Common Bacterial Agents Research Articles

A Study of Clinico-Microbiological Profile and Treatment Outcomes of Infectious Keratitis.

Background Infectious keratitis (IK) is one of the major causes of corneal blindness in developing and developed nations.Numerous infections, including bacterial, fungal, viral, and protozoa, have been linked to IK. Corneal perforations can happen as one of the complications of IK. In this study, we aim to determine the clinical and microbiological profile and to studythe treatment outcomes of IK. Material and methods It is a prospective, observational, and experimental study conducted in a tertiary care hospital and research centerin Western Maharashtra, India, from September 2022 to June 2024. The sample size was 107 patients with IK. All patients were above 15 years of age, and all cases of microbial keratitis were within the inclusion criteria. Patients less than 15 years of age, patients with any other associated corneal pathology, healed cases of infectious keratitis, peripheral ulcerative keratitis, patients not willing to participate in the study, or not giving consent were excluded. Patients were examined thoroughly, and corneal scraping samples were collected and sent for microbiological examination. Appropriate treatment was provided through medical or surgical management, and treatment outcomes were evaluated during frequent follow-up visits. Results In our study, the majority of patients originated from rural areas, with most being over 60 years of age. Diabetes mellitus was seen in 24.3%, and a history of ocular trauma was present in 48.5% of patients. Staphylococcus epidermidis (3.74%) was the most common organism seen on gram staining, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (2.8%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the only gram-negative organism seen. The number of patients who had fungal isolates positive on culture was 57%, 12.1% had bacterial, and 30% had no growth of microorganisms. Fusarium species were seen in 39.2% of culture isolates, followed by Aspergillus flavus and Niger in 7.47% each. In 96% of medically managed patients, ulcers healed within two months. All ulcers with severe and moderate depth required therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. A graft was in place in 95.2% after therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, while one patient had graft rejection, and in one patient, endophthalmitis was seen. Conclusion Staphylococcus epidermidiswas the most common bacterial agent isolated on gram staining, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the only gram-negative bacillus isolated on gram staining. Fungal isolates were the most common isolates observed on culture, seen in more than half of the IK patients in our study. The majority of patientswho underwent medical management had ulcers healed in two months. The majority of the patients who underwent surgical management had fungal isolates positive.We recommend further research to be conducted in a generalized population, including urban settings, to understand the risk factors, microbiological profile, and treatment outcomes for IK.

Risk factors associated with Helicobacter pylori infection among patients attending private clinics in Borama district, Somaliland

ABSTRACT Risk factors associated with Helicobacter pylori infection among patients attending private clinics in Borama district, Somaliland, are studied. We specifically investigated the association among the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the users’ socioeconomic status, and the household hygiene practice of people with H. pylori infection attending the Borama private clinic. Helicobacter pylorus (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative spiral-shaped bacterium that infects gastric-type epithelium, and it is probably the most common bacterial agent in humans after Streptococcus mutans, which causes dental caries. H. pylori infection is now recognized as a worldwide problem and it is the most common cause of chronic gastritis and is strongly linked to peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. The prevalence of H. pylori infection is high in less-developed Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Thailand, and is acquired at an earlier age than in the more developed Asian countries like Japan and China. H. pylori infection is a global public health problem, affecting over 50% of the population worldwide.

Antibiotic resistance of enteropathogenic bacteria in a teaching hospital in North Khuzestan during a three-year period.

Gastrointestinal infections affect many people annually. The most common bacterial agents involved in these infections are enteropathogenic bacteria and in the continuation of using broad-spectrum antibiotics, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea is involved, especially in hospitalized patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pattern of antibiotic resistance among enteropathogenic bacteria. In this cross-sectional study, 163 samples of patients with diarrhea in Dezful Ganjavian Hospital were examined. The samples were cultured in MacConkey, Hektoen enteric agar and GN broth, and cycloserine cefoxitin fructose agar media and incubated under standard conditions. In order to identify enteropathogenic bacteria, biochemical tests and serological confirmatory tests were used. Antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolates was investigated by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test. The frequency of pathogenic bacteria includes 41.1% of Shigella flexneri, followed by 41.1% of S. sonnei, 6.7% of Enteropathogenic E. coli, 5.5% of Salmonella enterica Serogroup B, and 5.5% of Shigella dysenteriae. The results revealed a total of 46 patients with orders regarding C. difficile culture, no C. difficile was isolated from the samples. The studied isolates showed the highest resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and ceftriaxone (88.3%), and the most effective antibiotic in the treatment of patients was ciprofloxacin with 86% sensitivity. Susceptibility to antibiotics was different among the isolates, which shows that the early identification of the infection agent and the selection of the correct antibiotic treatment are effective in improving the gastrointestinal infection and preventing the spread of the infection.

Prevalence and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Common Bacterial Agents Causing Septic Arthritis in Shiraz, Southwestern Iran

Background: Septic arthritis (SA) or infectious arthritis (IA) typically occurs following hematogenous inoculation of pathogenic organisms in susceptible individuals. This infection is commonly a result of hematogenous spread of the infectious agent, inflammation or bone infection dissemination, as well as trauma or surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment of SA are crucial for affected patients. Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prevalence of bacterial SA and the trend of antibiotic resistance in a specialized orthopedic and neurosurgery hospital from 2018 to 2020. Methods: Patient records from the hospital admissions between 2018 and 2020 were reviewed. Data including patient age, gender, hospital ward, and antibiotic susceptibility test results were extracted and recorded for analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 software. Results: Among the 249 cases investigated, 29 positive bacterial cultures were reported (11.6%). The knee joint was the most commonly affected (48.3%), followed by the ankle (27.6%). The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were ciprofloxacin, cefazolin, and cephalexin, respectively. Over the three-year study period, an increase in antibiotic resistance to ciprofloxacin and cefazolin and a decrease in antibiotic resistance to cephalexin were observed. Conclusions: Despite its common occurrence, diagnosing SA can be challenging. Early joint surgery (arthrotomy) along with the initiation of effective antibiotic therapy plays a crucial role in reducing the incidence of complications associated with this disease.

Identification of common bacterial etiologic agents, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern & associated risk factors of Otitis media among pediatric patients of ENT Center of Orotta National Referral Hospital

Identification of common bacterial etiologic agents, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern & associated risk factors of Otitis media among pediatric patients of ENT Center of Orotta National Referral Hospital

Biosynthesis Optimization of Antibacterial-Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles from Bacillus megaterium.

The occurrence of antibiotic resistance on common bacterial agents and the need to use new generations of antibiotics have led to the use of various strategies for production. Taking inspiration from nature, using bio-imitation patterns, in addition to the low cost of production, is advantageous and highly accurate. In this research, we were able to control the temperature, shake, and synthesis time of the synthesis conditions of Bacillus megaterium bacteria as a model for the synthesis of magnetic iron nanoparticles and optimize the ratio of reducing salt to bacterial regenerating agents as well as the concentration of salt to create iron oxide nanoparticles with more favorable properties and produced with more antibacterial properties. Bacterial growth was investigated by changing the incubation times of pre-culture and overnight culture in the range of the logarithmic phase. The synthesis time, salt ratio, and concentration were optimized to achieve the size, charge, colloidal stability, and magnetic and antibacterial properties of nanoparticles. The amount of the effective substance produced by the bacteria was selected by measuring the amount of the active substance synthesized using the free radical reduction (DPPH) method. With the help of DPPH, the duration of the synthesis was determined to be one week. Characterizations such as UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, FESEM, X-ray, and scattering optical dynamics were performed and showed that the nanoparticles synthesized with a salt concentration of 80mM and a bacterial suspension to salt ratio of 2:1 are smaller in size and have a light scattering index, a PDI index close to 0.1, and a greater amount of reducing salt used in the reaction during one week compared to other samples. Moreover, they had more antibacterial properties than the concentration of 100mM. As a result, better characteristics and more antibacterial properties than common antibiotics were created on E. coli and Bacillus cereus.

Bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of neonatal septicemia in a tertiary care hospital

ABSTRACT Background: Among the various reasons for neonatal mortality, septicemia continues to be a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Incidence varies from country to country, but it is much higher in developing countries than in developed countries. In India, the incidence of blood culture-proven sepsis was reported as 8.5 per 1000 live births. The bacteriological profile for causative organisms of neonatal sepsis differs significantly between developed and developing countries. Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most common bacterial agent in developing countries. This study was undertaken to determine the common bacterial agents causing neonatal sepsis from the tertiary care hospital and their antibiotic susceptibility and resistance. Methods: About 150 blood samples of suspected cases of neonatal septicemia admitted in NICU. Bacterial identification and speciation were done by standard laboratory procedures. Isolates and susceptibility were performed on Automation system. Results: Ninety-one babies presented within the first 72 h of life constituting early-onset sepsis, whereas 59 presented as late-onset sepsis. Among the 150 samples, blood culture was positive in 47 samples. Out of 47 culture-positive cases, 27 (58%) were Gram-negative bacilli, 18 (38%) were Gram-positive cocci, and two (4%) were fungal isolate. K. pneumoniae was the most commonly isolated Gram-negative bacilli. Conclusion: Neonatal septicemia is a life-threatening emergency and rapid treatment with antibiotics is mandatory for favorable outcomes. There is also a need for regular periodic surveillance of the causative organisms of neonatal sepsis as well as their antibiotic susceptibility patterns to inform the choice of empirical antibiotic prescription while awaiting blood culture results.

Investigating outbreaks caused by foodborne diseases and determining common bacterial agents that cause them in Kurdistan province

Investigating outbreaks caused by foodborne diseases and determining common bacterial agents that cause them in Kurdistan province

Utility of clinical and laboratory data to estimate the probability of bacterial diarrhea diagnosed by stool multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction assay in a pediatric population

Aims: we estimated the probability of a positive result for the most common bacterial causal agents of diarrhea, such as Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Shigella/Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli, Yersinia enterocolitica or Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli by a stool multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay in a pediatric population evaluated at the Pediatric and Pediatric Emergency Unit, Children Hospital of the Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy, during the period April 2022 - July 2023. Methods: we analyzed the clinical data collected by the Pediatrician on the stool sample request form along with complete blood count and C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Results: in our case series, the presence of blood/mucus in stool along with an increased value of CRP are independently associated with a positive result diagnosed by molecular method for bacterial diarrhea caused by the aforementioned pathogens. Conclusions: the results proposed in this paper can be of help in hospital settings without the availability of a stool multiplex PCR assay to estimate the probability of bacterial diarrhea in a pediatric patient.

Genomic characterization of a multidrug-resistant uropathogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i> and evaluation of <i>Echeveria</i> plant extracts as antibacterials

<abstract> <p>Uropathogenic <italic>Escherichia coli</italic> (UPEC) is the most common bacterial agent associated with urinary tract infections, threatening public health systems with elevated medical costs and high morbidity rates. The successful establishment of the infection is associated with virulence factors encoded in its genome, in addition to antibacterial resistance genes, which could limit the treatment and resolution of the infection. In this sense, plant extracts from the genus <italic>Echeveria</italic> have traditionally been used to treat diverse infectious diseases. However, little is known about the effects of these extracts on bacteria and their potential mechanisms of action. This study aims to sequence a multidrug-resistant UPEC isolate (UTI-U7) and assess the multilocus sequence typing (MLST), virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance profile, genes, serotype, and plasmid content. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiling was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion. The antibacterial and anti-adherent effects of the methanol extracts (ME) of <italic>Echeveria</italic> (<italic>E. craigiana</italic>, <italic>E. kimnachii</italic>, and <italic>E. subrigida</italic>) against UTI-U7 were determined. The isolate was characterized as an O25:H4-B2-ST2279-CH40 subclone and had resistant determinants to aminoglycosides, β-lactams, fluoroquinolones/quinolones, amphenicols, and tetracyclines, which matched with the antimicrobial resistance profile. The virulence genes identified encode adherence factors, iron uptake, protectins/serum resistance, and toxins. Identified plasmids belonged to the IncF group (IncFIA, IncFIB, and IncFII), alongside several prophage-like elements. After an extensive genome analysis that confirmed the pathogenic status of UTI-U7 isolate, <italic>Echeveria</italic> extracts were tested to determine their antibacterial effects; as an extract, <italic>E. subrigida</italic> (MIC, 5 mg/mL) displayed the best inhibitory effect. However, the adherence between UTI-U7 and HeLa cells was unaffected by the ME of the <italic>E. subrigida</italic> extract.</p> </abstract>

Increase in antibiotic resistance in diabetic foot infections among peruvian patients: a single-center cross-sectional study.

Diabetic foot is one of the most significant complications in individuals with diabetes and is closely associated with lower limb amputation. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of these bacterial isolates play a critical role in guiding effective treatment strategies We aimed to determine the most common bacterial agents causing diabetic foot infections in a tertiary-care hospital in Peru. Clinical and microbiological data were collected from 181 patients diagnosed with diabetic foot infections and positive microbiological culture results. All the samples were analyzed with the Vitek 2 compact system and the cut-off points were defined with the CLSI M100 guide. The data were segregated based on mono-microbial or poly-microbial cultures, bacterial types, and antibiotic susceptibility profiles. A total of 32 bacterial species were identified, predominantly Gram-negative (63%). The most frequent bacterial agents isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (19.9%), Escherichia coli (12.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.3%), and Proteus vulgaris (6.6%). These bacteria commonly exhibited resistance to Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and Cefuroxime. E. coli showed the highest antibiotic resistance (19 antibiotics), while Gentamicin, Tobramycin, and Levofloxacin demonstrated the highest sensitivity against the most prevalent bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria also exhibited notable antibiotic-susceptibility to Meropenem, Piperacillin/tazobactam, and Amikacin. Regarding the presence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase, 54 isolates tested positive, with 35 (64.8%) and 14 (42.4%) of these being S. aureus and E. coli. Bacterial agents causing diabetic foot infections pose a constant concern, particularly due to the increasing antibiotic resistance observed. This difficulty in treating the condition contributes to a higher risk of amputation and mortality. Further research on bacterial susceptibility is necessary to determine appropriate dosages for pharmacological treatment and to prevent the overuse of antibiotics.

Uncomplicated bacterial uroinfections: aetiological structure and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates

Introduction and objective: The increasing resistance to antimicrobials also affects uropathogens, the causative agents of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), and is a frequent cause of failure of empirical antimicrobial therapy. The purpose of the study is to analyze the aetiological structure and susceptibility to antimicrobials of the most common bacterial causative agents of UTIs. Material and Methods: A prospective analysis of microbial findings was performed in patients with clinical evidence of UTIs. A total of 9,426 urine cultures were examined (female: 5,157; male: 4,269). Results: Microbial growth was found in 29.7% of female urine cultures and in 19.1% of male urine cultures. A total of 2,364 microbial isolates were identified. The aetiological structure of the isolates in both groups was similar – female: E. coli 51.3 %, Enterococcus spp. 18.9%, K. pneumoniae 13.1%, P.mirabilis 4.6%, Candida spp. 1.2%; male: E. Coli 23.5 %, Enterococcus spp.27.4%, K. pneumoniae 19.5%, P. mirabilis 6.4%, Candida spp. 2.8%. A high frequency of resistance was found to cephalosporins III generation (ceftriaxone: K.pneumoniae 31.7 %, P. mirabilis 15.2 %), fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin: E.faecium 74.0 %, K.pneumoniae 34.4 %, E. faecalis 27.9 %, E. coli 27.0 %, P. Mirabilis 24.0 %) and trimethoprim/sufamethoxazole (K. pneumoniae 33.9 %, P. mirabilis 33.6 %, E. coli 25.3 %,). Resistance to fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin was low. ESBL-producers were more frequent among K. pneumoniae (31.7 %) compared to E. coli (9.3 %). Resistance to carbapenems was found only in K. pneumoniae (14.9 %). Conclusion: The study showed that the main uropathogens are often resistant to the antimicrobials recommended for empiric antimicrobial therapy in UTIs, necessitating a revision of local recommendations.

The impact of sexually transmitted infections on the reproductive health in adolescent girls

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), remained relevant to this day, are a huge problem for the global health system. The most common bacterial causative agents of STIs are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which cause numerous urogenital symptoms and can also affect the organs of the female reproductive system, and the course of pregnancy. The group of viral STIs includes a large number of pathogens, among which the hepatitis B virus is of particular interest. The greatest problem in relation to STIs is the antibiotic resistance of pathogens, which greatly complicates the treatment of patients. The ability to solve this problem lies in the creation of fast and accurate methods for diagnosing STI pathogens. An important role in the struggle against STIs can be played by sexual education of adolescents, giving them an idea of the risks and consequences that sexual contact can lead to.
 The search for works for inclusion in this review was carried out using the PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar databases. The keywords used in the search were “Chlamydia trachomatis”, “Neisseria gonorrhoeae”, “hepatitis B”, “reproductive outcomes” and “sex education”.
 The search input identified four hundred fifty three reports. During the review of abstracts and full texts of papers, 58 reports were selected, among which there were 5 systematic reviews and 18 clinical studies.
 Both chlamydial infection and gonorrhea are associated with the development of infertility, where the tubal factor plays a key role, and pregnancy complications. The use of rapid tests, which provide fast and accurate results in the diagnosis of STIs, shortens the period from the patient’s admission to the appointment of the correct treatment regimen, which speeds up the recovery process for patients. Data on hepatitis B are mixed, but it is associated with numerous complications of pregnancy, while no association with infertility was observed. Sex education can reduce the number of STIs and unwanted pregnancies, which has a positive effect on the physical and emotional state of adolescents.

Enhanced phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing of Mannheimia haemolytica serotype 1 following in-frame CMP-sialic acid synthetase (neuA) gene deletion.

Mannheimia haemolytica is the most significant bacterial pathogen associated with the bovine respiratory disease complex. Although sialic acid is a known virulence factor in other members of Pasteurellaceae, such as Histophilus somni and Pasteurella multocida, the significance of sialic acid to the virulence of M. haemolytica is currently unknown. Therefore, the role of sialic acid as a virulence determinant of M. haemolytica was investigated by constructing an in-frame neuA [CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac/sialic) synthetase] mutant, which was shown by high-performance anion exchange chromatographic analysis (HPAEC) to be devoid of sialic acid on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Both the neuA mutant and wild-type parent strains exhibited similar growth rates in the growth curve assay. Real-time qPCR and ELISA evaluation showed no differences in proinflammatory cytokine expressions (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) between the neuA mutant and parent strain when peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated with LPS. Interestingly, the neuA mutant was three to four logs more sensitive to a whole-blood bacterial killing assay than the parent strain. Similar results were also observed in plasma and serum bacterial killing assays. Flow cytometry analyses showed higher uptake of neuA mutant by phagocytes, compared to the parent strain, in the whole-blood phagocytosis assay; however, no difference in reactive oxygen species production in neutrophils or monocytes was detected for either strain. Taken together, these results indicate that sialylation of M. haemolytica LPS plays a vital role in reducing complement-mediated and phagocytic killing. IMPORTANCE The Gram-negative coccobacillus Mannheimia haemolytica is a natural inhabitant of the upper respiratory tract in ruminants and the most common bacterial agent involved in bovine respiratory disease complex development. Key virulence factors harbored by M. haemolytica are leukotoxin, lipopolysaccharide, capsule, adhesins, and neuraminidase which are involved in evading innate and adaptive immune responses. In this study, we have shown that CMP-sialic acid synthetase (neuA) is necessary for the incorporation of sialic acid onto the membrane, and inactivation of neuA results in increased phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing of M. haemolytica, thus demonstrating that sialylation contributes to the virulence of M. haemolytica.

Association Between Biofilm Formation by U.P.E.C. and Serum Level of Several Cytokines

One hundred and eighty-nine subjects from Baghdad enrolled in this study (110 female and 79 male) and gathered into two investigated groups; the first group consisted of 149 patients, and the second group consisted of 40 healthy individuals. Results revealed after clinical laboratory diagnosis of urine samples 12 (8.1%) gave a negative bacterial culture, 137 (91.9%) were positive culture, while all urine samples of healthy control were negative. Gram staining and microscopic examination of bacterial colonies showed that 11(8.03%) out of 137 isolates were identified as Gram-positive and 126 (91.97%) as Gram-negative. After biochemical analysis and diagnosis by the Vitik system, the data demonstrated that a single infectious agent caused all U.T.I. cases. U.P.E.C. represented the most common bacterial agent because of several virulence factors responsible for its pathogenicity. The test tube method and Congo red agar medium have been used to detect biofilm formation. Results demonstrate that 129 (94.16 %) of bacterial isolates were producers, while just 8 (5.84 %) were non-producers. The results of the microtiter plate method revealed that the isolates were categorized into four groups: Strong, moderate, weak, and harmful. 22 (63.5%) were strong biofilm producers, 28 (20.449%) were moderate producers, 14 (10.22%) were weak producers, and 8 (5.84%) were unable to form biofilm. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 were estimated by Sandwich ELISA, which were significantly higher in patients with different types of U.T.I.s than the healthy group. This study concluded that the U.P.E.C. represented the most common prevalent agent of U.T.I.s and more efficient biofilm-producer bacteria. The test tube method is the best qualitative, quick, and easy detection method of biofilm formation, while the microtiter plate is the best quantitative and sensitive method. A positive correlation was found between biofilm formation and elevated serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines, proportionally increased with advanced and severe, especially in old persons. Keywords: UTIs; ELISA; IL-1β; IL-6; IL-8; Iraq

Development and Validation of a Panel of One-Step Four-Plex qPCR/RT-qPCR Assays for Simultaneous Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Pathogens Associated with Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex.

Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) is the primary cause of respiratory disease in the canine population and is caused by a wide array of viruses and bacterial pathogens with coinfections being common. Since its recognition in late 2019, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been reported to cause respiratory disease in dogs. Therefore, the rapid detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 from other common viral and bacterial agents is critical from a public health standpoint. Here, we developed and validated a panel of four one-step multiplex qPCR/RT-qPCR assays for the detection and identification of twelve pathogens associated with CIRDC (canine adenovirus-2, canine distemper virus, canine herpesvirus-1, canine influenza A virus, canine parainfluenza virus, canine pneumovirus, canine respiratory coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, Mycoplasma cynos, and M. canis), as well as the identification of three main CIV subtypes (i.e., H3N2, H3N8, and H1N1). All developed assays demonstrated high specificity and analytical sensitivity. This panel was used to test clinical specimens (n = 76) from CIRDC-suspected dogs. M. canis, M. cynos, and CRCoV were the most frequently identified pathogens (30.3%, 25.0%, and 19.7% of samples, respectively). The newly emerging pathogens CPnV and SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 5.3% of samples and coinfections were identified in 30.3%. This new multiplex qPCR/RT-qPCR panel is the most comprehensive panel developed thus far for identifying CIRDC pathogens, along with SARS-CoV-2.

Clinical presentations and microbiological analysis of cerebrospinal fluid samples in cases of suspected bacterial meningitis patients attending a 1600 bedded teaching hospital from 2019 to 2022: A retrospective study.

Meningitis can be attributed to bacterial, fungal, or viral agents. In this study, we demonstrate the common bacterial agents causing meningitis along with their antibiotics susceptibility pattern in patients of all age groups. This retrospective, observational study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from November 2019 to May 2022. We collected 1986 nonrepeat CSF samples from clinically suspected patients of bacterial meningitis, and clinical information about the patients was extracted from the hospital information system. Out of the 1986 CSF samples included in our study, 150 (7.55%) were found to be positive on bacterial culture. Most of our patients were in the age group of 0-20 years. Common clinical manifestations observed in our patients were: high-grade fever, 87 patients (58%); severe headache, 126 patients (84%); neck rigidity, 47 patients (31.3%); altered mental status, 76 patients (50.7%) and photophobia, 83 patients (55.3%). The most commonly isolated bacteria was Acinetobacter species (30%). The mean length of hospitalization (37.76 ± 25.30), the mean total cell count, high levels of protein (mg/dl) and low levels of glucose (mg/dl) of CSF were statistically significant in meningitis caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. We recognized the spectrum of pathogens causing meningitis at our center along with the antibiotic resistance pattern to guide and facilitate early treatment by primary health care professionals and family medicine practitioners.

Fungal and bacterial co-infection in the superficial and deep sternal wound after open cardiac surgery.

Sternum infection increases the time of the patients stay in the hospital and, as a result, increases the treatment costs. This study aimed to evaluate the fungal and bacterial co-infection in the superficial and deep sternal wounds after open cardiac surgery and its relationship with risk factors, as sternal infection increases the time of the patient's stay in the hospital and, as a result, increases the treatment costs. Data were collected using a questionnaire and sampling with two swabs after open heart surgery and hospitalization from 21 March 2018 to 20 March 2019 and sent to the laboratory for diagnosis of microorganisms effective in wound infection. Susceptibility testing for fluconazole and specific antibiotics was performed by the disk diffusion method. Out of 210 patients studied, 2% of patients had deep sternal wound infections. The most common coinfection fungal and bacterial agents in sternal wounds were caused by Staphylococcus aureus with Candida glabrata 4% and Escherichia coli with Candida albicans 2%. S. aureus and E. coli showed the highest antibiotic susceptibility to the antibiotics ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, meropenem, and imipenem. Candida glabrata and Candida albicans had the highest rate of resistance to fluconazole. According to the results of this study, patients on the 7th day in the cardiac care unit (CCU) and the 28th day are at higher risk of getting confection of fungi with bacteria in the sternal wound. Therefore, timely and appropriate antibiotic therapy, including the use of appropriate antibiotics, can be an important step in the patient's recovery.

Antibiotic Resistance – Where are We Going?

Abstract Introduction of antibiotics into clinical practice is considered as a turning point in medicine resulting in saving millions of lives and allowing for the development of new fields of medicine such as transplantology, neonatology, hematology and many others. From the very beginning, this success was accompanied by the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains with its continuous rise. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in medicine, veterinary practice and animal and plant production are the main reasons the resistance has emerged. Presently, an increase in isolation of multidrug resistant (MDR), excessively resistant (XDR) and pandrug resistant (PDR) bacteria is being observed worldwide in the most common human etiologic bacterial agents . As examples of rapid evolution of resistance, S. aureus and Enterobacterales producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases are presented. Some initiatives of WHO and EU aiming to tackle antibiotic resistance are also discussed.

Utility of multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction for the detection of bacteria from sputum samples of community acquired pneumonia patients: A study from Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: This study was carried out to evaluate the utility of multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify the common bacterial agents of community acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: Sputum and blood samples were collected from 80 clinically suspected CAP patients in three tertiary-level hospitals in Dhaka city. Multiplex real-time PCR assay was carried out to simultaneously detect five common bacterial agents of CAP; Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila. Routine microbiological methods and serology were carried out. The results of PCR were compared with culture, Gram stain and serology. Results: Among the 80 patients, sputum samples of 35 (43.7%) patients were positive by PCR, of which the most commonly detected bacteria were S. pneumoniae (25/35, 71.4%), followed by H. influenzae (9/35, 25.7%) and L. pneumophila (1/35, 2.9%). All 80 sputum samples were negative for both M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae by PCR. Out of the 26 culture positive sputum samples, 8 (30.7%) were positive for S. pneumoniae and 1 (3.8%) was positive for H. influenzae. Among the 52 Gram stain valid sputum samples, 24 (46.1%) were S. pneumoniae and 7 (13.5%) were H. influenzae. By serology, out of the 80 cases, M. pneumoniae was detected in 32 (40%) and C. pneumoniae in 24 (30%) of cases. Mixed infections comprised of 38.8% (31/80) cases. Conclusion: Multiplex real-time PCR is useful for the rapid and simultaneous detection of bacterial pathogens of CAP in sputum and can help support traditional laboratory methods for the accurate diagnosis of CAP patients.