Escherichia Research Articles

Synthesis and Study of the Antimicrobial Activity of Modified Polyvinyl Alcohol Films Incorporated with Silver Nanoparticles

A new class of biologically active nanocomposites and modified polymers based on poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with some organic compounds [II, IV, V and VI] were synthesized using silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). All compounds were synthesized using nucleophilic substitution interactions and characterized by FTIR, DSC and TGA. The biological activity of the modified polymers was evaluated against: gram (+) (staphylococcus aureus) and gram (-): (Es cherichia coli bacteria). Antimicrobial films are developed based on modified poly (vinyl alcohol) MPVA and Ag-NPs nanoparticles. The nanocomposites and modified polymers showed better antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli (Gram negative) than against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive). This work also studied the effect of using different amounts of nanoparticles on the effectiveness against bacteria and it was found that nanocomposite (P2/Ag 5%) has superior antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli.

Analysis of pathogen distribution and drug resistance of acute,delayed and chronic periprosthetic joint infection

Objective: To analyze the pathogen distribution and drug resistance in acute,delayed and chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Methods: The clinical data of 316 patients with periprosthetic infection after primary hip and knee arthroplasty admitted to the Department of Arthroplasty,the First Affiliated Hospital,Xinjiang Medical University from August 2010 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 146 males and 170 females,aged (62.3±14.2) years (range:22 to 89 years).One hundred and sixty one patients underwent total hip arthroplasty and 155 patients underwent total knee arthroplasty.According to the time of postoperative infection,the patients were divided into acute PJI group (65 cases),delayed PJI group (83 cases) and chronic PJI group (168 cases).The results of pathogen species,composition ratio and drug susceptibility tests were collected,and the independent sample t test,Chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability test were used for comparison. Results: Gram-positive bacteria were the main pathogens of PJI (49.7%,157/316),and the positive rates of culture in patients with acute PJI,delayed PJI and chronic PJI were 33.8% (22/65),55.4% (46/83) and 53.0% (89/168),and the difference was statistically significant(χ²=8.343,P=0.015).The common bacteria were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (54.8%,86/157) and Staphylococcus aureus (30.6%,48/157),The drug-sensitivity to linezolid,vancomycin and tigacycline was 100%.The gram-negative bacteria were mainly Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae,and the drug resistance rate to carbapenems was low,ranging from 0 to 9.09%.The drug resistance rates of acute PJI patients to rifampicin,ciprofloxacin and erythromycin were significantly higher than those of late onset and chronic PJI patients,the difference was statistically significant(rifampicin:χ²=14.332,P=0.001;ciprofloxacin:χ²=12.086,P=0.002;erythromycin:χ²=9.096,P=0.010);The drug resistance rate of acute PJI patients to levofloxacin,clindamycin and tetracycline was higher than that of chronic PJI patients,and the difference was statistically significant(levofloxacin:χ²=10.500,P=0.002; clindamycin: χ²=7.103,P=0.007; tetracycline: χ²=6.909,P =0.012).The resistance rate of ampicillin/sulbactam in acute PJI (60.0%) was significantly higher than that in chronic PJI (16.7%),and the difference was statistically significant(χ²= 5.853,P=0.040). Conclusion: Gram-positive bacteria are the main pathogens of PJI,and the resistance rate of pathogens of acute PJI is higher than that of late onset and chronic PJI.

Investigation of the anti-bacterial properties of mangrove fern, Acrostichum aureum in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Mangroves render several ecosystem services globally, one of which is pharmacological products. This study was done to verify whether Acrostichum aureum, a species of mangrove, common in the Niger Delta has anti-bacterial property. Several leaf samples were plucked from the trees at Eagle Island and placed in a cooler and sent to the lab for further analysis. The leaves were dried and ground into fine powder with manual grinding machine and 100 g of the powdered sample was measured and placed in 1000 ml of each of the extraction solvents (hot water and methanol). Five different concentrations (32.25 mg/ml, 65.5 mg/ml, 125 mg/l, 250 mg/l and 500 mg/l) were made from each of the extracts using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Furthermore, bacterial species (Escherichia coli, Salmonella paratyphi, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were isolated and a stock of each sample was made in agar slant and stored in the refrigerator at 4°C. Mueller Hinton Sensitivity Agar (MHA) medium was prepared in agar and triplicate discs of each of the concentrations made from the two extracts were placed on the medium (MHA). The zone of inhibition in diameter in all plates was measured and analyzed statistically using R statistics. The result revealed that there is a significant difference in the growth of the microbes on the different concentrations of A. aureum (F4, 100 = 4.02, P = 0.01). A. aureum had higher effect on E. coli and S. aureus. Similarly, the higher the concentrations of the extracts the more effective it is in controlling the bacteria. Finally, the study revealed that A. aureum has antibacterial properties that can be employed in drug production to treat common diseases prevalent in the region. Key words: Antibiotics, bacteria, Niger Delta, mangrove, microbial species, medicinal products.

Evaluation of the anti-microbial efficiency of scrap metal-based coagulant and local salt modified-biomaterials for point-of-use water treatment

The anti-microbial efficiency of a composite material formulated from a scrap metal-based (iron (III) sulphate) coagulant and indigenous salt (NaCl) activated biomaterials (coconut shell carbon and counter wood) were evaluated by using the composite materials as coagulant and disinfectant adsorbent by treating borehole water and river samples at point-of-use. The results of the microbial analysis of the untreated and treated ABW, FBW, ERWA, and EBRW samples revealed a 75, 75, 80, and 66.6% bacteria genera removal was obtained during rainy season while there was 100, 66.6, 80, and 100% bacteria genera removal during rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Over 500 isolates of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas species, Salmonella species and Vibrio cholera; Pseudomonas spp., E. coli, Bacillus species and Salmonella spp.; Shigella species, E. coli, Pseudomonas spp., Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus species; E. coli, Salmonella spp. and Pseudomonas spp. bacteria genera were identified each in the untreated ABW, FBW, ERWA and EBRW samples during the rainy season, while Bacillus spp. and Citrobacter freundi; Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli and Pseudomonas spp.; E. coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., K. pneumonia and Staphylococcus spp.; E. coli and E. faecium bacteria genera were identified during the dry season, respectively. After treatment, 3 and 2 genera of bacteria each were present in 48 and 9 isolates during rainy and dry seasons, respectively. The means of the aerobic bacteria count (ABC) during the two seasons showed no significant variations at p Eƒ 0.05 confidence limit. Key words: Anti-microbial activity, disinfection, coagulant, activated biomaterials.

Different Methods For Testing The Microbial Effects Of Camel's Milk Against Some Pathogenic Bacteria

Overuse of antibiotics is causing some bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics, in addition to their price hikes. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effect of camel milk as a safe natural product to overcome the pathogens caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi and to test their effect on them by several ways, in vivo, in vitro, and in histology. In addition to the use of an electron microscope, 48 rats were used and they were divided into eight groups, the first group was considered a negative control. For two consecutive weeks, the second group gets the milk. And by intraperitoneal injection of E. coli and S. aureus group 3 and 4, respectively. Group 5 supplemented the infection by oral administration of Salmonella typhi The sixth, seventh and eighth groups were supplemented with camel milk for two consecutive weeks, then intraperitoneal injection of either E. coli or S. aureus and Salmonella typhi bacteria by mouth, and the spleen was collected after 3 weeks to isolate the bacteria. The isolation rate of S. aureus, E coli, and Salmonella typhi was higher in rats in groups 3, 4, and 5 compared to groups 6, 7, and 8 and with milk diluents (10-100). By the agar diffusion method used to test for antibacterial efficacy, 80% dilution achieved the best result, and by using a transmission electron microscope to detect damage to the bacterial cell wall and disturbance in the cellular protein content. The results indicate that camel milk has an effect on the internal structure and cell wall also in the pathological anatomy. It was found that the pathogenic bacteria had fewer effects in the liver and kidneys in the groups treated with camel milk compared to the groups infected with bacteria only, and therefore we conclude that the camel milk Promising anti-bacterial properties.

Eficiência de sabonetes comerciais antissépticos contra bactérias patogênicas e análise dos rótulos

Os sabonetes em barra com ação antisséptica são destinados à limpeza de resíduos presentes no corpo, sua utilização tem crescido significativamente em decorrência da preocupação da população com determinadas doenças causadas por contaminação microbiológica. Com isso, têm surgido no mercado diferentes marcas de sabonetes garantindo a eliminação de 99,9% das bactérias. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a análise comparativa do pH, atividade antibacteriana e rótulos de 5 diferentes marcas de sabonetes antibacterianos em barra, identificados como A, B, C D e E. Realizou-se a determinação do pH com auxílio de pHmetro digital, e na análise microbiológica utilizou-se a metodologia de disco difusão, com o intuito de observar a presença ou ausência da multiplicação das bactérias Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli frente aos diferentes sabonetes testados. Durante a análise da rotulagem dos sabonetes foi avaliada a presença do requisito “composição”, exigido pela resolução vigente. Nos testes realizados constatou-se que o pH de todas as marcas testadas encontraram-se fora dos parâmetros estabelecidos. Na análise microbiológica observou-se que apenas a marca E, demonstrou efeito antisséptico frente às bactérias testadas. Os demais sabonetes apresentaram menor e até mesmo nenhum potencial de inibição do crescimento desses microrganismos. Os produtos analisados neste estudo apresentam em suas formulações duas substâncias ativas, o triclosan e o triclocarban, porém os mesmos podem ser nocivos para a saúde humana e meio ambiente, e induzirem a resistência bacteriana, por isso, alguns países já proibiram o uso destes ativos. Segundo os resultados obtidos é possível concluir que os rótulos presentes das embalagens destas diferentes marcas analisadas estão em desacordo com o estabelecido pelos fabricantes.

SYNTHESIS, MOLECULAR DOCKING AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES 2-(1-ALLYL-1H-TETRAZOL-5-YLSULFANYL)-N-(ARYL)ACETAMIDES

We reported an effective synthesis, molecular docking and antimicrobial properties of novel 2-(1-allyl-1 H -tetrazol-5-ylsulfanyl)-N-arylacetamides. The molecular docking studies were performed for all the synthesized compounds against lanosterol 14-a-demethylase (PDB: 1EA1), using AutoDock-tools-1.5.6 and recorded the extent of H-bonding and the binding affinities. The preselected compounds via molecular docking were further tested for in vitro antimicrobial activity against five bacterial strains ( Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus ) and two fungal strains ( Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans ). It was observed that the compounds of this series possessed moderate antibacterial potential and high antifungal potential. Therefore studying these compounds will be a valuable starting point for further drug development and drug optimization

SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERISATION AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF 2 - (PHENYL SULFONYL) AMINO PYRIDINE.

The synthesis of 2-(phenylsulfonyl)amino pyridine is reported. This was achieved by sulfonylation of 2-aminopyridine using benzenesulfonyl chloride in alkaline medium while employing water as solvent. The structure of the synthesized compound was elucidated using the Ultra Violet, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra data obtained. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized compound was tested on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi using agar well diffusion method to establish the inhibition zone diameter for these microbes. The result of inhibition zone diameter obtained showed that the synthesized compound inhibited the growth of the test organisms and so have potential as an antimicrobial agent

Efeito do óleo essencial de Origanum vulgare L. e do carvacrol no crescimento de bactérias patogênicas da orofaringe

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito dos óleos essenciais de Origanum vulgare L. (OEO) e do carvacrol (CAR) no crescimento de bactérias da orofaringe. Para tanto, foram aplicadas as seguintes técnicas microbiológicas: difusão em ágar, concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração bactericida mínima (CBM). Na análise estatística, foi aplicado o teste ANOVA, com pós teste de Tukey. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. As cepas testadas foram Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 15656, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 e Klebsiella pneumoniae INCQS 00147. O OEO apresentou atividade antimicrobiana, variando o tamanho dos halos de 21,00 (± 0,20) mm, para E. coli, a 33,56 (± 14,32) mm, para S. aureus. No teste de CIM, o CAR obteve menor concentração para a K. pneumoniae e maior concentração para S. aureus. A CBM mostrou valores semelhantes a CIM. O óleo essencial de Origanum vulgare L. e o carvacrol apresentaram efeito inibitório no crescimento de bactérias da orofaringe.

S olanum aethiopicum Extract Used as Coagulant Affected Nutritional and Rheological Characteristics of Cheese

White cheeses made using extract from Solanum aethiopicum shum or calf rennet were compared for their microbiological, physicochemical, rheological, and sensory characteristics. Except Staphylococcus aureus which was higher in cheese manufactured with Solanum extract, the microbiological parameter values (coliforms, Lactobacillus spp, Listeria monocytogenes, yeasts/moulds, Escherichia coli, sulfito-reducer germs, Salmonella spp) were similar in all cheeses. In the same way, chemical parameter values (pH, ash, proteins, fats and sugar) were equivalent. Soluble nitrogen values were observed to be higher in the cheese made using Solanum extract than in the cheese made using calf rennet. The values for the non-protein nitrogen did not exhibit any difference according to the type of coagulant used. Textural profile showed different behaviour. However, cheese made with 1x Solanum (low quantity of extract) was close to calf rennet-based cheese. Such a trend was observed for the following parameters: cohesiveness, springiness, chewiness and adhesive strength. Cheese made with calf rennet was statistically harder than that made with Solanum extract. This hardness decreased with Solanum extract quantity. The values for sensory parameters did not show any difference between the 1x Solanum extract and calf rennet, excluding texture (hard, friability and soft). Therefore, the results suggest that Solanum extract might be used successfully to make cheese of acceptable nutritional quality.

NEW 1,3,4-OXADIAZOLE BASED SCHIFF BASE DERIVATIVES: SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY ALONG WITH IN SILICO STUDIES

A series of novel 1,3,4-oxadiazole based Schiff base derivatives were designed and synthesized using the efficient strategy with excellent yields. Synthesized molecules evaluated in vitro antibacterial studies in contradiction of microorganisms, namely Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis , and Bacillus megaterium . The bioassay result revealed that most of tested compounds good to moderate inhibition against microorganisms. Some among them show excellent inhibitory effects towards the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Besides, the drug-likeness, lipophilicity and cytotoxicity.

A key point mutation (V156E) affects the structure and functions of human apolipoprotein A-I.

A naturally occurring point mutant of human apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), V156E, which is associated with extremely low plasma apoA-I and high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and coronary artery disease (Huang, W., Sasaki, J., Matsunaga, A., Nanimatsu, H., Moriyama, K., Han, H. Kugi, M., Koga, T., Yamaguchi, K., and Arakawa, K. (1998) Arterioscler. Throm. Vasc. Biol. 18, 389-396), was produced in an Escherichia coli expression system. The purified recombinant proapoA-I V156E mutant was examined in its structural and functional properties, both, in the lipid-free and lipid-bound states. In the lipid-free form the mutant protein exhibited small changes in conformation, but was more stable, and quite resistant to self-association, compared with control apoA-I. The V156E mutant was able to interact with phospholipid (PL) at high PL:protein ratios (95:1, mol/mol), but was inefficient in forming reconstituted HDL (rHDL) complexes at lower PL:protein ratios (40:1). In the lipid-bound, rHDL state, the mutant protein was somewhat more alpha-helical and formed a larger complex (110 A) than control apoA-I (97 A). Furthermore, the rHDL particles containing the V156E mutant did not rearrange to smaller particles in the presence of low density lipoproteins, and had minimal reactivity with lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), compared with rHDL particles made with control apoA-I. These results suggest a key role for Val-156, or the adjacent central region of apoA-I in the modulation of apoA-I conformation, stability, and self-association in solution, and in the formation of small HDL, the conformational adaptability of apoA-I leading to structural rearrangements of HDL, and the activation of LCAT.

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of uropathogenic Escherichia Coli strains in sonipat region of Haryana in India

Background: To study the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains in Sonipat region of Haryana in India. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most widespread infections, caused most frequently by Escherichia coli. The past few years have witnessed a rapid rise in the spread of high antibiotic-resistant forms of these uropathogenic E. coli (UPECs). Methods: In the current study, a total of 53 UPEC isolates from patients of all age groups were collected from Sonipat and its adjoining areas from September 2017 to April 2018. All the uropathogens were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility profiling using a set of 23 antibiotics and confirmed using standard microbiological procedures. The isolates which exhibited high degree of multidrug resistance (MDR) were characterized at molecular level using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: The evaluation of age- and gender-wise prevalence of UTI revealed that women (77.3%) were more susceptible to infection as compared to men (22.6%). It was observed that 83% of the collected UPEC isolates exhibited MDR pattern. The isolates exhibited maximum resistance to cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones; and the highest susceptibility (100%) was shown toward tigecycline, followed by 96.2% to colistin, 90.5% to amikacin, 86.7% to fosfomycin, and 84.9% to nitrofurantoin. Conclusion: The study concludes that the prevalence of MDR pathogens is high in studied region. For empirical antibiotic therapy, amikacin, fosfomycin, and nitrofurantoin should be preferred; and for MDR uropathogens, colistin, and tigecycline should be recommended.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Phyllanthus amarus Seeds and their Antibacterial Activity Assessment

Background: Green synthesis of nanoparticles has been gaining popularity due to its advantages over chemical synthesis. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by using an aqueous solution of Phyllanthus amarus leaves extract as a reducing agent. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using the spectroscopic techniques. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) study confirmed that the seed extract also stabilized the surface of the AgNPs by acting as a capping agent. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the plant NPs was also assessed. The synthesized nanoparticles as well as P. amarus plant extract were separately tested to examine their antibacterial activities. The activities were tested against various microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. The main aim of the present study is to evaluate the green synthesis of nanoparticles using P. amarus seeds and their antibacterial activity assessment. Method: Collection and preparation of seed extract, synthesis of AgNPs, characterization of AgNPs using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorbance spectroscopy and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, determination of antibacterial activity using pathogens. All in vitro assay data signify the mean ± standard deviation of triplicates was calculated by using the MS word document. Results: The reduction of silver nitrate using the plant leaf extract was viewed by the color change in the reaction solutions. The maximum absorbance peak was seen at 400 nm for P. amarus seed extract using UV-Vis spectroscopy and FTIR measurements were carried out for the AgNPs synthesized by the plant extracts. The extracts of P. amarus seeds showed potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and negative bacteria. Conclusions: The biosynthesized AgNPs using P. amarus seed extract proved to be excellent agent against pathogens. The present study showed a simple, rapid, and economical route to synthesize AgNPs. The use of P. amarus has the added advantage that this seed can be used by nanotechnology processing industries.

CRISPR-Cas in Escherichia coli: regulation by H-NS, LeuO and temperature

CRISPR-Cas in Escherichia coli: regulation by H-NS, LeuO and temperature

Survival and Growth Promoting Effects of Bacillus subtilis on Macrobrachium rosenbergii, and Validation of Gut Microflora

This work emphasized the survival and growth of the commercially important freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii post-larvae on formulated diets supplemented with a probiotic bacterium, Bacillus subtilis at five different serially diluted concentrations (10-1, 10-3, 10-5, 10-7 and 10-9). After 90 days of feeding, 10-7 (CFU, 2.76×10-7) concentration has produced the best results in increased survival rate, weight gain, basic biochemical constituents (total protein, amino acid, carbohydrate and lipid) and activities of digestive enzymes (protease, amylase and lipase) when compared with control diet prepared without B. subtilis. This was due to maintenance of good intestinal health, because of B. subtilis supplementation. The presence of B. subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii (subsp. bulgaricus), Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Streptococcus pyogenes have been identified in the gut of M. rosenbergii fed with B. subtilis supplemented diet, through 16S r-RNA gene sequencing and authenticated with NCBI GenBank. The pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., and Staphylococcus spp., present in the control prawns as per our previous study (Manjula et al., 2018) have competitively been excluded by the experimental prawns fed with B. subtilis supplemented diet in the present study. Therefore, B. subtilis is recommended for sustainable production of M. rosenbergii seed.

Prevalence and Resistance Pattern of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Patients with Urinary Tract Infection

Background and Aim: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infectious diseases. Although UTI is mostly associated with several members of the family of Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common pathogen among them. This study aims to determine the prevalence and resistance pattern of ESBL producing E. coli isolated from patients with urinary tract infection in Sari, Iran. Methods: From December-2016 to June-2017, a hospital-based cross-sectional work was accompanied, and a total of 200 urine samples were cultured on blood agar and MacConkey agar for the identification of etiologic agents. After detection and confirmation of E. coli isolates, susceptibility testing was assessed using the following antibiotics: cefotaxime, ceftazidime, imipenem, nalidixic acid, cefixime, amikacin, ofloxacin, ceftriaxone, cefepime, gentamicin, tobramycin, meropenem, piracetam, and ciprofloxacin with Kirby–Bauer disk-diffusion technique according to the CLSI guidelines. Double-disk synergy (DDS) methods were used for the detection of ESBL-producing strains. Results: In the current study, 120 urinary isolates of E. coli were detected, which ESBL-producing phenotypes were detected in 55% (n = 66) of the isolates. ESBL producing strains of E. coli showed the highest susceptibility to meropenem (100%) and ofloxacin (96%); and showed the highest rates of resistance to ceftazidime (91%), cefepime (87%), cefotaxime, and ceftriaxone (84%). Conclusion: Markedly high resistance to third-generation cephalosporins among E. coli strains was found in the current study. Considering the high prevalence of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins in infections caused by organisms producing ESBL, performing comprehensive tests before prescribing antibiotics is essential for the management of infections caused by these strains in community/hospital-acquired UTIs. Furthermore accompanying molecular-based works on ESBL variants will assistance to achieve better results. *Corresponding Author: Mehrdad Gholami; Email: me.gholami@mazums.ac.ir Please cite this article as: Ahanjan M, Salehian M, Gholami M. Prevalence and Resistance Pattern of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Patients with Urinary Tract Infection. Arch Med Lab Sci. 2020;6:1-7 (e13). https://doi.org/10.22037/amls.v6.33081

Prevalence, Etiology and Risk Factors of Endometritis in Zebus Cattle Slaughtered at the Municipal Abattoir of Ngaoundere, Adamawa Region, Cameroon

Objective: Identification of pathogens and risk factors associated with bovine endometritis is helpful in treatment and management decisions. This study was aim to determine the prevalence, etiology and risk factors of endometritis at the Ngaoundere municipal abattoir. Specifically, it was a question of characterizing slaughtered cows, evaluating the prevalence of endometritis, determining the bacterial species involved in endometritis, determining the risk factors for endometritis and the correlated effect of risk factors on the bacterial species responsible for the endometritis. Methodology: Three hundred and forty-four non-pregnant zebus cows slaughtered at the abattoir of Ngaoundere were evaluated. They were characterized and their uteri were collected, cleaned and the diameters of the cervix and uterine horns were measured using an electronic caliper. The affected uteri were sampled to determine the bacterial species responsible for the endometritis. Results: Data analysis revealed a prevalence of 12.5% for endometritis (at 95% CI). The bacteria species: Citrobacter braakii, Actinomyces pyogenes, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Aeromonas hydrophila, Bulkhoderia cepacia, Provendencia stuartii and Salmonella spp with the following proportions: 41,86%; 20,93%; 11,62%; 9,30%; 4,65%; 4,65%; 2,32%; 2,32% and 2,32%, respectively, were recorded in the positive cows. The correlation between the risk factors and the bacterial species showed that; there is a direct relation between the season and Citrobacter braakii; the rainy season and Citrobacter braakii was found to have correlation coefficients of 0.86 and 1, respectively. Nevertheless, moderate correlation values were observed between the bacteria species and the BCS (body condition score); emaciated animals and bacteria species; the Red Fulani breed and Escherichia coli with correlation coefficients of 0.42; 0.44 and 0.43, respectively. Conclusion: Endometritis is present in the bovine population ofAdamawa, and the age of the animals was a principal risk factor, with the age group (5-9 years) being the highest risk group.

METABOLOMIC PROFILING, ANTIOXIDANT, ANTIPROLIFERATIVE AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF MEDEMIA ARGUN PALM

Metabolomic profiling, antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial activity of three parts (leaves, male parts and fruits) of the Medemia argun palm were evaluated. Secondary metabolites content showed a significant difference among the evaluated parts. Multivariate data analysis (MVDA) classified the parts into three groups based on their metabolomic profiling and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of their extracts. The highest content of secondary metabolites, particularly in the leaves and fruits, was reflected in the DPPH radical scavenging activity and consequently in the IC50 of their extracts. The leaves and fruits extracts showed the lowest IC50, followed by the male parts extract (62.8, 78.9 and 134.4 ?g/ ml, respectively). Individual polyphenols were also determined by HPLC, which revealed the dominance of rutin, spigenin-7- glucoside, vanillic and rosmarinic acids, and kaempferol in the leaves. p-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, syringic, sinapic, and cinnamic acids and chrysin were the dominant polyphenols in the male parts extract. Ferulic acid, luteolin and apigenin were the dominant polyphenols in the fruits extract. Medemia argun extracts showed very strong antiproliferative activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2) and lung cancer cell lines (A549). Of the three parts that showed very strong antiproliferative activity, the male parts extract showed prominent antiproliferative activity against HepG-2, while the leaves extract showed more prominent activity against A549 (IC50 was 0.587 and 1.038?g/ml, respectively). The leaves and fruits extracts showed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative bacteria). The male parts showed moderate antibacterial activity only against B. subtilis. No extracts affected the growth of Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus. The biological activity of the M. argun palm will be discussed in the light of secondary metabolites content in the plant. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study concerning the biological activity of M. argun.

Surgical site infection after abdominal surgery in China: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Objective: Surgical site infection (SSI) can markedly prolong postoperative hospital stay, aggravate the burden on patients and society, even endanger the life of patients. This study aims to investigate the national incidence of SSI following abdominal surgery and to analyze the related risk factors in order to provide reference for the control and prevention of SSI following abdominal surgery. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Clinical data of all the adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery in 68 hospitals across the country from June 1 to 30, 2020 were collected, including demographic characteristics, clinical parameters during the perioperative period, and the results of microbial culture of infected incisions. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI within postoperative 30 days, and the secondary outcomes were ICU stay, postoperative hospital stay, cost of hospitalization and the mortality within postoperative 30-day. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors of SSI after abdominal surgery. Results: A total of 5560 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were included, and 163 cases (2.9%) developed SSI after surgery, including 98 cases (60.1%) with organ/space infections, 19 cases (11.7%) with deep incisional infections, and 46 cases (28.2%) with superficial incisional infections. The results from microbial culture showed that Escherichia coli was the main pathogen of SSI. Multivariate analysis revealed hypertension (OR=1.792, 95% CI: 1.194-2.687, P=0.005), small intestine as surgical site (OR=6.911, 95% CI: 1.846-25.878, P=0.004), surgical duration (OR=1.002, 95% CI: 1.001-1.003, P<0.001), and surgical incision grade (contaminated incision: OR=3.212, 95% CI: 1.495-6.903, P=0.003; Infection incision: OR=11.562, 95%CI: 3.777-35.391, P<0.001) were risk factors for SSI, while laparoscopic or robotic surgery (OR=0.564, 95%CI: 0.376-0.846, P=0.006) and increased preoperative albumin level (OR=0.920, 95%CI: 0.888-0.952, P<0.001) were protective factors for SSI. In addition, as compared to non-SSI patients, the SSI patients had significantly higher rate of ICU stay [26.4% (43/163) vs. 9.5% (514/5397), χ(2)=54.999, P<0.001] and mortality within postoperative 30-day [1.84% (3/163) vs.0.01% (5/5397), χ(2)=33.642, P<0.001], longer ICU stay (median: 0 vs. 0, U=518 414, P<0.001), postoperative hospital stay (median: 17 days vs. 7 days, U=656 386, P<0.001), and total duration of hospitalization (median: 25 days vs. 12 days, U=648 129, P<0.001), and higher hospitalization costs (median: 71 000 yuan vs. 39 000 yuan, U=557 966, P<0.001). Conclusions: The incidence of SSI after abdominal surgery is 2.9%. In order to reduce the incidence of postoperative SSI, hypoproteinemia should be corrected before surgery, laparoscopic or robotic surgery should be selected when feasible, and the operating time should be minimized. More attentions should be paid and nursing should be strengthened for those patients with hypertension, small bowel surgery and seriously contaminated incision during the perioperative period.