Common Bacterial Infections Research Articles

Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance of Streptococcus agalactiae in Women of Childbearing Age Presenting Urinary Tract Infections from Western Romania

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common bacterial infection in women of childbearing age. Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus—GBS), a rare causative pathogen of UTIs in this population, is particularly important due to the potential risk during pregnancy, when it can lead to life-threatening neonatal infections. The current study analyzed 17,273 urine samples collected from consecutive women aged 18–45 years from Arad County, Western Romania. A total of 2772 samples tested positive for UTIs. In 130 cases, GBS was identified as the causative agent. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that women aged 25–34 years were more likely to test positive for GBS than those aged 18–24 years (cOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.07–3.43, p = 0.03). Antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed that all GBS strains were fully sensitive to penicillin, ampicillin, and vancomycin. High resistance was observed for clindamycin (77.34%) and tetracycline (88.46%). While GBS was found to be a rare pathogen in UTIs, our results underscore the importance of monitoring GBS in women of childbearing age, especially due to its risks during pregnancy, and emphasize the need for appropriate antibiotic management.

Urinary Tract Infection in Children: An Up-To-Date Study

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections in children. UTIs may be limited to the bladder or involve the kidneys with possible irreversible damage. Congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are often associated with UTIs; kidney scars have been considered a consequence of untreated UTIs but may be congenital. The mechanism by which bacteria produce inflammation in the urinary system has been intensively investigated. Diagnostic tools, including invasive imaging procedures, have been advocated in infants and small children with UTIs but are not necessary in most cases. Effective antibiotic drugs are available, and prophylactic treatment has been questioned. Several guidelines on UTIs are available, but a simple one for general practitioners is needed.

Vonoprazan: A novel agent used in eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori is the most common chronic bacterial infection worldwide. Because of the risk for chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric malignancy, all patients with H. pylori should be treated. Unfortunately, eradication rates remain low, and barriers to successful treatment include inadequate acid suppression, locoregional antibiotic resistance, and patient nonadherence to complicated treatment regimens. Vonoprazan, a new medication for the treatment of H. pylori infections, provides more potent acid suppression and is simpler to dose than proton pump inhibitors. This article provides a data-driven algorithm for incorporating vonoprazan into the treatment of patients with H. pylori infections.

A Case Study of Urinary Tract Infection and its Ayurveda Management

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection encountered in daily medical practice. It is more prevalent in females than males due to the shorter urethra in females, which allows bacteria a quicker access to the bladder. One in five women develop UTI at least once in her lifetime. UTIs in men are uncommon, but when they do occur, they can be very serious. In Ayurveda, the symptoms of UTI closely resemble a condition known as Mutrakriccha. Acharya Charaka has explained eight types of Mutrakriccha in Charaka Chikitsa Sthana 26. In this condition, the aggravated Pitta Dosha, along with Apana Vayu, reaches the Vasti (bladder) and affects the Mutravaha Srotas, leading to painful and burning urination. In this case report, a 50-year-old male patient presented with symptoms of urinary urgency, increased frequency, and intermittent burning urination for the past 1-2 months. He was diagnosed with UTI and was effectively managed with Syp. Neeri, Chandraprabha Vati, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Shweta Parpati, and Hajaralyahud Bhasma. The treatment resulted in significant improvement in signs, symptoms, and urine examination results. During follow-up visits, there were no recurrences of UTI. Ayurvedic management offers a promising alternative for treating Mutrakriccha.

Helicobacter pylori a karcinom žaludku

Helicobacter pylori belongs to the most common bacterial infections worldwide; despite its decreasing prevalence during the past four decades (currently ~ 40–50%), it is more prevalent in developing countries compared to developed ones. Intensive research of chronic Helicobacter pylori infection clarified the pathogenesis of several gastric and extragastric diseases, including different cancers. This review pointed out the role of Helicobacter pylori in different gastric malignancies. Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection is an etiological factor in non-cardia gastric cancer and most cases of low-grade MALT lymphoma of the stomach. However, there is an inverse association of Helicobacter pylori infection with other gastric malignancies, like cardia gastric cancer or rare hereditary Gastric Adenocarcinoma and Proximal Polyposis of the Stomach syndrome (GAPPS). A crucial issue has not been definitely solved yet: whether early eradication of Helicobacter pylori could prevent sporadic gastric cancer in the future? There is moderate evidence that searching for and eradicating Helicobacter pylori reduces the incidence of gastric cancer and death from gastric cancer in healthy asymptomatic infected Asian individuals, although data cannot necessarily be extrapolated to European or US populations so far. Indication for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori must now be considered with caution, on an individual basis of personalized medicine.

Urinary tract infection: is it time for a new approach considering a gender perspective and new microbial advances?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in humans, particularly affecting women, with significant clinical and socioeconomic impacts. Despite advances in medical research, the diagnostic criteria for UTI have remained practically unchanged since Kass’s seminal work, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation in light of new scientific insights. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of the urobiome, a previously underappreciated community of microorganisms within the urinary tract (UT), and its role in maintaining urogenital health. The gut-bladder axis has emerged as a critical pathway in understanding UTI as a dysbiosis, where imbalances in the microbial community and its relation with the host contribute to infection susceptibility. This review explores the evolving definitions and diagnostic challenges of UTI, particularly in women, and examines the implications of recent discoveries on the urobiome and the gut-bladder axis. Additionally, we discuss the potential of novel therapeutic strategies to restore microbial balance, offering a promising avenue for the therapeutic management of UTIs.

Factors Associated with the Occurrence of Urogenital Bacterial Infections in Pregnant Women at a Reference Hospital in Cameroon

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common bacterial infections in pregnant women are urinary tract infections (46%) and vaginal infections (26%). Pregnant women are at risk of contracting these dangerous urogenital bacterial infections, with more or less serious consequences for the health of both mother and child. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with the occurrence of urogenital bacterial infections in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics. Methodology: A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted from May 13 to June 14, 2024, at Douala Laquintinie Hospital. All pregnant women attending antenatal clinics regardless of gestational trimester and consenting to the study were included. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20, R 3.4, and Epi info 7.8. Chi-square, Fischer, and logistic regression tests were performed. Results: A total of 153 pregnant were included in this study. The incidence of urogenital infections in this population was 42%. Infectious agents were E-coli (18.95%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (7.83%), Gardnerella vaginalis (24.44%), and Streptococcus B (2.22%). Self-medication (OR=17.72; p = 0.0003), drying underwear inside the house (OR=6.53; p = 0.00081), use of traditional toilets (OR=2.65; p = 0.00001), surgical history (OR=2.10; p = 0.01), vaccination status (OR=2.11; p = 0.003), use of borehole and well water (OR=0.02; p = 0.002), frequency of sanitary pad changing (OR=1.13; p = 0.011), frequency of sexual intercourse (OR=1.32; p = 0.012), traditional purging (OR=0.06; p = 0.0001), poor personal hygiene (OR=0.2; p = 0.0031), multiple sexual partners (OR=1.8; p = 0.022) and tight underwear (OR=0.4; p = 0.01) were associated with the occurrence of urogenital bacterial infections. Conclusion: Urogenital bacterial infections during pregnancy are dangerous. Knowledge of the factors associated with their occurrence will enable the implementation of appropriate control strategies against these infections.

Staphylococcus felis C4 exhibits invitro antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in a novel canine skin explant model.

Canine superficial pyoderma is a common bacterial skin infection of dogs, generally caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. The C4 strain of Staphylococcus felis was recently discovered to have strong antimicrobial activity against S. pseudintermedius in mice. We aimed to evaluate invitro if this antimicrobial activity was maintained using a novel canine skin explant model. Punch biopsies (8 mm) of skin from recently euthanised dogs were collected and placed into six-well plates on top of an agarose pedestal. Histological examination of the skin explants showed an intact dermal-epidermal organisation and a stratum corneum that was successfully colonised by S. pseudintermedius after topical application. The number of colony forming units of S. pseudintermedius showed a 2 log increase after 24 h colonisation, indicating that the explant supported bacterial growth. By contrast, co-treatment with S. felis C4 live bacteria and its sterile protein product significantly reduced the growth of a methicillin-susceptible (ST540, p = 0.0357) and a methicillin-resistant (MR) strain (ST71, p = 0.0143) of S. pseudintermedius. No detectable bacteria were recovered from or visualised on skin 24 h posttreatment with the S. felis C4 sterile protein product. Using a novel canine explant model, we demonstrate that the S. felis C4 strain inhibits the growth of S. pseudintermedius and that it is a promising candidate for a new probiotic therapy to treat cutaneous infections caused by S. pseudintermedius, including MR strains.

Opportunistic Infections among People Living with HIV in the Infectious Disease Department, the University Hospital of Fann in Dakar, Senegal

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the main infections and opportunistic infections in hospitalized patients living with HIV and to determine the hospital lethality rate. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive study of patients hospitalized in the infectious diseases department of the University Hospital of Fann over a 02-year period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2022. Results: We recorded 308 cases, 296 of which were patients living with HIV, out of a total of 1208 patients admitted to the department, a hospital prevalence rate of 24.5%. The average age of the patients was 43.3 ± 13.3 years, with a sex ratio of 0.7. One hundred and thirty-one patients (44.26%) were married. 22.97% had no occupation and 35.5% of patients came from home. The average diagnostic period was 3.9 days ± 4.78 days. Two hundred and five patients (69.26%) were at WHO stage 4. Tuberculosis was the most common bacterial infection, with 114 cases (38.5%), followed by common bacterial pneumonia (7.77%) and septicemia (4.72%). With regard to viral infections, the prevalence of viral hepatitis B was 6.76%, followed by herpes (1.68%). Among parasitic infections, toxoplasmosis was noted in 6.41% and cryptosporidiosis in 2.02%. Candidiasis was the most common fungal opportunistic infection, affecting forty-three patients (14.52%), followed by pneumocystis (7.09%) and cryptococcosis (2.36%). More than a third of our patients (37.84%) had severe anaemia, with haemoglobin levels below 8g/dl. Nearly a quarter of patients (21.28%) had impaired kidney function. Conclusion: HIV infection occurs in young adults at a late stage. Mortality remains high due to opportunistic infection. It is essential to carry out early screening, but above all to make available diagnostic tools and certain molecules for treatment of opportunistic infections.

The relationship between uropathogens and clinical characteristics of children with urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common bacterial infections in children. This study aimed to examine the relationships between different microorganisms and both clinical and laboratory findings in pediatric patients with UTIs. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of children with UTI between 2019 and 2024. Patients were divided into four main groups as normal anatomy, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), and neurogenic bladder (NB). Information on clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and prophylactic antibiotic use was recorded. Laboratory results were compared across these patient groups. The study included 266 patients, with a female predominance (female/male ratio: 7.33). NB was the most common urinary tract condition (43.3%), followed by VUR (10.9%) and UPJO (9%). Prophylactic antibiotics were used by 9% of the patients. Acute phase reactants in patients with CIC were significantly higher (p=0.023 for white blood cell (WBC) and p=0.002 for C-reactive protein (CRP) levels). They were also higher in patients with prophylactic antibiotics compared to those without (p=0.001 for both). The most frequently detected bacteria in urine cultures were E. coli (65%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (18.8%), Pseudomonas spp. (7.5%), and Proteus spp. (4.9%). Klebsiella spp., Enterococcus spp., and Morganella spp. were not isolated from patients receiving prophylaxis (p=0.022). Risk factors for UTIs need to be carefully assessed for every patient, and treatment should be customized according to clinical and laboratory results. Individual patient factors should guide drug selection, and treatment plans should account for potential resistance patterns.

Chromogenic versus Conventional: A Comparative Analysis for Uropathogen Detection in Paediatrics at a Tertiary Centre

Abstract Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common bacterial infection in children, often presenting with non-specific symptoms such as undiagnosed fever and gastrointestinal issues. Early detection and treatment are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Aims: This study aimed to compare conventional culture media with chromogenic culture methods for detecting uropathogens and to identify the causative pathogens in pediatric patients at a tertiary care hospital. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted over 18 months in the department of microbiology at a tertiary care hospital, involving 400 pediatric patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Urine samples were collected and promptly processed, then inoculated on various media, including blood agar, MacConkey agar, cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient agar, and UTI chromogenic agar. Bacterial isolates were identified using standard bacteriological techniques, and their antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Results: Escherichia coli was the most prevalent Gram-negative organism detected on both conventional and UTI chromogenic agar. UTI chromogenic agar showed greater efficiency in isolating and presumptively identifying uropathogens. E. coli isolates demonstrated high susceptibility to key antimicrobial agents. Enterococcus spp. were completely sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid, while nitrofurantoin was effective in 57.14% of cases. Conclusion: UTI chromogenic agar is an effective alternative to conventional media, offering advantages in isolating and presumptively identifying uropathogens. Its enhanced sensitivity, particularly for Gram-positive cocci like Enterococcus spp. in mixed cultures, provides valuable support to clinicians for early UTI diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Prevalence of bacterial Uropathogens in patients with acute, recurrent and chronic urinary tract infection in Kirkuk city, Iraq

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common types of infections. They place a huge burden on health systems worldwide. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections and are a major problem worldwide. The most important problem is recurrence of infection and may develop into chronic cases. This study aimed to evaluate the pathogens and their types in acute, recurrent and chronic urinary tract infections in Kirkuk Governorate. 151 urine samples were collected from patients with urinary tract infections who visited private clinics in Kirkuk Governorate. They were diagnosed by a urologist for the period from December 2022 to October 2023. The ages of the patients ranged from 21-76 years. Microscopic examination, laboratory tests, culture and isolation of pathogens were performed and the diagnosis was confirmed using the Vitek device to diagnose bacterial isolates with a high degree of accuracy after confirming them by initial biochemical tests. In the current study, the number of male patients with urinary tract infections was 62, representing 41.1%, while the number of female patients was 89, representing 58.9%. The case was diagnosed as acute, recurrent or chronic. The results of the current study showed that the number of samples for patients with acute urinary tract infections was 91 samples, representing 60.3%. The number of males was 37, representing 40.7%, and the number of females was 54, representing 59.3%. As for the cases of patients with recurrent urinary tract infections, their number was 23, representing 42.6% of males, while the number of females was 31, representing 57.4%. As for the chronic cases, the number of males was 2, representing 33.3%, while the number of females was 4, representing 66.7%. After the cases of the patients to be studied were diagnosed, the diagnostic results showed the difference in the types of bacteria isolated, and it was found that they were for. E coli, where their number was 76 and their percentage was 50.4%, while Klebsiella pneumonia was also among the most common isolates in our study, where their number was 23 and their percentage was 15.3%, and these two isolates were the most common in all the clinical cases that were studied. The results of this work showed that the two most common isolates in patients with acute, recurrent and chronic urinary tract infections are Klebsiella. Pneumonia and E coli.

Estrogen-stimulated uropathogenic E. coli mediate enhanced neutrophil responses

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide and the most common cause is uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Current research is mostly focused on how UPEC affects host factors, whereas the effect of host factors on UPEC is less studied. Our previous studies have shown that estrogen alters UPEC virulence. However, the effect of this altered UPEC virulence on neutrophils is unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate how the altered UPEC virulence mediated by estrogen modulates neutrophil responses. We found that estradiol-stimulated CFT073 increased neutrophil phagocytosis, NETs formation and intracellular ROS production. We observed that the total ROS production from neutrophils was reduced by estradiol-stimulated CFT073. We also found that estradiol-stimulated CFT073 induced less cytotoxicity in neutrophils. Additionally, we found that several cytokines and chemokines like IL-8, IL-1β, CXCL6, MCP-1 and MCP-4 were increased upon estradiol-stimulated CFT073 infection. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the estrogen-mediated alterations to UPEC virulence modulates neutrophil responses, most likely in a host-beneficial manner.

Pattern Of Antibiotic Resistance In Urinary Tract Infections: Insights From A Tertiary Care Hospital In Bangladesh

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections, with increasing rates of antibiotic resistance complicating treatment. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of uropathogens in patients with UTIs at a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted from June, 2023 to July, 2024 involving 60 UTI patients. Clinical and microbiological data, including urine cultures and antibiotic susceptibility tests, were collected. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated pathogen (50.0%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (20.0%). Both pathogens exhibited high resistance to ciprofloxacin (66.7%) and amoxicillin (83.3%) (p < 0.05). Pseudomonas spp. showed 66.7% resistance to ceftriaxone, and Proteus spp. exhibited 75.0% resistance to nitrofurantoin. However, E. coli and Klebsiella spp. demonstrated higher susceptibility to nitrofurantoin and gentamicin, with 50.0% and 66.7% susceptibility, respectively. Conclusion: The findings indicate a high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant uropathogens, particularly E. coli and Klebsiella spp., in the study population. Nitrofurantoin and gentamicin remain effective treatment options. These results highlight the urgent need for updated empirical treatment protocols and regular monitoring of resistance patterns to guide UTI management in Bangladesh.

A multiantigenic antibacterial nanovaccine utilizing hybrid membrane vesicles for combating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

Bacterial infections, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens, pose a significant threat to public health. Vaccines are a crucial tool in fighting these infections; however, no clinically available vaccine exists for the most common bacterial infections, such as those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Herein, a multiantigenic antibacterial nanovaccine (AuNP@HMV@SPs) is reported to combat P. aeruginosa infections. This nanovaccine utilizes the hybrid membrane vesicles (HMVs) created by fusing macrophage membrane vesicles (MMVs) with bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). The HMVs mitigate the toxic effects of both OMVs and bacterial secreted toxins (SP) adsorbed on the surface of MMVs, while preserving their stimulating properties. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are utilized as adjuvant to enhance immune response without comprising safety. The nanovaccine AuNP@HMV@SPs induces robust humoral and cellular immune responses, leading to destruction of bacterial cells and neutralization of their secreted toxins. In murine models of septicemia and pneumonia caused by P. aeruginosa, AuNP@HMV@SPs exhibits superior prophylactic efficacy compared to control groups including OMVs, or MMVs@SPs and HMV@SPs, achieving 100% survival in septicemia and>99.9% reduction in lung bacterial load in pneumonia. This study highlights AuNP@HMV@SPs as a safe and effective antibacterial nanovaccine, targeting both bacteria and their secreted toxins, and offers a promising platform for developing multiantigenic antibacterial vaccines against multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Incidence and Recurrence of Urinary Tract Infections Caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections, with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) as the main etiologic agent of uncomplicated UTIs (uUTIs). The prevalence of uUTis caused by organisms with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasing worldwide, complexifying the disease management and increasing the risk of complications. In efforts to develop new strategies for uUTI prevention, it is imperative to understand factors associated with the occurrence of new episodes. This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the incidence of uUTIs caused by UPEC (UPEC-uUTIs) or unknown etiology (untested uUTIs) in adults aged ≥18 years receiving care in a San Francisco healthcare system. During 2014-2019, 1087 UPEC-uUTI and 4106 untested uUTI cases were documented, of which 324 (29.8%; 95% confidence interval: 27.1%-32.6%) and 1030 (25.1%; 95% confidence interval: 23.8%-26.4%) were followed by ≥1 new episode of uUTI within 12 months. In the UPEC-uUTI cohort, male gender, diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, and prior uUTI were risk factors for new episodes of uUTI. At the time of first UPEC-uUTI diagnosis, antimicrobial prescriptions were retrieved for 41.1% of cases. When tested, AMR was most frequently reported for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole prescribed with other antimicrobials. Our study provides important information on the incidence and risk of repeated episodes of uUTIs, as well as on AMR related to them.

Molecular Study of (Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, Streptococcus Pneumoniae) in Respiratory Infections Patients in Thiqar Province

The high death and hospitalization rates caused by bacterial respiratory infections make them a major worldwide health problem. Acute otitis media, bacterial rhinosinusitis, pharyngotonsillitis, bronchitis, and community-acquired pneumonia are among the common respiratory tract illnesses caused by common bacterial respiratory infections, which include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Haemophilus influenzae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila. The study aimed to detect uncultivated bacteria in respiratory infections patients (Mycoplasma pneumoniae) and Streptococcus pneumoniae that caused respiratory infections and determined if it caused this infection. The study included 140 patients (67males and 73 females) who were suffering from respiratory infections, ages ranging from 10-80 years, in a period from 1 September 2023 to 1 February 2024, all of the 140 samples collected from Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital, Center for Chest Diseases and Respiratory Diseases in Nasiriyah, Souq Al-Shuyoukh General Hospital, Alhussein Teaching Hospital, Private Clinics in Shatrah. Specimens included a sputum sample and oropharyngeal swab for direct detecting by polymerase chain reaction (pcr) Diagnosis is based on the presence of the (16s rRNA) gene to detect (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae) patients had with un-cultivated bacteria where 3\140(2.14%) of patients had infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae and 6\140(4.28%) with Streptococcus pneumoniae. The present study was conducted that the most detected bacterial in female group 6 (75.0%), while in the male group 2 (25.0%), in addition, the most isolated bacteria in female group were both M. pneumoniae 3 (50.0%), and S. pneumoniae 3 (50%),whil in age groups in first group 3, while non-detected bacteria in both fourth and seventh age group 0, fever and headache are the most abundant symptoms patients, followed by myalgia (90.6%), chill (66%), cough (59%), and dyspnea (36.6%).

Helicobacter pylori CagA mediated mitophagy to attenuate the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and enhance the survival of infected cells

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common bacterial infections in the world, and its key virulence component CagA is the leading cause of gastric cancer. Mitophagy is a form of selective autophagy that eliminates damaged mitochondria and is essential for some viruses and bacteria to evade the immune system. However, the mechanisms by which CagA mediates H. pylori-induced mitophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome activation remain elusive. In this study, we reported that H. pylori primarily uses its CagA to induce mitochondrial oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, dynamic imbalance, and to block autophagic flux. Inhibition of mitophagy led to an increase in NLRP3 inflammasome activation and apoptosis and a decrease in the viability of H. pylori-infected cells. Our findings suggested that H. pylori induces mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy primarily via CagA. It reduces NLRP3 inflammasome activation to evade host immune surveillance and increases the survival and viability of infected cells, potentially leading to gastric cancer initiation and development. Our findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of H. pylori-induced gastric cancer, and inhibition of mitophagy may be one of the novel techniques for the prevention and treatment of this disease.

Comparison of Clinical, Etiological and Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns of UTI in CAKUT and Non CAKUT Children

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections in children. Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are a major cause of UTIs in this population. Objective: To compare clinical, etiological and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of UTIs in CAKUT and non-CAKUT children. Study Design: Prospective comparative study. Place and Duration: The study was conducted at the department of Pediatric Nephrology, The Children's Hospital Lahore from August 2023 to January 2024. Methods: 68 children with and without CAKUT having UTI were evaluated. Data regarding demographics, clinical presentation and antibiotic sensitivity pattern was collected. Susceptibility testing was done according to CLSI recommendations. Results: 34 patients with UTI in CAKUT group (Group A) had male predominance (73.5%) while children without CAKUT (Group B) were predominantly females (55.9%). Mean age in Group A (38.9 months) was less than that in Group B (53.9 months). The common presentations in both the groups were pyelonephritis and cystitis. Vesico-ureteric reflux (32.4%) and posterior urethral valves (29.4%) were the most common CAKUT findings. Majority of patients with CAKUT had Pseudomonas UTI (32.4%) while E. coli (35.3%) was common in children without CAKUT. Fosfomycin, Colistin, Linezolid and Polymyxin B had low resistance amongst both groups. The association between CAKUT and atypical uropathogens was not found to be statistically significant (p = 0.287). Conclusion: Differences exist in clinical presentation, etiology and antibiotic sensitivity patterns specific to UTI in CAKUT and non-CAKUT children. A high resistance pattern was found amongst common antibiotics.

Prevalence and resistance of Helicobacter pylori in a predominantly Hispanic population.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most common chronic bacterial infection in humans. The risk of acquiring H. pylori is related to socioeconomic status and living conditions early in life. Treatment regimens must consider local antibiotic resistance patterns. Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital serves a predominantly indigent population in east Los Angeles with a large number of immigrants from South and Central America. Data regarding the prevalence and resistance of H. pylori in this population is scant. To evaluate the prevalence and resistance of H. pylori and correlate with country of origin. All gastric biopsies were obtained by a single gastroenterologist at the hospital in a consecutive manner from patients with gastritis from 2017 to 2022 and sent to various labs for evaluation. Two hundred and sixty-six patients are born in the United States, 450, 171, 70, and 30 patients are immigrants from Mexico, Central and South America (CSA), Asia, and other countries respectively. Overall, 14.65% were found to be infected with H. pylori. Rates of infection in United States-born citizens, immigrants from Mexico, CSA, and Asia are 9.02%, 18.67%, 13.45%, and 11.43% respectively, with Mexican immigrants having a relative risk of 2.3889 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4789-3.8588, P = 0.0004] compared to those born in United States. No correlation seen between infection and length of time immigrants were in United States. Relative risk of infection in patients with no proton pump inhibitor use within the past 30 days found to be 1.9276 (95%CI: 1.3562-2.7398, P = 0.0003). Rates of resistance for clarithromycin and levofloxacin are 21.43% and 31.11%. H. pylori infection appears to be associated with low socioeconomic status and poor living conditions early in life. Clarithromycin and levofloxacin based treatment regimens should be avoided as first line therapy in this region, particularly in patients of Latin American origin.