Common Gram-positive Bacteria Research Articles

Blood Culture Positive for Gram-Positive Rods: Contamination or a True Infection-A literature Review

Today, human bloodstream infections (BSIs) are recognized as a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The bacteria, responsible for bacteremia, are usually identified in diagnostic clinical laboratories, using blood cultures. True bacteremia is defined as a positive blood culture (>15 CFU/mL), with signs and symptoms of infection (e.g., fever and chills). A wide range of bacteria can cause true bacteremia and some bacterial isolates from BSIs may be responsible for contamination. Gram-positive bacilli, such as Bacillus species, and coryneform bacteria are suspected sources of contamination in blood cultures. However, in certain patients, such as immunocompromised patients and intravenous drug users, gram-positive bacilli can act as a true pathogen. Therefore, it is important to know when gram positive bacilli act as a true pathogen and when they act as contamination. So, the rapidly diagnosis of true pathogens and appropriate treatment play a very important role in controlling infection with these bacteria. Effective measures are especially important in patients with an underlying disease or an immunocompromised status. In this article, we reviewed the literature on common Gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria, which were isolated from blood cultures and were suspected to be true pathogens or contaminants.

Wounds, Antimicrobial Resistance and Challenges of Implementing a Surveillance System in Myanmar: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Wound infections with drug-resistant bacteria lead to higher mortality and morbidity and increased healthcare costs. We aimed to describe the spectrum of bacterial pathogens, isolated from wound cultures in Yangon General Hospital in 2018, and their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns and to understand the challenges in implementing an AMR surveillance system in Myanmar. We conducted a concurrent mixed-methods study involving analysis of surveillance data and in-depth interviews with nine key personnel involved in AMR surveillance. Of 1418 wound specimens processed, 822 (58%) were culture-positive. The most common Gram-positive bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci (23.3%) and Staphylococcus aureus (15.1%). Among Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli (12.5%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.1%) were common. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were resistant to penicillin (98%), oxacillin (70%) and tetracycline (66%). Escherichia coli showed resistance to ampicillin (98%). Lack of dedicated and trained staff (microbiologist, technician, data entry operator), lack of computers at sentinel sites and non-uniform and non-standardized data capture formats were the major challenges in implementing AMR surveillance. These challenges need to be addressed urgently. We also recommend periodic analysis and sharing of antibiograms at every hospital to inform the treatment regimens used in wound management.

Antibiotics Susceptibility Pattern in Diabetic Ulcer Patients

Diabetic ulcers are a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus and have a high risk of infection. Severe ulcer infectionsare a significant cause of lower-extremity amputations in addition to trauma. Therefore, therapy for diabetic ulcer infectionsmust be performed immediately. This study aimed to determine the bacterial susceptibility pattern to the antibiotic indiabetic ulcer patients. This study was retrospective observational descriptive by taking the results of swab culture andantibiotic susceptibility patterns data in diabetic ulcer patients at Ulin General Hospital, Banjarmasin, in 2016-2018. Theresults showed 41 (62.1%) monomicrobial infections and 25 (37.9%) polymicrobial infections. The number of Gram-negativebacilli (57.4%) was higher than Gram-positive cocci (42.6%). The most common bacterial isolates on pus culture wereStaphylococcus aureus (26.6%), Klebsiella pneumonia (19.1%), and Escherichia coli (12.8%). Antibiotic susceptibility testresults showed that Gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to Tigecycline (100%), Nitrofurantoin (96.9%), and Linezolid(96.8%). Gram-negative bacteria were susceptible to Ertapenem (92.7%), Meropenem, and Amikacin (90.6%). S.aureusisolates were sensitive 100% to Meropenem and Tigecycline. K.peneumoniae and E.coli isolates were susceptible 100% toMeropenem and Amikacin. It was concluded in this study that the prevalence of Gram-negative bacteria in diabetic ulcerinfection was higher than Gram-positive bacteria. The most common isolated Gram-negative bacteria were K.pneumoniaeand E.coli, while the most common Gram-positive bacteria were S.aureus. The most sensitive antibiotics for K.pneumoniaeand E.coli were Meropenem and Amikacin, while the most sensitive antibiotics for S.aureus were Linezolid and Tigecycline.

Perioperative use and safety of cephalosporin antibiotics in patients with documented penicillin allergy

Approximately 9% of the US population reports a history of a penicillin allergy (PA).1 Cephalosporins, especially cefazolin, are often first-line perioperative antibiotics due to their effectiveness in preventing surgical-site infections caused by common gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.2 In the perioperative setting, unnecessary avoidance of first-line cephalosporin antibiotics in patients with documented PA is associated with increased surgical-site infections.2

Gold nanoparticle-based immunochromatographic assay for detection Pseudomonas aeruginosa in water and food samples

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is the common infection-causing bacterial pathogen. Conventional methods for the detection of P. aeruginosa are time-consuming, and therefore, a more rapid analytical method is required. Here, monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) against P. aeruginosa (CICC 10419) were prepared and based on paired Mabs, an immunochromatographic assay (ICA) was developed. The ICA strip showed a limit of detection of 2.41 × 104 CFU/mL and the linear range of detection was 3.13 × 104-1.0 × 106 CFU/mL. No cross-reactivity was observed when other common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were used. The analytical performance of the ICA strip indicated that the developed ICA had good specificity and stability. Moreover, the feasibility of the ICA strip was verified by detecting P. aeruginosa (CICC 10419) in spiked water and food samples. The ICA strip could detect samples contaminated with a low-level of P. aeruginosa (CICC 10419) after 8 h enrichment.

Single Center Analysis of Bloodstream Infection Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis in Patients with Hematological Malignancies in the Tropics

To analyze the characteristics, prognosis and risk factors of bloodstream infection in patients with hematological malignancies in the tropics, so as to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of bloodstream infection. The clinical features, blood culture results and prognosis of patients with bloodstream infection in patients with hematological malignancies admitted to Hainan Hospital of PLA General Hospital were retrospectively studied. The most common primary infection site of the 81 patients with hematological malignancies was lung (46.91%), followed by PICC (11.11%). The detection rate of Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria in the blood culture was 60.98% and 30.02%, respectively. Coagulase-negative staphylococci was the most common Gram-positive bacteria resulting in bloodstream infection in our study. Of the Gram-negatives, Klebsiella pneumoniae (34.38%) was predominant, followed by Escherichia coli (18.75%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.75%). Gram-positive bacteria was highly sensitive (100%) to vancomycin, linezolid and tigecycline. Study showed that Gram-negative bacteria had low sensitive to quinolones, in particular, the resistance rate of Escherichia coli to quinolones was as high as 83.33%. In terms of overall survival (OS), the 30-days OS of patients with Gram-negative and Gram-positive septicemia was 77.42% and 92.00%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that septic shock (P=0.001, RR=269.27) was an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality, and remission status (P=0.027, RR=0.114) was an independent predictor of a favourable outcome of bloodstream infection in patients with hematological malignancies. Gram-positive bacteria are the main pathogens causing bloodstream infections in patients with hematological malignancies in the tropics. Improving the care of PICC is an important measure to reduce the incidence of bloodstream infection in patients with hematological malignancies in the tropics. A correct treatment relieving disease and effective prevention and treatment of septic shock can reduce mortality of patients with bloodstream infection in patients with hematological malignancies in the tropics.

Urinary Tract Infection Bacterial at RSUP H. Adam Malik Medan in 2019: an Overview Study

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is the second-largest infection after respiratory tract infection (WHO, 2013). The prevalence of UTI in Indonesia is relatively high. UTI originated from the invasion and proliferation of microorganisms into the urinary tract in meaningful quantities. Gram-negative bacteria are mostly the cause of UTI including E. coli, Klebsiella sp, Enterobacter sp, and Proteus sp. Patients with UTI with inadequate treatment can experience complications e.g., acute renal failure and urosepsis. This study aims to find out the profile of bacteria that cause UTI at RSUP H. Adam Malik Medan in 2019. This descriptive study is using a non-analytical retrospective approach conducted to secondary data from urinary culture examination at RSUP H. Adam Malik Medan. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 24. Gram-negative bacteria results of 72.7% with E. coli postulated as the most common etiology (33,3%) and gram-positive bacteria results of 27.3%, dominated by Enterococcus faecalis (16.3%). The sensitivity study exhibited various results e.g., 100%, 98.2%, and 97.0% in E. coli for Tigecycline, Meropenem, and Amikacin respectively. Enterococcus faecalis also posed a similar results regarding its sensitivity result to different antibiotics. Gram-negative bacteria are the most common bacterial etiology of UTI, specifically E. coli with comparable sensitivity results

Antibacterial Potency of Extracted Essential Oils of Some Plant Species against Common Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria

Background: In the last decades, due to the rapid emergence of multidrug resistant pathogens, the antibiotic-resistance phenomenon has become a global health crisis. Therefore, there is a need to find new remedies against pathogenic microbes. Objectives: The main intention of this research was to appraise the antibacterial potency of extracted essential oils (EEOs) from various plant species versus human disease-causing bacterial strains. Materials and Methods: Antibacterial and bactericidal activity of EEOs was tested on human disease-causing strains which included Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative bacteria. Antibacterial analysis for various extracts of the different plants was performed by utilizing the method of disc diffusion and deduction of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by microbroth dilution assays of the EEOs against the bacterial strains. Standard antibiotics (amoxicillin, metronidazole, rifampicin, clarithromycin, oxacillin, and clindamycin) were used to compare with EEO antibacterial activity. Results: Eclipta alba EEO was most effective against Streptococcus Pyogenes (2.06 ± 0.15), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (1.50 ± 0.20), Streptococcus aureus (0.05 ± 0.02), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4.56 ± 0.25). Leucas linifolia EEO was most effective against E. coli (3.13 ± 0.25) and Klebsiella Pneumoniae (4.33 ± 0.23). Bactericidal activity EEO from E. alba with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranged from 0.11 ± 0.03 to 10.60 ± 0.55; Atriplex hortensis (8.73 ± 2.62–12.07 ± 0.65); Hedyotis scandens (9.13 ± 0.50–15.30 ± 0.43); L. linifolia (0.94 ± 0.05–10.73 ± 0.20); Murraya koenigii (9.0 ± 0.55–12.90 ± 0.18); and Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus (5.96 ± 1.15–13.0 ± 0.52). Bactericidal activity E. alba EEO was highest against S. Pyogenes (4.06 ± 0.15), N. gonorrhoeae (3.06 ± 0.40), and S. aureus (0.11 ± 0.03). L. linifolia EEO was most effective against P. aeruginosa (0.94 ± 0.05) and K. Pneumoniae (8.73 ± 0.41). Against E. coli (5.96 ± 1.15), the bactericidal activity of P. thyrsiflorus EEO was most effective. Conclusions: Comparison to the antibacterial activity of EEOs from six different plant species used in the study was more effective than the tested antibiotics. MIC and MBC values show that E. alba EEO plant species was the most effective against the tested human pathogenic bacterial strains.

Aesculus hippocastanum-Derived Extract β-Aescin and In vitro Antibacterial Activity.

Objectives:The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of β-aescin against common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.Materials and Methods:Agar well diffusion assay was used to determine the antibacterial activity of β-aescin against common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of β-aescin were evaluated by serial dilution method.Results:β-aescin led to significant antibacterial effects on the tested Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria compared to the negative control, P < 0.05 for K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa and P < 0.01 for E. coli, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus. On the other hand, β-aescin produced a comparable less antibacterial effect on K. pneumoniae, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa compared to the positive control, P < 0.01, whereas β-aescin illustrated a comparable effect with that of the positive control on Gram-positive S. epidermidis, P = 0.05. Furthermore, β-aescin illustrated a concentration-dependent antibacterial effect against Gram-positive S. epidermidis and S. aureus compared to the different concentrations, P < 0.01. MIC and MBC of β-aescin were high for Gram-negative bacteria and low for Gram-positive bacteria compared to MIC of the positive control.Conclusions:β-aescin is an effective antibacterial herb mainly against Gram-positive S. epidermidis and S. aureus in a concentration-dependent manner.

Lubeluzole: from anti-ischemic drug to preclinical antidiarrheal studies.

Lubeluzole, a neuroprotective anti-ischemic drug, was tested for its ability to act as both antibiotic chemosensitizing and antipropulsive agent for the treatment of infectious diarrhea. In the present report, the effect of lubeluzole against antidiarrheal target was tested. The antimicrobial activity towards Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was investigated together with its ability to affect ileum and colon contractility. Concerning the antimicrobial activity, lubeluzole showed synergistic effects when used in combination with minocycline against four common Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922), although relatively high doses of lubeluzole were required. In ex vivo experiments on sections of gut smooth muscles, lubeluzole reduced the intestinal contractility in a dose-dependent manner, with greater effects observed on colon than on ileum, and being more potent than reference compounds otilonium bromide and loperamide. All above results identify lubeluzole as a possible starting compound for the development of a novel class of antibacterial adjuvants endowed with spasmolytic activity.

Bacterial Profile and Antibiotic Use in Pneumonia Patients at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital

Background: Pneumonia is one of the causes of morbidity and mortality in children and adults worldwide. WHO report in 1999 stated that the main cause of death due to infectious disease is pneumonia. The rising mortality rate among severe pneumonia patients is because they do not receive empirical antibiotic treatment according to the infecting pathogens. Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify the bacterial profile and the use of antibiotic treatment on pneumonia patients admitted to the pulmonology ward of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia. Methods: This descriptive observational study used the data from pneumonia patients admitted to the pulmonology ward of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, from February to April 2018. The data was collected from the patients’ medical records, antibiotic use notes, and culture results of bacterial antibiotic sensitivity test. The total of antibiotic use was calculated using a defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 bed days. The quality of antibiotics was assessed using Gyssens method. The microbial mapping was acquired from a sputum culture test result. Results: The most prevalent bacteria in pneumonia patients were the Gram-negative bacteria and the most common species was Acinetobacter baumannii followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. In contrast, the most common Gram-positive bacteria species was Streptococcus viridans. The total antibiotic use was 35.53 DDD/100 bed days, and ceftriaxone was the most commonly used antibiotic with 9.23 DDD/100 bed days. Fifty percent of the antibiotic use was in category wise use of antibiotic. Conclusion: The Gram-negative bacteria were the most common cause of pneumonia and ceftriaxone was the most commonly used antibiotic for its cure. Fifty percent of the patients received ceftriaxone appropriately.

Bacterial Profile among Patients with Suspected Bloodstream Infections in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction The burden of bloodstream infections (BSIs) has been warranted in Ethiopia. Globally, the emergency and raised resistance rate of bacterial antimicrobial resistance is becoming a prominent problem, and it is difficult to treat patients having sepsis. In this review, we aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of bacterial isolates among presumptive patients with bloodstream infections in Ethiopia. Methods A systematic search was performed from PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, HINARI, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar electronic databases using PRISMA guidelines. The data analysis was carried out using STATATM version 14 after the records were cleaned and sorted out. Results A total of 26 studies with 8,958 blood specimens and 2,382 culture-positive bacterial isolates were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis derived a pooled culture-positive bacterial prevalence which was 25.78% (95% CI: 21.55–30.01%). The estimated pooled prevalence of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial isolates was 15.50% (95% CI: 12.84–18.15%) and 10.48 % (95% CI: 8.32–12.63%), respectively. The two common Gram-positive bacteria isolated from patients suspected of BSIs were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus with a pooled prevalence of 5.75% (95% CI: 4.58–6.92%) and S. aureus 7.04 % (95% CI: 5.37–8.72%). Similarly, the common Gram-negative bacterial isolates and their estimated pooled prevalence were E. coli 1.69% (95% CI: 1.21–2.16%), Klebsiella species 7.04 % (95% CI: 5.37–8.72%), Pseudomonas species 0.39% (95% CI: 0.08–0.70%), Salmonella species 1.09% (95% CI: 0.79–1.38%), and Streptococcus pyogenes 0.88% (95% CI: 0.54–1.22%). Conclusion The prevalence of bacterial isolates among presumptive patients suspected to BSIs in Ethiopia remains high. Furthermore, we found a remarkable variation in the pathogen distribution across the study setting.

Antimicrobial Effect of Natural Berry Juices on Common Oral Pathogenic Bacteria.

(1) Background: Antimicrobial agents such as chlorhexidine (CHX) are commonly used in oral plaque control. However, sometimes those agents lack antimicrobial efficiency or cause undesired side effects. To identify alternative anti-infective agents, the present study investigated the antibacterial activity of all-fruit juices derived from blackcurrant, redcurrant, cranberry and raspberry on common oral pathogenic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus sobrinus, Actinomyces naeslundii, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Enterococcus faecalis). (2) Methods: Antibacterial efficiency was evaluated by agar diffusion assay and in direct contact with bacteria in planktonic culture. Furthermore, cytotoxicity on human gingival fibroblasts was determined. (3) Results: Blackcurrant juice was most efficient at suppressing bacteria; followed by the activity of redcurrant and cranberry juice. Raspberry juice only suppressed P. gingivalis significantly. Only high-concentrated blackcurrant juice showed minimal cytotoxic effects which were significantly less compared to the action of CHX. (4) Conclusion: Extracts from natural berry juices might be used for safe and efficient suppression of oral pathogenic bacterial species.

The Effect of Antimicrobial Peptides on the Viability of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells.

Antimicrobial peptides are polypeptides composed of less than 100 amino acids and are a class of antibiotics with strong activity against some infectious bacteria. This study examined the safety of four chosen antimicrobial peptides using primary human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) and explored their potential therapeutic use. The efficacy of the peptides was also studied by evaluating the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. One of the peptides (polymyxin E) was found to have antibacterial efficacy against a common Gram-negative bacterium (MIC 1.56μg/mL for Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and another one (nisin) was found to have antibacterial efficacy against a common Gram-positive bacterium (MIC 125μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus). Metabolic activity and live/dead/apoptotic effects were measured with fluorescent dyes after HCEC were exposed to the peptides for 30min. Three of the peptides exhibited lower toxicity against HCEC than a currently marketed eye drop product. Regarding both efficacy and safety, two of the peptides (polymyxin E and nisin) were found to have potential use for treating ocular infections.

Bacterial Strains and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns in Male Urinary Tract Infections in Duhok Province, Iraq

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infectious diseases at the community level, worldwide. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the main pathogens responsible for male UTI in the community. Methods: Urine samples were collected from 211 subjects with UTI between January 2017 and February 2020. The samples were inoculated directly on MacConkey and Blood agar and then incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Samples with a colony count of ≥ 105 CFU/mL bacteria were considered positive. Bacterial colonies were determined by standard culture and biochemical characteristics, and their susceptibility to different antibiotics was identified by the Vitek-2 compact equipment. Results: The vast majority of the bacteria were Gram-negative (170 [80.6%]), while 41 (19.4%) of them were Gram-positive. The highest infection was by Escherichia coli (52.6%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.2%). Staphylococcus spp. were the most common Gram-positive bacteria (13.8%). The highest susceptibility of Escherichia coli isolates was found to imipenem (96.4%), and the highest resistance rate was to ampicillin (96.4%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was resistant to all commonly used antibiotics, and around 86% was susceptible to ertapenem (86.7%). It was also found that Staphylococcus strains were resistant to benzylpenicillin (100%) and sensitive to linezolid (100%), tigecycline (100%), and nitrofurantoin (100%). Conclusions: E. coli isolates were the most frequent pathogens causing UTI in males, followed by P. aeruginosa and Staphylococcus spp. The vast majority of isolates were resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics such as ampicillin, ceftriaxone, cefepime, benzylpenicillin, oxacillin, and erythromycin. This is an alarming situation, and an urgent plan to control antibacterial resistance is required in the region.

High Burden of Serious Bacterial Infections in African Children Treated for Cancer.

Infections in children treated for cancer contribute to morbidity and mortality. There is a paucity of studies on the incidence, etiology, risk factors and outcome of bacterial infections in African children treated for cancer. The aim of the study was to delineate the epidemiology of infectious morbidity and mortality in children with cancer. The study enrolled children 1-19 years old with cancer and infections. Children were investigated for infection as part of standard of care. One hundred sixty-nine children were enrolled, 82 with hematologic malignancies and 87 with solid tumors and 10.7% were HIV infected. The incidence (per 100 child-years) of septic episodes (101) microbiologically confirmed (70.9) septic episodes, Gram-positive (48.5) and Gram-negative (37.6) sepsis was higher in children with hematologic malignancies than in those with solid tumors. The most common Gram-positive bacteria were Coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Streptococcus viridans and Enterococcus faecium, while the most common Gram-negative bacteria were Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas species. The C-reactive protein and procalcitonin was higher in microbiologically confirmed sepsis. The case fatality risk was 40.4%; 80% attributed to sepsis. The odds of dying from sepsis were higher in children with profound [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.96; P = 0.004] or prolonged neutropenia (aOR = 3.71; P = 0.011) and profound lymphopenia (aOR = 4.09; P = 0.003) and independently associated with pneumonia (53.85% vs. 29.23%; aOR = 2.38; P = 0.025) and tuberculosis (70.83% vs. 34.91%; aOR = 4.3; P = 0.005). The study emphasizes the high burden of sepsis in African children treated for cancer and highlights the association of tuberculosis and pneumonia as independent predictors of death in children with cancer.

THE MICROBIAL PATTERN OF COMPLICATED INTRA-ABDOMINAL INFECTIONS COMMUNITY IN H. ADAM MALIK GENERAL HOSPITAL MEDAN

Introduction: The principles management of complicated intra-abdominal infections are source control and antibiotic therapy. The main problem in its implementation is the slow handling time and inadequate antibiotic therapy, which leads in an increase in mortality in complicated intra-abdominal infections. Early empirical antibiotics are based on the pathological location and community microbial pattern. This study is aimed to evaluate microbial pattern at H. Adam Malik General Hospital between January 2017 and October 2019. Methods: This is a retro-prospective observational descriptive study. Results: There were 37 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The most common microbial pattern in this study was gramnegative bacteria, which was 62.1%. The most common gram-negative bacteria found were E.coli (32.4%), followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (24.3%). While the most common gram-positive bacteria found was Staphylococcus haemolyticus (8.1%). Conclusion: The most common microbial pattern found in this study was gram-negative bacteria, where the most common gram-negative bacteria was E. coli. The most common gram-positive bacteria was Staphylococcus haemolyticus

Silver and copper nanostructured particles recovered from metalized plastic waste for antibacterial applications

This work presents a method of recycling silver and copper from metalized acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic wastes as nanostructured particles. Metallized ABS plastics were first leached in nitric acid for dissolving silver and copper. More than 87% of Ag and 92% of Cu in the metalized ABS plastic waste were lixiviated in 3.2 M HNO3 under the leaching conditions of solid/liquid ratio 1:30 and stirring rate of 300 rpm for 2 h at room temperature. The leaching kinetics have been examined and the reactions were deemed diffusion controlled. The activation energies were calculated from Arrhenius plot to equal 36 and 27.84 KJ/mole for Ag and Cu leaching, respectively. Ag, Cu, and bimetallic Ag/Cu nanoparticles were separately synthesized from the nitric acid leachant by controlling the pH of the solution and using ascorbic acid in the presence of chitosan as a stabilizer at 60 °C. The average sizes of Ag, Cu, and Ag/Cu nanoparticles were around 50–80 nm, as determined through TEM images. Bactericidal activities of Ag, Cu and Ag/Cu were tested versus some common infectious gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Ag/Cu nanoparticles revealed the highest inhibition zone at concentration 10 mg ml−1 versus gram-negative bacteria.

Microbiological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the isolates in dacryocystitis: A prospective study in a tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Dacryocystitis is a threatening ophthalmic problem, which affects patients of every age. It is an inflammation of the lacrimal sac and duct. Acute dacryocystitis, experience severe morbidity while chronic dacryocystitis is rarely associated with morbidity unless caused by a systemic disease. Objective: This study was done to identify and isolate the causative agents of dacryocystitis, detect their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and determine the contributing risk factors. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted for a period of 112 years. Pus samples from 100 patients with dacryocystitis were obtained and processed in the Microbiology laboratory in a tertiary care center. Results: The most common aerobic Gram-positive bacteria were Staphylococcus epidermidis (29.7%) and Staphylococcus aureus (20.3%). The common Gram-negative bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.4%) and E coli (9.4%). Gram-positive isolates were most sensitive to vancomycin. Gram-negative isolates were most sensitive to colistin. Conclusion: Higher culture positivity emphasizes the clinicians about the significance of this disease and the need to investigate for the presence of the symptom of nasolacrimal obstruction. The knowledge of bacteriology and antimicrobial susceptibility is necessary for implementation of a management protocol to reduce the cost burden and emergence of drug resistant strains. Keywords: Dacryocystitis, Dacryocystorhinostomy, Epiphora, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Vancomycin.

Antibiotic profiles of Microbial Infection in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Introduction and aim: Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious medical and economic worry. It is the most common reason for diabetic patients to be admitted to hospital. If not treated appropriately, the infection might lead to amputation of the infected foot. The current research aims to recognise the frequencies of isolated aerobic bacterial pathogens associated with diabetic foot ulcers and detect their antibiotic susceptibility and resistance patterns to reduce the risk of complications.&#x0D; Methodology: This cohort study included 140 swab samples from diabetic foot ulcers from patients referred to the surgery department at Al-Azhar University Hospital in New Damietta, Egypt, in the period between January and December 2018. All samples were processed for the identification of aerobic bacterial strains were identified using routine bacteriological culture methods and antimicrobial susceptibility by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.&#x0D; Results: Out of 140 pus and tissue samples obtained of diabetic foot ulcers, 120 (85.7%) exhibited aerobic organism growth, yielding a total of 132 isolates with an average of 1.1 isolates per specimen. Polymicrobial infection was 10%. Gram-negative isolates were prominent (62.88%), with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26.5%) being the most common strain causing diabetic foot infections, followed by E. coli (20.5%). Staph aureus was the most common Gram-positive bacteria (8.9%). Out of 83 Gram-negative bacteria, 54 (65%) produced extended-spectrum lactamase (ESBL). The majority of Gram-negative isolates were resistant to levofloxacin, gentamicin, ampicillin-sulbactam, and gatifloxacin. All Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to imipenem. Of the 25 Staph aureus, 15 (60%) were Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid.&#x0D; Conclusion: Pseudomonas sp. was the most prevalent cause of infections. Most isolates were multidrug resistant. In our study, Gram-negative bacteria were the main cause of diabetic foot infections. A significant number of MDR isolates were also observed. The inappropriate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics may be the main cause of the increase in the frequency of MDR isolates.