Effects Of Antibiotics Research Articles

Comparison the effect of plant extracts and antibiotics on gram negative bacteria isolated from patients with urinary tract infection in Tikrit city

Background: With increasing bacterial resistance for antibiotic, there is an increasing interest in medicinal herbal as a new source of an antimicrobial agents and with less side effects than conventional drugs. Objective: Was to evaluate the potential of Syzygium aromaticum and rosemarinus officinalis extract on Proteus mirabilis isolates in vitro. Methods: Six pathogenic gram negative bacilli belonging to three different genus (E.coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterobacter aerogenes) and two isolates from each species were used in this study and four concentration (100%, 75%, 50%, 25% mg/ml ) from each plant extracts (aqueous and ethanolic of Syzygium aromaticum and rosemarinus officinalis extracts ) were prepared to be antibacterial agent. antibacterial activity was measured by using wells method and five antibiotics using to compare with the activity of antibacterial agent. Results: The result of the study shown that the ethanolic extracts of Syzygium aromaticum is a strong antibacterial agent (with diameter of inhibition zone 25 mm) against Proteus mirabilis. Enterobacter aerogenes with (15mm) of inhibition zon, E.coli did not show any inhibition zone also the aqueous and ethanolic of rosemarinus officinalis extracts and aqueous of Syzygium aromaticum extracts did not show any activity towards any gram negative bacilli also the results of the study show resistance isolates of E.coli and Proteus mirabilis toward several antibiotic while Enterobacter aerogenes is sensitive for more antibiotics that used in this study. Conclusions: Our study concluded that the extract of Syzygium aromaticum has high potential as antibacterial agent against UTI that caused by Proteus mirabilis, clove (syzygium aromaticum) can be used in pharmaceutical for the production of new synthetic agents. There is an increasing interest in phytochemicals as new sources of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. The natural compounds which have biological activities are interest to pharmaceutical industries especially for treatment of human disease of microbial origin and several pathological disorders such as cancergenesis, coronary atherosclerosis, as well as in ageing processes.

EVALUATION OF CEPHALOSPORIN’S LIPOPHILIC PROPERTIES

As a part of the study, a comparative analysis of different generations three representative’s lipophilic properties of cephalosporin antibiotics, namely cefazolin, cefotaxime and cefepime, was carried out. Lipophilicity is a very important physicochemical property of medicinal substances, since it determines their ability to pass through protective barriers, distribute, accumulate in tissues and body fluids, be broken down and excreted, which, in turn, affects the manifestation of antibacterial activity and the cytotoxic effect of antibiotics. During the experiment, a series of drugs aqueous solutions were prepared, then the antibiotics were extracted with highly purified olive oil, after which the aqueous phase was taken and the osmolality value for it was determined. Based on the calibration dependences of the osmolality value on the concentration of the antibiotic in the aqueous phase after extraction, the logarithms of the distribution coefficients in the «oil/water» system were calculated, which is a numerical indicator of the lipophilicity of substances. Using the capabilities of the online platform «Molinspiration Cheminformatics Software», the theoretical values of the studied drugs distribution coefficients logarithms were also determined, and the theoretical values correlated with the experimental ones. Based on the data obtained, it was revealed that the studied antibiotics have low lipophilicity, which decreases in the order: cefotaxime > cefazolin > cefepime. The work also assessed the relationship between solution pH and lipophilic properties. Pearson's r-coefficients between pH and antibiotic concentrations in oil after extraction of cefotaxime and cefazolin show a weak inverse relationship between the studied parameters. For cefepime solutions, a similar linear correlation coefficient demonstrates a direct high relationship between the pH of the solution and the lipophilicity of the antibiotic. The results of the study can be taken into account during antibiotic therapy with appropriate cephalosporins, as well as when creating a new generation of antibiotics. For citation: Kataeva N.N., Naronova N.A., Golitsyna K.O., Belokonova N.A., Shulepova K.E. Evaluation of cephalosporin’s lipophilic properties. ChemChemTech [Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol.]. 2024. V. 67. N 7. P. 55-62. DOI: 10.6060/ivkkt.20246707.7018.

Progress of research and application of Heyndrickxia coagulans (Bacillus coagulans) as probiotic bacteria.

Probiotics are defined as living or dead bacteria and their byproducts that maintain the balance of the intestinal microbiome. They are non-toxic, non-pathogenic, and do not release any toxins either within or outside the body. Adequate consumption of probiotics can enhance metabolite production, increase immunity, maintain a balanced intestinal flora, and stimulate growth. Probiotics do not have negative antibiotic effects and help maintain the natural flora in animals in a balanced state or prevent dysbacteriosis. Heyndrickxia coagulans (H. coagulans) is a novel probiotic species that is gradually being used for the improvement of human health. Compared to commonly used probiotic lactic acid bacteria, H. coagulans can produce spores, which provide the species with high resistance to adverse conditions. Even though they are transient residents of the gut, beneficial bacteria can have a significant impact on the microbiota because they can outnumber harmful germs, and vice versa. This article discusses the probiotic mechanisms of H. coagulans and outlines the requirements for a substance to be classified as a probiotic. It also addresses how to assess strains that have recently been discovered to possess probiotic properties.

Influence of antibiotics on the development of mitochondrial dysfunction.

Antibiotics are an indispensable component of therapeutic strategies in the treatment of severe bacterial infections. Unfortunately, in addition to the emerging resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, side effects are an important problem with their use. Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the development of side effects can make it possible to understand how it is possible to reduce their negative impact on the health of patients. One of the negative effects of antibiotics on the human organism is interference with homeostasis and the functioning of mitochondria. Side effects of antibiotics based on this influence require further study. Here we consider the mitochondria as a side target of antibiotics and the main strategies of antibiotics that cause mitochondrial dysfunction. Options are also considered on how to deal with this problem and even use it for good.

Does Adjunctive Clindamycin Have a Role in Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia? A Protocol for the Adjunctive Treatment Domain of the Staphylococcus aureus Network Adaptive Platform (SNAP) Randomized Controlled Trial.

The use of adjunctive antibiotics directed against exotoxin production in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is widespread, and it is recommended in many guidelines, but this is based on limited evidence. Existing guidelines are based on the theoretical premise of toxin suppression, as many strains of S. aureus produce toxins such as leukocidins (eg, Panton-Valentine leukocidin, toxic shock syndrome toxin 1, exfoliative toxins, and various enterotoxins). Many clinicians therefore believe that limiting exotoxin production release by S. aureus could reduce its virulence and improve clinical outcomes. Clindamycin, a protein synthesis inhibitor antibiotic, is commonly used for this purpose. We report the domain-specific protocol, embedded in a large adaptive, platform trial, seeking to definitively answer this question. The Staphylococcus aureus Network Adaptive Platform (SNAP) trial is a pragmatic, randomized, multicenter adaptive platform trial that aims to compare different SAB therapies, simultaneously, for 90-day mortality rates. The adjunctive treatment domain aims to test the effectiveness of adjunctive antibiotics, initially comparing clindamycin to no adjunctive antibiotic, but future adaptations may include other agents. Individuals will be randomized to receive either 5 days of adjunctive clindamycin (or lincomycin) or no adjunctive antibiotic therapy alongside standard-of-care antibiotics. Most participants with SAB (within 72 hours of index blood culture and with no contraindications) will be eligible to participate in this domain. Prespecified analyses are defined in the statistical appendix to the core protocol, and domain-specific secondary analyses will be adjusted for resistance to clindamycin, disease phenotype (complicated or uncomplicated SAB) and Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive isolate.

Quorum quenching mediated biofilm impediment in Chromobacterium violaceum and Staphylococcus aureus by leaf extracts of Delonixelata

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that cause systemic infections, resistance development and delay in healing wounds. Biofilms can form in various parts of the human body, such as the teeth, lungs, urinary tract, and wounds. Biofilm complicates the effects of antibiotics in treating infections. In search of a cure, a plant-based phyto component was selected for this investigation as an anti-quorum-mediated biofilm restricting agent in Gram-negative Chromobacterium violaceum and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. The bioactive components in Delonix elata (DE) ethyl acetate extract were identified using Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The extract was examined for toxicity using 3T3 cell lines and brine shrimp and ascertained to be non-toxic. Violacein was inhibited up to 68.81 % in C. violaceum at 0.6 mg/ml concentration. Hemolysin synthesis impediments in C. violaceum and S. aureus were 80 % and 51.35 %, respectively, at 0.6 mg/ml of DE extract. At 0.6 mg/ml, EPS was abated by up to 49 % in C. violaceum and 35.26 % in S. aureus. DE extract prevented biofilm formation in C. violaceum and S. aureus up to 76.45 % and 58.15 %, respectively, while associated eDNA was suppressed up to 67.50 % and 53.47 % at the respective sub-MIC concentrations. Expression of genes such as cviI, cviR, vioA, vioB, and vioE were dramatically reduced in C. violaceum, while genes such as agrA, sarA, fnbA, and fnbB were significantly reduced in S. aureus. Docking demonstrates that two or more DE molecules bind efficiently to the QS receptors of C. violaceum and S. aureus. Thus, DE extract can be investigated for therapeutic purposes against pathogenic microorganisms by rendering them less virulent through quorum quenching mediated action.

State of the Art: Intrapartum Antibiotics in Cesarean Section—The Infant Microbiota and Allergic Diseases

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2023;102:811–820) Recent changes in guidelines for administering maternal antibiotics for cesarean deliveries (CD) have increased neonatal exposure to antibiotics. Potential long-term effects of this exposure are relatively unknown; recent evidence in other fields has indicated a long-lasting impact of antibiotic exposure on gut microbiota composition, which raises concerns about the effects of antibiotics on the fragile and new gut microbiota of neonates around the time of birth. This review assessed the current guidelines and applications for CD antibiotics, as well as discussed the importance of neonatal intestinal microbiota and the potential consequences of antibiotic prophylaxis in the development of the neonatal immune system and allergic disease.

Research on the effects of intestinal FXR agonists and antibiotics on the regulation of red kidney bean polysaccharides in the liver metabolism in mice with type 2 diabetes

AbstractOur previous study revealed that red kidney bean polysaccharides (RKB) exhibit a pronounced hypoglycemic effect on type 2 diabetic rats, while simultaneously exerting a significant ameliorative impact on hepatic damage in these animals. However, the precise mechanism underlying the effects of RKB on diabetes and liver metabolism remains unproven. In this study, we utilized a mouse model of type 2 diabetes induced by a high‐fat diet combined with streptozotocin to investigate the impact of RKB. We administered a combined intervention involving antibiotics, fexaramine, and RKB to elucidate the mechanism underlying RKB's effects. Our findings demonstrated that RKB significantly ameliorated liver function indices and histopathological injuries. Nevertheless, when antibiotics and fexaramine were introduced as interventions, they hindered the beneficial effects of RKB on liver function in type 2 diabetic mice. Furthermore, our nontargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that antibiotics and fexaramine exerted their inhibitory actions on RKB efficacy through modulation of distinct metabolites involved in glycerophospholipid and purine metabolic pathways.

Combinations of Cannabinoids with Silver Salts or Silver Nanoparticles for Synergistic Antibiotic Effects against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Silver has been shown to improve the antibiotic effects of other drugs against both Gram- positive and -negative bacteria. In this study, we investigated the antibiotic potential of cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabigerol (CBG) and their acidic counterparts (CBDA, CBCA, CBGA) against Gram-positive bacteria and further explored the additive or synergistic effects of silver nitrate or silver nanoparticles using 96-well plate growth assays and viability (CFUs- colony-forming units). All six cannabinoids had strong antibiotic effects against MRSA with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 2 mg/L for CBG, CBD and CBCA; 4 mg/L for CBGA; and 8 mg/L for CBC and CBDA. Using 96-well checkerboard assays, CBC, CBG and CBGA showed full or partial synergy with silver nitrate; CBC, CBDA and CBGA were fully synergistic with silver nanoparticles against MRSA. Using CFU assays, combinations of CBC, CBGA and CBG with either silver nitrate or silver nanoparticles, all at half or quarter MICs, demonstrated strong, time-dependent inhibition of bacterial growth (silver nitrate) and bactericidal effects (silver nanoparticles). These data will lead to further investigation into possible biomedical applications of specific cannabinoids in combination with silver salts or nanoparticles against drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria.

Enhanced Efficacy of Ciprofloxacin and Tobramycin against Staphylococcus aureus When Combined with Corydalis Tuber and Berberine through Efflux Pump Inhibition.

One way that bacteria develop antibiotic resistance is by reducing intracellular antibiotic concentrations through efflux pumps. Therefore, enhancing the efficacy of antibiotics using efflux pump inhibitors provides a way to overcome this type of resistance. Notably, an increasing number of pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus strains have efflux pump genes. In this study, the extract from Corydalis ternata Nakai tuber (Corydalis Tuber) at 512 mg/L was demonstrated to have an antibiotic synergistic effect with ciprofloxacin at 2 mg/L and tobramycin at 1024 mg/L against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid identified in Corydalis Tuber, was identified as contributing to this effect. Ethidium bromide efflux pump activity assays showed that Corydalis Tuber extract and berberine inhibited efflux, suggesting that they are efflux pump inhibitors. Molecular docking simulations suggested that berberine binds to S. aureus efflux pump proteins MepA, NorA, NorB, and SdrM. Additionally, berberine and Corydalis Tuber extract inhibit biofilm formation, which can confer antibiotic resistance. This study's findings suggest that Corydalis Tuber, a traditional herbal medicine, and berberine, a medicinal supplement, act as S. aureus efflux pump inhibitors, synergistically increasing the efficacy of ciprofloxacin and tobramycin and showing promise as a treatment for antibiotic-resistant S. aureus infections, including MRSA.

Antibiotics alter development and gene expression in the model cnidarian Nematostella vectensis.

Antibiotics are commonly used for controlling microbial growth in diseased organisms. However, antibiotic treatments during early developmental stages can have negative impacts on development and physiology that could offset the positive effects of reducing or eliminating pathogens. Similarly, antibiotics can shift the microbial community due to differential effectiveness on resistant and susceptible bacteria. Though antibiotic application does not typically result in mortality of marine invertebrates, little is known about the developmental and transcriptional effects. These sublethal effects could reduce the fitness of the host organism and lead to negative changes after removal of the antibiotics. Here, we quantify the impact of antibiotic treatment on development, gene expression, and the culturable bacterial community of a model cnidarian, Nematostella vectensis. Ampicillin, streptomycin, rifampicin, and neomycin were compared individually at two concentrations, 50 and 200 µg mL-1, and in combination at 50 µg mL-1 each, to assess their impact on N. vectensis. First, we determined the impact antibiotics have on larval development. Next Amplicon 16S rDNA gene sequencing was used to compare the culturable bacteria that persist after antibiotic treatment to determine how these treatments may differentially select against the native microbiome. Lastly, we determined how acute (3-day) and chronic (8-day) antibiotic treatments impact gene expression of adult anemones. Under most exposures, the time of larval settlement extended as the concentration of antibiotics increased and had the longest delay of 3 days in the combination treatment. Culturable bacteria persisted through a majority of exposures where we identified 359 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). The largest proportion of bacteria belonged to Gammaproteobacteria, and the most common ASVs were identified as Microbacterium and Vibrio. The acute antibiotic exposure resulted in differential expression of genes related to epigenetic mechanisms and neural processes, while constant application resulted in upregulation of chaperones and downregulation of mitochondrial genes when compared to controls. Gene Ontology analyses identified overall depletion of terms related to development and metabolism in both antibiotic treatments. Antibiotics resulted in a significant increase to settlement time of N. vectensis larvae. Culturable bacterial species after antibiotic treatments were taxonomically diverse. Additionally, the transcriptional effects of antibiotics, and after their removal result in significant differences in gene expression that may impact the physiology of the anemone, which may include removal of bacterial signaling on anemone gene expression. Our research suggests that impacts of antibiotics beyond the reduction of bacteria may be important to consider when they are applied to aquatic invertebrates including reef building corals.

Biofilm of Cutibacterium acnes: a target of different active substances.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis. Cutibacterium acnes plays a crucial role in the acne pathophysiology. Recent works present evidence of C.acnes growing as a biofilm in cutaneous follicles. This development is currently considered one of the leading causes of C. acnes in vivo persistence and resistance to antimicrobials used to treat acne. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of various active compounds (clindamycin, erythromycin, doxycycline, and myrtle extract) on eight distinct, well-characterized strains of C. acnes following their growth in biofilm mode. Cutibacterium acnes isolates from phylotypes IA1 and IA2 produce more biofilm than other phylotypes. No antibiotic effect was observed either during the curative test or preventive test. Myrtle extract at 0.01% (w/v) showed significant efficacy on the biofilm for C. acnes strains (curative assays). Furthermore, it appear that myrtle extract and doxycycline together reduce the overall biomass of the biofilm. A significant dose-dependent effect was observed during the preventive test, greater than the one observed under curative conditions, with an important loss of activity of the myrtle extract observed from 0.001% (w/v) concentration onwards. Transmission electron microscopy showed that bacteria treated withmyrtle extract grew biofilms much less frequently than untreated bacteria. Additionally, when the quantity of myrtle extract grew, the overall number of bacteria dropped, indicating an additional antibacterial action. These findings support the hypothesis that the different C. acnes phylotypes have various aptitudes in forming biofilms. They also suggest that myrtle extract is a promising alternative as an anti-biofilm and antibacterial agent in fighting diseases caused by planktonic and biofilm C. acnes.

Lippia grata Essential Oil Acts Synergistically with Ampicillin Against Staphylococcus aureus and its Biofilm.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a global challenge as microorganisms evolve to withstand the effects of antibiotics. In addition, the improper use of antibiotics significantly contributes to the AMR acceleration. Essential oils have garnered attention for their antimicrobial potential. Indeed, essential oils extracted from plants contain compounds that exhibit antibacterial activity, including against resistant microorganisms. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of the essential oil (EO) extracted from Lippia grata and its combination with ampicillin against Staphylococcus aureus strains (ATCC 25923, ATCC 700698, and JKD6008). The plant material (leaves) was gathered in Mossoro, RN, and the EO was obtained using the hydrodistillation method with the Clevenger apparatus. The antimicrobial activity of the EO was assessed through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated by measuring biomass using crystal violet (CV) staining, viable cell counting, and analysis of preformed biofilms. In addition, the synergistic effects of the EO in combination with ampicillin were examined by scanning electron and confocal microscopy. The EO displayed a MIC value of 2.5mg/mL against all tested S. aureus strains and an MBC only against S. aureus JKD6008 at 2.5mg/mL. L. grata EO caused complete biofilm inhibition at concentrations ranging from 10 to 0.312mg/mL against S. aureus ATCC 25923 and 10 to 1.25mg/mL against S. aureus ATCC 700698 and S. aureus JKD6008. In the viable cell quantification assay, there was a reduction in CFU ranging from 1.0 to 8.0 logs. The combination of EO with ampicillin exhibited a synergistic effect against all strains. Moreover, the combination showed a significantly inhibiting biofilm formation and eradicating preformed biofilms. Furthermore, the EO and ampicillin (individually and in combination) altered the cellular morphology of S. aureus cells. Regarding the mechanism, the results revealed that L. grata EO increased membrane permeability and caused significant membrane damage. Concerning the synergy mechanism, the results revealed that the combination of EO and ampicillin increases membrane permeability and causes considerable membrane damage, further inhibiting bacteria synergistically. The findings obtained here suggest that L. grata EO in combination with ampicillin could be a viable treatment option against S. aureus infections, including MRSA strain.

Effect of probiotics, antibiotics and herbal extracts against fish bacterial pathogens

In this study the effect of probiotic preparations and plant extract was investigated against eleven fish bacterial pathogens viz. Aeromonas hydrophila, Cellobiococcus sp., Enterobacter aerogenes, E. cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., Streptobacillus sp., Streptococcus sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens and Staphylococcus aureus. All these pathogens were found to be resistant for antibiotics viz. nitrofurantoin, amoxycillin, bacitracin, cephalothin, erythromycin, novobiocin, vancomycin , amphicillin, oxacillin and colistin. In vitro antagonism test of the probiotics was performed by using well diffusion method. In case of probiotic AquaproTM, effective zone of inhibition of 2.433 cm was observed for P. fluorescens and K. pneumoniae. The extracts of Azadirachta indica, Aloe barbadensis, Withania somnifera and Momordica charantia were studied in vitro alone as well as in combination with probiotic (Lactobacillus sporogenes). The zone of inhibition observed in mixed sample was less as compared to individual sample. Among the four plants extract, the W. somnifera extract was found to be the most effective and it leads to maximum inhibition (1.1 cm) recorded for E. aerogenes.

Profile of pathogenic bacteria isolated from cow's milk in N'Djamena: associated risk factors and antibiotic resistance

Raw milk and its derivatives are foodstuffs vulnerable to contamination by microorganisms including pathogenic bacteria and failure to comply with hygiene rules. The objective of this study was to determine the profile of pathogenic bacteria isolated from cow's milk and to evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotics commonly used in veterinary and human medicine against these bacteria in Chad. This was a prospective and analytical study based on bacteriological examination including 180 milk samples collected in 10 districts of N'Djamena. The isolation, identification and testing of sensitivity of isolated bacteria to antibiotics were carried out under standard food bacteriology conditions. Among 180 milk samples which were screened by bacteriological examination, 71 (34.44%) cases were positive. The bacterial strains isolated were: Staphylococcus aureus (38.03%), Streptococcus agalactiae (18.31%), Staphylococcus hyicus (11.27%), Streptococcus uberis (7.04%), Escherichia coliO157H7 (7.04%), Streptococcus pyogenes (5.63%), Aeromonas hydrophila (5.63%), Listeria monocytogenes (4.22%) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (2.81%). The risk factors most frequently associated with milk contamination were hand milking (100%) followed by unsanitary environment (65%), 35% of milks were sold in reused bottles and 58% of vendors and producers were uneducated. The antibiogram of the 69 isolated bacterial agents showed reduced sensitivities to beta-lactams and aminoglycosides, and varied resistance to cyclins and fluoroquinolones. Streptomycin remains an aminoglycoside most sensitive to all strains of pathogenic bacteria with an average level of 95.7%. Staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus hyicus) developed an average resistance of 80.15% to methycillin, 80.1% to vancomycin and all bacteria showed an average resistance of 85% to metronidazole. Streptococci strains (Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus pyogenes) were very sensitive (76.3%) to vancomycin. The isolated Listeria monocytogenes strains were 100%sensitive to aminoglycosides and beta-lactams. The two-strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis detected by GeneXpert had a profile of 50%sensitivity and 50%resistance to rifampicin. This study not only made it possible to know the high rate and frequency of pathogenic bacteria in cow's milk as well as the associated risk factors, but also showed a reduction in sensitivity of bacteria to aminopenicillins and aminoglycosides, a strong resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to methicillin and vancomycin and a high sensitivity of streptococci to vancomycin.

Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Staphylococcus aureus in Cancer Patients at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, Littoral Region, Cameroon.

Cancer and chemotherapy predispose the patients to various bacterial infections. This study is aimed at isolating and establishing the distribution of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from fecal samples in subjects with cancer admitted to the Oncology Department at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, in the Littoral Region of Cameroon. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to March 2023. Cancer and noncancer patients were suffering from Staphylococcus aureus infection. The isolation of Staphylococcus aureus was based on culture on the specific medium. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used for drug susceptibility testing. Of the 507 patients studied, 307 (60.55%) were cancer patients, compared to 200 (39.45%) noncancer patients. S. aureus was isolated in 81 (15.97%) participants, among which 62 (76.55%) were cancer patients and 19 (23.45%) were noncancer patients. In the study population, 31.92% of participants had breast cancer, followed by cervical cancer (13.68%) and leukemia (7.17%). Staphylococcus aureus isolates showed high resistance rates in cancer patients compared to noncancer patients to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC, 77.42% versus 31.58%), cefoxitin (FOX, 80.65% versus 63.16%), ciprofloxacin (CIP, 75.81% versus 26.32%), ofloxacin (OFX, 69.35% versus 31.58%), fusidic acid (FUS, 70.97% versus 53.63%), and tetracycline (TET, 85.48% versus 78.95%). Staphylococcus aureus showed a significant increase in multidrug-resistant (MDR) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) phenotypes in cancer patients compared to noncancer patients (p < 0.05). The prevalence of MRSA was 76.54%, higher than that of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (23.46%). The frequency of MRSA was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in cancer patients (80.65%) than in noncancer patients (19.35%). This study showed that there is an association between antibiotic resistance and cancer status. Research and interventions must be focused on the cancer population to combat the appearance of MDR bacteria due to the loss of effectiveness of antibiotics.

Enhanced removal of typical antibiotics and the changes of bacterial communities in an electro-assisted vertical flow constructed wetland

The presence of a considerable amount of antibiotic residues in urban sewage treatment systems represents a significant threat to both ecological security and human health. In this study, three common aquatic plants, Iris pseudacoru, Cannan indica, and Cyperus alternifolius, and three commonly used antibiotics, oxytetracycline (OTC), tetracycline (TET), and sulfadimethoxine (SDM) were selected to construct a hydroponic system to screen plants with the best antibiotic removal effect. The impact of electric-assisted vertical flow constructed wetland (E-VFCW) on the removal of target antibiotics under varying conditions was investigated. Furthermore, the effects of electrical stimulation on plant physiological indexes and the structure of the microbial community were analyzed. The results showed that the three stages of anodic had the best removal rates for OTC (23.9%, 18.5%, and 14.5%) and TET (28.4%, 23.4%, and 17.4%). When the voltage was 0.9 V and the hydraulic residence time was 36 h, the removal rates of OTC and TET in the anaerobic anodic and aerobic cathodic chamber systems were increased by 15.7% and 18.9%, respectively. The OTC and TET removal rates in the anaerobic cathodic and aerobic anodic chamber systems were increased by approximately 10.3% and 15.5%, respectively. The E-VFCW had no significant effect on SDM. The degradation efficiencies of OTC and TET in the anaerobic zone were higher than those in the aerobic zone. Electrical stimulation enhances enzymatic activity in plants and improves their resistance. Electrical stimulation selectively enriched certain antibiotic-degrading microorganisms, including Elstera, Erysipelothrix, Anaerolinea and Desulfomicrobium.

Hepatotoxicity of Antibiotics and Antifungals and Their Safe Use in Hepatic Impairment.

Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a rare and unpredictable form of hepatotoxicity. While its clinical course is usually benign, cases leading to liver transplantation or death can occur. Based on modern prospective registries, antimicrobials including antibiotics and antifungals are frequently implicated as common causes. Amoxicillin-clavulanate ranks as the most common cause for DILI in the Western World. Although the absolute risk of hepatotoxicity of these agents is low, as their usage is quite high, it is not uncommon for practitioners to encounter liver injury following the initiation of antibiotic or antifungal therapy. In this review article, mechanisms of hepatoxicity are presented. The adverse hepatic effects of well-established antibiotic and antifungal agents are described, including their frequency, severity, and pattern of injury and their HLA risks. We also review the drug labeling and prescription guidance from regulatory bodies, with a focus on individuals with hepatic impairment.

Antibiofilm activity of carotenoid crocetin against Staphylococcal strains.

Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis stand as notorious threats to human beings owing to the myriad of infections they cause. The bacteria readily form biofilms that help in withstanding the effects of antibiotics and the immune system. Intending to combat the biofilm formation and reduce the virulence of the pathogens, we investigated the effects of carotenoids, crocetin, and crocin, on four Staphylococcal strains. Crocetin was found to be the most effective as it diminished the biofilm formation of S. aureus ATCC 6538 significantly at 50 µg/mL without exhibiting bactericidal effect (MIC >800 µg/mL) and also inhibited the formation of biofilm by MSSA 25923 and S. epidermidis at a concentration as low as 2 µg/mL, and that by methicillin-resistant S. aureus MW2 at 100 µg/mL. It displayed minimal to no antibiofilm efficacy on the Gram-negative strains Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as a fungal strain of Candida albicans. It could also curb the formation of fibrils, which partly contributes to the biofilm formation in S. epidermidis. Additionally, the ADME analysis of crocetin proclaims how relatively non-toxic the chemical is. Also, crocetin displayed synergistic antibiofilm characteristics in combination with tobramycin. The presence of a polyene chain with carboxylic acid groups at its ends is hypothesized to contribute to the strong antibiofilm characteristics of crocetin. These findings suggest that using apocarotenoids, particularly crocetin might help curb the biofilm formation by S. aureus and S. epidermidis.

The gut microbiome, resistome, and mycobiome in preterm newborn infants and mouse pups: lack of lasting effects by antimicrobial therapy or probiotic prophylaxis

BackgroundEnhancing our understanding of the underlying influences of medical interventions on the microbiome, resistome and mycobiome of preterm born infants holds significant potential for advancing infection prevention and treatment strategies. We conducted a prospective quasi-intervention study to better understand how antibiotics, and probiotics, and other medical factors influence the gut development of preterm infants. A controlled neonatal mice model was conducted in parallel, designed to closely reflect and predict exposures. Preterm infants and neonatal mice were stratified into four groups: antibiotics only, probiotics only, antibiotics followed by probiotics, and none of these interventions. Stool samples from both preterm infants and neonatal mice were collected at varying time points and analyzed by 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing, ITS amplicon sequencing and whole genome shotgun sequencing.ResultsThe human infant microbiomes showed an unexpectedly high degree of heterogeneity. Little impact from medical exposure (antibiotics/probiotics) was observed on the strain patterns, however, Bifidobacterium bifidum was found more abundant after exposure to probiotics, regardless of prior antibiotic administration. Twenty-seven antibiotic resistant genes were identified in the resistome. High intra-variability was evident within the different treatment groups. Lastly, we found significant effects of antibiotics and probiotics on the mycobiome but not on the microbiome and resistome of preterm infants.ConclusionsAlthough our analyses showed transient effects, these results provide positive motivation to continue the research on the effects of medical interventions on the microbiome, resistome and mycobiome of preterm infants.