Bacterial Antibiotic Susceptibility Research Articles

Clinical Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Cronobacter sakazakii in the Northern Region of Oman

Abstract Background: Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic pathogen that mostly affects neonates, infants, and elderly people with weakened immune systems. No study has reported the frequency and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of C. sakazakii from Oman, and thus this study was conducted to fill this gap in the literature. Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective study included C. sakazakii isolates identified from different clinical samples of patients treated at Sohar Hospital, Oman, between January 2017 and December 2023. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were done using the VITEK II automated microbiological system in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: A total of 185 C. sakazakii isolates were included, most commonly from patients aged >60 years (42.7%) and <1 year (11.4%). C. sakazakii strains had high susceptibility (>80%) to most of the tested antibiotics; however, for beta-lactam antibiotics, it ranged from 0% to 50%. Approximately 26.5% of the strains were multidrug resistant. Independent risk factors for increased frequency of multidrug-resistant strains were urinary catheterization (P = 0.002), surgery (P = 0.021), previous antibiotic therapy (P = 0.047), and critical care unit admission (P = 0.048). About one-fifth of the patients experienced life-threatening C. sakazakii infections such as septicemia (15%) and pneumonia (4.7%). All deaths due to septicemia occurred in the >60 years (n = 12) and <1 year (n = 4) age groups. Conclusions: Cronobacter sakazakii isolates from the North Batinah region of Oman were most frequently isolated from elderly and infant patients and had high antibiotic susceptibility; however, the significant resistance against beta-lactams suggests their low effectiveness. The high number of multidrug-resistant strains coupled with the independent risk factors suggests the need for following stricter antibiotic stewardship protocols and infection control practices.

Fluorescent d-amino Acid-Based Approach Enabling Fast and Reliable Measure of Antibiotic Susceptibility in Bacterial Cells.

The threat of multidrug-resistant bacteria has been increasing steadily in the past century, posing a major health risk (Organización Mundial de la Salud. Directrices Sobre Componentes Básicos Para Los Programas de Prevención y Control de Infecciones a Nivel Nacional y de Establecimientos de Atención de Salud Para Pacientes Agudos; Organización Mundial de la Salud: Ginebra, 2017). Even though every year, 226 million antibiotics are prescribed in the United States alone, 50% of these prescriptions are inappropriate for the patient's condition (CDC. Get Smart about Antibiotics Week; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2016,https://www.cdc.gov/media/dpk/antibiotic-resistance/antibiotics-week-2016/dpk-antibiotics-week-2016.html). The increasing abuse of antibiotics in healthcare as well as agriculture has resulted in the rise of antibiotic resistance at an alarming rate. In a clinical setting, timely and accurate recognition of the pathogen allows for the most effective choice of treatment, highlighting the need for novel, fast, and reliable antibiotic susceptibility testing. Traditional susceptibility testing techniques require costly and complex experimental setups or extended cell incubation periods, delaying a timely treatment response to the infection. Herein, we report that a short-pulse fluorescent d-amino acid (FDAA)-based approach provides insight not only into bacterial antibiotic susceptibility but also into the mechanism of action of the antibiotic. Using the FDAA-labeling signal as a reflection of peptidoglycan (PG) integrity after antibiotic treatment, we observed that drugs targeting PG biosynthesis resulted in a significant decrease in fluorescence, while antimicrobials affecting other cellular targets resulted in no fluorescence changes. Our method was validated and optimized via fluorescence microscopy and spectrofluorometry, shortening the required procedure time to 15 min and providing reliably reproducible results. Significantly, we demonstrate that our protocol can be used to identify β-lactam-resistant bacterial strains, further demonstrating the utility of these valuable molecular tools.

Characterisation and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates obtained from some shellfish sold in Lagos-West, Nigeria

Shellfish are rich in essential nutrients and are widely accepted globally. The bacterial contamination, antibiotic susceptibility and heavy metal concentrations on some shellfish muscles above the tolerance permissible limit by WHO/FAO require an in-depth study. An investigative study was carried out on tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon), pink shrimp (Penaeus notialis) and Lagoon crabs (Callinectes amnicola) obtained from Makoko fish market/landing site on their bacterial quality, antibiotic susceptibility patterns and heavy metal accumulation of bacteria isolated were carried out using standard methods. The highest Total bacterial count (2.48±0.02107cfu/g) was observed in Lagoon crab (C. amnicola) while the lowest count (1.20±0.02107cfu/g) was observed in tiger shrimp (P. monodon). However, the highest Total Faecal count (1.42±0.02104cfu/g) was observed in pink shrimp (P. notialis) while the lowest count was observ ed in P. monodon (1.13±0.03104cfu/g). The bacterial isolates were molecularly identified as (Morganella morganii and Proteus vulgaris) isolated from tiger shrimp, Lagoon crabs had (Proteus mirabilis) while pink shrimp showed (Alcaligenes faecalis). The isolates were 100% susceptible to ciprofloxacin, azithromycin and erythromycin and resistant to cefotaxime, cefuroxime, imipenem/clastatin, augmentin and nitrofurantoin. The mean heavy metals concentration was as follows zincironcoppernickelchromiummanganese Cadmium while Lead and cobalt were not detected in the samples. The study has shown a possible unhygienic environment indicative of the bacteria isolated, a possible environmental spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and a heavy metal-contaminated water body. There is a serious need for constant monitoring to lessen future health problems for humans in and around the environment.Keywords: antibiotic-resistant; contamination; Makoko

Accelerated Bacterial Identification with MALDI-TOF MS Leads to Fewer Diagnostic Tests and Cost Savings.

Rapid microbiology reporting can enhance both clinical and economic outcomes. This three-year, quasi-experimental study, single-group pretest-posttest study, conducted at a university medical center, aimed to evaluate the clinical and economic impact of rapid microbiological identification reporting using MALDI-TOF MS. A total of 363 consecutive hospitalized patients with bacterial infections were evaluated, comparing a historical control group (CG, n = 183) with an intervention group (IG, n = 180). In the CG, microbiological information (bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility) was provided between 18:00 and 22:00 h, while in the IG, bacterial identification was reported between 12:00 and 14:00 h, and antibiotic susceptibility was reported between 18:00 and 22:00 h. The IG demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of patients undergoing Microbiology (p = 0.01), Biochemistry (p = 0.05), C-Reactive Protein (p = 0.02), Radiological Tests (p = 0.05), Computed Tomography Tests (p = 0.04), and Pathology (p = 0.01). However, no statistically significant reduction was observed in economic costs related to microbiological testing (p = 0.76) or antibiotic consumption (p = 0.59). The timely reporting of microbiological identification to clinicians resulted in fewer patients undergoing additional diagnostic tests, ultimately contributing to reduced healthcare resource utilization without adversely affecting clinical outcomes.

Antibiotic resistance genotype, phenotype, and clinical outcomes in patients with Gram-negative infections at Rabin Medical Center in Israel.

While there have been several studies that attempt to find clinical predictors of outcomes in patients hospitalized with bacterial infections, less has been done to combine clinical data with genomic mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. This study focused on a hospitalized patient population in Israel with infections due to medically important bacterial pathogens as a way to build a framework that would unite clinical data with both bacterial antibiotic susceptibility and genomic data. Merging both clinical and genomic data allowed us to find both bacterial and clinical factors that impact certain clinical outcomes. As genome sequencing of bacteria becomes both rapid and commonplace, near real-time monitoring of resistance determinants could help to optimize clinical care and potentially improve outcomes in these patients.

Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of the blaTEM Gene in Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae

Introduction There has been a notable rise in antibiotic resistance among enterobacteria. This issue is primarily attributed to the emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), which present a significant concern for public health worldwide. This study investigates the prevalence of ESBL production, antibiotic resistance profiles, and molecular identification of the blaTEM gene in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. Methods The samples were randomly collected from several medical facilities in Erbil city. The VITEK 2 system was used for bacterial identification, antibiotic susceptibility, and ESBL production testing. The Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST) confirmed ESBL production. Polymerase chain reaction was conducted on all DNA samples, and the amplified DNA was analyzed using agarose gel electrophoresis to detect the blaTEM gene. Results A total of 43 samples were collected, of which the majority were urine (56%), followed by sputum (28%), blood (9%), and wound (7%). Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates exhibited the highest prevalence of resistance against ceftazidime (72%), ceftriaxone (70%), ciprofloxacin (63%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (60%), amikacin (58%), cefotaxime/tazobactam (56%), and gentamicin (53%). The DDST results indicated positive ESBL production in 15 isolates (35%), as evidenced by an increase or distortion in the inhibition zone toward the amoxicillin-clavulanate disc. Of the 43 isolates, 34 (79%) carried the blaTEM gene. Conclusion The study area shows a significant level of antibiotic resistance in ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, which, if not adequately addressed, could soon lead to severe health and therapeutic consequences.

Pulsed electric field at resonance frequency combat Klebsiella pneumoniabiofilms.

Healtcare-associated infections have increased due to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Gram-negative pathogens (GNPs) and the development of outbreacks over the past two decades. In this work, we investigated how exposure to positive electric pulses affects the growth characteristics of Klebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumonia), a common cause of pneumonia. We explored the impact of varying exposure frequencies (0.2-2Hz) and time (15-90min, at resonance frequency) on bioelectric signals produced during cell division, biofilm formation, and bacterial antibiotic susceptibility. Our research found that an extremely low-frequency pulsed electric field (ELF-PEF) significantly inhibited K. pneumonia growth. Specifically, exposure to 0.8Hz for one hour increased the antibiotic susceptibility of K. pneumonia to inhibitors of cell wall formation, proteins, β-lactamase, DNA, and other substances. We also noticed a notable decrease in K. pneumonia biofilm development exposed to ELF-PEF. Our results suggest that the interaction of K. pneumonia cells with ELF-PEF at the specified frequency and time alters cellular activity and bacterial structure. This technique may be used in the future to treat K. pneumonia infections both in vitro and in vivo.

Bacterial etiology, antibiotic susceptibility pattern, and treatment modality of surgical site infections among post-caesarean delivery women: A 2019 cross-sectional study conducted in Iringa, Tanzania

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication after cesarean section in Tanzania, with high rates of infection and multidrug-resistant isolates reported. Understanding bacterial etiology and antibiotic susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the bacterial etiology, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and treatment modalities of SSI among post-cesarean delivery women in the Iringa region. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 162 women with SSI was conducted across five hospitals in Iringa. Data on demographics were collected using a structured questionnaire, and wound discharge samples were taken for culture and sensitivity testing. Definitive treatment modalities were identified from patients’ files. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, with chi-square tests used to identify associations, and a p-value < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Among 162 participants, 59.7% had superficial SSIs and 35.2% had deep SSIs. Culture positivity was 96.3%, with 53.2% being gram-positive and 37.2% gram-negative. Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated pathogen (40.1%), with 64.6% of cases being methicillin-resistant (MRSA). Resistance to vancomycin and chloramphenicol among gram-positive isolates was 3.1% and 13.8%, respectively. Non-surgical management was provided to 58% of the participants, while Staphylococcus aureus infections were significantly associated with surgical intervention (OR = 1.38, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Staphylococcus aureus, particularly MRSA, was the most prevalent pathogen in post-cesarean SSIs. Antibiotic resistance was common, and surgical intervention was significantly associated with Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Impedance Spectroscopy for Bacterial Cell Monitoring, Analysis, and Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing.

Conventional approaches for bacterial cell analysis are hindered by lengthy processing times and tedious protocols that rely on gene amplification and cell culture. Impedance spectroscopy has emerged as a promising tool for efficient real-time bacterial monitoring, owing to its simple, label-free nature and cost-effectiveness. However, its limited practical applications in real-world scenarios pose a significant challenge. In this review, we provide a comprehensive study of impedance spectroscopy and its practical utilization in bacterial system measurements. We begin by outlining the fundamentals of impedance theory and modeling, specific to bacterial systems. We then offer insights into various strategies for bacterial cell detection and discuss the role of impedance spectroscopy in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and single-cell analysis. Additionally, we explore key aspects of impedance system design, including the influence of electrodes, media, and cell enrichment techniques on the sensitivity, specificity, detection speed, concentration accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of current impedance biosensors. By combining different biosensor design parameters, impedance theory, and detection principles, we propose that impedance applications can be expanded to point-of-care diagnostics, enhancing their practical utility. This Perspective focuses exclusively on ideally polarizable (fully capacitive) electrodes, excluding any consideration of charge transfer resulting from Faradaic reactions.

Bacterial profiles and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns in neonatal sepsis at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.

Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Understanding the bacterial profiles and antibiotic susceptibility patterns causing neonatal sepsis is crucial for guiding appropriate treatment, improving patient outcomes, and combating the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Despite its importance, data regarding neonatal sepsis in the study area is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the bacterial pathogens and identify associated factors among neonates with suspected sepsis at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing laboratory records of neonates admitted for suspected sepsis from January 2019 to December 2021. Data were checked for completeness and encoded in a spreadsheet program. Then, data were exported to STATA version 17 for analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage were computed. The association between neonatal sepsis and potential risk factors was assessed using Pearson's chi-square test. A p-value of < 0.05, was considered statistically significant. A total of 1,236 neonates were included. Of these, 96.2% (1,190/1,236) had a fever before admission. The prevalence of culture-confirmed sepsis was 25.4% (314/1,236). Bacterial pathogens accounted for 23% (284/1,236) of these isolates, with Gram-negative bacteria being more prevalent at 75.3% (214/284) than Gram-positive bacteria at 24.7% (70/284). The most frequently isolated bacterial pathogens were K. pneumoniae 38.7% (110/284) and S. aureus 13% (37/284). The isolates demonstrated a high resistance level to commonly used antibiotics, with 61.6% exhibiting multidrug resistance. K. pneumoniae showed the highest rate of multidrug resistance (90.9%). Neonatal sepsis was associated with several factors, including fever before and after admission, hypothermia, increased respiration, suspected pneumonia, and suspected meningitis. This study identified a high prevalence of culture-confirmed sepsis in neonates at UoGCSH, with Gram-negative bacteria, especially K. pneumoniae, dominating the isolated pathogens. The isolated bacteria exhibited alarming resistance to commonly used antibiotics, with a high proportion demonstrating multidrug resistance. Implementing effective antibiotic stewardship programs is crucial to optimize antibiotic use, reduce unnecessary prescriptions, and curb the spread of resistant strains.

Antibiotic Susceptibility among Infective Endocarditis Population: Syndromic Antibiogram Evaluation at Indonesian National Cardiovascular Center

Infective Endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening disease with a high mortality rate (25%). Laboratory approaches to support the diagnosis of IE especially blood and/or cardiac vegetation culture, are crucial for providing definitive therapy. However, negative culture is frequently observed, therefore empirical use of antibiotics seems unavoidable and may lead to increasing antimicrobial resistance. This study aims to observe the prevalence of antibiotic susceptibility among the IE population using the WISCA approach. This retrospective study observed medical record data of all inpatients diagnosed with IE according to ICD-10 at Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita Hospital (NCCHK) between January 2018 and December 2022. Patient data were combined with bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility test data from the laboratory information system, and evaluated based on period (year). A total of 67,858 inpatients and 1.1% (n=772) were diagnosed with IE. Successful culture growth (blood and/or cardiac vegetation specimen) was between 36.8% and 70% annually. Streptococcus viridans group (82/237, 34.6%) and Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (57/237, 24.1%) were dominantly observed among the IE population. Low susceptibility among Penicillin (34.3%) towards Gram-positive bacteria, as first-line treatment option in IE. Meanwhile, high susceptibility range was observed in Ceftriaxone (95.7%), Gentamicin (80.4%), Rifampicin (84.4%), and Vancomycin (98.7%) as second-line treatment in IE. Despite the low prevalence, the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in IE has become a priority concern. Continuing the syndromic antibiogram is mandatory to assist the trend of empirical antibiotic usage and refine the established local treatment guidelines.

Bacterial Etiology and Antibiotic Susceptibility in Isolates from Conjunctivitis Patients in Tripoli, Libya

Acute conjunctivitis is described as inflammation of the conjunctiva that lasts less than 3 to 4 weeks, showing cellular infiltration and exudation. Conjunctivitis can cause significant and lasting harm to the eye, resulting in severe inflammation in the corneal lid. This study seeks to isolate and identify the particular bacterial pathogens responsible for conjunctivitis in patients at Tripoli Eye Hospital. Collection of bacterial samples from patients with conjunctivitis was conducted at the ophthalmic consultative clinic within Tripoli Eye Hospital, Libya between September 2021 and January 2022. Tests were done to separate bacterial pathogens causing conjunctivitis and to test their resistance to antibiotics. Among 140 samples, bacterial infection was detected in 86% of cases while 14% yielded negative results. Males had a higher prevalence of bacterial infections at 63% in comparison to females. Both male and female individuals aged 60-79 years had the highest percentage of bacterial conjunctivitis cases at 51%. Segregation tests showed that the majority (82%) were Gram-positive, while a minority (18%) were Gram-negative, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most prevalent bacteria (35%), closely followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis (32%). Streptococcal pneumoniae and Enterobacter spp had rates of 2% which were lower. The majority of organisms showed sensitivity to levofloxacin (43%), while there was only a small amount of resistance to polymyxin B (4%). Professional attention and microbiological research are crucial for verifying clinical diagnoses and carrying out suitable and efficient treatments.

Characterization of infectious bacterial keratitis in Östergötland County, Sweden: a 10-year retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to characterize bacterial species, aetiology and antibiotic susceptibility connected to bacterial keratitis infections in Östergötland, Sweden. Retrospective cross-sectional study based on electronic health records for the period 2010-2019. Records of patients diagnosed with infectious keratitis were screened for microbiology confirmed infectious bacterial keratitis. Bacterial species and their susceptibility to antibiotics were determined from microbiology test results. One-hundred and ninety patients with lab culture-confirmed infectious bacterial keratitis were included in the analysis. The most frequently found bacterial species were coagulase-negative staphylococci (39%), Staphylococcus aureus (17%) and Cutibacterium acnes (10%). Pseudomonas spp. was the most frequently found Gram-negative bacterial species (7%). Contact lens wear and severely ill/blind eye were the top two aetiologies associated with bacterial keratitis, 22% of the patients with bacterial keratitis were also diagnosed with glaucoma. Most isolates, 157 out of 173, were susceptible to fluoroquinolones, and 145 out of 155 isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol. Our results revealed a positive rate of bacterial keratitis of 59% for the samples sent to the laboratory. There was a high susceptibility of the bacterial species to the recommended antibiotics. Our results indicate that it is likely that patients are receiving the correct treatment. Future studies are necessary to monitor changes in antibiotic susceptibility.

Urinary Bacterial Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern among Pregnant Women in Eastern Libya

Urinary tract infections, which affect approximately 20% of pregnancies globally, particularly in developing nations with high birth rates like Libya, are a public health concern that complicate pregnancy and are linked to catastrophic maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. Choosing an appropriate therapy depends on current understanding about antibiotics, which is essential for early issue detection and prevention. In this study, antenatal care clinics in several eastern Libyan cities, including "Benghazi, Almarj, Albayda, Shahat, Darna, Alquoba," participated in a cross-sectional investigation to identify the most common causes of UTIs and to ascertain the sensitivity and resistance of antibiotic patterns. From February 9 to April 15, 377 samples were gathered utilizing a standardized questionnaire to obtain data. UTI was diagnosed using mid-stream urine culture on standard culture media. Out of the 377 pregnant women who were included, E. Coli had the greatest infection rate (43.0%), followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (10.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (16.4%), and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (11.4%). The most effective antibiotics were found to be Augmentin (58.9%), Ciprofloxacin (52.6%), and Nitrofurantoin (51.3%), although Azithromycin and Nalidixic acid showed strong resistance to most uropathogens. Our research reveals that urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent among pregnant women in eastern Libya and that bacteria that are extremely resistant to most tested antibiotics are appearing more frequently. These results should cause doctors to reevaluate their treatment strategies in light of antibiotic susceptibility data.

Synergistic antimicrobial activity of alpha-linolenic acid in combination with tetracycline or florfenicol against multidrug-resistant Salmonella typhimurium

Salmonella is a major foodborne pathogen that can be transmitted from livestock and poultry to humans through the food chain. Due to the widespread use of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance Salmonella has become an important factor threatening food safety. Combining antibiotic and non-antibiotic agents is a promising approach to address the widespread emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.In this study, we investigated the antibiotic resistance profile and molecular characterization of different serotypes of Salmonella isolated from large-scale egg farms using drug susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing. The synergistic effect of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) with antibiotics was evaluated using the checkerboard test and time-kill curve. The molecular mechanism of α-linolenic acid synergism was explored using biochemical assays, pull-down assays, and molecular docking. In vivo efficacy of ALA in combination with florfenicol (FFC) or tetracycline (TET) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar typhimurium was also investigated using a mouse model.We found that ALA reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tetracycline and florfenicol in all strains tested. When ALA (512 mg/L) was combined with florfenicol (32 mg/L) or tetracycline (16 mg/L), we observed disruption of cell membrane integrity, increased outer membrane permeability, lowered cell membrane potential, and inhibition of proton-drive-dependent efflux pumps. The synergistic treatment also inhibited biofilm production and promoted oxidative damage. These changes together led to an increase in bacterial antibiotic susceptibility. The improved efficacy of ALA combination treatment with antibiotics was validated in the mouse model. Molecular docking results indicate that ALA can bind to membrane proteins via hydrogen bonding. Our findings demonstrated that combined treatment using ALA and antibiotics is effective in preventing infections involving MDR bacteria. Our results are of great significance for the scientific and effective prevention and control of antibiotic resistance Salmonella, as well as ensuring food safety.

Bacterial Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Chronic Otitis Media at a Tertiary Care Center in Maharashtra.

Background Chronic otitis media (COM) is a persistent inflammatory condition of the middle ear and mastoid cavity, characterized by otorrhea and a perforated tympanic membrane. The microbial agents associated with COM vary over time and by geographic location. According to the WHO classification of countries based on COM prevalence, India is classified as having the highest prevalence (>4%) due to a national average of 7.8%, with the majority of the burden affecting individuals in lower socioeconomic strata. Objectives The objective of this study is to analyze the bacterial profile and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolates in patients with COM and to examine the age and gender distribution of these patients. Methods A cross-sectional microbiological study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune (Deemed to be University), Pune, India, from January 2023 to March 2023. The sample size was determined using WinPepi software. A total of 30 samples were collected from patients aged 5-15 years with active COM who presented to the ENT OPD. Patients who had been treated with antibiotics in the 15 days prior to the study were excluded. Results Of the 30 patients, most were in the age groups of 16-25 years (36.67%) and 26-35 years (16.67%), with only 10% in the 5-15 years age group. The age range of participants was eight to 55 years, with a mean age of 27 years. There was a gender disparity in the distribution of COM, with males representing 56.67% and females 43.33%, resulting in a male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1. The majority of patients had mucosal COM (24/30, 80%), while the remaining had squamosal COM (6/30, 20%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated in 24 samples (80%), and Staphylococcus aureus was identified in six samples (20%). Conclusion In the Indian context, where many predisposing factors for COM are prevalent, the disease remains highly common and can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. This study analyzed ear swabs from 30 patients diagnosed with COM. The results revealed that P. aeruginosa was the most common microorganism, followed by S. aureus. The most effective antibiotics against P. aeruginosa were piperacillin-tazobactam, ceftazidime, and meropenem. For S. aureus, the most effective antibiotics included teicoplanin, vancomycin, linezolid, and cotrimoxazole.

Pyuria, bacteriuria and empirical antibiotic selection in pregnant women

Aims: In pregnancy, early diagnosis and proper treatment of urinary tract infections are crucial in preventing maternal and fetal comorbidities. Therefore, pregnant women should be screened for asymptomatic bacteriuria. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between pyuria and bacteriuria and the susceptibility of uropathogens, as well as to review the empiric drug options for pregnant women. Methods: The presence of pyuria and bacteriuria in urine samples obtained from the pregnant outpatient clinic between January 2023 and December 2023 at Kırıkkale University Faculty of Medicine Hospital’s Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Laboratory was investigated. Uropathogens were identified and typed using the BD Phoenix™ M50 automated system for bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing, and antibiotic susceptibility was interpreted according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing criteria. Results: A total of 1457 urine samples were evaluated in this retrospective study. Uropathogens were detected in 235 patients, while 301 samples were considered contaminated. Uropathogens were found to be susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanate, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, and fosfomycin, in that order, for use in pregnant women. High resistance rates to third-generation cephalosporins were observed. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, local resistance rates against urinary pathogens in pregnant women should be determined at specific intervals, and empirical antibiotic therapy should be planned based on these data.

Clinical Significance and Microbiological Characteristics of Staphylococcus lugdunensis in Cutaneous Infections.

Background/Objectives:Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) commonly found on human skin. Unlike other CoNS, S. lugdunensis has a notable potential to cause severe infections comparable to Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed to characterize the clinical and microbiological profile of patients with S. lugdunensis skin infections at a single center. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patient records from the Dermatology Department of the University Hospital of Heraklion, Greece, covering the period from January 2014 to January 2024. Patients' clinical presentations, demographics, infection sites, comorbidities, prior infections, antimicrobial treatments, and therapeutic responses were examined. Specimens were collected, transported, and processed according to standardized microbiological protocols. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the Vitek 2 automated system and MALDI-TOF MS, with results interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria. Results: A total of 123 skin specimens positive for S. lugdunensis were analyzed. The cohort comprised 62 males (50.4%) and 61 females (49.6%), with a mean age of 40.24 ± 20.14 years. Most specimens were collected from pus (84%), primarily from below the waist (66.7%). Hidradenitis suppurativa (26%) was the most common condition associated with S. lugdunensis, followed by folliculitis, abscesses, ulcers, cellulitis, and acne. Co-infections with other bacteria were noted in 49.6% of cases, and 25.2% of infections were nosocomially acquired. The majority of patients (65%) received systemic antibiotics, predominantly amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefuroxime axetil, and doxycycline, with a cure rate of 100%. All isolates were susceptible to several antibiotics, though resistance to penicillin (28.5%) and clindamycin (36%) was observed. Conclusions:S. lugdunensis is a significant pathogen in skin infections, capable of causing severe disease. The high cure rate demonstrates the effectiveness of appropriate antibiotic therapy. Continued monitoring and antimicrobial stewardship are essential to manage resistance and ensure effective treatment.

Culture-based bacterial evaluation of the appendix lumen and antibiotic susceptibility of acute appendicitis in Japan: A single-center retrospective analysis.

The question of whether to perform an appendectomy or conservative treatment for acute appendicitis can differ depending on the facility or surgeon, but antibiotic treatment is administered regardless of whether an appendectomy or conservative treatment is selected. We investigated the contemporary bacteriology for acute appendicitis and evaluated the antibiotic sensitivity of the bacteria that are currently associated with appendicitis. We retrospectively analyzed the bacterial culture results and antibiotic susceptibility of 141 patients who underwent appendicitis surgery, including the identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of the cultured bacteria within the excised appendices. Bacterial cultures were positive in 131 cases (92.9%). The most commonly isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (90 isolates, 66.7%), followed by Enterococcus species (n = 19, 14.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 18, 13.7%), Streptococcus species (n = 15, 11.5%), and Klebsiella species (n = 8, 6.1%). Eight strains (8.8%) of E coli were extended-spectrum β-lactamase producers, and ten strains (11.1%) were fluoroquinolone-resistant. Tazobactam/piperacillin and meropenem inhibited the growth of 100% of the major identified bacteria. The patients with appendicoliths had a significantly higher bacterial culture rate. Enterococcus species were frequently isolated from the patients with complicated appendicitis. For the antibiotic treatment of appendicitis, it is essential to understand the patient's microbiological profile and antibiotic susceptibilities. Research from Asian countries such as Japan can enhance our knowledge of regional antibiotic resistance patterns and inform effective treatment strategies.

Exploring bacterial profiles and antibiotic susceptibility patterns in urinary tract infection cases at Idlib university hospital, Syria

The main objective of this study was to identify, analyze, and evaluate the bacteriological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs) among patients at Idlib University Hospital in Northwest Syria. By isolating and characterizing the uropathogens, the study aimed to gain insights into their current antimicrobial susceptibilities. This information is crucial in order to combat the increasing antibiotic resistance and provide effective treatment options for UTIs, which are prevalent both in the community and hospital settings.This observational research took place at Idlib University Hospital in Northwest Syria spanning from June 2022 to December 2023. Our study involved 320 patients exhibiting symptoms of UTI (68.4% females and 31.6% males). Urine samples were cultured to identify the microorganisms responsible for UTI. Biochemical tests were employed to identify the isolated bacteria, while the antimicrobial susceptibility was determined through disk diffusion susceptibility testing. Our study found to be the leading cause of UTIs, accounting for 58.4% of cases, followed by spp. Gram-negative bacteria comprised 85% of isolated strains. The 13–65 age group showed the highest UTI susceptibility (41.3%). High resistance was observed to ampicillin/sulbactam, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and co-trimoxazole. Conversely, minimal resistance was noted against Meropenem, Imipenem, Gentamicin, and Levofloxacin.This research highlights the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant infections within the hospital under study. Hence, there is an imperative to enhance the efficiency of comprehensive infection control initiatives to effectively handle and regulate hospital-acquired infections caused by highly resistant microorganisms.