Culture Of Organism Research Articles

Incidence, Risk Factors and Microbiological Profile of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Patients in ICU in Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: VAP, or ventilator-associated pneumonia, is one of the most common ICU-acquired diseases and a significant cause of mortality among Intensive Care Unit patients. Infectious illnesses are currently underestimated in the South Asian Region, which has limited health resources.
 Objective: To examine the incidence of VAP, risk factors associated and the microbiological profile in ICU patients in tertiary care hospitals.
 Methods: A total of 114 patients under mechanical who satisfied all inclusion criteria were selected. Detailed history, investigations were undertaken. The diagnosis of VAP was made according to clinical and laboratory findings (as per CDC criteria) and incidence was derived from the number of patients developing VAP out of the total number of patients on ventilatory support in ICU.
 Results: We included 114 patients in our study. Out of 114 patients, the majority were above 70 years age group Mean age of study population was 61.29±13.42 years. Out of 114, 80 patients i.e. 70.2% were males and 34(29.8%) were females. Male: female ratio was 2.3:1. Klebsiella Pneumonia was a commonly observed organism in cultures i.e. 30.7%, followed by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in 27.2% and Acinetobacter Baumani in 19.3%. Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Klebsiella Pneumonia showed resistance to Carbapenemase in 20(57.1%) cases and to ESBL in 15(42.9%) cases. Death rate in our study was 17.5%
 Conclusion: The outcome of VAP depends on rapid identification of the causative microorganism. Empirical therapy based on knowledge of the most prevalent microorganisms and their resistance pattern has an impact on lowering morbidity and mortality, shortening the length of hospital stay, lowering of treatment expenses, and prevents the development of MDR bacteria in patients with VAP.

Comparative study of tissue culture and sensitivity versus swab culture and sensitivity of microorganisms in the healing of diabetic foot ulcers

This prospective observational study, conducted at the Department of General Surgery, SRM Medical College and Hospital, aimed to assess the effectiveness of tissue culture and sensitivity compared to swab culture and sensitivity in the healing of diabetic foot ulcers through antibiotic sensitivity of microorganisms. Between May 2016 and August 2017, 160 subjects with diabetic foot ulcers were randomly assigned treatment based on either swab or tissue culture findings. Patients were followed at 15-day intervals for up to 60 days. Results showed positive swab cultures in 76.88% and positive tissue cultures in 92.50% of the study population. The most prevalent organism in swab cultures was Proteus (14.38%), while Pseudomonas (16.88%) dominated in tissue cultures. The cumulative proportion of subjects developing granulation tissue was faster in the tissue culture group, reaching 57.50% at 15 to 30 days and 99% at 31 to 45 days. The swab culture group exhibited proportions of 48.80%, 75%, and 93.80% at the same intervals. In conclusion, diabetic foot ulcer treatment based on tissue culture showed slightly faster healing rates compared to swab culture. However, both groups achieved good ulcer healing within the 60-day follow-up period. These findings emphasize the importance of choosing an appropriate culture method for effective management of diabetic foot ulcers.

Epidemiological, Bacteriological, and Evolutive Features of Children Hospitalized for Infective Endocarditis in a Tertiary Tunisian Pediatric Department.

Infective endocarditis is a rare condition in childhood, and there is limited data on this disease in Tunisia. This study aims to analyze the epidemiological profile, bacteriological data, and prognosis of infective endocarditis in children admitted to the pediatric department of a University Hospital in Tunisia. We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study in the pediatric department of Sahloul Teaching Hospital in Sousse, a tertiary referral hospital in Tunisia. The study included all children aged ≤ 18 years with infective endocarditis admitted to the tertiary referral center for pediatrics in Sahloul University Hospital from January 1994 to December 2022. The diagnosis of infective endocarditis was based on modified Duke's criteria. Thirty-six patients met the diagnostic criteria for infective endocarditis, resulting in a proportion of 07 cases per 1000 hospital admissions. The mean age was 6 years (range: 40 days to 16 years). Congenital heart disease was identified as the underlying lesion in 23 cases (63.9 %). Blood cultures were positive in 20 patients (55.6 %), predominantly with Staphylococcus species (55 %). The most frequent complications involved the central nervous system (8 cases; 22.2 %). The mortality rate was 25 %, and factors predicting mortality included heart failure on admission or during the hospital stay, increased leukocyte count, and decreased prothrombin time. Our study reveals a shift in the prevalent underlying lesions, with rheumatic heart diseases no longer being the most common. Staphylococcus spp. emerged as the predominant organism in blood cultures. Notably, mortality predictors included heart failure, an elevated leukocyte count, and a decreased prothrombin time rate.

Toxicidade aguda da amônia total para pós-larvas de Macrobrachium rosenbergii em diferentes níveis de salinidades

Abstract Nitrogen compounds, particularly ammonium, nitrite and nitrate, are a major problem in shrimp production systems. These compounds can accumulate in the aquatic environment and reach harmful or even lethal levels. Thus, monitoring the levels of nitrogenous compounds such as ammonia and studying their effects on the animals are essential. One tool used for this purpose is acute toxicity testing based on the evaluation of LC50 values. Furthermore, tools that can help improve the performance of aquatic organisms in culture are needed. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of salinity on the toxicity of total ammonia to postlarvae of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. For this purpose, acute toxicity testing (LC50-96h) was performed using 540 postlarvae with a mean weight of 0.13 g and a mean total length of 2.47 cm, divided into 54 experimental units of two liters each. A completely randomized design in a 3×6 factorial scheme was used, combining three salinities (0, 5, and 10 g.L-1) and six total ammonia concentrations (0, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 mg.L-1), with three replicates per combination. The LC50 values for M. rosenbergii postlarvae at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h and their respective confidence intervals (95%) were estimated using the trimmed Spearman-Karber method. The results showed that salinities of 5 or 10 g.L-1 did not reduce the acute toxicity of total ammonia.

Święci Cyryl i Metody prekursorami Unii Europejskiej (?)

For centuries, the brothers Cyril and Methodius, who are the patron saints of Europe, have reminded not only Christians but all the inhabitants of this continent of the continent's continuing need to build European unity. By going back to Europe's roots, we can gain a better understanding of its past and of its identity, so that we can be fully committed to the realisation of human rights, step up our efforts in solidarity with the peoples of other continents and, in so doing, work towards peace and development on a global scale. It can therefore be thought that both Saints made a fundamental contribution to the creation of Europe and its formation not only in religious terms, but moreover as a state and cultural organism. The founders of the European Union propounded views that were innovative and ahead of their time. At the same time, they did not forget that at the heart of the European integration tendencies of the peoples inhabiting this part of the world lay both a common history, tradition, culture and identity, but above all Christian values. Although they represented different backgrounds, they were guided by the fundamental objective of uniting Europe, thus striving to ensure lasting peace and economic, political and social stability. Bearing in mind the fundamental goals and values which guided the founding fathers of the European Union and which continue to guide the organisation, it should be emphasised that they coincide with those expressed by the Solemn Brothers. Hence, the author of this article attempts to answer the question whether Sts Cyril and Methodius can be forerunners of the European Union. An approximation of the brothers' mission in the Slavic territories, as well as a brief overview of the history of this European organisation, allows the conclusion to be drawn that both are the first founding fathers of the union as nations inhabiting the Old Continent. They brought the foundations of the Slav faith and culture, their indissoluble unity. But it should be remembered that they were, and still are, heralds of the Gospel, witnesses of the Good News proclaiming the God who constantly loves every human being. It is not insignificant that in the iconography the saints are depicted in pontifical dress as Greek or Latin bishops, which also shows the integrity of Europe, as both Eastern and Western parts of this continent.

Potensi Ekstrak Spirulina sp. Sebagai Imunostimulan Pada Bidang Akuakultur

Aquaculture is an important industry that plays a role in meeting the world's animal protein needs. One of the main challenges in aquaculture is maintaining the health of cultivated aquatic organisms. Spirulina, a type of nutrient-rich blue-green microalgae, has garnered attention as a natural immunostimulant capable of enhancing the immune system of aquatic organisms. This article explains the immunostimulant properties of spirulina, including the bioactive compounds it contains, such as polysaccharides, proteins, photosynthetic pigments, and lipopolysaccharides. These compounds can boost the production of immune cells and phagocytic activity, which can help aquatic organisms combat pathogens. Furthermore, the article discusses the potential benefits of using spirulina extract in aquaculture, including increased resistance to diseases, faster growth, and improved nutritional quality of aquatic organisms. However, there are also challenges to address, such as determining the appropriate dosage and optimal application methods. This article contributes to the understanding of how spirulina extract can be utilized to enhance the health and productivity of aquatic organisms in aquaculture. With further research and the development of improved application methods, the potential of spirulina extract as an immunostimulant in aquaculture can be more fully realized, helping to meet the increasing global demand for protein.

Potentiality of natural live food organisms in shrimp culture: A review

The aquaculture industry is growing quickly due to increased fish consumption and a decline in wild fish catch. About half of the world's seafood demand for human consumption is now met by farmed seafood. The aquafeed market is expanding along with the aquaculture sector. Some of the elements in shrimp feed are derived from terrestrial plants and low-value forage fishes (fish meal). It is impossible to produce more fish meals since doing so would harm the ocean's environment and sustainability. The reduction in shrimp feed cost can also be done by introducing low-cost, environment-friendly ingredients in shrimp feed formulation. Therefore, new and ecologically friendly shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) feed component sources must be created. Live food organisms are a preferable option for this since they provide a variety of essential amino acids and beneficial triglycerides like fat, vitamins, and colors in their cell metabolites. Microalgae biomasses also represent feasible ingredients for shrimp feed sources. Their distinctive variety of bioactive chemicals can enhance color and pellet quality, act as a bulk element in shrimp feed, and boost the viability of farmed species. Live food organisms have a great economic potential since they have the highest biomass productivity of all photosynthetic organisms. In addition to giving farmers and exporters a better choice for feeding their fish, the availability of on-grown live food would also open up the prospect of improving the performance and quality of the fish and shrimp through bioencapsulation. This review study examines the possibility of generating natural food biomass as a component in shrimp feed.

Modulation of thermal stress response by prostaglandins in gills of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis

Mytilus edulis has experienced massive mortality events associated with thermal stress that have been documented in wild as well as cultivated organisms, since this species is traditionally farmed in intertidal areas that are exposed to temperature variations. The stress responses linked to changes in temperature are modulated by prostaglandins (PG), which induce apoptosis, synthesis of heat shock proteins and antioxidant enzymes, among others. PG are mainly synthesized from arachidonic (ARA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), but PG-like compounds can be produced through non-enzymatic oxidation of fatty acids in response to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we applied acute (a single temperature increase of 13 °C, from 12 °C to 25 °C) or chronic (cyclical temperature increases and decreases of 13 °C for eight days) thermal stress to mussels fed a microalga mix of Nannochloropsis oculata and Pavlova lutheri. The response was quantified by measuring PG produced enzymatically by cyclooxygenase (COX) from ARA, EPA, and DHA (PGE2, PGE3, 13-HDHA, respectively), non-enzymatic PG (13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2 PGF3α and 8-isoprostane). PGE2, PGE3, and 13-HDHA levels were higher in the gills of mussels exposed to acute stress compared to chronic stress while 3,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2 showed no significant differences as a result of chronic or acute stress. PGF3α had lower levels in mussels exposed to chronic stress compared to those under acute stress. In contrast, 8-isoprostane was significantly higher in mussels exposed to chronic stress compared to acute stress. Mussels exposed to acute stress showed an increase in hemocyte infiltration in the gills, while those exposed to chronic stress showed a decrease in gill filament width compared to mussels submitted to acute stress; both effects are associated with PG modulation. These findings suggest that acute and chronic stressors have distinct effects on lipid composition, prostaglandin levels, and gill filament morphology, highlighting potential adaptations or responses to different stress conditions. Understanding the mechanisms by which PG and PG-like compounds modulate the thermal stress response in mussels will contribute to the understanding of climate change impacts on bivalves and the possible adaptation processes involved.

1833. Infectious Diseases in Patients Experiencing Homelessness in Detroit, MI Over a Three-Year Period (2020-2023)

Abstract Background The homeless population has many health challenges. In Detroit there are estimated 8000 people experiencing homelessness, 62% with a disabling condition, and an estimated readmission rate 4x greater than non homeless (Homeless Action Network Detroit). Coordinating care presents unique challenges. It is imperative to examine infections over the long term to identify areas for care improvement, education, infection prevention and better access. We show an infection profile in patients experiencing homelessness from admissions over 3 years at a large hospital in Detroit. This will bring to light the needs of this population and foster delivery of equitable care to the classically underserved. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study done over a 3 year period from 2020-2023 in homeless patients hospitalized at a 850 bed urban hospital. In total we were able to identify 200 patients, and 31 patients had information collected from the EMR. Results Patients were mostly Black (83%) males (77%). 48% had primary care providers. 87% had history of substance abuse (35% endorsing IV). Of the 31 patients, all had an infection during the study period. 16% with diagnosis of HIV, and 42% had Hep C. Most common infections were as follows: soft tissue (51.6%), pneumonia (29%), urinary tract (16%). Most common organism in culture was Staph aureus (42%; 46% MRSA), Strep (13%) and E coli (13%). Of gram negatives, 20% were ESBL and 20% AmpC. 35% had a surgical procedure while inpatient. The most common antibiotics were vancomycin (35%) and cephalosporins (32%). Treatment duration was usually 7-10 days (29%). 61.3% completed treatment, 16% had recurrent infection, and 9.6% lost to follow up. 55% received ID consult, but only 9.6% followed up in clinic. 19.3% saw a street medicine organization. Readmission was low (9.6%), although 19.3% had an ER visit post discharge. Conclusion This preliminary study establishes a profile of infections in those experiencing homelessness in Detroit. This data will help educate providers, allow equitable and targeted care to be delivered, and lead to intervention options that improve access to care. In the future we plan to create useful tools such as an antibiogram specific to this population that can help community health organizations impact care delivered at initial contact. Disclosures Marcus Zervos, MD, Contrafect: Advisor/Consultant|GSK: Grant/Research Support|Johnson and Johnson: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support

Bryozoans in fouling communities on artificial substrates in Kazachya bay of the Black Sea

Study of the formation of fouling communities on artificial substrates is actual due to the development of mariculture in the Black Sea. Some representatives of macrofoulers are able to influence the process of colonization and development of cultivated organisms. Purpose of work. The main tasks of the study are the revealing the peculiarities of the formation of the fouling community on the experimental plates of the various materials in the environment of the Kazachya bay in the Black Sea and the role of bryozoans in the fouling community. Materials and methods. The experimental plates which were made from the different materials (plastic, aluminum, rubber, galvanized iron) were installed in September 2017 at a depth of 5 m in Kazachya bay (Black Sea). The plates were lifted every month during the year, a total of 480 plates were examined. Results. The peculiarities of the formation of the fouling community on the experimental plates of different materials in the Kazachya bay (Black Sea) were studied. Totally, 22 species were found in the macrofouling community formed on the experimental plates in the Kazachya bay during the year, comprising the following 8 taxa: hydroid polyps - 1, barnacles - 1, sea anemones - 1, bryozoans - 4, polychaetes - 4, bivalve mollusks - 1, tunicates - 2, macrophytes - 8. During the year, the succession of the fouling community of the experimental plates developed through the stage of dominance of microorganisms - barnacle Amphibalanus improvisus , and then - bryozoan Cryptosula pallasiana. Conclusion: the bryozoan Cryptosula pallasiana is the dominant species in the fouling community at four to twelve months old at a depth of five meters.

OUTCOME OF THERAPEUTIC PENETRATING KERATOPLASTY IN A TERTIARY EYE HOSPITAL IN NEPAL

Background: Therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty is the most common variety of keratoplasty performed in the developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the outcome of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty in infective keratitis. Methods: This was a hospital based retrospective study where medical records of patients who underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty between July 2021 and December 2022 were analyzed. Data collected included demographic parameters, indications for surgery, microbiology of the ulcers, donor details. Success was evaluated in terms of eradication of the disease, anatomical stability, graft clarity and visual acuity. SPSS software version 20.0 was used for statistical analysis. The mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage were calculated Results: Sixty-seven patients of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty who completed 2 months of follow-up after surgery were included in the study. Corneal scrapings and corneal buttons were positive for organisms in 19 cases (90.47%) and 20 cases (29.85%) respectively. In all,out of 67 eyes, 30 (44.77%) were positive for organisms in smear or culture or both, of which 27 cases showed pure fungus and 3 cases showed pure bacteria. Aspergillus (8, 29.62%) was the commonest fungus isolated. Eradication of infection after the primary procedure was seen in 48 cases (71.64%). Anatomical success was seen in 60 eyes (89.50%), clear grafts were seen in 23 eyes (34.32%). Visual acuity of ≥6/60 was seen in 14 eyes (20.89%). Conclusions: Therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty provided good success in terms of maintaining anatomical integrity and helps in eradication of infection while giving satisfactory functional outcome.

Šalda’s Struggle for Synthesis in Modern Art in the Context of Slavonic Literary Criticis

The study is focused on a significant feature of critical and art work of František Xaver Šalda, which was the idea of unity and integration, the idea of cultural organism, formed by ripening of the European spirit, understanding the art as an aesthetic incarnation of spirituality, the idea of creative efforts of life as the basic orientation of art and the idea of freedom of the art individuality, understood in the integral sense of the word and embodying a higher form of life. It was Šalda who opened the way to relating of art and life, the way to deeper understanding of art creation and its final settling into a broader meaning complex. According to Šalda, the creative life became a basic criterion for searching of sense of art work. The meaning of art and art criticism lies in their possibilities to bring life to self-awareness, self-understanding. According to Šalda the art is seen as a concentrated, multiplied, and increased demonstration of life, through its means we can finally learn about its motion and creative direction.

Modeling the growth of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) using the new Bayesian hierarchical approach based on correcting bias caused by incomplete or limited data

The revenue, costs, and profit of an aquaculture farm are based on the weight of animal protein sold. Thus, there is a relationship between the economic and zootechnical indexes to the growth model of animals in a production system. The growth modeling of cultivated organisms can be used as a production management tool, allowing estimates of anticipated size at harvest, waste outputs, as well as nutrient and feed requirements, helping in decision-making in the face of Aquaculture 4.0. It is important to emphasize that recent research has indicated the possible underestimation of parameters in nonlinear growth models due to the characteristic of incomplete or limited data in aquaculture. Therefore, the objective of this research was to model the growth of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in an industrial-scale shrimp farm in northeastern Brazil. Based on the Bayesian methodology for correcting this bias, six nonlinear hierarchical growth models were evaluated in this research (Morgan-Mercer-Flodin, Michaelis–Menten, Weibull, von Bertalanffy, Gompertz, and logistic growth equation) and fitted to real data from a shrimp farm in northeastern Brazil. The model was validated based on the predictive capacity (accuracy) to forecasting shrimp growth at different hierarchical levels. Finally, for one of the main expected results, a sensitivity analysis was performed to compare different treatments according to the new approach. The Weibull growth equation stands out as the best among all those studied (WAIC = 2661.3, LOO-IC = 2705.2). Although it presented a poor fit for the hierarchical population level, good predictions were realized at the pond level and at the production cycle level. The dataset was split into fit and homologation subsets for a model validation analysis which showed an accuracy of 95.76% and 85.71% at the pond and production cycle levels respectively. The proposed method detected subtle differences between production cycles, which would be imperceptible if analyzed using the zootechnical indices usually practiced in shrimp farms. The new approach can contribute to improving products, processes, and decision-making in aquaculture management.

Impacts of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to microplastics in bioflocs system

Microplastics (MPs) are abundant in aquaculture water, including in bioflocs aquaculture systems. Compared with other aquaculture systems, biofloc technology systems have the richest microbes and are beneficial to cultivated organisms. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive assessment of the potential effects of MPs on aquaculture organisms in bioflocs systems. Here, Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were exposed to MPs (polystyrene; 32–40 μm diameter) with 0, 80 items/L (30 μg/L), and 800 items/L (300 μg/L) for 28 days in a bioflocs aquaculture system. The results showed that the MPs generally had no apparent effect on water quality, tilapia growth, or digestive enzyme activity. However, MPs accumulated the most in the liver (5.65 ± 0.74 μg/mg) and significantly increased the hepato-somatic index of tilapia and reduced the crude protein and lipid of tilapia muscle (p < 0.05). The levels of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and glutathione S-transferase increased significantly in response to MPs (p < 0.05). In contrast, MPs did not affect the content of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, oxidized glutathione, and malondialdehyde, or the enzyme activity of Na+/K+-ATPase. Moreover, using an improved integrated biomarker response index, growth performance was found to be less responsive to MPs than to oxidative stress and digestive activity. Exposure to MPs did not significantly influence the microbial communities of the bioflocs and tilapia guts (p < 0.05). These results suggest that MPs barely affected tilapia in the bioflocs system. This study contributes to the evaluation of the ecological risk of MPs in aquaculture systems and a better understanding of the integrated response of cultivated vertebrates to MPs in biofloc technology systems.

Exploring the Antimicrobial Potential and Biofilm Inhibitory Properties of Hemocyanin from Hemifusus pugilinus (Born, 1778).

The seafood industry plays a huge role in the blue economy, exploiting the advantage of the enriched protein content of marine organisms such as shrimps and molluscs, which are cultured in aquafarms. Diseases greatly affect these aquatic organisms in culture and, hence, there is need to study, in detail, their innate immune mechanisms. Hemocyanin is a non-specific innate defense molecule present in the blood cells of several invertebrates, especially molluscs, arthropods, and annelids. It is concerned with oxygen transport, blood clotting, and immune enhancement. In the present study, this macromolecular metalloprotein was isolated from the hemolymph of the marine snail Hemifusus pugilinus (Born, 1778) using Sephadex G-100 gel filtration column chromatography. It occurred as a single band (MW 80 kDa) on SDS-PAGE. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of the purified hemocyanin showed a single peak with a retention time of 4.3 min. The secondary structure and stability of the protein were detected using circular dichroism (CD), and the spectra demonstrated negative ellipticity bands close to 208 nm and 225 nm, indicating β-sheets. Further exploration of the purified hemocyanin revealed remarkable antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against Gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris) at a concentration of 1-5 μg/mL. Spectrophotometric and in situ microscopic analyses (CLSM) unveiled the potential of the purified hemocyanin to inhibit biofilm formation in these bacteria with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 40 μg/mL. Furthermore, H. pugilinus hemocyanin (10 μg/mL concentration) displayed antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger. The purified hemocyanin was also assessed for cytotoxicity against human cancer cells using cell viability assays. Altogether, the present study shows that molluscan hemocyanin is a potential antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antifungal, anticancer, and immunomodulatory agent, with great scope for application in the enhancement of the immune system of molluscs, thereby facilitating their aquaculture.

Isolation of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Surveillance Stool Culture at Diagnosis Fails to Predict Mortality or Subsequent Sepsis due to Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Children with Acute Leukemia: A Single-Center, Prospective, Observational Study.

The utility of surveillance stool culture (SSC) to guide antibiotics for febrile neutropenia (FN) is unresolved in non-transplant settings. The prospective study explored the prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) in SSCs, its correlation with mortality, and the concordance of SSCs with cultures obtained during subsequent episodes of FN amongst children with acute leukemia. SSCs were obtained at presentation and 2 mo into chemotherapy. Seventy-nine patients (mean age: 5.9±3.2 y) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (80%), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (16%), or biphenotypic leukemia (4%) were enrolled. MDROs were isolated from 14 (17.5%) patients in the first SSCs, including E.coli (80%), K. pneumoniae (10%), and E. faecium (10%). Three (3.8%) patients developed MDRO sepsis; none concorded with the SSCs. Eleven (14%) patients died; 4/14 (28.5%) with MDRO-colonization vis-à-vis 7/66 (10.6%) without MDRO-colonization (OR: 3.37, 95% CI: 0.8-13.6; p = 0.095). MDRO-colonization failed to predict MDRO-sepsis, bloodstream infection, or mortality. SSC failed to guide the choice of antibiotics for FN in children with acute leukemia.

#5992 PERITONEAL DIALYSIS-RELATED PERITONITIS: A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Abstract Background and Aims Peritonitis is a common and severe complication in Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). A high peritonitis rate affects PD patients’ technique survival and mortality. The aim of this retrospective study is to assess epidemiological aspects, microbiology presentation with antibiotic resistance and clinical outcomes for patients with acute CAPD peritonitis during 5-year period. Method The study included all patients treated by CAPD between the 1st of January 2017 and 1st of January 2022 in the Clinical Hospital Center Zvezdara. We included prevalent patients on CAPD, and analyzed demographic, clinical and microbiological data, and patient's outcomes during 5 year period. The data was collected from patient records, medical history and processed in SPSS. Results This study included 119 patients treated by PD of which 24 (8.13%) had one or more acute episodes of CAPD peritonitis in the designated period. The mean age of the population was 69±9 year, 54% were male, 20% had diabetes mellitus and 60% arterial hypertension as cause of end stage renal disease. During follow up it was diagnosed 41 episodes of CAPD peritonitis. The main characteristics of patients with peritonitis were turbid liquid (100 %), abdominal pain (73 %) and fever (43 %). Gram staining revealed that 53 % were gram-positive, and 10 % were gram-negative. The most frequent bacterial specimen was Staphylococcus epidermidis (11) followed by Streptococcus viridans (6), sterile culture (9), Staphylococcus aureus (3) and other organisms less than 2 episodes. The peritonitis rate was 1 episode per 27.36 patient-months, or 0.44 episodes per patient year. Resistance to Ampicillin and Penicillin occurred most often. In 2 patients, PD peritonitis was present once each, with multi-resistant bacteria: Klebsiella pneumoniae which was treated with parenteral administration of Tigacycline and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which was treated with parenteral administration of Moxifloxacin and Clindamycin. Out of 24 patients, 2 (8.33%) had 4 episodes of peritonitis, 3 (12.5%) had 3 episodes of peritonitis, 6 (25%) had 2 episodes of peritonitis, and the rest (54.16%) were had only one each. Only one patient had an episode of relapsing peritonitis. During 5-year period, 1 (4%) patient died of acute CAPD peritonitis caused by Proteus mirabilis, 7 (29%) died of other causes, 11 (46%) were transferred to hemodialysis and 5 (21%) are still receiving treatment by CAPD modality. CAPD peritonitis was the reason for technical failure in 20% patients. Conclusion PD-associated peritonitis is serious infective complication which could influence the outcome of PD patients, including technique survival. The rate and outcomes of peritonitis in our patients were slightly above of current recommendations.

Antimicrobial Sensitivity of Salmonella Species in Children - A Single-Centered Study

Background: Salmonellae are gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacteria. Typhoid fever has a non-specific and varied appearance in its early stages. A high-grade fever (&gt;38oC) is the most common presenting sign. Salmonella pathogenicity is primarily determined bythe virulence components it possesses, such as Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs), virulence plasmids, pili, and enterotoxins.The most common drug used was cefixime (66.6%), then ciprofloxacin, and according to a comparable study conducted in Pakistan (33.3%). Cefixime and ceftriaxone had a sensitivity of 60.9% and 65.8%, respectively. In 50.1% of S.typhi isolates, ciprofloxacin sensitivity was observed. Aim: To determine the frequency of the most common salmonella specie and its drug sensitivity in children. Methodology:This descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics Bacha Khan Medical Complex Swabi from April 2022 to October 2022 in children with suspected enteric fever. Blood culture reports of suspected patients were sent to the laboratory and reports were followed, before reports arrived patients were started on antibiotics. The sensitivity of drugs was measured by calculating frequency and percentages. Results: This study was conducted on 63 children having blood culture reports presented to us with suspected enteric fever including 25 females and 38 males with a mean age of 6.4±27 years. The most common organism in the blood culture of children presented with enteric fever was salmonella typhi (95.2%). Salmonella paratyphoid species shows 100% sensitivity to co-triaxle, co-trimoxazole and amikacin while 50.8% to azithromycin. Salmonella paratyphi A with 100% sensitivity to amikacin, ampicillin, azithromycin, cefepime, cefoperazone, cefotaxime, co-amoxiclav and colistin. While salmonella typhi were found to be 95.2% with drugs sensitivity amikacin, colistin, fosfomycin, co-trimoxazole, and ertapenem (100%) and ciprofloxacin (73%). Practical implication: by knowing the most common organism and its drug’s sensitivity and resistance, the resistance to antibiotics will be reduced, and targeted antibiotics will be used. Conclusion: Salmonella typhiwas the most common pathogen detected in blood culture (95.2%) with 100%drug sensitivity to amikacin, colistin, fosfomycin, co-trimoxazole, and ertapenem. Keywords: Salmonellatyphi, sensitivity, blood culture, children, enteric fever

A spatial interpolation approach for environmental assessment of aquaculture effects on water quality of Pagasitikos Gulf (Eastern Mediterranean)

The impact of fish farming on the physicochemical and biological parameters of the water column was investigated between July and October 2021, in Pagasitikos Gulf. For this purpose, a sampling strategy based on Geographical Information System (GIS) was developed and a grid of 28 sampling stations was created for in situ measurements. The method of spatial interpolation and especially the Radial Basis Function (RBF) was used to estimate the spatial distribution of DO, chl α and nutrients by means of GIS. General Linear Model (GLM) analysis showed significant differences for all measured parameters except for NO3. Nutrients remained at low concentrations without exceeding the permitted limits for eutrophication and welfare of cultivated organisms. GIS exhibited high usefulness for data analysis, with further studies warranted for its optimization on applications related to the environmental impact of fish farming.

Effects of bacterization on the development of Zea mays during droughts in the conditions of a vegetation experiment

Sustainable agriculture is a concept developed in the late 20th century to promote the production of crops using the biological capabilities of cultivated organisms while minimizing the human impact on agrocenoses. In recent years, the discovery of new types of bacteria that positively impact plant growth has opened up opportunities for the development of effective microbiological preparations and they offer promising prospects for adaptive crop production, enabling farmers to adjust to changing environmental conditions while reducing reliance on anthropogenic inputs. Corn, as the third most important grain crop after wheat and rice, is sensitive to a lack of moisture. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of adaptation and resistance of this plant to drought remains an urgent task. The aim of the work was to determine the effect of bacterization of Zea mays ("Early gourmet 121") seeds by strains of rhizobacteria on the development of corn under conditions of artificial drought in a vegetation experiment. Strains of bacteria with known properties useful for plant growth and development were used – Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas putida, Azospirillum brasilense and Azotobacter chroococcum. The study investigated the indicators of seedlings and the content of mono-, oligo-, and soluble sugars in the leaves and the activity of polyphenol oxidase in the roots. The results showed that bacterization of seeds with suspensions of P. putida led to an increase in the length of roots in plants grown under moisture deficit conditions and significantly affected the above-ground parts. Positive effects on the mass of the above-ground parts were observed when seeds were bacterized with suspensions of P. putida, A. chroococcum and a mixture of bacterial suspensions and grown under sufficient irrigation. A similar positive effect occurred when seeds were bacterized only with a mixture of suspensions of the tested bacteria under drought conditions. Bacterization of corn seeds with P. putida or A. brasilense resulted in increased root mass and sugar accumulation in leaves when growing seedlings under conditions of moisture deficit. Additionally, inoculation of P. putida or A. chroococcum seeds increased the activity of polyphenol oxidase enzyme in seedling roots. While the bacteria showed a positive impact on corn development under some conditions, this effect was not observed when there was sufficient moisture. Therefore, we believe that a more promising approach for developing biological preparations based on beneficial microorganisms is to explore combinations of multiple soil bacteria strains. By identifying a mix of bacteria that can effectively stimulate plant growth in both stressed and favourable conditions, we can maximize the potential benefits for crop production. Such combinations of bacteria may enhance plant growth and yield not only during drought stress but also under optimal conditions, providing a more robust and reliable solution for crop management.