Enterococcus Spp Research Articles

COVID-19 association with multidrug-resistant bacteria superinfections: Lessons for future challenges.

The future waves of COVID 19 infections will continue to raise serious problems in patients with severe forms of the disease. Bacterial infections associated with SARS-CoV-2 disease may complicate the progress of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The present study aimed to evaluate the etiological spectrum of superinfection in adult patients with COVID-19 and to investigate the correlation between superinfection with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and serum procalcitonin (PCT). A total of 82 COVID-19 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and bacterial superinfection were included. The superinfections were classified into early infections (3-7 days from admission) and late infections (>7 days from admission). Bacterial superinfection etiological spectrum, MDR bacteria profile and levels of serum PCT were studied. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterococcus spp. MDR bacteria were involved in 73.17% of COVID-19 patients with bacterial superinfections. Most MDR bacteria superinfections (73.52%) occurred in the late infection period. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus spp. and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were the most common MDR bacteria identified in late infections after hospitalization in 20.43, 4.30 and 4.30% of all infections, respectively. Serum PCT values were significantly higher in patients with MDR bacteria superinfection compared with patients with sensitive bacteria superinfection (P=0.009). The principal findings of the present study were the high prevalence of superinfection with MDR bacteria among the COVID-19 patients with bacterial superinfections and the presence of a statistically significant association between serum PCT levels and the presence of superinfection with MDR bacteria. The most effective way to fight against microbial resistance to antibiotics, whether it occurs independently or overlaps with viral infections, is to pursue a national policy for the rational use of antibiotics.

PREVALENCE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN PAEDIATRIC AGE GROUP AND THEIR ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the major causes of morbidity in paediatric population. Sound knowledge of factors associated with UTI may allow timely intervention that can easily bring the disease under control. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of UTI in pediatric age group and their clinical prole by isolating and characterizing the different bacterial agents and evaluate their antibiotic sensitivity. Materials and Methods:This prospective study was conducted in Department of Microbiology, AJ Institute of Medical Science & Research Center, Mangalore from May 2021 to April 2022. A total of 113 non repetitive urine samples (clean catch midstream urine, catheter aspirated, suprapubic aspirate) were collected from paediatric patients (0-18yrs) suspected of UTI. Culture and bacterial identication was done by using standard microbiological guidelines. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method following clinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI) guidelines. The study revealed a 27% Result: (31/113) UTI prevalence among paediatric patients attending hospital. Fever, irritability and poor feeding were the most common symptoms in neonates while older children presented with fever and urinary symptoms. The predominant organisms isolated were E. coli 15(48%) followed by Klebsiella spp 7(23%), Enterococcus spp 4(13%), Staphylococcus aureus 3(10%), Proteus 1(3%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 (3%). All isolates of E. coli were found to be sensitive to Meropenem 15 (100%), followed by Amikacin and Gentamicin and Co-trimoxazole 11(74%). Nitrofurantoin showed 94% sensitivity and Cephalosporins showed 94% resistance. Klebsiella spp were found to be sensitive towards Amikacin 7 (100%) followed by Cefoperazone 6 (85%) and showed resistance to Ceftazidime 6 (85%). ESBL producers in gram negative bacilli accounted for 38%. Enterococcus spp were found to be sensitive to Linezolid 4 (100%) and all showed resistance to Erythromycin, Penicillin, Tetracycline, Ciprooxacin and Noroxacin 4 (100%). Amikacin (11% resistance) and Nitrofurantoin (5% resistance) are the most effective drugs for gramnegative bacilli (GNB) while Vancomycin and Linezolid are functional against gram-positive cocci. The positivity rate from 0-6 years, 7- 12years, 13-18years were 11(35%), 3 (10%), 17 (55%) respectively. In our study, UTIs were more common in female (58%) children as compared to male (42%) children. Conclusions High-level antimicrobial resistance was observed in paediatric UTI with alarming incidence of superbugs like ESBL and MRSA. Regular surveillance should be carried out to determine the local prevalence of organisms and antimicrobial susceptibilities in order to guide the proper management of children.

Interest in the combination of antimicrobial therapy for orthopaedic device-related infections due to Enterococcus spp.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the management of orthopaedic device-related infections (ODRIs) due to Enterococcus spp. We performed a retrospective cohort study in a French tertiary university hospital. Patients with prosthetic joint- or osteosynthesis-associated infections caused by enterococci from 2013 to 2020 were included. Patients who died within 5days after surgery; who were in palliative care; or who had osteosynthesis of the hand, foot or vertebra were excluded. Thirty-six patients were included, with 24 in the arthroplasty group and 12 in the osteosynthesis material group. Most infections were polymicrobial (63.9%, n = 23). Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) was performed in 30.6% (n = 11), withdrawal of material in 16.7% (n = 6), one-stage exchange in 30.6% (n = 11) and two-stage exchange in 22.2% of cases (n = 8). The antibiotic regimen was amoxicillin in 41.6% (n = 15), rifampicin in 27.8% (n = 10), linezolid in 25% (n = 9) and/or fluoroquinolones in 30.6% (n = 11). Clinical success at 1year was 67% (18/27). The only variable statistically associated with a decreased risk of clinical failure was a duration of antibiotic therapy of 12weeks (p = 0.04). Patients with a lower body mass index and age tended to decrease the risk of clinical failure (p = 0.05 and 0.06 respectively). The management of enterococcal ODRIs is complex, and ODRI patients are at high risk for relapse. In our small study, a better outcome was not demonstrated for patients with combination therapy and rifampicin use. Further studies are needed to improve the medico-surgical strategy for treating these infections.

Bacteriocinogenic Enterococcus casseliflavus Isolated from Fresh Guava Fruit (Psidium guajava): Characterization of Bacteriocin ST192Gu and Some Aspects of Its Mode of Action on Listeria spp. and Enterococcus spp.

Strain ST182Gu, isolated from fresh guava fruit, was identified as Enterococcus casseliflavus on the basis of biochemical tests, sugar fermentation reactions (API20Strip), PCR with genus-specific primers, and 16S rRNA sequencing. This appears to be the first documentation of the presence of this species in guava. E. casseliflavus ST182Gu was shown to produce a 4.8 kDa class IIa bacteriocin, active against various lactic acid bacteria including Enterococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp., and Staphylococcus aureus, and different serotypes of Listeria spp. The activity of the peptide was reduced by treatment with 0.1 mg/mL proteolytic enzymes, but not by α-amylase, catalase, lipase, and 1% (w/v) sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), Tween-20, Tween-80, urea, NaCl, and EDTA. No change in activity was recorded after adjustment to pH values of between 2.0 and 12.0 for 2 h, and after treatment at 100 °C for 120 min or 121°C for 20 min, compared with non-treated antimicrobial peptide. The mode of action against representative susceptible bacteria was shown to be bactericidal and associated with cell lysis and enzyme- and DNA-leakage. These susceptible bacteria, Listeria ivanovii subsp. ivanovii ATCC 19119, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313, and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19443 differed however in their sensitivity to bacteriocin ST182Gu (6,553,600 AU/mL, 102,400 AU/mL, and 51,200 AU/mL, respectively). No significant differences were detected in cell growth and bacteriocin production when strain ST182Gu was grown in MRS broth at 26 °C, 30 °C, and 37 °C for 24 h. Bacteriocin ST182Gu recovery from the surface of the producer cells showed different activity, dependent of the applied test organisms (3200, 800 and 400 AU/mL, evaluated versus L. ivanovii subsp. ivanovii ATCC 19119, L. monocytogenes ATCC 15313 and E. faecalis ATCC 19443, respectively), however, with proportional values with the activity recorded in cell free supernatant versus same test microorganisms. When bacteriocin ST182Gu was combined with sublethal doses of ciprofloxacin, synergistic inhibition of L. ivanovii subsp. ivanovii ATCC 19119 was demonstrated. This increase in ciprofloxacin sensitivity may be due to the dissipation of the proton gradient in the cell membrane of the target organism associated with exposure to bacteriocin ST182Gu. Apart from reducing the MIC of classical therapeutic antibiotics, bacteriocins such as ST182Gu may also play an important role in the treatment of multidrug resistant strains.

Clinical Resistant Strains of Enterococci and Their Correlation to Reduced Susceptibility to Biocides: Phenotypic and Genotypic Analysis of Macrolides, Lincosamides, and Streptogramins.

Enterococci are troublesome nosocomial, opportunistic Gram-positive cocci bacteria showing enhanced resistance to many commonly used antibiotics. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and genetic basis of antibiotic resistance to macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramins (MLS) in Enterococci, as well as the correlation between MLS resistance and biocide resistance. From 913 clinical isolates collected from King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia, 131 isolates were identified as Enterococci spp. The susceptibility of the clinical enterococcal isolates to several MLS antibiotics was determined, and the resistance phenotype was detected by the triple disk method. The MLS-involved resistance genes were screened in the resistant isolates. The current results showed high resistance rates to MLS antibiotics, and the constitutive resistance to all MLS (cMLS) was the most prevalent phenotype, observed in 76.8% of resistant isolates. By screening the MLS resistance-encoding genes in the resistant isolates, the erythromycin ribosome methylase (erm) genes that are responsible for methylation of bacterial 23S rRNA were the most detected genes, in particular, ermB. The ereA esterase-encoding gene was the most detected MLS modifying-encoding genes, more than lnuA (adenylation) and mphC (phosphorylation). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of commonly used biocides were detected in resistant isolates and correlated with the MICs of MLS antibiotics. The present findings showed a significant correlation between MLS resistance and reduced susceptibility to biocides. In compliance with the high incidence of the efflux-encoding genes, especially mefA and mefE genes in the tolerant isolates with higher MICs to both MLS antibiotics and biocides, the efflux of resistant isolates was quantified, and there was a significant increase in the efflux of resistant isolates with higher MICs as compared to those with lower MICs. This could explain the crucial role of efflux in developing cross-resistance to both MLS antibiotics and biocides.

Oral stepdown in Gram-positive bloodstream infections: A step in the right direction.

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) due to Gram-positive organisms have traditionally been treated with prolonged courses of intravenous antimicrobials. However, this dogma is associated with substantial burden to the patient and health care system. Consequently, there is growing interest in the utilization of oral stepdown therapy, defined as the transition of intravenous therapy to an active oral agent, for this indication. This review highlights available literature examining oral stepdown in adult patients with BSI due to commonly encountered Gram-positive pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., and Enterococcus spp. Support for oral stepdown in this setting is primarily derived from observational studies subject to selection bias. Nevertheless, this treatment strategy exhibits promising potential in carefully selected patients as it is consistently associated with reductions in hospital length of stay without jeopardizing clinical cure or survivability. Prospective, randomized trials are needed for validation of oral stepdown in Gram-positive BSI and to identify the optimal patient population and regimen.

Antibacterial Activity of Synbiotic Yoghurt Peel Extract of Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Evaporation with Honey

Synbiotic yogurt contains both probiotics and prebiotics. The peel of red dragon fruit contains 10.79% pectin, which can be used as a prebiotic. Red dragon fruit peel synbiotic yoghurt has an unpleasant aftertaste. Honey can enhance the functional properties of dragon fruit peel synbiotic yogurt. Yogurt with the addition of prebiotics can increased the functional properties of probiotic yogurt and increase the viability of bacteria the digestive tract. The purpose of this study was to determine the antibacterial activity of synbiotic yogurt with evaporated red dragon fruit peel extract and honey. This research was conducted at the Laboratory of Animal Products Technology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Brawijaya. The research material is 3-month-old male 15 white rats (Rattus norvegicus) weighing between 150-180 g and divided into 3 groups, probiotic yoghurt, synbiotic yoghurt with addition of red dragon fruit peel extract (Hylocereus polyrhizus) 20% made from 10% skim milk and yoghurt starter containing Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus (1:1), and the addition of 2% honey to synbiotic. Animals were given probiotic yogurt (P0), 20% red dragon fruit peel extract synbiotic yogurt (P1), and 20% red dragon fruit peel extract synbiotic yogurt with 2% honey sweetener (P2). The duration of experimenting is 30 days. Afterward, white rats will be dissected and the faeces in the ileum will be taken for testing. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive qualitative. The results showed that P0 did decrease coliform and Enterococcus spp but increase total bacteria, mold and yeast, and Escherichia coli. The addition of evaporated red dragon fruit peel extract in synbiotic yogurt (P1) did decrease total bacteria, coliform, and Enterococcus spp but increase in mold and yeast and Escherichia coli. The addition of honey (P2) did decrease total decrease, mold and yeast, and Enterococcus spp but increase Escherichia coli. The addition of honey to the synbiotic yogurt of red dragon fruit peel extract can affect the total number of bacteria, mold and yeast, coliform, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus spp.

A Tale of Two Pandemics: Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Enterococcus spp. in COVID-19 Era

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has held the spotlight over the past years, the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenomenon continues to develop in an alarming manner. The lack of strict antibiotic regulation added to the overuse of antimicrobials fueled the AMR pandemic. This paper aims to analyze and identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antibiotic resistance patterns of Enterococcus spp. The study was designed as a retrospective observational study. Enterococcus spp. infections data were collected from one academic hospital in Cluj-Napoca, Romania over 18 months. A statistical analysis was performed to compare antibiotic resistance phenotypes identified. We recorded an increase in the isolation rates of Enterococcus spp. strains, from 26 isolates (26.53%) during Period A (November 2020-April 2021) to 42 strains (42.85%) during Period C (November 2021-April 2022). The number of strains with resistance to vancomycin increased from 8 during Period A to 17 during Period C. Of the total 36 strains with resistance to vancomycin, 25 were identified as E. faecium. SARS-CoV-2 patients (n = 29) proved to be at risk to develop an E. faecium co-infection (n = 18). We observed that strains with resistance to ampicillin (n = 20) and vancomycin (n = 15) are more often isolated from these patients. All changes identified in our study are to be considered in the light of COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the threatening AMR phenomenon in Romania. Further studies should be performed to quantify the worldwide effects of these pandemics.

SG-APSIC1059: Impact of a single intervention as part of a antimicrobial stewardship in a surgical unit of a tertiary-care referral center for neurosurgery

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide problem leading to increasing deaths due to intractable infections, especially in postoperative patients who have extended stays in ICUs due to other surgical complications. Carbapenem and colistin resistance has been increasing here; hence, it was decided to monitor and control antibiotic use. In the neurosurgery unit of a quaternary-care hospital in South India, surgical prophylaxis was chosen as less problematic area in which to implement antibiotic stewardship. Objective: To study the difference in the antibiogram pattern of isolates from neurosurgery postoperative patients, before and after the introduction of a surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis policy from the UK National Health Service (NHS). Methods: After the implementation of a new surgical prophylaxis protocol taken from the UK NHS guidelines, we studied its impact by analyzing the antibiogram before implementation (period 1 from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020) and after implementation (period 2 from April 1, 2021, to September 30, 2021). This period corresponded to the same number of isolates as the earlier period. Antibiogram criteria: All clinically relevant infections due to the ESKAPE pathogens were included in the antibiogram. The antibiotics analyzed included β-lactams, cephalosporins, β-lactam- lactamase combinations, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, colistin and tigecycline for gram-negative bacilli and penicillin, oxacillin, aminoglycosides, vancomycin, and linezolid for gram-positive cocci. For analysis, the difference was deemed significant according to the criteria stated in CLSI document M39-A4 (4th edition, January 2014). Results: In period 1, 170 isolates were tested, and in period 2, 162 isolates were tested. Among the isolates, Enterococcus spp and Enterobacter spp were too few in number for a comparison. For the gram-negative bacilli, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii, the differences were significant for the β-lactam–lactamase combinations, carbapenems, and amikacin, with higher susceptibility in period 2. For Staphylococcus aureus, oxacillin, erythromycin, and clindamycin showed a significant increase in susceptibility in period 2. Relevant tables and a graph will be included in the presentation with detailed discussion. Conclusions: Controlled surgical prophylaxis strictly implemented can lead to a significant change in the antibiotic susceptibility pattern among isolates causing healthcare-associated infections among postoperative patients in intensive care units.

Comparison of Dry and Wet De-Feathering Methods on the Quality Characteristics and Shelf Life of Broiler Carcasses

In poultry slaughterhouses, carcasses can be contaminated with microorganisms at various points during the slaughtering processes, affecting some quality characteristics and shelf life of chicken meat. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of different de-feathering methods on the meat quality characteristics and shelf life of broiler chickens. Forty male broilers 42 days of age (Ross 308) were used in the experiment. After slaughtering, they divided into 2 groups and first group was de-feathered by simple dry plucking method (DPM) and the other was a classic wet method (CWM). 5 fillets and 5 drumsticks from each treatment group were analyzed 0, 3, 5, and 7th days of storage time. The water holding capacity (WHC), color, pH and Warner-Bratzler shear force value (W-BSFV) were analyzed for meat quality characteristics of the raw meat samples. Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total psychrophilic bacteria, numbers of microorganisms assessed critically for food safety such as coliform bacteria, E. coli, Enterococcus spp. Campylobacter spp. also, the presence of Salmonella spp. in carcasses was determined. The results indicated that the skin colors of the fillets and drumsticks were yellower and the meat color of the drumsticks was darker in the DPM group than CWM. On the other hand, no significant effects of the plucking method were detected on the WHC and W-BSFV of the samples. The pH value of the fillets was higher in CWM group (P<0.01), but there were no differences between the pH values of drumsticks of two groups. The microorganism levels, however, were influenced significantly (P<0.01) by the plucking methods and the storage time. The shelf life of the carcasses was shortened, due to the high microbial load in DPM group. It is concluded that simple DPM may be used by low capacity farms which produce the broilers for consumers who prefer yellow-skinned chicken meat at the expense of reduction in the shelf life due to increased microbial load.

Studies on Microbial, Physical and Chemical Quality of Fresh Yemeni Rabbit Meats During Storage in Taiz City

The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality and the degree of contamination of local fresh Yemeni rabbit meats collected from Taiz markets in the Republic of Yemen, the changes of samples examined during storage at zero time and every day. The results illustrate an increase in microbial contamination and a decrease in physical and chemical characteristics, until signs of spoilage appeared after four days of storage . On other hand, the population of Aerobic, Anaerobic, Spore-formers bacteria, Yeast and Moulds, Enterobacteriaceae, Coli form groups, Salmonella spp , Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, Clostridium spp, Bacillus spp, Enterococcus spp and Proteolysis bacteria increased by the following percentages: 66.10%, 47.92%, 40.10%, 29.43%, 46.50%, 27.69%, 35.00%, 38.48%, 43.77%, 25.77%, 28.42%, 43.61% and 48.76%, respectively. The nutrition chemical characteristics i.e. [Moisture, Protein and Fat content] decreased as shown in these percentages: 0.81%, 0.35% and 0.65%, respectively. And the Carbohydrate content increased by 21.33%. The chemical indicators of spoilage i.e. [Total volatile nitrogen, Tri methyl amine, Ammonia nitrogen, Thiobarabituric acid, Total Energy and Water holding capacity] increased as shown in these percentages: 174.40%, 163.09%, 155.05%, 50.00%, 1.71% and 12.24%, respectively. The pH value and Bound water decreased by 1.315% and 3.126%, respectively, compared with the control samples. In addition, isolation and classification Eight species of Bacillus species, which were identified in previous samples were isolated and classified. They were Bacillus subtilus, B. pumilu, B. cireulans, B. megaterium, B. lentus, B. sphaerieus, B. macerans, B. cereus, shown in these percentages: 10.52%, 15.78%, 05.26%, 15.78%, 5.30%, 21.05%, 10.52% and 15.78%, respectively.

Development of capsulated autoprobiotics based on Lactobacillus spp. and Enterococcus spp.

In order to expand the range of autoprobiotic release forms, increase consumer attractiveness, prolongate product’s shelf life and transportation possibilities, a protocol for obtaining an encapsulated form of autoprobiotics was developed. Tests were carried out on encapsulated forms of indigenous bacteria in order to assess the viability of bacterial cells after lyophilization and storage under various conditions. The effect of various cryoprotectants on the lyophilized Lactobacillus spp. and Enterococcus spp. cells viability was studied. The results obtained showed that the use of 10 % sucrose and 1 % gelatin as part of a protective medium retains the original properties of bacterial strains, contributing to their survival during cryopreservation and lyophilization. The most favorable storage conditions and expiration dates for encapsulated autoprobiotics based on Lactobacillus spp. and Enterococcus spp. were determined.

A Genome of Temperate Enterococcus Bacteriophage Placed in a Space of Pooled Viral Dark Matter Sequences.

In the human gut, temperate bacteriophages interact with bacteria through predation and horizontal gene transfer. Relying on taxonomic data, metagenomic studies have associated shifts in phage abundance with a number of human diseases. The temperate bacteriophage VEsP-1 with siphovirus morphology was isolated from a sample of river water using Enterococcus faecalis as a host. Starting from the whole genome sequence of VEsP-1, we retrieved related phage genomes in blastp searches of the tail protein and large terminase sequences, and blastn searches of the whole genome sequences, with matches compiled from several different databases, and visualized a part of viral dark matter sequence space. The genome network and phylogenomic analyses resulted in the proposal of a novel genus "Vespunovirus", consisting of temperate, mainly metagenomic phages infecting Enterococcus spp.

Enterococcal pyogenic liver abscesses: high risk of treatment failure and mortality

Enterococci are the most frequent gram-positive bacteria recovered from pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA). This study aims to analyze the impact of the presence of Enterococcus spp. on PLA outcome. We retrospectively analyzed the characteristics and outcome of all PLA cases in which Enterococcus spp. was isolated between January 2010 and September 2019 in a French university hospital and compared them to PLA without Enterococcus spp. Enterococci were recovered from 68 of the 359 (19%) PLA cases. Among the 78 isolates, Enterococcus faecalis (n = 37, 47.7%) and Enterococcus faecium (n = 32, 41%) were the most frequent. Enterococcal PLA were more often of biliary origin (79.4% versus 54.6%, p < 0.001) or post-surgical (35.3% versus 18.6%, p = 0.004). Multivariate analysis showed an independent association between the isolation of Enterococcus spp. and 3-month mortality (HR 2.51, p = 0.011), primary failure (HR 2.15, p = 0.006), but not with relapses (HR 0.86, p = 0.739). In the subgroup of enterococcal PLA, portal vein thrombosis was the only factor significantly associated with 3-month mortality (univariate HR 3.45, p = 0.023) or primary treatment failure (multivariate, HR 4.02, p = 0.006). Enterococcus spp. identification in a PLA is associated with a higher mortality and primary treatment failure.

Microbiological Evaluation of Various Oilfield Wastewaters from Oben Land Rig Location in Edo State, Nigeria

Oilfield wastewater contains poisonous and dangerous compounds that harm microorganisms and the quality of the water. According to estimates, Nigerian oil industry operations generate significant amounts of wastewater that are improperly treated before being released into the environment. For a period of two months, biweekly analyses of the microbiological effects of various oilfield wastes on the microbial population and variety of aquatic environments were conducted. Water samples collected 10 cm from pit 1, pit 2, pit 3, camp pit 1, and camp pit 2 were analyzed for total heterotrophic bacterial count, hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial count, total fungal count, and hydrocarbon utilizing fungal count, and for microflora using standard microbiological methods. Total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) counts ranged from 4.0×104 Log10cfu/ml to 4.4×104 Log10cfu/ml, total fungal (TF) count ranged from 2.0×104 Log10cfu/ml to 2.2×104 Log10cfu/ml. The total hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial (THUB) count ranged from 3.0 ×104 Log10cfu/ml to 3.1 ×104 Log10cfu/ml, while the total hydrocarbon utilizing fungal (THUF) count ranged from 1.0×104 Log10cfu/ml to 1.1×104 Log10cfu/ml. Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the THB between the pits and the sampling stations. The types of bacteria isolated in the study included Kurthia spp, Bacillus spp, Pediococcus spp, Enterococcus spp, Aeromonas spp, Micrococcus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Escherichia coli, Alcaligenes spp and Lactobacillus spp. The fungi isolated included Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium brevicompactum, Rhizopus oryzae and Fusarium spp. The study's bacterial and fungal counts showed how oilfield effluent affected aquatic microorganisms. According to the significant frequency of hydrocarbon-using bacteria, the water under investigation contained active native hydrocarbon utilizers that might be used in the bioremediation process.

Antibiotic susceptibility profile and detection of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistant genes among extended spectrum b-lactamases (ESBL) producing uropathogens in women

Background/Aim: The most common bacterial diseases in women around the world are urinary tract infections. Aim of this study, was to evaluate the prevalence and current antibiotic resistance rate of uropathogens isolated from the female patients of a tertiary care hospital in Amritsar, Punjab, India. Methods: Samples were collected from patients showing urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms and analysed using microscopy, dipstick test and urine culturing followed by identification and characterisation of to identify the uropathogens. Antibiotic susceptibility test and MIC were performed. Results: The results revealed that E coli (35.5 %) was the most prominent uropathogen followed by Klebsiella spp (21 %), Enterobacter spp (17 %), Acinetobacter (11 %), Enterococcus spp (6 %), Pseudomonas spp (4.5 %), coagulase negative Staphylococci (4 %), coagulase-positive Staphylococci (0.5 %) and Corynebacterium aurimucosum (0.5 %). The antibiotic susceptibility profile study reported eight isolates with multi-drug resistance properties. However, gentamicin, imipenem and meropenem were found to be the most effective antibiotics against the isolated uropathogens. All the extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-positive isolates possess the quinolone-resistant gene qnrB, while qnrA was absent. Conclusion: The current study revealed that for appropriate treatment, it is crucial to be aware of the epidemiological data regarding the disease and to begin any empirical antibiotic treatment.

Microbiological Profile of Urinary Tract Infections in Males: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are uncommon among men. It is because the male urethra is longer and is away from the anal opening. Moreover, the perianal area is dry, and the prostatic secretion prevents from occurring of any infection. Hence, if men suffer from UTI, it is considered as a complicated infection. Complicated UTIs are difficult to treat and are more prone to treatment failures. Microorganisms causing these infections have a wide spectrum ranging from a variety of both Gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. Early diagnosis and treatment of UTIs, plays a major role in preventing the spread of infection to the upper urinary tract. Aim: To determine the microbiological profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern from urine samples of male patients. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was done for a period of two years (1/3/2019-31/4/2021) in the Department of Microbiology, Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Jeedimetla, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Urine samples from male inpatients and outpatients suffering from various clinical conditions received in the microbiology laboratory were processed and analysed. These samples were cultured by conventional semi-quantitative methods and the organisms were identified using standard biochemical reactions. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done on Mueller Hinton agar by Kirby Bauer’s disk diffusion technique. Clinical history, associated conditions, and comorbidities were noted from the case sheets of all the culture-positive patients to identify the risk factors which made them prone to UTIs. The data was descriptive and percentages were calculated for all the numerical data obtained. Results: Out of 304 urine samples received, 104 (34%) were found to be positive for bacterial and fungal isolates. E.coli (44%) was the predominant organism, followed by Klebsiella spp (15%) among the Gram-negative bacteria isolated. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (5%) was the predominant organism among the gram-positive bacteria followed by Staphylococcus aureus (4%) and Enterococcus spp (4%). 84.8% of E.coli and 68% of Klebsiella spp were Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) enzymes producing organisms. An analysis of the health conditions of the patients who were culture positive showed that 28% of patients had signs and symptoms suggestive of UTI. Diabetes (25%), Hypertension (20%), and Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) (5%) were observed commonly in patients above 60 years. Conclusion: UTI in male patients are quite uncommon as in female patients. The microbiological profile and drug sensitivity pattern of these organisms causing the infection is similar to that in female patients suffering from UTI. But, as UTI in males is considered a complicated infection thorough investigation of these patients for various health conditions like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and BPH has to be done, particularly in elderly males. This helps in initiating prompt treatment to prevent recurrent UTIs and drug resistance.

Probiotic Characteristics of Enterococcus spp Bacteria Isolated from Different Sources

Probiotic Characteristics of Enterococcus spp Bacteria Isolated from Different Sources

Bloodstream Infections Caused by Multidrug Resistant Bacteria: Clinical and Microbiological Features and Mortality.

Bloodstream infections (BSI) are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study is to determine whether there is a relationship between certain risk factors such as the underlying disease, patient's medical history, or interventional procedures and multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial infection and to determine the risk factors for mortality. Two hundred and twenty-two outpatients and inpatients who were diagnosed with bacteremia over a 6-month period were included in the study. 232 agents from 222 patients were isolated and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. The relationship between patients demographic and clinical data and MDR was analyzed. The most common microorganisms were Gram-negative bacteria (59.4%), Gram-positive bacteria (36.9%), Candida species (2.2%), and anaerobic bacteria (1.35%). The most common isolates were Escherichia coli 53 (22.8%), Staphylococcus aureus 35 (%15.1), Klebsiella pneumoniae 26 (11.2%), Pseudomonas spp. (n=17, 7.3%), Acinetobacter spp 17 (7.3%), and Enterococcus spp 14 (6%). Microorganisms with the highest antimicrobial resistance observed were 82.3% in Acinetobacter baumannii, 64.5% in coagulase-negative staphylococci, 60.3% in E. coli, 50% in K. pneumoniae, and 27.2% in Enterobacterales spp. Most patients with BSI caused by MDR bacteria were in the intensive care unit (64%). Sepsis diagnosis, urinary catheter use, history of surgery, and use of broad-spectrum antibiotics as well as risk factors for antibiotic-resistant bacteremia, coronary artery disease, inappropriate empirical therapy, healthcare-associated infections, urinary catheterization, and stay in the ICU were determined as risk factors for mortality. Our study identified the risk factors of BSI caused by MDR bacteria and helped to reveal the relationship between these factors and mortality.

Assessment of Microbial Load and Multidrug-Resistant Profile of Bacterial Flora from Cattle in Bauchi, Nigeria

Aim: The study aimed to assess the bacterial load of in rectal swabs from cattle by isolating Enterococcus spp and Escherichia coli, and determining the multidrug-resistant pattern of the isolates.&#x0D; Study Design: The study is a clinical-veterinary laboratory investigation involving the isolation and determination of the multidrug-resistant (MDR) profile of Enterococcus spp and E. coli isolated from cattle rectal.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Yelwa and Gubi campuses Farm centers of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Nigeria, in period extended from April to June 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: Fresh rectal swab samples were collected from the randomly selected cattle and labeled. The samples were immediately transported and processed in the Microbiology laboratory at Yelwa Campus, and the bacterial load of each sample was determined using standard techniques. Enterococcus spp and E. coli were isolated using differential culture media followed by an appropriate biochemical identification test. The isolates were subjected to the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.&#x0D; Results: In Yelwa, the highest microbial load is 2.7 x 1012 CFU/g. while the lowest microbial load is 2.0 x 1012 CFU/g. In the Gubi campus, the highest microbial load is 3.4 x 1012 CFU/g. while the lowest microbial load is 2.7 x 1012 CFU/g. Both in Yelwa and Gubi ,the result showed that most isolates of Enterococcus spp and E. coli are multidrug-resistant. In Yalwa some of the isolates showed 100% resistance against Norfloxacin, Rifampicin, Ampicillin, and Streptomycin, while Gentamycin gave the lowest multidrug resistance (57.4%). In Gubi, the highest was to ampicillin with (90.6%) frequency, while the lowest resistance was found in Chloramphenicol (11.3%). In Yelwa, a high percentage resistance (92.6%) was observed in Streptomycin, and Cephalexin has the lowest (20.4%). In Gubi, all the E. coli isolates had 100% resistance against sulfamethoxazole, and the lowest was in Ofloxacin (43.4%).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study found that cattle in the area are reservoirs of bacteria that are both part of the normal flora and opportunistic pathogens, and harbored resistance phenotypes. It is therefore advocated that the use of these animals’ faeces as manure should be done with caution, particularly after pre-treatments.