Bacteriology Laboratory Research Articles

Occurrence of Salmonella spp. in animal patients and the hospital environment at a veterinary academic hospital in South Africa.

Nosocomial infections caused by Salmonella spp. are common in veterinary facilities. The early identification of high-risk patients and sources of infection is important for mitigating the spread of infections to animal patients and humans. This study investigated the occurrence of Salmonella spp. among patients at a veterinary academic hospital in South Africa. In addition, this study describes the environmental factors that contribute to the spread of Salmonella spp. in the veterinary facility. This study used a dataset of Salmonella-positive animals and environmental samples submitted to the bacteriology laboratory between 2012 and 2019. The occurrence of Salmonella isolates at the veterinary hospital was described based on source, month, season, year, and location. Proportions and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each variable. A total of 715 Salmonella isolates were recorded, of which 67.6% (483/715) came from animals and the remainder (32.4%, 232/715) came from environmental samples. The highest proportion (29.2%) of Salmonella isolates was recorded in 2016 and most isolates were reported in November (17.4%). The winter season had the lowest (14.6%) proportion of isolates reported compared to spring (31.3%), summer (27.8%), and autumn (26.4%). Salmonella Typhimurium (20.0%) was the most frequently reported serotype among the samples tested, followed by Salmonella Anatum (11.2%). Among the positive animal cases, most (86.3%) came from equine clinics. Most reported isolates differed based on animal species with S. Typhimurium being common in equines and S. Anatum in bovines. In this study, S. Typhimurium emerged as the predominant strain in animal and environmental samples. Equines were the most affected animals; however, Salmonella serotypes were also detected in the production animals. Environmental contamination was also a major source of Salmonella species in this study. To reduce the risk of transmission, strict infection prevention and control measures (biosecurity) must be implemented.

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ БАКТЕРИАЛЬНОЙ ФЛОРЫ И СОСТОЯНИЯ СЛИЗИСТОЙ ОБОЛОЧКИ ВЕРХНЕЧЕЛЮСТНОГО СИНУСА НА СТОРОНЕ ПЕРЕЛОМА

In the zygomatico-orbital complex, the most common negative consequence of damage is the development of post-traumatic maxillary sinusitis. The importance of preventing this condition and the difficulty of its treatment are highlighted in various studies. The main factor contributing to its development is a violation of the integrity of the bone walls of the maxillary sinus, injury to the mucous membrane of the sinus and hemorrhage into its cavity, which leads to the formation of hemosinus. The purpose of this study is to study the microbial composition and condition of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus in fractures of the zygomatic bone with damage to the wall of the maxillary sinus on the side of injury. The microbiological study consisted of collecting microflora from the damaged maxillary sinus of the midface to determine and analyze the bacteria content. The sample was taken from patients during surgery using a standard swab and an analysis transport system. Further research was carried out in a bacteriological laboratory. There is insufficient information in scientific publications about the presence of microorganisms in the maxillary sinuses during fractures of the zygomatico-orbital complex. Therefore, the study of the quantitative and species composition of bacteria from the maxillary sinus on the side of the injury is of scientific importance.

Comparative Characteristics of Tuberculosis and Mycobacteriosis in Two Regions of the Russian Federation: Mari El Republic and Vladimir Region

The objective: to study the regional prevalence of mycobacteriosis and the types of non-tuberculous mycobacteria causing mycobacteriosis in Mari El Republic and Vladimir Region, to conduct a comparative clinical and radiological analysis of mycobacteriosis and tuberculosis.Subjects and Methods. Cultures of non-tuberculous mycobacteria available in the bank of the bacteriological laboratory of two regions were analyzed: 182 cultures in the Republic of Mari El and 44 cultures in Vladimir Region. Medical records and X-ray archives of patients who were found to be positive for non-tuberculous mycobacteria were retrospectively studied.Results. The incidence of mycobacteriosis in Vladimir Region and Mari El Republic made 1.5 and 4.3 cases per 100,000 population, respectively. Cultures of non-tuberculous mycobacteria that caused mycobacteriosis belonged to diverse species, and M.avium-complex was the most common (76% of cases). There were no statistically significant differences in the location and extent of lesions in patients with mycobacteriosis and tuberculosis (p > 0.05). The frequency of positive results of Mantoux test with 2TU was comparable Positive results of TRA test were found significantly more often among patients with tuberculosis versus patients with mycobacteriosis (15/19 (78.9%) and 9/24 (37.5%), respectively; p < 0.05). However, this is insufficient for differential diagnosis of these diseases.

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing data analysis over 3 years at the Yaoundé General Hospital, Cameroon.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major health concern with high rates in low-income countries. Bacteriology laboratories sustain the fight against AMR by providing antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) results to ensure appropriate therapies. These laboratories generate a lot of data, which are usually used for prospective interventions. Our study conducted in a lower-middle-income hospital setting aimed to describe the profile of bacteria isolated from the specimens received over 3 years, assess their susceptibility profile and identify potential gaps or area of improvement from the analysis of our data. Monthly data were retrieved from registers for all specimens received between January 2020 until December 2022. Data were compiled and analysed using the R and WHONET software. Out of 3582 specimens received, 797 were culture positive (22.3%). Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were frequently isolated (30.5% and 24.2%, respectively). AST results analysis showed high resistance of Gram-negative bacteria to penams and cephems, whereas low resistance was observed to carbapenems. Susceptibility to antibiotics based on the AWaRe antibiotic classification was variable. The bacteriological profile in the various types of specimen was established and rational information to design a therapeutic protocol adapted to our hospital setting was obtained. AST results may not only be used for prospective guidance for treatment, but rather cumulative data analysis can contribute to design effective antibiotic prescriptions and improve general practices at the laboratory. This is, however, dependent on a good record-keeping, standardization of practices and collaboration between clinicians and laboratory scientists.

Implementation of an antibiotic resistance surveillance tool in Madagascar, the TSARA project: a prospective, observational, multicentre, hospital-based study protocol

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a significant public health threat. Without any interventions, it has been modelled that AMR will account for an estimated 10 million deaths annually by 2050,...

A prospective multicentre evaluation of BioFire® Joint Infection Panel for the rapid microbiological documentation of acute arthritis

ObjectivesTo assess the performance of the rapid syndromic BioFire® Joint Infection Panel (BF-JIP) to detect bacterial and fungal pathogens, as well as antibiotic resistance genes, directly in synovial fluid specimens collected from patients with acute arthritis. MethodsThe study was conducted in six French bacteriological laboratories. To assess the performances of BF-JIP, results were compared with those of synovial fluid 14-day culture and, in case of discrepancy, with those of complementary molecular methods and intraoperative samples. A total of 308 synovial fluid specimens were tested after collection from 308 adults and children presenting with clinical and biological suspicion of acute arthritis; patients presenting with acute periprosthetic joint infection were included according to the European Bone and Joint Infection Society 2021 criteria. ResultsOnly one specimen failed (no result). On the basis of the consolidated data, the BF-JIP was concordant with the 14-day culture in 280 (91.2%) of the 307 specimens finally included in the study. The positive percentage agreement was 84.9% (95% CI, 78.8–89.8%) and the negative percentage agreement was 100% (95% CI, 97.2–100%). The positive predictive value was extremely high (100%; 95% CI, 97.6–100%), whereas the negative predictive value was lower (82.6%; 95% CI, 75.7–88.2%), partially explained by the missing target species in the panel. DiscussionThe BF-JIP showed high performances to detect pathogens involved in acute arthritis.

Resistance of a mixed bacterial culture isolated from bee dysbiosis to disinfectant in laboratory conditions

Disinfection is one of the components of preventive actions to prevent disease in animals by infectious agents. Through the elimination of agents of infectious diseases in the environment, it is able to interrupt the mechanisms of the epizootic process. For the development of beekeeping and obtaining quality and products, it is necessary to carry out activities in apiaries, which include disinfection. The introduction of new disinfectants in the field is possible after preliminary laboratory tests. The aim of our research objective to investigate the resistance of a mixed bacterial culture isolated from bees with the symptoms of dysbiosis to disinfectant under laboratory conditions. Bacteriological investigations carried out in Petri dishes using meat-peptone agar and Mueller-Hinton agar. The disinfectant diluted with distilled water at concentrations of 0.25 %, 0.5 %, 1,25 % and 2,5 %. On the Mueller Hinton agar, the bacterial elimination zones recorded at 1.25 % (11,6 ± 0,45 mm) and 2.5 % (12,4 ± 0,27 mm) concentration of disinfectant at 1 day of investigation, and 7,4 ± 0,27 mm (1,25 %), 11,2 ± 0,42 mm (2.5 %) at 72 hours of the experiment, respectively. In addition, the bacterial growth inhibition effect increased with experimental time and ranged from 24.0 ± 0.35 mm (0.5 %) to 28.2 ± 0.22 mm (2.5 %) on day 3 of the study. Bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects appeared to be less pronounced on meat-peptone agar. The highest diameters of inhibition of the processes of reproduction and development of microorganisms from mixed microbial association on this medium were recorded at 1.25 % and 2.5 % concentrations of the disinfectant at the 3rd day of the investigation with diameters of the zones of inhibition of growth 15.6 ± 0.45 mm and 26.4 ± 0.27 mm, respectively. The specificity of diffusion of the investigated active substance from the discs into the agar medium thickness was also noted. This effect has a varying effect on infectious agents in in vitro experiments. Thus bacteriological laboratory experiments should be performed on several culture media in purpose of obtaining accurate results. The analysis of the obtained results indicates the demonstration of antimicrobial effect of the investigated disinfectant against mixed bacterial culture in the form of bactericidal and bacteriostatic actions. Therefore, a promising direction of research for veterinary doctors and apiary business owners is the search for effective and efficient disinfectants. Laboratory investigation of the activity of a remedy are the first step before it is approbation.

Drug Resistance Tests for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and Compatibility between Tests; From Past to Today

Objective: The gold standard for pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis is the demonstration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli. Drug susceptibility test results of the bacilli obtained are crucial in tuberculosis treatment management. The various tests used to determine drug susceptibility must yield the same result. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the compatibility of drug susceptibility test results obtained by Löwenstein-Jensen (L-J) and BACTEC 460TB methods from the past to the present. Material and Methods: Sputum results from 79 patients suspected of multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR-TB) clinically, radiologically, and bacteriologically were evaluated for isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and streptomycin between June 1997 and June 1998. Culture and drug sensitivity tests on the L-J medium were conducted at the Heybeliada Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Center bacteriology laboratory, while culture and drug sensitivity tests with the BACTEC 460 TB system were performed at another center. The results were assessed for compatibility using the Kappa (κ) test, a tool for comparing two independent parameters. Results: All drug sensitivity tests for isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and streptomycin were collectively evaluated. It was determined that 263 (83.3%) of 316 drug sensitivity tests yielded concordant results, while 53 (16.7%) produced discordant results. The drug sensitivity tests using L-J and BACTEC 460TB methods indicated compatibility only for streptomycin (κ = 0.715). In contrast, they yielded different results for isoniazid (κ = 0.585), ethambutol (κ = 0.552), and rifampicin (κ = 0.507). Streptomycin exhibited compatibility, while isoniazid, ethambutol, and rifampicin showed incompatibility between the L-J and BACTEC 460TB methods. Conclusion: Drug sensitivity tests are pivotal in tuberculosis treatment management. While literature suggests compatibility between L-J and BACTEC 460TB methods, our study revealed incompatibility. Evaluation of drug sensitivities may lead to confusing results. Current practices involving studies in the same laboratory and genetic testing contribute to faster and more accurate outcomes in managing drug-resistant tuberculosis. Genetic tests and reference laboratories remain crucial for antituberculosis drug sensitivity, emphasizing their continued importance.

Evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility tests for Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas species using disks containing a high dose of meropenem

The emergence and dissemination of carbapenem-resistant species of Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas have become a serious health concern. Routine antimicrobial disk susceptibility tests in clinical laboratories cannot distinguish between isolates that are highly carbapenem-resistant and those that are moderately carbapenem-resistant. The present study describes antimicrobial susceptibility tests using disks containing high doses (1000 μg) of meropenem. The diameters of inhibition zones were significantly negatively correlated with the MICs of Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter species for meropenem (R2: 0.93 and 0.91, respectively) and imipenem (R2: 0.75 and 0.84, respectively). Double disk synergy tests using clavulanic acid or sodium mercaptoacetate can detect ESBL or MBL producers. Susceptibility tests using disks containing high doses of meropenem can easily detect highly carbapenem-resistant isolates in a quantitative manner. These disks may be useful in bacteriological laboratories because of their technical ease, stability, and relatively low cost.

On the 125th anniversary of foundation of bacteriological institute of Perm provincial zemstvo

The article is dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the foundation of Perm Bacteriological Laboratory of Perm Province Zemstvo (now Perm Scientific Production Association "Biomed"). The bacteriological laboratory is one of the oldest scientific medical centers where vaccines against rabies, diphtheria, scarlet fever and cholera were developed. Perm institute also fought against typhoid fever and smallpox and mastered the production of vaccines against anthrax, which are still in use today.

ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ОРИГИНАЛЬНОГО ФИБРИНОВОГО КОМПОЗИТА В ХИРУРГИЧЕСКОМ ЛЕЧЕНИИ БОЛЬНЫХ С БОЛЬШИМИ ПОСЛЕОПЕРАЦИОННЫМИ ГРЫЖАМИ

Introduction. The increase in the number of abdominal surgeries with laparostomy formation in recent years has been accompanied by an increase in the number of postoperative ventral hernias. Mortality in this category of patients ranges from 0.1 to 2.9% for planned surgeries and from 10 to 26% for strangulated hernias. One of the reasons is implant suppuration in the postoperative wound with subsequent septic complications and increasing antibiotic resistance of pathogenic microorganisms. Objective. To experimentally study the effectiveness of using the original fibrin composite to improve the adaptation of the mesh implant in the tissues of the anterior abdominal wall in the treatment of postoperative ventral hernias. Material and methods. The experimental in vitro study included studying the process and mechanisms of fibrin clot formation when various components to human plasma cryoprecipitate. The second stage of the study was to study the effect of surgical trauma and the introduced components of the fibrin composite on the formation of fibrous tissue. In a bacteriological laboratory, the risk of infection of a mesh implant treated with cryoprecipitate and its effect on E growth. Coli, St. Aureus, and P. Aureginosa colonies were studied. In the clinic, 60 patients with large postoperative ventral hernias were operated on, including 39 women and 21 men. In the main group, 30 patients underwent herniotomy and implant installation, and the original fibrin composite was applied. In the comparison group, 30 patients underwent a herniotomy in a modification of the Belokonev operation. The average age of the patients in both groups was 63±2.8 years. Results. When thrombin is added to the cryoprecipitate in in vitro experiments, a dense clot is formed which in the early stages is well modeled on a polypropylene mesh, subsequently forming a fibrin coating. The fibrin composite has a bacteriostatic effect, which helps to prevent infection and suppuration of the implant in the future. In the patients operated in the main group, the immediate postoperative period was without complications. In the comparison group, a long period of leukocytosis was observed in the postoperative period. Conclusions. The original fibrin composite has a bacteriostatic effect and prevents active microflora growth of microflora in the postoperative wound. The original fibrin composite covers the mesh implant, promoting rapid fibrous tissue. The use of this technology in the clinic is available in surgical practice and is not accompanied by the occurrence of complications.

МОДЕЛЬ РАЗВИТИЯ БИСФОСФОНАТ-АССОЦИИРОВАННОГО ОСТЕОМИЕЛИТА НИЖНЕЙ ЧЕЛЮСТИ В ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТЕ С ЛАБОРАТОРНЫМИ КРЫСАМИ

Purulent-inflammatory diseases of the maxillary system remain one of the urgent problems in the work of dentists and maxillofacial surgeons due to the high frequency, increased severity and prevalence of the process, a tendency to relapse, and increased antibiotic resistance due to a long period of uncontrolled use of the latter by the population. The choice of the bisphosphonate-associated osteomyelitis model is due, on the one hand, to the widespread use of this group in a number of malignant neoplasms, osteoporosis, and, on the other, to the frequent development of osteonecrosis of the jaw as a complication of bisphosphonate therapy, which can occur after any surgical dental procedure. The undoubted advantage of this model is the relative simplicity of its execution technique, which does not require an expensive material and technical base, the use of highly pathogenic and highly contagious microorganisms, keeping animals in a bacteriological laboratory, and the safety of conducting experiments. Experimental modeling of bisphosphonate-associated osteomyelitis may reveal new aspects in the etiopathogenesis of diseases of the maxillofacial region and justify the correction of nondrug and pharmacotherapeutic approaches to the prevention and treatment of complications.

Apple cider vinegar exhibits promising antibiofilm activity against multidrug-resistant Bacillus cereus isolated from meat and their products.

Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) biofilm is grown not only on medical devices but also on different substrata and is considered a potential hazard in the food industry. Quorum sensing plays a serious role in the synthesis of biofilm with its surrounding extracellular matrix enabling irreversible connection of the bacteria. The goal of the current investigation was to ascertain the prevalence, patterns of antimicrobial resistance, and capacity for B. cereus biofilm formation in meat and meat products in Egypt. In all, 150 meat and meat product samples were used in this study. For additional bacteriological analysis, the samples were moved to the Bacteriology Laboratory. Thereafter, the antimicrobial, antiquorum sensing, and antibiofilm potential of apple cider vinegar (ACV) on B. cereus were evaluated. Out of 150 samples, 34 (22.67%) tested positive for B. cereus. According to tests for antimicrobial susceptibility, every B. cereus isolates tested positive for colistin and ampicillin but negative for ciprofloxacin and imipenem. The ability to form biofilms was present in all 12 multidrug-resistant B. cereus isolates (n = 12); of these, 6 (50%), 3 (25%), and 3 (25%) isolates were weak, moderate, and strong biofilm producers, respectively. It is noteworthy that the ACV demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on B. cereus isolates, with minimum inhibitory concentrations varying between 2 and 8 μg/ml. Furthermore, after exposing biofilm-producing B. cereus isolates to the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations 50 of 4 μg/ml, it demonstrated good antibiofilm activity (>50% reduction of biofilm formation). Strong biofilm producers had down-regulated biofilm genes (tasA and sipW) and their regulator (plcR) compared to the control group, according to reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Our study is the first report, that spotlights the ACV activity against B. cereus biofilm and its consequence as a strong antibacterial and antibiofilm agent in the food industry and human health risk.

Prevalence and risk factors for extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing antimicrobial-resistant E. coli in urinary tract infections among inpatients in the tertiary hospitals in Zanzibar (Tanzania): a prospective cross-sectional study.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production among Enterobacteriaceae, such as E. coli, has been increasing worldwide, which causes treatment failure for urinary tract infections. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for the production of ESBL in E. coli from patients with urinary tract infections (UTI) in Zanzibar. a prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2021 in Zanzibar. Data were retrieved from a routine bacteriological laboratory culture report from urine samples of 4306 patients at the Lancet Laboratory. In addition, the patient's social demographics and clinical data were retrieved by examining the medical records in the respective hospitals. All inpatients older than fifteen years diagnosed with urinary tract infections (UTI) and requested urine culture and sensitivity were included. The Chi-square and Fischer's exact tests were used to compare antibiotic resistance. In addition, a binary logistic regression analysis was used to predict ESBL production risk factors. the prevalence of E. coli-producing ESBL was 13.4% (578/4030). Infection of ESBL. E. coli was prevalent in females 52.6% (n=304) compared to male patients, 47.4% (n=274), and the majority 38.8% (n=224), were people of young age, between 16-30 years. The average age of patients was 31.5±10.2 years, with minimum age of 16 years and a maximum age of 72 years. In multivariate analysis, results shown that previously hospitalised patients aOR: 6.35, 95% Cl 3.37-11.92; p=0.001, long hospital stays aOR: 10.34, 95% Cl 3.03-22.29; p <0.001, prior use of penicillin aOR: 7.78, 95% Cl 2.99-29.11; p < 0.001, and prior use of cephalosporin drugs aOR: 4.64, 95% Cl 2.99-9.96; p=0.001, were strongly associated with the emergence of ESBL-producing E. coli in urinary tract infection patients. ESBL E. coli showed high resistance to amoxicillin 99.5% (n=575), ampicillin 97.8.% (n=570), cotrimazaxole 86.2% (n=344), ceftriaxone 73.7% (n=344), ciprofloxacin 73.2% (n=423), and ceftaxime 59.5% (n=426). There was a less resistance to ampicillin -cloxacillin 44.3% (n=256), gentamicin 22.5% (n=22.5), and norfloxacin 18.9% (n=109) respectively. Isolates were shown to be more susceptible to meropenem at 1.6% (n=9). the overall prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli is 13.4%. The risk of emergence ESBL was higher in patients with previous history of hospitalisation, long hospital stay, prior use of penicillin and cephalosporin drugs. High level of antimicrobial resistance observed against most commonly used antibiotics in treatment of urinary tract infections. The clinicians should rely on microbiological diagnosis in treatment of UTIs to reduce risk of treatment failure. Further study should be carried out to assess the prevalence and resistance pattern of other uropathogens and other risk factors.

Strengthening clinical bacteriology laboratory diagnostics to combat sepsis and antimicrobial resistance in Benin: a train-the-trainer approach.

Improved laboratory diagnostics is needed to support sepsis diagnosis and combat increasing antibiotic resistance in Benin. We trained clinical laboratory experts and technicians to improve their skills in accurate and up-to-date diagnostics. A Train-the-Trainer (TtT) approach was used to design the course that combines theoretical and practical laboratory skills, specifically addressing the knowledge gaps we had previously identified in our national survey. Pedagogical methods were student-centered, including peer learning, use of online materials, practical laboratory work and pre-and post-course tests. We first trained 10 trainers who in turn trained 40 laboratory technicians from across the country, from both public and private clinical and veterinary laboratories. The trainers also prepared standard operation procedures for blood culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing based on international standards. Three months after the training, follow-up visits were made to the laboratories where the implementation of the new skills was evaluated. The progress of the participants observed during the course and the implementation of the new skills afterwards proved the training to be effective. The professional networks created during the training, the empowerment that utilizes local knowledge resources, and the government support for our initiative can be expected to bring sustainability to the initiative and support the participation of Beninese laboratories in international surveillance programs in the future.

Neisseria meningitidis with decreased susceptibility to penicillin G and molecular characterization of the penA gene in strains isolated at University Hospital Centers of Casablanca and Marrakech (Morocco).

the laboratory diagnosis of meningococcal meningitis relies on conventional techniques. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between the reduced sensitivity to penicillin G of Neisseria meningitidis (N.m) strains and the expression of the altered PBP 2 gene. out of 190 strains of N.m isolated between 2010 and 2021 at the bacteriology laboratories of Ibn Rochd University Hospital Centre (IR-UHC) in Casablanca and the UHC Mohammed VI in Marrakech, 23 isolates were part of our study. We first determined their state of sensitivity to penicillin G by E-Test strips and searched for the expression of the penA gene by PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. of all the confirmed cases of N.m, 93.15% (n=177) are of serogroup B, 75.2% (n = 143) are sensitive to penicillin G and 24.73% (n = 47) are of intermediate sensitivity. No resistance to penicillin G was observed. Reduced sensitivity to penicillin G in N.m is characterized by mutations namely F504 L, A510 V, I515 V, G541 N and I566 V located in the C-terminal region of the penA gene encoding the penicillin-binding protein 2 (PBP2) (mosaic gene). our study presents useful data for the phenotypic and genotypic monitoring of resistance to penicillin G in N.m and can contribute to the analysis of genetic exchanges between different Neisseria species.

Continual Improvement in Clinical Bacteriology Laboratory with Quality Indicators: A Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction: Healthcare management is undergoing significant changes with the evolution of new and re-emerging infections. A clinical microbiologist plays an important role in giving an accurate and timely report to the clinicians. Quality Indicators (QIs) act as a measure of the quality of services offered by the laboratory and are tools to monitor and evaluate the laboratory’s performance throughout the Total Testing Process (TTP). Aim: To measure the performance of the clinical bacteriology laboratory using QIs. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The study evaluated QIs from the records of 94,624 samples received in the bacteriology section of the clinical Microbiology laboratory between January 2018 and March 2021. Data analysis was conducted over a six-month period from December 2021 to May 2022. In 2018, one QI was identified for each phase, with an additional QI added in each phase to the pre-existing QI in 2019. In 2020, a QI was added in the preanalytical phase only. In 2021, the acceptable limit for one preanalytical QI was reduced from 2% to 1%. Data analysis was performed using an Excel sheet. Results: Data from records of 94,624 clinical bacteriology samples collected over 39 months were analyzed retrospectively. The preanalytical indicators included the number of samples rejected (135, 0.14%) and the number of requisition forms with three patient identifiers (59,645, 93.95%). Analytical phase QIs consisted of the average External Quality Assurance Scheme (EQAS) performance score (97.44% from January 2018 to March 2021) and outliers in the Internal Quality Control (IQC) (25 from January 2019 till March 2021). Failures in the IQC were not assessed in 2018. Postanalytical phase QIs included Turnaround Time (TAT) (average of 2.55 days for aerobic growth) and reporting time for critical alerts, which was within 24 hours of alert finding (100% for smear and culture-positive results). Conclusion: Regular monitoring of QIs helps to identify potential errors. This laboratory chose to analyse and monitor its processes using practically feasible QIs. It was found that the laboratory consistently maintained its performance throughout the study period.

Back passage of haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) vaccine seed C82 in cattle calf

Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is caused by Pasteurella multocida serotypes B: 2, a Gram-negative coccobacilli bacterium. It causes fatal septicaemia with high mortality in cattle and buffaloes. Disease control and prevention are by effective HS vaccination in animals. A study was conducted on one mixed breed cattle calf for back passage of haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) seed strain C82. Prior to bacterial inoculation in the calf, Mouse Protection Test (MPT) was conducted to ensure the calf is free from any HS antibody. The calf was injected subcutaneously with 0.5 ml dilutions of 10-3 of the bacteria incubated overnight (approximately 106 CFU/ml). After ±30 hours inoculation, post-mortem was conducted on the calf showing sign of HS. Heart blood and organ samples were collected and cultured on blood agar to determine bacteria purity. Blood and organ samples were also sent to the bacteriology laboratory in VRI for confirmatory tests. The death of the calf is confirmed by re-isolation of Pasteurella multocida Type B. Heart blood collected was processed, freeze-dried and keep as vaccine seed for further usage in vaccine production. Revival of vaccine seed is needed to ensure its pathogenicity and functionality for production purposes.

Isolation, identification, and characterization of resistant bacteria to antibiotics from pharmaceutical effluent and study of their antibiotic resistance.

Pharmaceutical effluents primarily enter aquatic environments through the discharge of treated and untreated wastewater from various sources, including hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, and households. Microbes sourced from pharmaceutical effluents such as Pseudomonas spp. pose a significant public health concern because of their high levels of resistance to multiple drugs and extreme multidrug resistance. Therefore, the present study was conducted for the isolation, identification, and molecular characterization of selected isolates from pharmaceutical effluents and also determined their antibiotic sensitivity patterns. From June 2016 to March 2017, a study was conducted on four well-known pharmaceutical companies specializing in antibiotic production in Dhaka and Gazipur. Four wastewater samples were collected from various origins and then brought to the Bacteriology laboratory for microbiological examination. Twelve pure isolates were obtained and characterized through cultural and biochemical tests while molecular identification of Pseudomonas spp. was performed using the 16S rRNA gene sequence. Twelve commercially available antibiotics were used for antibiotic sensitivity tests using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion methods. We isolated the most predominant isolates, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (41.67%), followed by Bacillus spp. (33.33%) and Staphylococcus spp. (25%) respectively. Among 12 antibiotics, ciprofloxacin is 100% sensitive against P. aeruginosa, while the remaining 11 antibiotics are 100% resistant. Bacillus spp. showed 100% resistance to all antibiotics while 50% sensitive to vancomycin and 100% to chloramphenicol, respectively. Staphylococcus spp. was 100% resistant to all antibiotics. Our research suggested that P. aeruginosa is the reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes and spreads disease to humans from the environment. The findings of this study, i.e., the isolation, identification, and characterization of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from pharmaceutical effluent have highlighted, comprehended, and mitigated the dissemination of antibiotic resistance and opportunistic bacteria.

ANALYSIS OF THE DYNAMICS OF UROPATHOGENS ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN PATIENTS OF MULTI-SPECIALTY HOSPITAL

Urinary tract infections are among the most common bacterial infections. Currently, one of the main problems of therapy, as for the infections of other localizations, is the high level of antibiotic resistance. Timely prescribed and adequately selected antimicrobial therapy is the main factor determining the treatment outcome. The aim of the study. To carry out dynamic analysis of the etiological structure of urinary tract microflora and to assess antibiotic resistance of the most significant uropathogens in patients of the Clinics of the Irkutsk State Medical University (Clinics of ISMU) in order to optimize the use of antimicrobial drugs in a multidisciplinary hospital. Materials and methods. We analyzed bacterial strains (n = 2414) collected from urine of patients treated at the Clin-ics of ISMU from 2018 to 2022. Microbiological examination of urine was conducted in bacteriological laboratory of the Clinics of ISMU. Results. During the study period, E. coli remained the main uropathogen. There has been an increase in antibiotic resistance of E. coli to the main antimicrobial agents which are traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections, including fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins. There is an increase in the frequency of detection of E. coli strains producing extended-spectrum b-lactamases from 5.4 % to 12.4 %. Meropenem and nitrofurantoin retain the greatest activity against E. coli. Conclusion. The results of this study indicate the need to strengthen control over the use of antimicrobial agents in medical organizations, the importance of constant microbiological monitoring in order to identify the characteristics of local antibiotic resistance and update protocols for empirical treatment of urinary tract infections.