Frequent Bacterial Infections Research Articles

Fabrication of Aluminum Foil Integrated Pegylated Gold Nanoparticle Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrate for the Detection and Classification of Uropathogenic Bacteria.

Rapid detection and classification of pathogenic microbes for food hygiene, healthcare, environmental contamination, and chemical and biological exposures remain a major challenge due to nonavailability of fast and accurate detection methods. The delay in clinical diagnosis of the most frequent bacterial infections, particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs), which affect about half of the population at least once in their lifetime, can be fatal if not detected and treated appropriately. In this work, we have fabricated aluminum (Al) foil integrated pegylated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a potential surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate, which is used for the detection and classification of uropathogens, namely, E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa directly from the culture without any pretreatment. The substrate is first drop cast with bacterial pellets and then pegylated AuNPs, and the interaction of two on Al foil base gives identifiable characteristic Raman peaks with good reproducibility. With the use of chemometric methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), the Al foil-based SERS substrate offers a quick, effective detection and classification of three strains of UTI bacteria with the least bacterial concentration (105 cells mL-1) necessary for clinical diagnosis. In addition, this substrate was able to detect E. coli positive clinical samples by giving SERS fingerprint information directly from centrifuged urine samples within minutes. The stability of pegylated AuNPs provides for its application at the point of care with rapid and easy detection of uropathogens as well as the possibility of advancement in healthcare applications.

Respiratory infection- and asthma-prone, low vaccine responder children demonstrate distinct mononuclear cell DNA methylation pathways

BackgroundInfants with frequent viral and bacterial respiratory infections exhibit compromised immunity to routine immunizations. They are also more likely to develop chronic respiratory diseases in later childhood. This study investigated the feasibility of epigenetic profiling to reveal endotype-specific molecular pathways with potential for early identification and immuno-modulation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from respiratory infection allergy/asthma-prone (IAP) infants and non-infection allergy/asthma prone (NIAP) were retrospectively selected for genome-wide DNA methylation and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis. The IAP infants were enriched for the low vaccine responsiveness (LVR) phenotype (Fisher's exact p-value = 0.02).ResultsAn endotype signature of 813 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) comprising 238 lead CpG associations (FDR < 0.05) emerged, implicating pathways related to asthma, mucin production, antigen presentation and inflammasome activation. Allelic variation explained only a minor portion of this signature. Stimulation of mononuclear cells with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), a TLR agonist, partially reversed this signature at a subset of CpGs, suggesting the potential for epigenetic remodeling.ConclusionsThis proof-of-concept study establishes a foundation for precision endotyping of IAP children and highlights the potential for immune modulation strategies using adjuvants for future investigation.

ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF PROPHYLACTIC ANTIBIOTICS IN PREVENTING URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS FOLLOWING UROLOGICAL PROCEDURES: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Urinary tract infection (UTI) can be considered one of the most frequent bacterial infections, and among the main indications for antibiotic use, in children. UTIs affect as much as 2% of the population admitted to community hospitals. Objective: The main objective of this randomized control trial was the assessment of the role of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing urinary tract infections following urological procedures. Methods: This randomized control trial was conducted at Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan from February 2023 to February 2024. Data were collected from 185 patients. Data were collected at baseline, immediately post-procedure, and during follow-up visits at 7, 14, and 30 days postoperatively. Baseline data included demographic information, medical history, and details of the urological procedure. Results: Data were collected from 185 patients according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The average ages were 55.2 ± 12.3 and 54.8 ± 11.9 years, respectively. Both groups had a comparable gender distribution with approximately 70% male and 30% female. BMI was also similar, with averages of 26.7 ± 4.5 for the intervention group and 26.9 ± 4.3 for the control group. The intervention group (n=93) had 7 patients (7.5%) who experienced antibiotic-related adverse events, while the control group (n=92) reported no adverse events (0%).Conclusion: It is concluded that prophylactic antibiotics significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative urinary tract infections in patients undergoing urological procedures.

Mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori Resistance to Antibiotics

Background: Helicobacter pylori is the most frequent human bacterial infection worldwide; it is prevalent in approximately half of the world's population. H.pylori poses a major health risk because it possesses distinct virulence factors and highly resistant to antibiotics. Multidrug resistance (MDR) and single-drug resistance are two distinct resistance profiles. Chromosome mutations influence antibiotic activity via target-mediated pathways. Inadequate drug absorption, efflux pumps activity, biofilm development, and cocci formation represent supplementary biological mechanisms by which H.pylori acquires drug resistance. The overexpression of efflux pumps genes in mutant isolates is readily detectable in post-therapy courses. Objective: Characterization of the biological and molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of antibiotic resistance in H.pylori. Conclusion: An alarming rate of drug-resistant H.pylori is on the rise. Primary and acquired resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole has increased globally. Bacterial factors including biofilms, efflux pumps, and molecular mechanism are in association with H.pylori resistance. It is important to continue to monitor the resistance profiles of H.pylori isolates. Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, MDR, Efflux pump, Biofilm, antibiotic resistance.

Mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori Resistance to Antibiotics

Background: Helicobacter pylori is the most frequent human bacterial infection worldwide; it is prevalent in approximately half of the world's population. H.pylori poses a major health risk because it possesses distinct virulence factors and highly resistant to antibiotics. Multidrug resistance (MDR) and single-drug resistance are two distinct resistance profiles. Chromosome mutations influence antibiotic activity via target-mediated pathways. Inadequate drug absorption, efflux pumps activity, biofilm development, and cocci formation represent supplementary biological mechanisms by which H.pylori acquires drug resistance. The overexpression of efflux pumps genes in mutant isolates is readily detectable in post-therapy courses. Objective: Characterization of the biological and molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of antibiotic resistance in H.pylori. Conclusion: An alarming rate of drug-resistant H.pylori is on the rise. Primary and acquired resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole has increased globally. Bacterial factors including biofilms, efflux pumps, and molecular mechanism are in association with H.pylori resistance. It is important to continue to monitor the resistance profiles of H.pylori isolates.

Mesoporous Oxidized Mn-Ca Nanoparticles as Potential Antimicrobial Agents for Wound Healing.

Managing chronic non-healing wounds presents a significant clinical challenge due to their frequent bacterial infections. Mesoporous silica-based materials possess robust wound-healing capabilities attributed to their renowned antimicrobial properties. The current study details the advancement of mesoporous silicon-loaded MnO and CaO molecules (HMn-Ca) against bacterial infections and chronic non-healing wounds. HMn-Ca was synthesized by reducing manganese chloride and calcium chloride by urotropine solution with mesoporous silicon as the template, thereby transforming the manganese and calcium ions on the framework of mesoporous silicon. The developed HMn-Ca was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV-visible), and visible spectrophotometry, followed by the determination of Zeta potential. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by using the 3,3,5,5-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation reaction. The wound healing effectiveness of the synthesized HMn-Ca is evaluated in a bacterial-infected mouse model. The loading of MnO and CaO inside mesoporous silicon enhanced the generation of ROS and the capacity of bacterial capture, subsequently decomposing the bacterial membrane, leading to the puncturing of the bacterial membrane, followed by cellular demise. As a result, treatment with HMn-Ca could improve the healing of the bacterial-infected wound, illustrating a straightforward yet potent method for engineering nanozymes tailored for antibacterial therapy.

Loss of the TRPM4 channel in humans causes immune dysregulation with defective monocyte migration

BackgroundTransient receptor potential melastatin subfamily member 4 (TRPM4) is a broadly expressed, calcium-activated, monovalent cation channel that regulates immune cell function in mice and cell lines. Clinically however, partial loss or gain of function mutations in TRPM4 lead to arrythmia and heart disease, with no documentation of immunological disorders. ObjectiveTo characterize the functional cellular mechanisms underlying the immune dysregulation phenotype in a proband with a mutated trpm4 gene. MethodsWe employ a combination of biochemical, cell biological, imaging, omics analyses, flow cytometry, and gene editing approaches. ResultsWe report the first human cases with complete loss of the TRPM4 channel leading to immune dysregulation with frequent bacterial and fungal infections. Single cell and bulk RNAseq point to altered expression of genes affecting cell migration, specifically in monocytes. Inhibition of TRPM4 in T cells and the THP1 monocyte cell line reduces migration. More importantly primary T cells and monocytes from the TRPM4 patients migrate poorly. Finally, CRISPR knockout of TRPM4 in THP1 cells greatly reduces their migration potential. ConclusionOur results demonstrate that TRPM4 plays a critical role in regulating immune cell migration, leading to increased susceptibility to infections.

Nijmegen syndrome in childhood: a clinical case

Nijmegen syndrome is a rare monogenic pathology with an autosomal recessive type of inheritance. The disease is manifested by congenital developmental anomalies and microcephaly, primary immunodeficiency, frequent recurrent viral and bacterial infections, retardation in physical and neuropsychic development. In the medical literature, 150 cases of the syndrome are described; pathology occurs more often among the Slavic population. Nijmegen syndrome belongs to a group of diseases with chromosomal instability. The pathogenetic feature of the syndrome is congenital immunodeficiency of the humoral (B-lymphocytes) and cellular (T-lymphocytes) components. According to statistics, 40 % of children with Nijmegen syndrome are diagnosed with malignant neoplasms. lymphoid tissue is more often affected (non-Hodgkin’s B and T-cell lymphomas, acute lymphoblastic leukemia), and the development of solid neoplasia is also possible. To diagnose Nijmegen syndrome, in addition to assessing the patient clinical status, it is necessary to conduct an extended immunological examination with the determination of immunoglobulins A, M, G and molecular genetic studies.The article presents a clinical case of diagnosis and treatment of Nijmegen syndrome in childhood.

In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Ozonated Olive Oil against Bacteria of Various Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles Isolated from Wounds of Companion Animals.

Frequent colonization and bacterial infection of skin wounds in small animals prevent or impair their healing. However, the broadly applied antimicrobial therapy of wounds is not always necessary and promotes the spread of bacterial resistance. Thus, alternatives to antimicrobial therapy, including preventive measures in the form of wound dressings with antibiotic properties, should be searched for. The aim of this study was to develop a new, efficient, cost-effective and non-toxic formulation with antimicrobial properties to serve as an alternative to antibiotic administration in wound-healing stimulation in companion animals. Nano/microencapsulated ozonated olive oil in a hyaluronan matrix was developed, with ozone concentration high enough to prevent bacterial growth. The presence and size of nano- and microcapsules were determined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antibacterial activity of developed formulations was examined in vitro on 101 Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria isolated from the wounds of companion animals. The highest ozone concentration in the developed formulations inhibited the growth of 40.59% bacteria. Species and genus-specific differences in reactions were observed. Enterococcus spp. proved the least susceptible while non-pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria were the most susceptible to the examined formulations. Changes in the bacterial morphology and cell structure of Psychrobacter sanguinis suspension mixed with Ca-stabilized formulations with nano/microencapsulated ozonized olive oil were revealed during SEM observations. The combination of compounds that promote wound healing (hyaluronic acid, olive oil, ozone and calcium) with the antibacterial activity of the developed formula makes it a promising bionanocomposite for use as a topical dressing.

Hyper-IgE syndrome: a case report

Introduction and importance: Hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES), also known as Job syndrome, is a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by elevated serum IgE levels, recurrent infections, and various clinical features. Early diagnosis, prompt management of infections, and supportive care are essential in improving outcomes for individuals with HIES. Genetic testing, including STAT3 gene sequencing, plays a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis. Further research is needed to enhance our understanding of HIES and develop targeted therapies to improve the quality of life for affected individuals. Case presentation: This case report presents the clinical features and management of a 37-year-old male with HIES, diagnosed at the age of 2 due to recurrent cold abscesses caused by Staphylococcal infections. Clinical discussion: The patient exhibited typical symptoms of HIES, including recurrent eczema, frequent bacterial infections, mucocutaneous candidiasis, and various physical abnormalities. Diagnostic markers such as elevated IgE levels and eosinophilia supported the HIES diagnosis, which was further confirmed by the identification of a STAT3 gene mutation. Treatment primarily involved supportive measures and antibiotics for infections. The patient’s blood test results and imaging findings revealed abnormalities such as low red blood cell count, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and pulmonary nodules. Conclusion: This case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis, prompt management of infections, and the need for ongoing research to improve our understanding and treatment of HIES.

A clinical case of autosomal recessive agammaglobulinemia with B-cell deficiency

Background. Primary agammaglobulinemia is the result of specific changes in B-cells that lead to low antibody production. A preliminary diagnosis is established if there is a history of frequent bacterial infections (otitis media, sinusitis, skin abscesses), including severe course, in some cases caused by opportunistic flora and atypical mycobacteria; low levels of immunoglobulins. The main symptoms of primary immunodeficiency in a child from this clinical example were frequent recidivating bronchial obstruction with the development of pneumonia.Presentation of the clinical case.The publication presents a clinical case of autosomal recessive agammaglobulinemia with B-cell deficiency in a child of 2 years, 7 months. During the follow-up period from 4 months to 2 months, 7 months, the child had 3 episodes of pneumonia, 3 episodes of purulent otitis media. The child repeatedly underwent inpatient treatment, where he received broad-spectrum antibiotics as treatment. Based on the examination (IgA (0.02 g/l), IgG (0.3 g/l), IgM (0.07 g/l) and the absence of CD19+ cells), the diagnosis of “Primary immunodeficiency, agammaglobulinemia” was made, which was subsequently confirmed by the RDC of Moscow. From the moment of diagnosis, the child receives intravenous immunoglobulins at a dose of 7.5 g. and antibacterial therapy.Conclusion. Early recognition and diagnosis of these conditions is crucial to improve outcomes and prevent complications.

A Comprehensive Study of Respiratory Pathogen Shifts in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights from a Tertiary Level Hospital in Bangladesh

Introduction: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a global health concern, with lower respiratory infections (LRIs) causing millions of deaths annually. The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, led to unprecedented public health measures, including lockdowns and vaccination campaigns, which have influenced the landscape of respiratory infections. This study aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19, its mitigation strategies and vaccination status on the prevalence and distribution of bacterial pathogens causing RTIs in a Bangladeshi hospital. Methods: Respiratory samples were collected from 100 patients with RTI symptoms in a teaching hospital in Bangladesh from December 2022 to May 2023. Bacterial cultures were performed, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted. Patient data, including age, gender, comorbidities, and vaccination status, were analyzed statistically. Results: Among the participants, 96% exhibited bacterial growth in respiratory samples. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most prevalent pathogen (63.2%), followed by Streptococcus spp. (12.2%) and Staphylococcus aureus (10.2%). The prevalence of these pathogens varied by age groups, with Klebsiella pneumoniae being prominent in the 50-69 age range. COVID-19 vaccination status significantly influenced the distribution of bacterial species, with fully vaccinated individuals having higher rates of certain infections, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus spp. Comorbidities were also associated with variations in bacterial infections. Discussion: This study reveals a high prevalence of bacterial pathogens in post-COVID-19 RTIs, with Klebsiella pneumoniae being the predominant species. The findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccination status plays a crucial role in shaping the spectrum of bacterial infections, with fully vaccinated individuals showing a higher prevalence of specific pathogens. Comorbidities also influence the type and frequency of bacterial infections. These results align with previous studies and underscore the need for continued monitoring and research in the ever-evolving landscape of infectious diseases. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to the patterns of respiratory infections. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 and vaccination status on respiratory pathogens is vital for healthcare providers and policymakers. This study emphasizes the importance of ongoing research and vigilance in addressing the evolving challenges of infectious diseases in the post-COVID-19 era. It highlights the interconnectedness of vaccination, immunity, and susceptibility to bacterial infections, providing critical insights for public health strategies.

Microenvironment-responsive release of Mg2+ from tannic acid decorated and multilevel crosslinked hydrogels accelerates infected wound healing.

The management of chronic infected wounds poses significant challenges due to frequent bacterial infections, high concentrations of reactive oxygen species, abnormal immune regulation, and impaired angiogenesis. This study introduces a novel, microenvironment-responsive, dual dynamic, and covalently bonded hydrogel, termed OHA-P-TA/G/Mg2+. It is derived from the reaction of tannic acid (TA) with phenylboronic acids (PBA), which are grafted onto oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA-P-TA), combined with GelMA (G) via a Schiff base and chemical bonds, along with the incorporation of Mg2+. This hydrogel exhibits pH and ROS dual-responsiveness, demonstrating effective antibacterial capacity, antioxidant ability, and the anti-inflammatory ability under distinct acidic and oxidative microenvironments. Furthermore, the release of Mg2+ from the TA-Mg2+ network (TA@Mg2+) promotes the transformation of pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype macrophages to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, showing a microenvironment-responsive response. Finally, in vivo results indicate that the OHA-P-TA/G/Mg2+ hydrogel enhances epithelial regeneration, collagen deposition, and neovascularization, showing great potential as an effective dressing for infected wound repair.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnant Women: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are the second-most frequent bacterial infections, with an overall incidence of 5-10%. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with UTI in pregnant women. Method: A systematic search was conducted in the open domain, electronic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. Citation searching was also performed to identify all relevant studies. All the steps were carried out by two independent reviewers to avoid bias. Based on inclusion &amp; exclusion criteria, followed by qualitative evaluation, the studies were included and analyzed by fixed or random effects model using CMA. A sub-group analysis was also performed for Asian and African countries for prevalence and for different categories of risk factors. Results: Out of 45 studies, 41 studies were included for the prevalence of UTI in pregnant women and 19 studies were included to evaluate the risk factors. The pooled prevalence of UTI in African pregnant women was higher when compared to Asian pregnant women (28.6% vs. 20.7%). The risk factors statistically significantly associated with UTI were found to be undergarment texture (silk), history of catheterization, diabetes mellitus, past history of UTI and HIV. Conclusion: UTIs are prevalent in pregnant women in Asian and African pregnant women. Hence, identification of risk factors and frequent screening of UTIs during pregnancy is recommended to avoid maternal-fetal complications.

Comparing the Phylogenetic Distribution of Multilocus Sequence Typing, Staphylococcal Protein A, and Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in Korea from 1994 to 2020.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteremia is one of the most frequent and severe bacterial infections worldwide. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious human pathogen that can cause a wide variety of infections. Comparative genetic analyses have shown that despite the existence of a vast number of genotypes, genotypes are restricted to certain geographical locations. By comparing multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and SCCmec types from 1994 to 2020, the present study intended to discover which genotype genes were related to MRSA infections. MLST, Staphylococcus aureus protein A (spa), and SCCmec typings were performed to determine their relationship during those years. Results revealed that MRSA isolates in the Republic of Korea were distributed among all major staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types. The majority of SCCmec isolates belonged to SCCmec type II and type IV. The majority of MLST had the sequence type (ST) 72, 239, 8, or 188. By contrast, minorities belonged to ST22 (SCCmec IV), ST772 (SCCmec V), and ST672 (SCCmec V) genotypes. The SCCmec type was determined for various types. The spa type was dispersed, seemingly regardless of its multidrug resistance property. The MLST type was found to be similar to the existing typical type. These results showed some correlations between resistance characteristics and types according to the characteristics of the MLST types distributed, compared to previous papers. Reports on genotype distribution of MLST and SCCmec types in MRSA are rare. These results show a clear distribution of MLST and SCCmec types of MRSA from 1994 to 2020 in the Republic of Korea.

Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and human papillomavirus infections of lower genital tract of Indigenous women from Xingu Indigenous Park.

Xingu Indigenous Park (XIP) currently protects 16 ethnic Indigenous groups and is located in the central area of Brazil. XIP is the first and the largest Indigenous land to be recognized in the country. Community access is limited and restricted for the non-Indigenous population, and the Indigenous women are constantly dealing with shortages of medical care. High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is the most common cause of cervical cancer and is detected in 99% of cervical precancers. HPV infections may be associated with bacterial agents such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which are also important causative agents of sexually transmitted infections and are responsible for the most frequent bacterial infections in the world. The present study evaluated the frequency and potential impact of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and HR-HPV in the Indigenous women of XIP. In this cross-sectional study, 992 cervical-vaginal samples were collected from Indigenous women, using a Cervex-Brush, and were immediately placed in a SurePath medium. All samples were submitted to the cobas&reg; 4800 detection system for the identification of 14 different types of HR-HPV, and the multiplex Abbott RealTime CT/NG assay for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. HR-HPV was detected in 18.2% of women; 6% were positive for HPV16, 5% for HPV18, and 81% for other types of HR-HPV. Co-infections of HPV16 and other types was observed in 5% of women, and 3% had co-infections of HPV18 and other types. Moreover, 1.8% of women were positive for Chlamydia trachomatis, while Neisseria gonorrhoeae was not detected. In women with HR-HPV, 33% had Chlamydia trachomatis infections, 28% were positive for HR-HPV other than HPV16 or HPV18, and 5% had co-infections of HPV16 and the other types of HPV. Younger women were found to be more susceptible to HPV infections. The findings indicate a high frequency of HR-HPV and a considerable frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis in the Indigenous women of XIP. The detection of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and/or HR-HPV does not present evidence of a potential interrelationship for a combined pathogenic action in these women.

CARBON DOTS

Frequent bacterial infections and the occurrence of antibiotic resistance pose increasing threats to the public and thus require the development of new antibacterial agents and strategies. Carbon dots (CDs) have been well demonstrated to be promising and potent antimicrobial nanomaterials and serve as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics. In recent years, great efforts have been made by many researchers to develop new carbon dot-based antimicrobial agents to combat microbial infections. This article gives an insight into understanding Carbon dots and their role as antimicrobial agents.

Lysozyme-immobilized bandage contact lens inhibits the growth and biofilm formation of common eye pathogens in vitro

Bandage contact lenses have an increased affinity to accumulate tear film proteins and bacteria during wear. Among the wide variety of tear film proteins, lysozyme has attracted the most attention for several reasons, including the fact that it is found at a high concentration in the tear film, has exceptional antibacterial and antibiofilm properties, and its significant deposits onto contact lenses. This study aims to evaluate the effect of lysozyme on bacterial biofilm formation on bandage contact lenses. For this purpose, several methods, including microtiter plate test and Colony Forming Unit (CFU) assay have been used to determine antibacterial and antibiofilm characteristics of lysozyme against the two most frequent contact lens-induced bacterial ocular infections, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results of these assays demonstrate lysozyme potential to inhibit 57.9% and 80.7% of the growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, respectively. In addition, biofilm formations of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus reduced by 38.3% and 62.7%, respectively due to the antibiofilm effect of lysozyme. SEM and AFM imaging were utilized to visualize lysozyme antibacterial activity and topography changes of the contact lens surface, respectively, in the presence/absence of lysozyme. The results indicated that lysozyme can efficiently attack both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and consequently lysozyme-functionalized bandage contact lenses can reduce the risk of ocular infection after eye surgery.

Prevalence of Isolated Bacteria from Urinary Tracts and Antibiotic Resistance Trend in Peja Region, Kosovo

Background: Urinary tract infections are the most frequent bacterial infections, causing significant morbidity at a high cost of effectiveness. The main purpose of the research was to determine the prevalence and the resistance of gram-negative bacteria in urine samples in the Peja region. Methods and Results: This cohort longitudinal, prospective-retrospective study was conducted in the microbiological laboratories of the regional hospital in Peja and the Regional Centre of Public Health in Peja. The research includes all urine samples tested for gram-negative bacteria from 2018 to 2020. A total of 12,791 urine samples were analyzed in the study, of which 2316 (18.11%) were positive for the growth of gram-negative pathogenic strains, and 10,479 (81.89%) were negative. The most frequently isolated bacteria were E. coli (83.2%), followed by Proteus spp., Klebsiella spp., Acinetobacter spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.18%, 4.79%, 2.42% and 2.37% respectively). From the data of our research, we can conclude that E. coli, Proteus spp, and Klebsiella spp. were the three commonly isolated microorganisms in the Peja region. A trend of increased resistance of E. coli to ampicillin was registered from 37.41% in 2018 to 65.58% in 2020; to tobramycin - from 3.68% in 2018 to 5.97% in 2020; to cefalexin from 29.41% in 2018 to 31.09% in 2020; to cefuroxime from 23.7% in 2018 to 28.99% in 2020; to cefotaxime from 21.32% in 2018 to 27.94% in 2020; ceftazidime from 18.84% in 2018 to 27.54% in 2020; to piperacillin from 28.73% in 2018 to 34.97% in 2020; to nitrofurantoin from 5.98% in 2018 to 8.21% in 2020; and to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole from 35.56% in 2018 to 42.77% in 2020. In the analyzed period, a trend of the increased resistance of Proteus spp. to ampicillin was registered from 31.43% in 2018 to 81.25% in 2020 and to imipenem from 4.76% in 2018 to 12% in 2020. The resistance rates of Klebsiella spp. strains isolated in 2020 (100% to ampicillin, 5% to amikacin, 38.46% to ofloxacin, 8.7% to imipenem, 33.33% to nitrofurantoin) were higher than those reported in 2018 (87.5%, 2.94%, 34.62%, 6.25%, and 28.21%, respectively). Conclusion: Data from this study can be used to control antibiotic susceptibility trends, create local antibiotic policies, and help clinicians in the rational choice of antibiotic therapy, thereby preventing indiscriminate antibiotic use.

Association Between Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Virulence Genes and Severity of Infection and Resistance to Antibiotics.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most frequent bacterial infection. Some uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) genes have been associated with disease severity and antibiotic resistance. The aim was to determine the association of nine UPEC virulence genes with UTI severity and antibiotic resistance of strains collected from adults with community-acquired UTI. A case-control study (1:3) (38 urosepsis/pyelonephritis and 114 cystitis/urethritis) was conducted. The fimH, sfa/foc, cvaC, hlyA, iroN, fyuA, ireA, iutA, and aer (the last five are siderophore genes) virulence genes were determined by PCR. The information of antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the strains was collected from medical records. This pattern was determined using an automated system for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) was defined as resistance to three or more antibiotic families. fimH was the most frequently detected virulence gene (94.7%), and sfa/foc was the least frequently detected (9.2%); 55.3% (83/150) of the strains were MDR. The evaluated genes were not associated with UTI severity. Associations were found between the presence of hlyA and carbapenem resistance (Odds ratio [OR] = 7.58, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50-35.42), iutA and fluoroquinolone resistance (OR = 2.35, 95% CI, 1.15-4.84, and aer (OR = 2.8, 95% CI, 1.20-6.48) and iutA (OR = 2.95, 95% CI, 1.33-6.69) with penicillin resistance. In addition, iutA was the only gene associated with MDR (OR = 2.09, 95% CI,1.03-4.26). There was no association among virulence genes and UTI severity. Three of the five iron uptake genes were associated with resistance to at least one antibiotic family. Regarding the other four non-siderophore genes, only hlyA was associated with antibiotic resistance to carbapenems. It is essential to continue studying bacterial genetic characteristics that cause the generation of pathogenic and multidrug-resistant phenotypes of UPEC strains.