Department Of Microbiology Research Articles

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A virus and Hepatitis E virus in patients presenting with acute viral hepatitis: A retrospective study of 2-years at tertiary care Hospital, Himachal Pradesh in Northern India

: Hepatitis-A virus and Hepatitis-E virus are spread enterically, resulting in acute viral hepatitis (AVH) in developing countries. Fecal-oral transmitted hepatitis cause major health problems in our country. The aim of present study is to determine the seroprevalence of HAV and HEV in AVH patients attending the tertiary care hospital at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Govt. Medical College Kangra at Tanda, Himachal Pradesh (DRPGMC). Insufficient data makes it difficult to determine an accurate prevalence of illness in this region of India.: The Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), in the Department of Microbiology at DRPGMC Tanda, Himachal Pradesh, consolidated retrospective data of 2-years duration. The study population included 784 serum samples received from outdoor and indoor patients were considered in the study.: Of the 784 serum samples that were chosen for our study, HAV and HEV reactive patients showed a seroprevalence of 11.20% and 1.80% respectively. During two years of the study, the co-infection rate of HAV and HEV in patients with acute viral hepatitis was 0.5%. Compared to females (31.80% and 42%), males reported higher seroprevalence of HAV (68.10%) and HEV (57.10%). Further data shows that HAV infection was observed in all age groups and the highest prevalence was reported in the age range from 11 to 20 years. The HEV infection was not observed in the pediatric age groups, it was only observed in adults. Maximum prevalence of HEV was reported in the age group of 21-30 years. The highest number of reactive cases was recorded in the month of August and September.: We found that the prevalence of HAV is significantly higher than that of HEV during two years of study period. In this study, we observed that HAV is more predominant in males as compare to females.HEV infections were only observed in adults.

Microbiological Assessment of Commercial Antibiotic Discs from selected Pharmacies in Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

Aims: To assess the potency of two brands of locally prepared antibiotics against two bacterial species. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria, between September 2021 and February 2022. Methodology: We purchased two brands of antibiotics and obtained our test isolates from General hospital in Bwari, Abuja. The test isolates were characterized both routinely and molecularly by Sanqer sequencing method to confirm the species. Agar diffusion method was employed to assess the effectiveness of the antibiotics on the test isolates. Finally, the results were compared with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).  Results: The isolates obtained from the Bwari Genera l Hospital were characterized routinely and molecularly to identify the species. Disc - agar diffusion modified method was employed while the potencies of the discs were compared with approved standards of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The two brands which are locally made and available in multidisc panels, demonstrated performances against Staphylococcus sciuri and Proteus mirabilis but showed significant variations in concentrations and in their inhibitory zone diameters. Both brands containing Tarivid (10 µg) produced only a small zone against Proteus mirabilis, while Streptomycin (30 µg) and Gentamycin (10 µg) exhibited unreadable zones against Staphylococcus sciuri. Unreadable zones of inhibition, which implies large zones that merged together and exceeded plate diameters at the time of reading; were common with both brands and can lead to mis-information, increase in the susceptibility of resistant organisms and eventually, drug abuse. Conclusion: The result of this assessment shows, that there is gross variation in these commercially available but locally prepared antibiotic discs. The disparity in the types of antimicrobial agents and their concentrations will pose a delicate problem to clinical microbiologists and subsequently in the diagnosis, administration of antibiotics and the likelihood of drug resistance.

Screening of Syphilis Using the Reverse Algorithm and its Trends Among Healthy/Asymptomatic Blood Donors: A Regional Transfusion Centre Study from Northern Pakistan

Screening of Syphilis Using the Reverse Algorithm and its Trends Among Healthy/Asymptomatic Blood Donors: A Regional Transfusion Centre Study from Northern Pakistan

Role of Lifestyle Risk Factors for Azoospermia: Insights from Ebenezer Clinical Laboratory - Kampala Capital City, Uganda

Background: Azoospermia is one of the social problems affecting families/countries today in the whole world, which has resulted in an involuntary declining birth rate [1]. Worldwide, more than 70 million couples suffer from infertility, and it is estimated that azoospermia is found in up to 10 to 20 percent of the men who present to an infertility clinic [2]. Uganda is among the countries where male infertility is assumed to be a big challenge, with an estimated 5,000,000 people facing infertility, where 10 to 15% of the couples are unable to have children. Hence the current study aimed at establishing the risk factors associated with azoospermia among patients attending Ebenezer Clinical Laboratory, Kampala, Uganda. Methods: A retrospective case-control study design was conducted on men who had visited the Microbiology Department for semen analysis from 1st January to 31st December 2015. Cases were azoospermic participants in the ECL database with no sperm cells in the ejaculate whereas controls were normozoospermic participants in the ECL database with normal sperm cells in the ejaculate. Systematic sampling was employed in the selection of respondents using their clinical records. The sample size was 204 (102 cases and 102 controls) clients, determined using a formula from the OpenEpi software package for Kelsey. The sample involved 102 cases and 102 with a ratio of cases to controls being 1:1. The study used a data abstraction structured questionnaire for data collection. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics to generate frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were used to determine whether there was a significant association between risk factors and azoospermia with about 0.05 statistical significance. Results: The study found out that tobacco use [AOR = 11.245, (CI 95% = 3.913 – 32.312), p = 0.000], marijuana use [AOR = 21.975, (CI 95% = 5.710 -44.571), p = 0.000], type of underwear [AOR = 9.366, (CI 95% = 4.360 – 19.9471), p = 0.000] were statistically significant factors associated with azoospermia among patients Conclusions: Interventions should be focused on improving these factors, such as minimizing tobacco and marijuana usage among the populations, as well as sensitizing the males on the dangers of wearing tight underwear.

PCR Detection of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase from Some Gram Negative Bacteria of Clinical Source

Beta-lactamase-producing microorganisms present distinct challenges in health care systems around the world as a result of the  extensive utilization of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The objective of this research endeavor was to ascertain the antibiotic resistance  profile and presence of β-lactamase genes in Gram-negative bacteria that had been previously identified and collected from laboratory  work benches at the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, UCH, located in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. The Kirby-Bauer disc  diffusion method was used to assess antibiotic susceptibility on all the isolates, and the double disc synergy test was used to validate  extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production phenotypically. The PCR techniques were used to detect β-lactamase genes. The  sample distribution of the forty clinical isolates were collected from the work benches and the distribution was: urine (17), blood (9),  wound (6), sputum (4), amniotic fluid (3) and tracheal aspirate (1). Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most prevalent organism with 17  isolates ( 42.5% ). Out of the 40 isolates that were obtained, 21 were ESBL producers and the distribution was as follows: Klebsiella  pneumoniae (9), Escherichia coli (6), Enterobacter cloacae (2), Enterobacter aerogenes (1), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1), Acinetobacter  baumannii (1) and Hafnia alvei (1). The majority of the clinical isolates showed considerable resistance to antibiotic classes that were  tested, with amoxicillin-clavulanate showing the highest resistance rate at 65%. Out of all the ESBL producers, 35.3% had blaTEM, 29.4%  had blaCTX-M, 23.5% had blaSHV, and 11.8% had blaCMY. AmpC β-lactamases, Antibiotic resistance, Disc diffusion, Gram-negative  bacteria, Polymerase chain reaction. 

A scientist and a world-class personality: Nikolai Petrovich Elinov (1928–2017)

The essay is dedicated to Nikolai Petrovich Elinov, an eminent scientist with a global reputation, who has made a substantial contribution to the development of medical microbiology, mycology, and biotechnology in the Russian Federation. N. P. Elinov is a professor, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Honored Scientist of the RSFSR, and rector of the Leningrad Chemical-Pharmaceutical Institute. He is an active member of the St. Petersburg Engineering Academy and the New York Academy of Sciences, author of 10 textbooks, 8 handbooks, 10 monographs, over 400 articles in domestic and foreign journals, and holds 70 patents for inventions. Professor N. P. Elinov is widely recognized in the scientific community for his work in areas such as biology of aposporous yeast, chemistry and biotechnology of microbial polysaccharides, and others. He has established a school of students and followers, including 50 candidates and 9 Doctors of Science. Under his guidance, the microbiology department laid the foundations for engineering and microbiological training of specialists. As the rector of LCFI, Nikolai Petrovich contributed to the organization of the country’s only faculty for training biotechnology engineers, leading the university to top positions in preparing specialists for the pharmaceutical industry. In 1968, Nikolai Petrovich became a member of the International Commission on Yeast Organisms of the International Union of Microbiological Societies. His name was included in the book “2000 Outstanding Scientists of the Late 20th Century” (1998) by the Cambridge International Biographical Center (UK), where he was recognized as a specialist in microbiology and biotechnology. This essay, based on archival materials, publications, articles, and colleagues’ memories, reveals the key milestones in the life and scientific achievements of Nikolai Petrovich Elinov.

A declining trend of hepatitis A and hepatitis E at tertiary care hospital in South Gujarat

Objectives: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) both are spread through the fecal-oral route and cause acute viral hepatitis (AVH) and pose a major public health problem in India. This study was done to find out the proportion of positivity of HAV and HEV in patients with AVH and its seasonal trend. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out at Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research Medical College, Department of Microbiology, Surat, Gujarat. Result of 3615 blood samples of suspected AVH patients of the past 5 years (January 2018–December 2022) were taken from hospital data records. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used to test serum samples for immunoglobulin M (IgM) HAV and IgM HEV antibodies for HAV and HEV, respectively. All samples were evaluated for liver function as well. Results: The positivity of HAV and HEV was 15.13% and 10.26%, respectively. The coinfection rate was 2.07%. HAV and HEV both affected males more than females. Among pregnant females, HEV infection had more positivity (6.77%) than HAV, which had 1.08% positivity. HAV and HEV infections had a seasonal trend, with the highest infection rate in the monsoon. Conclusion: The declining trend of cases of HAV and HEV was found in Surat city of south Gujarat which indicates increased awareness about hepatitis among people and better public health management by the civic authorities.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolated in Garaku, Keffi and Mararaban-Gurku Healthcentres, Nasarawa-West Senatorial District, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Aims: This Study is aimed at studying the Antimicrobial Resistance profile of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated in Garaku, Keffi and Mararaban-gurku Healthcentres, Nasarawa-West Senatorial District, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Study Design: is a survey research. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, between June, 2021 and January,2024. Methodology: 384 urine samples of patients with suspected cases of UTIs were collected and E. coli was isolated and identified using standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of the isolates was carried out in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) method. Results: The occurrence of E. coli was 92(24%). The isolates were generally more resistant to Ampicillin (AMP) with 75.0%.  Streptomycin (S) 70.7% Cefotaxime (CTX) 68.5% but less resistant to Ciprofloxacin (9.8%) followed by Gentamicin 17.4%. The commonest resistance phenotype was AMC-AMP-CAZ-CTX-S-SXT (5.4%). Most of the isolates showed multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) Index of above 0.2 with the commonest MAR Index at GHK, GHG and MCM-g of 0.7(21.4%), 0.4(28.0%) and 0.3(23.1%) respectively. The antibiotics resistant E. coli isolates were grouped into different categories of antibiotic resistance namely: Non Multiple Drug Resistance (NMDR); Excessive Drug Resistance (XDR); Multiple Drug Resistance (MDR) and Pan Drug Resistance (PDR). The occurrence of classes of antibiotic resistance was of the orderMDR75(81.5%) ˃ NMDR9(9.8%) ˃XDR7(7.6%) > PDR 1(1.1%). Conclusion: with the results from this research, E. coli being non susceptible to many antimicrobials is a clear indication that, prescription of these antimicrobials by physicians and usage by patients must be done with diligence and utmost care and vigorous campaign by stakeholders must be step up to bring to the barest minimum incidences of Antimicrobial resistance.

PREVALENCE OF FLUOROQUINOLONES RESISTANCE AMONG ESBL-PRODUCING ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM URINE SAMPLES

BACKGROUND
 Resistance among uropathogens has emerged as a growing concern necessitating re-evaluation of the efficacy of recommended empiric antimicrobial regimens. Misuse and overuse of various antibacterial agents in hospitals is a key cause of the emergence of anti-microbial resistance.
 Aims: To identify the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli from urine specimens and to know the prevalence of Fluoroquinolone resistance among ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates.
 Material and method: The study was conducted on 500 E. coli isolates from urine samples received in the Department of Microbiology, MMIMSR, Mullana, Ambala. The organism isolation and identification were done as per the standard procedures and antibiotic sensitivity testing was done following CLSI guidelines. All the strains were screened out for ESBL production as per CLSI guidelines. Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, and Ofloxacin discs were used for the detection of fluoroquinolone resistance.
 Results: Out of the total 500 E. Coli isolates from urine samples received in our laboratory, 69% were found to be ESBL producers.
 Conclusion: We found a high level of quinolone resistance among ESBL-producing Escherichia coli strains isolated from patients with UTI. Because of the widespread use of fluoroquinolones in our country, there is a need for sensitive antibiotic stewardship.  Further research is needed to ascertain the gravity of quinolone resistance and to swiftly act against its spread among other nosocomial pathogens.
  

Detection of Methicillin Resistance and Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus from Various Clinical Specimens in Tertiary Care Hospital

INTRODUCTION : Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common Gram-positive pyogenic bacteria responsible for variety of disease. Methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a major cause of hospital associated infection. MRSA can also acquire resistance to multiple alternative antimicrobials, further complicating treatment of infection. For the severe infection of MRSA, vancomycin considered one of the last treatments relatively new agents such as Linezolid and Daptomycin is used. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 141 Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from samples such as pus, sputum, urine, blood, body fluid, wound swab received in microbiology department of Krishna institute of medical sciences, karad. They were conformed by microscopy, culture, and biochemical reaction. Then MRSA were detected by using disc diffusion test using cefoxitin (30ug) disc. RESULTS: Majority of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from pus samples 71 (50.35%). Out of 141 isolates, 81 (57.44%) were MRSA and 60 (42.55%) were MSSA. In MRSA and MSSA isolates, higher percentage of resistance was seen in Penicillin 78 (96.29%) and 55 (90.16%) respectively. CONCLUSION :The present study emphasized the burden of MRSA in patients at our hospital. The determination of antibiotic sensitivity patterns and screening for MRSA among Staphylococcus aureus isolates are important for controlling the clinical Staphylococcal infection. The antibiotic sensitivity pattern helps in judicious use of antimicrobial agents.

Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Urine Culture in Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital Islamabad, Pakistan

Background: Urine cultures are performed in laboratories to identify any bacteria or other microorganisms present in urine samples. The purpose of this study was to investigate the microorganisms growing resistant to antibiotics in the urine culture and their antibiotics susceptibility testing. Methods: For this investigation, the Microbiology Department's hospital management information systems records provided the culture and sensitivity data of the uropathogens found in urine samples. Urine samples collected midstream were prepared for microscopy and culture, and the organisms were identified using globally accepted methods. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used to determine antibiotic susceptibility in accordance with hospital clinical and laboratory standards as well as international protocols. In this investigation, the information and data were assessed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total number of 207 urine culture data were extracted from the hospital management information system records of which, 116 samples showed positive bacterial growth. Candida had positive growth in 16.4%. Out of positive samples gender-wise, females were in the majority 66.4% and males were 33.6%. Escherichia coli bacteria frequently isolated in positive samples 58/116 (50%), whereas, Enterococcus spp were positive in 17 patients out of 116 (14.7 %). Gram-negative rods were positive in 16 patients out of 116 (13.8%), Klebsiella spp were positive in 4 patients out of 116(3.4%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were least positive in only 2 patients out of 116 positive samples (1.7 %).    Conclusion: In our study according to gender distribution female frequency was higher than males. Escherichia coli bacteria were the most common isolate in positive samples, whereas, Enterococcus spp were observed. Vancomycin was most sensitive in all urine cultures against all organisms and Erythromycin was most resistant in urine culture. Antimicrobial resistance is a serious subject on national and international levels that needs continued surveillance and resolute management.

Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-barr Virus and Herpes Simplex Viruses in Children Born HIV Positive at the Yaounde University Teaching Hospital, Cameroon

Background: Cameroon is a country located in sub-Saharan Africa, which is an area endemic to herpesviridae family, there is very little data on the herpes virus infections epidemiology, especially associated with HIV infection. Aims: The aim of our study was to determine the seroprevalence of four herpes viruses that are cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Herpes Simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) in HIV-positive patients in Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital. Methodology: the study was prospective cross-sectional and took place at Yaounde University Teaching Hospital and Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaounde I, between November 2020 and April 2021. We included consecutively 74 on children living with HIV born HIV positive, on antiretroviral treatment (23 men, 51 women; age range 3-19 years), and whose medical file was complete and available within the ATC. IgG/IgM antibodies against HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, and IgM against EBV were qualitatively determined by Rapid Diagnostic Tests, for the detection of these pathogens. The statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 22.0, the Fisher exact and the Khi-sqaure tests to compare qualitative variables between groups, while on the other hand, we used the Mann-Whitney test to compare quantitative variables. All P values below 0.05 were considered significant. Results: A total of 74 participants were enrolled in the study with a female predominance of 68.92% (n=51/74). The average age of our serie was 9.05±5.09 years, and a majority of participants was under 10 years old (56.76%, n=42/74). HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV and CMV Seroprevalences were 93.24%, 93.24%, 22.97% and 12.2% respectively. Other parameters such as sex, age, stage of disease, smoking and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with the seropositivity of these herpesviridae. Conclusion: Despite the absence for most of the clinical manifestations related to HSV-1 and HSV-2, it was strong to note a high circulation of those virus in HIV infected patients, mainly in bi and tri co-infections.

Study of Culture Conversion in Drug-Resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis on All-Oral Longer Regimen at IGIMS, Patna

ABSTRACT Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) refers to tuberculosis that resists at least two primary drugs, namely isoniazid and rifampicin. To assess the management of MDR-TB, sputum culture conversion is performed. This study aimed to determine the culture conversion status of MDR-TB patients undergoing an all-oral longer regimen. Methods: This research constitutes an observational and prospective study conducted within a hospital setting. The study was done at the Department of Microbiology, IGIMS, Patna, from October 2020 to March 2022. Culture conversion in multidrug resistance pulmonary tuberculosis on all-oral longer regimens took one spot and one morning sample of sputum as per standard protocol after completing two months of all-oral longer regimens and culturing it in liquid broth using Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) 960 System at two, four then six months till we got a negative result. Results: Maximum number of the cases, 77 (74.8%), belonged to 19–35 years of age group. Males were 68 (66.1%) and females were 35 (33.9%), respectively, with male to female ratio of 1.9:1. After 2 months of oral longer regimen treatment, out of 103 cases, we found 98 (95.1%) patients had sputum for culture positive and only five (4.2%) patients had sputum for culture negative. After 6 months of oral longer regimen treatment, out of 101 cases, we found 16 (15.8%) patients had sputum for culture positive and 85 (85.2%) patients had sputum for culture negative. Conclusion: In patients with multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR-TB) who received an all-oral longer regimen, the introduction of bedaquiline led to positive outcomes as evidenced by a greater number of negative sputum cultures, a decrease in culture reversions, and a reduced risk of developing a more resistant form of MDR-TB.

Study of aerobic bacteriology profile of chronic suppurative otitis media

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) poses a recurring and persistent challenge in otolaryngology, stemming from diverse etiologies. Understanding the regional prevalence of the predominant etiological agent and its antimicrobial susceptibility is crucial for effective management. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to determine the aerobic bacterial profile and prevalent bacterial etiology responsible for CSOM in our geographical setting. Materials and Methods: Conducted over 2 years in the microbiology department of a tertiary care hospital, this study enrolled 504 clinically diagnosed otitis media cases. Participants, presenting with discharging ears at the E.N.T. department, met inclusion criteria of chronic otitis media with or without complications. Patients had not received treatment for at least 7 days before sample collection. Results: Among the 402 CSOM samples, aerobes were isolated from 70.15%, anaerobes from 73.63%, and mixed isolates (aerobes+anaerobes) from 38.06%. Solely aerobes were present in 32.08% of samples, while solely anaerobes were found in 35.57%. Monomicrobials constituted 75.88%, and polymicrobials accounted for 24.11% of the samples. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of CSOM microbiology in our region, providing insights into organism prevalence, mixed infections, and antibiotic sensitivity. The findings offer clinicians valuable data for tailored treatment strategies, emphasizing the need for individualized scrutiny to address the dynamic nature of CSOM bacteriology over time.

Cassia tora (L.) Seeds, An Alternative Host to Callosobruchus subinnotatus (Pic.) Infestation: A Preliminary Research Note

An investigation was carried out in the laboratory of the Department of Microbiology, Federal University Dutsin-Ma to identify and evaluate the effect of an insect pest attack on the proximate composition of Cassia tora L. in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria. A laboratory culture of naturally infested seeds of C. tora was kept at 20-25°C ± 2°C and 70 % relative humidity in a plastic cup measuring 8.80 cm (outside lid diameter) cut at the centre (5.80 cm inner diameter) to complete metamorphosis. The emerged adult was taken to Insect Museum, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for identification at the. The result of the identification revealed it as Callosobruchus subinnotatus Pic. [Coleoptera: Bruchidae]. The insect is widely known to be a primary pest of Bambara nut, Vigna subterranean (L.) Verdcourt. The insect is reported in this research as an alternative host in periods when Bambara nut is not available. Therefore, farmers in the area should observe adequate farm sanitation by keeping their farms devoid of Cassia tora weeds to eliminate likely hibernation sites.

Rise in the Pathogenic Status of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Causing Bloodstream Infection.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are one of the frequently isolated bacteria from blood cultures. Since they are part of the normal skin flora, they were previously considered contaminants. But now, they can be considered as established pathogens causing bloodstream infection (BSI). This study aims to estimate the prevalence of CoNS in BSI cases. This study was conducted at the Microbiology Department, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, India, for eight months (January 2022 to August 2022). Data were collected retrospectively from medical and laboratory records. Paired blood cultures from 5085 clinically suspected sepsis cases were subjected to aerobic culture for five days in the BacT ALERT 3D system. Pathogenicity was established after recovery of CoNS from paired blood cultures of symptomatic patients. CoNS were isolated from 2.35% of patients, the most common species being Staphylococcus haemolyticus (51.67%). About 90% of isolates were methicillin-resistant. All the isolates were susceptible to linezolid, teicoplanin, and vancomycin, except one isolate of S. haemolyticus which was intermediate to vancomycin. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 50 and MIC 90 for vancomycin were 1 ug/ml and 2 ug/ml, respectively. Conclusion: Paired blood cultures are necessary to determine the pathogenicity of CoNS in BSI cases. A high prevalence of methicillin resistance, accompanied by high resistance rates to other non-beta lactam antibiotics, warrants the strict implementation of antimicrobial stewardship practices.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profile and Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase Resistance Genes in Escherichia coli from Patients in General Hospital, Karshi, Abuja, Nigeria

Aims: This study investigated the antimicrobial resistance profile and extended spectrum beta-lactamase resistance genes in Escherichia coli of from urine of patients sourced from General Hospital, Karshi, Abuja, Nigeria. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, between August 2022 and February 2023. Methodology: A total of 120 samples were collected from patients. Escherichia coli was isolated from the samples using standard microbiological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was evaluated as described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The detection of ESBL production in E. coli isolates was carried out using double disc synergy test.  In addition, molecular detection of ESBL genes was carried out using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. Results: The prevalence of E. coli was 17.5% (21/120), out of which two (2) of the positive isolates (9.5%) were male, and 19 (90.5%) female. Antibiotic resistances in the isolates in decreasing order were as follows: sulphamethoxazole / trimethoprim (SXT: 81.0%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AMC: 61.9%), ofloxacin (OFX: 66.7%), cefotaxime (CTX: 53.4%), gentamicin (CN: 42.9%), ceftriaxone (CRO: 33.3%), imipenem (IPM: 33.3%), meropenem (MOR: 42.4%), nitrofurantoin (NET: 20.3%) and ciprofloxacin (CIP: 23.8%). The commonest antibiotic resistant resistance phenotype was CIP-OFX-SXT (23.8%). Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) was observed in 90.5% (19/21) of the isolates, with the common MAR index being 0.3 (23.8%). Six of the twenty one beta-lactam resistant isolates (28.5%) were confirmed ESBL producers. The 6 ESBL positive isolates carried bla genes as follows: blaTEM (1/6, 16.7%) and blaCTX-M (1/6, 16.7%). blaSHV only was not found in any of the isolates. Conclusion: The E. coli isolates from urine of patients in General Hospital, Karshi, Abuja, Nigeria was less resistant to ciprofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, meropenem and imipenem. This implies that the antibiotics are useful in the treatment of infection caused by E. coli. Also, ESBL-positive E. coli isolates harbored ESBL genes, with blaCTX-M and blaTEM as the most common.

MICROBIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE TREATMENT OF RATS WITH AN EXPERIMENTAL INFECTED WOUND USING AN ANTISEPTIC AND AN IMMUNOMODULATOR

Despite the outstanding achievements in treating wounds, the question of the development and search of new medicines and new medicinal antimicrobial compositions, which would provide an opportunity to improve the treatment of infected and purulent wounds in modern conditions, is still relevant.Material and methods. On the basis of the Department of Microbiology and the veterinary medical clinic of National Pyrogov Memorial Medical University (Vinnytsya, Ukraine), an experimental study was conducted, which consisted of the microbiological evaluation of the use of the immunomodulator "Blastomunil" in the treatment of infected wounds in rats. Under anesthesia, a wound of 1.5x1.5 cm was made in the interscapular area of the animals. It was infected, and then it was treated by intramuscular injection of Blastomunyl, or its local application as monotherapy or in combination with Decamethoxine. The collection of material from the wounds for microbiological research was carried out for 3, 7, 10 and 14 days, followed by a microbiological study of the quantitative content of microorganisms in the wound and their species identification. Numerical values of the number of microorganisms in wounds were expressed as the decimal logarithm of colony-forming units per ml (lg CFU/ml).Research results. Indicators of S.aureus wound contamination on the third day decreased from the 3rd to the 6th group by 1.35, 1.32, 1.46, 1.49, 1.26. and 1.29 times, respectively, with the most significant indicators in 5 (3.74±0.14 lg CFU/ml) and 6 (2.48±0.45 lg CFU/ml) groups, which were significantly different from the control (p<0.05). Regarding P.aeruginosa, a significant logarithmic decrease in microbial contamination was observed in groups 3 (3.78±0.26 lg CFU/ml), 5 (3.12±0.17 lg CFU/ml), 6 (2.48±0.45 lg CFU/ml), and the reduction was respectively, 1.37, 1.66 and 2.09 times, and for the 6th group was reliably the most significant (p<0.05). On the 7th day, a decrease in the number of S.aureus and P.aeruginosa CFU was observed in all groups compared to the control. The most significant decrease in the level of microbial colonization of S.aureus wounds was found in group 5 (2.96±0.08 lg CFU/ml), and its multiplicity was 1.99 times, respectively, compared to the control (p<0.05). A significant reduction in the colonization of wounds by the opportunistic gram-negative bacillus P.aeruginosa was established on the 7th day in groups 5 (2.32±0.36 lg CFU/ml) and 6 (1.43±0.65 lg CFU/ml), the multiplicity of logarithmic reduction of contamination was significant and reliable ( p<0.05) and was 2.0 and 3.26, respectively. On the 10th day, the load of S.aureus in wounds in groups 3-6 significantly decreased. Multiplicity compared to the control was determined in 1.4, 1.54, 2.24, 2.2 times, respectively, with the best result in 5 (2.06±0.04 lg CFU/ml) and 6 (1.9±0.52 lg CFU/ml) groups. For P.aeruginosa, a reliable logarithmic decrease in microbial colonization was determined for groups 2-6, and the multiplicity compared to the control was 1.46, 1.38, 1.91, 1.86, 1.38 times with the best indicators in groups 5 (1.85±0.66 lg CFU/ml) and 6 (1.9±0.52 lg CFU/ml) (p<0.05). On the 14th day, complete eradication of S.aureus and P.aeruginosa was established in wounds of groups 3-6. In the second group, the level of contamination still remained at an insignificant level and was 1.55±0.49 lg CFU/ml S.aureus and 1.04±0.2 lg CFU/ml P.aeruginosa, which is 4.2 and 5 times less than in the control group.Conclusion. Blastomunyl indirectly, apparently due to its immunomodulatory effect, exhibits significant antimicrobial properties, both when administered intramuscularly and when used locally as monotherapy or in combination with Decasan.

A study to assess the prevalence and risk factors for Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in a tertiary care hospital in Northern India

Objectives: The prevalence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is on rise among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study sought to describe the prevalence and risk factors of CDI in patients with IBD as compared to non-IBD controls. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted at a Department of Microbiology in collaboration with a Department of Gastroenterology. The patients with IBD and controls without IBD presenting with diarrhea were included in the study. The screening test for C. difficile infection was done by glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) assay and toxin detection by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Anaerobic culture for C. difficile was done on a selective cycloserine cefoxitin fructose agar and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done for Toxin A (TcdA) and Toxin B (TcdB) gene detection. C. difficile infection was confirmed if GDH and toxin ELISA or PCR were positive. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0.The numerical variables were presented by means and standard deviations. Comparison of continuous variables was done using Student’s t-test. Categorical variables were analyzed by Chi square test. P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 160 cases and 112 age- and gender-matched control were included in IBD group and nonIBD group, respectively. Only one culture was positive, 12 and six were positive for GDH ELISA and TcdA and TcdB ELISA, respectively, and 7 were positive by PCR for toxin genes. The factors found significantly associated with CDI were proton-pump inhibitors use (P = 0.001), levofloxacin (P =0.001), and azathioprine (P =0.042). Using PCR as a reference method for C. difficile toxin detection, the sensitivity, and specificity of GDH ELISA and ELISA for toxins were 100%, 96.8% and 85.7%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of CDI among patients with IBD has been found to be low, that is (only 4.4%) in this study population.

Unlocking Nature’s Secret: Microbiological and Nutrient Profiling of Fermented Apple

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the microbiological and nutrient composition of naturally fermented apple cider.  
 Place and Study Duration: Department of Microbiology, between June and August 2023.
 Methodology: The purchased apples were weighed, cut into dice, cleaned, and incorporated into distilled water. Subsequently, they were allowed to ferment spontaneously at room temperature in a 500 mL conical flask. The sample was inoculated onto sterilized glucose yeast carbonate agar and subsequently incubated at 30°C for 48 hours. The colony characteristics of the isolates on glucose yeast carbonate agar were observed. Gram’s staining and other standard biochemical tests were performed to identify the isolates. During the fermentation period, the pH of the sample was determined. The proximate content (moisture, protein, crude fat, and carbohydrate) of the apple cider was also analyzed.
 Results: Microscopy revealed the isolates to be Gram-negative bacteria with rod-shaped morphology. The growth characteristics of the isolates on selective media and the results of biochemical tests suggested the presence of Acetobacter sp. The pH of the sample tends towards 4.0, suggesting the production of acidic compound. The apple cider produced had a high moisture content (78.04%), and the protein content was 20.04%. The results showed low concentrations of ash content (0.49%), carbohydrate (0.44%), and lipid (0.99%).
 Conclusion: The presence of macro and micronutrients in apple cider has been associated with some positive health effects, which are enhanced through fermentation, making them a valuable option for health-conscious consumers.