study analyzed pre- and post-pandemic rates of AR, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and multidrug resistance (MDR) among Gram-positive bacteria at a private medical center in Saudi Arabia. This study reviewed the cases of all patients who had been diagnosed with Gram-positive bacterial infection between January 2017 and December 2021. Bacterial strain identification was conducted using VITEK-2 ID-GP cards, while AR, MRSA, and MDR were defined using AST-GP 67 and AST-ST02 cards, all adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended protocols. The five-year study from 2017 to 2021 yielded 6,271 Gram-positive bacteria isolates from patients in a Saudi private hospital. Though the rate of AR initially declined between 2017 and 2019, it spiked significantly from 2020 to 2021. Similarly, the MRSA rate exhibited a substantial decrease (p &lt; 0.05) from 2017 to 2019, followed by a significant rise (p &lt; 0.05) between 2020 and 2021. Out of the isolated pathogens, 1,031 (16.44%) exhibited MDR, with all isolates showing a marked increase (p &lt; 0.05) in MDR from 2020 to 2021. The study highlights the aggravating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on AR, underscoring the need for the SNAP to intensify its efforts in combating AR.

Microbial Profile and Antimicrobial Resistance in Enteric Pathogens of Farmed Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) in Tropical Freshwater Farms

Background: Recently, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus has emerged as an important fish species farmed in India, contributing to food security in the region. Understanding the bacterial flora associated with this fish is essential to ensure food safety, particularly in the Indian context where such studies have been limited. Objective: This study aims to determine the aerobic bacterial flora and antimicrobial resistance in enteric pathogens associated with farmed Pangasianodon hypophthalmus cultured in freshwater ponds in Kerala, India. Methods: The study included enumeration of aerobic plate counts, Pseudomonads, Aeromonas, Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus aureus using standard methods. Bacterial identification was performed using analytical profile index 20E (APE20E) and 16s rDNA sequencing. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed in E. coli, S. aureus and Aeromonas species using disc diffusion assays. Results: The aerobic bacterial flora in catfish muscle tissue included H2S-producing bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, and B. thermosphacta. Dominant genera identified were Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, Stenotrophomonas, Aeromonas, Klebsiella, and Psychrobacter. Multidrug-resistant strains of enterotoxigenic E. coli and A. hydrophila were recovered, raising concerns about the prevalence of multidrug resistance in A. hydrophila, an etiological agent of red disease in farmed catfish. Conclusion: This study highlights the microbiological risks posed by Aeromonas spp. and enterotoxigenic E. coli in farmed catfish, emphasising their potential as vectors for pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant determinants in the food chain. Recommendations for future research should focus on the development of effective biopreservatives to control these pathogens in processed Pangasius products.

Enhancing clinical microbiology for genomic surveillance of antimicrobial resistance implementation in Africa.

Surveillance is essential in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), to monitor the extent of resistance, inform prevention, control measures, and evaluate intervention progress. Traditional surveillance methods based on phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility data offer important but limited insights into resistance mechanisms, transmission networks, and spread patterns of resistant bacterial strains. Fortunately, genomic technologies are increasingly accessible and can overcome these limitations. Genomics has the potential to advance traditional bacteriology in routine diagnosis and surveillance, it often relies on the initial isolation of bacterial strains from clinical specimens using conventional culture methods. Culture-based phenotypic characteristics are essential for making inferences about newly recognized genomic patterns. The Africa CDC Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI) aims to enhance disease surveillance and public health partnerships through integrated, cross-continent laboratory networks equipped with the tools, human resource capacity and data infrastructure to fully leverage critical genomic sequencing technologies. For genomic surveillance of AMR, it is essential to optimize routine clinical microbiology laboratory services that are weak in many African countries. In this review, we outline shortcomings in clinical microbiology laboratories across Africa that compromise pathogen genomic epidemiology. We emphasize the necessity of investing in bacteriology and enhancing leadership capacity to fully capitalize on the advantages offered by genomic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance.

A queer feminist posthuman framework for bioethics: on vulnerability, antimicrobial resistance, and justice.

In this paper, I discuss the bioethical principle of justice and the bioethical key concept of vulnerability, in a queer feminist posthuman framework. I situate these contemplations, philosophical by nature, in the context of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one the most vicious moral problems of our time. Further, I discuss how gender and sexual variance, vulnerability and justice manifest in AMR. I conclude by considering my queer feminist posthuman framework for vulnerability and justice in relation to the notion of antibiotic vulnerabilities, suggesting a lacuna for further AMR research.

Overexpression of outer membrane protein A (OmpA) increases aminoglycoside sensitivity in mycobacteria.

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) complex infection, is a leading cause of death worldwide from a single infectious agent. The emergence of drug resistance Mtb clinical strains makes the situation more serious. The role of Mtb outer membrane protein A (OmpA) in antimicrobial resistance remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of OmpA expression on mycobacterial drug resistance. In this study, a Mycobacterium smegmatis (Ms) strain overexpressing OmpA (Ms-OmpA) and a Mycobacterium bovis (Mb) strain overexpressing OmpA (Mb-OmpA) were constructed, and their susceptibility to anti-TB drugs was determined by performing the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), the plate assay and the macrophage infection assays. The streptomycin MIC of the overexpressing strain was 2-fold lower than those of the wide-type (Ms) and empty plasmid strains (pMV-261) as well as amikacin and gentamicin. Moreover, both the plate and the macrophage infection assays indicate that overexpression of OmpA increases streptomycin sensitivity in Mycobacteria. The other aminoglycosides like amikacin and gentamicin have the same phenotypes as streptomycin on the plates for the virulent strain Mb-OmpA. The porin inhibitor spermidine can increase streptomycin tolerance in the overexpressing strain, and overexpressing OmpA can increase the intracellular accumulation of hydrophilic ethidium bromide, which indicates that porin protein OmpA contributes to aminoglycosides sensitivity in Mycobacteria. In this study, we have characterized the contribution of OmpA in the antimicrobial resistance phenotype of Mycobacteria, which may provide valuable insights for understanding antibiotic resistance and designing new strategies for TB treatment.

The Microbiological Quality of Raw Ovine Milk in the Banat Region of Romania with a Focus on Escherichia coli and Its Pathogenic Potential and Antimicrobial Resistance

This study investigated the bacteriological quality of raw ovine milk produced by farms located in the Banat region of Romania. Additionally, the pathogenic potential and antimicrobial resistance of the isolated Escherichia coli strains were evaluated. A total of 95.8% (69/72) of the screened bulk tank milk samples, collected at the farm level immediately after milking, demonstrated appropriate total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TMB) counts, varying from 3.32 to 6.09 log10 CFU/mL. However, 4.2% (3/72) of the samples were above the regulatory limit of 6.18 log10 CFU/mL. E. coli was identified in 66.6% of the examined samples, and from the total number (n = 48) of isolates, 18.8% harbored the stx2 gene, highlighting pathogenic potential. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing with the Vitek2 system of the isolated E. coli strains revealed resistance against ampicillin (45.8%), gentamicin (20.8%), ticarcillin–clavulanic acid (18.8%), cephalexin (18.8%), amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (8.3%), and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (2.1%). Additionally, 64.6% of the strains showed intermediate resistance against amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, while no resistance was recorded against imipenem. Five (18.5%) strains were multidrug-resistant. This study’s results underline hygienic sanitary deficiencies during the milking phase and indicate that raw ovine milk can be contaminated with pathogenic and multidrug-resistant E. coli strains, highlighting a potential risk to public health. Further studies are encouraged to better understand the risk posed to the consumer via the consumption of ovine milk and derived products.

Wound Healing, Cell Viability and Antimicrobial Potency of Mucus from Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

Acute and chronic wounds are the major cause of death according to World Health Organization (WHO), in which, antimicrobial resistance is considered to be a major plight. In this regard, our study is aimed at developing an antimicrobial agent using the mucus of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus against the clinically resistant microbial pathogens and to evaluate the cell cytotoxicity and cell viability followed by an in vitro wound healing analysis. The evaluation of antimicrobial activity was performed through well diffusion method and micro dilution method. The cell cytotoxicity and cell viability were assessed using MTT assay. The cell migration and in vitro wound healing was performed using scratch assay. The acidic extracts of mucus showed antimicrobial activity against the eight different selected bacterial strains while the organic extract showed against seven bacterial strains. L929 showed a cell viability of 102.96% at a concentration of 75 µg/mL and did not show cell toxicity effect up to the concentration of 300 µg/mL. In the in vitro wound healing analysis, the cell migration rate was 99.27% in the treated cells while, the untreated showed only 94.68%. The current research work clearly shows that the mucus of P. hypophthalmus possesses antimicrobial activity and wound healing potency. Furthermore, gene expression analysis and in vivo trials have to be performed for a thorough understanding of the actual cellular mechanism of wound healing.

Changes in the epidemiology of neonatal bacteremia during the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, China.

To investigate the incidence, pathogen distribution, and antibiotic susceptibility of early- and late-onset neonatal bacteremia, and to analyze pathogen trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between January 2016 to December 2022, we collected 879 blood and cerebrospinal fluid specimens from newborns with bacteremia. Bacterial identification used biochemical methods and MALDI-TOF, and antibiotic susceptibility was tested with the VITEK 2 system. Incidence per 1,000 admissions was calculated with Wilson's 95% confidence intervals, and categorical variables were compared using χ²-test or Fisher's exact test. Early-onset bacteremia incidence was 2.6 per 1,000 admissions, and late-onset bacteremia was 26.3, with a significant decline from 70.7 to 10.5 per 1,000 admissions over the study period. Late-onset bacteremia was more common before COVID-19, while early-onset bacteremia increased during the pandemic. The top five pathogens were CoNS(39.9%), E. faecalis(17.7%), E. faecium(13.7%), E. coli(8.4%), and GBS(5.8%). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of CoNS and S. aureus infections significantly decreased. Throughout the entire study period, CoNS and S. aureus showed high resistance to penicillin G and erythromycin but were sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid. E. faecalis and E. faecium were susceptible to vancomycin, linezolid, and teicoplanin but resistant to erythromycin, tetracycline, and rifampin. MRCoNS and MRSA were detected in 72.7% and 31.0% of isolates, respectively. Resistance rates of E. faecium and E. faecalis to ampicillin decreased significantly, clindamycin resistance in GBS decreased during the pandemic. This study highlights notable shifts in neonatal bacteraemia patterns during the COVID-19 Pandemic that were likely influenced by increased infection control and disruptions in maternal care, leading to changes in pathogen distribution and antimicrobial resistance.

Clinical characteristics associated with peripartum maternal bloodstream infection

ObjectiveBloodstream infection (BSI) during the peripartum period is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. However, data on maternal BSI during hospitalization for delivery are limited. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, microbiological features, and antibiotic resistance patterns of maternal peripartum BSI, with a focus on understanding the role of premature rupture of membranes (PROM), fever, and other risk factors in its development.MethodsWe investigated the clinical characteristics associated with maternal BSI during the peripartum period. This study included febrile women with blood cultures obtained during hospitalization for delivery. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, pathogenic microorganisms, antibiotic resistance, and maternal and neonatal outcomes of these patients. Participants were divided into BSI (n = 85) and non-BSI (n = 361) groups.ResultsSpontaneous rupture of membranes, PROM, PROM &amp;gt;24 h before labor, vaginal examinations &amp;gt;5 times, and cesarean sections during labor were more common in the BSI group. Escherichia coli (51.8%; 44/85) was the predominant causative pathogen, followed by Enterococcus faecalis (7.1%, 6/85). Approximately 31.2% of E. coli were resistant to levofloxacin, and 38.6% were extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing bacteria. The BSI group had higher rates of maternal sepsis and Apgar scores ≤ 7 at 1 min than the non-BSI group. Furthermore, PROM, fever ≥38.9°C (102°F), and fever within 24 h after delivery were risk factors for postpartum BSI in the adjusted analysis.ConclusionMaternal BSI is a potentially life-threatening disease associated with PROM and the timing and severity of fever. Early identification and surveillance of pathogen composition and antimicrobial resistance can help prevent adverse outcomes.