Positive Isolates Research Articles

Molecular detection of <i>Streptococcus agalactiae</i> in pregnant women and percentage of vertical transmission to their neonates in Babylon province

Introduction. Streptococcus agalactiae are gram-positive, non-motile and encapsulated cocci. On blood agar, they produce an narrow zone of beta-haemolysis. This pathogen causes invasive bacterial diseases in newborns, including sepsis, meningitis, septicaemia, and pneumonia, when transmitted from infected mothers. Since S. agalactiae is a pathogen of primary concern for public health, this research has been conducted on it. The objective of the study is the isolation and molecular detection of virulence gene of S. agalactiae group B (GBS), and evaluation of the percentage of mother-to-child transmission of the pathogen. Materials and methods. A prospective cohort study was designed that included 300 pregnant women who were at more than 35 weeks of pregnancy. The gynaecologist collected 300 vaginal swabs from all participants in this study and followed up on all GBS-positive pregnant women after delivery to take swabs from their neonates. Traditional microbiological and molecular approaches were used to study isolated bacteria. Result. Sixty (20%) of three hundred pregnant women and 16 (26.6%) of their newborns were enrolled in this study. GBS was detected via culture methods and was confirmed by PCR with primers employed for the detection of atr gene (housekeeping gene). Positive isolates were 100% susceptible to antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, penicillin, and vancomycin, 93% were sensitive to chloramphenicol, 83% to erythromycin, and only 13% to tetracycline. Conclusion. Our data showed a high frequency of GBS infection in pregnant women and their newborns. A mandatory screening test and preventative medicine should be adopted to minimize the potentially fatal repercussions of this sickness.

Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns in Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Isolates from Post-Operative Wound Infections

Background: Post-operative wound infections (POWIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and increase in healthcare costs, especially in low resource settings. The rising prevalence of antibiotic resistance among pathogens also increases the complexity of treatment strategies, highlighting the importance of local surveillance of microbiological and resistance patterns. This study aims to find out the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of gram positive and gram negative isolates from the post-operative wound infections from women undergoing obstetric and gynecological surgeries. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka from October 2019 to September 2021. A total of 200 women with post-operative wound infections were purposively selected. Among them, 134 had culture-positive findings. Bacteriological analysis and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed on isolates following standard microbiological methods. Results: Among the 134 culture-positive cases, 33.6% of isolates were gram-positive, with Staphylococcus aureus being predominant. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 66.4% of isolates, with E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa equally prevalent (20.9%). Gram-positive isolates showed high sensitivity to piperacillin-tazobactam (91.1%) and sulbactam (53.3%) but were resistant to ceftriaxone (48.9%) and cefixime (51.1%). Gram-negative bacteria exhibited sensitivity to amikacin and meropenem but demonstrated widespread resistance to ceftriaxone and doxycycline. Conclusion: This study describes the diverse microbiological profile and high prevalence of antibiotic resistance in POWIs. Novel antibiotic therapy and strict infection control measures are essential to curb the burden of these infections.

Spectrum of microorganisms identified in diabetic foot ulcers; Latest trends in underdeveloped countries.

Objective: To see the common microorganisms infecting diabetic foot ulcers in a tertiary care hospital of Sindh, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross Sectional Descriptive study. Setting: Department of Medicine Civil Hospital, Karachi. Period: June 2023 to November 2023. Methods: It included 102 patients of all ages and gender, who consented to participate and presented with diabetic foot ulcer. Their demographic data and data of isolated microorganism obtained from wound were recorded and analyzed in SPSS version 24. Results: There were 102 patients in our study who visited OPD as case of DFU and consented to take part in study. Mean age was 57.19 ±11.68 Years 24- 90- years patients were included. The highest number of patients 65 (63.7%) were in the 46-65 years age group, followed by the age group of more than 65 years with 21 (20.6%) of the patients. There were 31 (30.4%) females and 71 (69.6%) patients were males. The ratio of male-to-female participants was 2.2:1. Wagner grade of lesion was 40 (39.2%) were in grade 2 followed by 23 (22.5%) grade Mean age of patients who develop infection in their diabetic foot ulcer i.e. DFI was 56.64 ± 11.62 Years 24- 90- years. Patients were included. The highest number of patients 48 (64.4%) were in the 46-65 years age group, followed by the age group of more than 65 years with 17 (22.7%) of the patients. There were 25 (33.3%) females and 50(66.7%) patients were males. Mean duration of diabetes was 3.83 ±1. Wagner grade of lesion was 27(36%) were in grade 2 followed by grade 3 and 4 which was 18(24%) each. Among the 75 cases from which pathogens were isolated 46(61.3%) were monomicrobial and 29(38.7%) were Polymicrobial. Based on gram staining, 70.67% were gram negative isolates 18.67%were gram positive isolates and 10.67% mixed gram positive and negative isolates. Overall, pseudomonas auraginosa was commonest microbe isolated (41.3%) followed by Klebsiella which is 17.33%. MRSA was commonest among gram positive organism isolated from wound. Conclusion: Diabetic foot ulcers predominantly get infected by Gram negative bacteria. Proper hygienic practices must be encouraged. Appropriate educational programs targeting awareness for diabetes and related complications must be developed to prevent DFU in this cohort of population.

Phenotypic and Genotypic of Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from Raw Milk and Artisanal Cheese.

Staphylococcus aureus and a few species of coagulase negative are frequently associated with food poisoning. Raw milk and dairy products are among the foods usually associated with outbreaks due to staphylococcal intoxication. This study aimed to determine phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles to beta-lactam drugs in Staphylococcus coagulase positive (CoPS) and negative (CoNS) isolates. A total of 58 CoPS and 45 CoNS isolates recovered from raw milk and artisanal cheese from Santa Catarina were analyzed. All isolates (n = 103) were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. High levels of resistance to penicillin (41% of CoPS and 31% of CoNS), amoxicillin (40% CoPS), ampicillin (36% CoPS), and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (35% CoNS) were observed. Twenty six percent of the isolates (18 CoPS and 9 CoNS) exhibited multiresistance profile; which means, they were resistant to at least three different classes of the antimicrobial drugs. Detection of resistance genes (mecA, mecC, and blaZ) was performed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Twelve isolates (9 CoPS and 3 CoNS) were positive for mecA, whereas 10 strains (4 CoPS and 6 CoNS) were positive for blaZ. The detection of resistant and multidrug resistant isolates emphasizes the necessity to develop strategies to better comply with good manufacturing practices and health care guidelines.

Occurrence and Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis in Smallholder Dairy Cattle in Bangladesh

Blastocystis is a widespread protozoan known to induce digestive disorders in humans and animals, including cattle globally. The parasite exhibits a significant amount of genetic variability and is divided into 42 recognized subtypes (STs) in mammals and birds. Sixteen of these subtypes are identified in cattle and 14 are zoonotic. This study explored the distribution and genetic variations of Blastocystis and its zoonotic potential in dairy cattle. Two hundred fresh fecal samples were collected from smallholder dairy calves (aged <6 months) in two milk pocket areas of Bangladesh: Sirajganj (n=100) and Pabna (n=100). A molecular study based on PCR assay targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene was employed to screen and subtype the parasite in the fecal samples. Analyses revealed Blastocystis among 10% of the cattle, with 8% positive cases in samples from Sirajganj and 12% in samples from Pabna. Various factors including sex, age, breed groups, and fecal consistency were considered, although these were found to be statistically insignificant. Out of the 20 positive Blastocystis isolates, only three subtypes, namely ST10, ST21, and ST26, were identified where subtype ST10 was the most prevalent. Notably, no zoonotic subtypes were detected in the fecal samples, suggesting a lack of zoonotic significance. The findings provide insights into the molecular epidemiology of Blastocystis infection in cattle, indicating its low genetic diversity in the study areas. Further research is needed to determine the exact frequency and genetic composition of Blastocystis and its zoonotic potential in cattle in Bangladesh. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 6(1): 13-20, 2024

Antibacterial Activity of Chitosan, Trisodium Citrate and Acetic Acid Against Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteria Isolated From Raw Milk In Baghdad City

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is cause of dangerous food poisoning through contamination of raw milk; therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of S. aureus in raw milk sold in local markets of Baghdad city and the antibacterial activity of chitosan, trisodium citrate and acetic acid against the pathogenic bacteria, the antibacterial susceptibility profile of isolates was performed by using (13) antibacterial agents using Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion technique. the results showed that (3) samples out of 25 samples (12%) were isolated from raw milk, all isolates were positive to the experimental tests characterized as S. aureus depending on the cultural, biochemical, serological and molecular examinations. The PCR technique used to verify the positive isolates by targeting the (nuc) gene, the molecular size (181 bp), the antibacterial activity was done by broth and agar dilution method with detection the bacterial counts. the Initial counting (mean) log CFU/ ml of isolates was 4.623 CFU/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentration of chitosan and acetic acid against Staphylococcus aureus by macro-broth dilution method was 20and 1,25 mg /ml respectively, while trisodium citrate had no inhibitory activity against the exanimated bacteria. The antibiotic susceptibility profile for positive isolates showed that all isolates were resistant to (ampicillin, methicillin, Cefixime and Cefoxitin),in conclusion comparing the effects of the three antibacterial agents against S. aureus causes contamination of cow raw milk sold in Baghdad city, 1.25 mg/ml of the acetic acid was found effective with higher antibacterial activity, followed by chitosan 2 mg /ml, while trisodium citrate showed no antibacterial effect.

Effect of dry period immunization of Salmonella Dublin latent carriers with a commercial live culture vaccine on intrauterine transmission based on the presence of precolostral antibodies in offspring

Salmonella Dublin latent carrier cows represent a high risk for infection of newborn calves via intrauterine transmission and shedding of bacteria in feces and colostrum at calving. Vaccination of these latent carrier dams during late gestation boosts immunity against S. Dublin. This could reduce the activation of the dormant bacteria during the periparturient immune dysfunction period, thereby reducing the risk of early-life infection in the offspring. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the extent to which vaccinating S. Dublin latent carrier cows at dry-off with a commercial live culture vaccine reduces bacterial shedding at calving and intrauterine infection to calves. To identify latent carriers, we screened 1,084 cows in 4 Michigan commercial dairy farms with a history of S. Dublin. Cows were defined as latent carriers when they showed 3 consecutive positive milk antibody ELISA tests conducted every 2 mo. Subsequently, 148 latent carriers were randomly allocated to the vaccine or control group. Vaccine cows received a commercial live culture vaccine subcutaneously (SC) at dry-off and a booster 2 weeks later. Control cows received saline SC at the same times. At calving, we collected fecal and colostrum samples from the dam and a pre-colostral serum sample from the calf. Bacterial shedding was evaluated in feces and colostrum both qualitatively and quantitatively through bacterial culture and qPCR, respectively. Intrauterine transmission was defined when a calf was positive for serum antibody ELISA at birth. Vaccination decreased the likelihood of calves being born S. Dublin seropositive (Relative Risk [95%CI]) = 0.19 [0.04 - 0.84]). However, no S. Dublin positive isolates were identified through either bacteriological culture or qPCR in feces or colostrum. Vaccination of S. Dublin latent-carrier cows at dry-off reduced intrauterine transmission to calves. Further research is warranted into the potential of vaccination to decrease vertical transmission of S. Dublin in dairy farms. Additionally, the absence of S. Dublin positive fecal and colostrum samples warrants further evaluation of the detection methods for identifying latent carriers or S. Dublin isolation, as well as the role of latent carriers in infecting newborn calves in the maternity area at birth.

Optimizing Diagnosis of Pediatric Streptococcus pyogenes Infections: A Clinical Prediction Model

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections, caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, are a major health concern among children under 12 years, leading to conditions such as tonsillitis, rheumatic fever, and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and prevention. This study aimed to develop and validate a Clinical Prediction Rule (CPR) for predicting the presence of S. pyogenes in throat swabs from children under 12. We analyzed clinical and laboratory data from 1,015 pediatric patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of GAS infection at Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, between January 2019 and December 2022. S. pyogenes was first isolated from throat swabs cultured on blood agar, and 233 positive isolates were further identified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting the Spy 1258 gene, with DNA extracted via boiling and confirmed through phenotypic methods. Data from these 233 identified cases were used to develop and validate the CPR. Variables examined included gender, age, ward of admission, clinical diagnosis, and antibiotic susceptibility. Logistic regression modeling identified significant predictors of S. pyogenes presence, with potential biases minimized through systematic case review, standardized data extraction and cross-checking by multiple reviewers. Among the 233 cases analyzed, the mean age was 4 ± 0.25 years, with 62.7% under age 3. Tonsillitis was the predominant diagnosis, with GAS prevalence ranging from 56.7% to 69.3%. Antibiotic susceptibility test result varied, with significant predictors including Sepsis/Tonsillitis and ear discharge/tonsillitis (p < 0.001). The CPR model demonstrated a sensitivity of 95.4% and a specificity of 36.8%, highlighting its potential to enhance clinical diagnosis and management of GAS infections. This study offers valuable insights into predictors of S. pyogenes infection in pediatric patients and highlights the CPR’s potential for improving clinical diagnosis and management.

Molecular evidence of novel Begomoviruses and associated Betasatellite complexes linked to Papaya Leaf Curl Disease (PLCD) in Indian Provinces

Papaya leaf curl disease (PLCD) is caused by distinct begomoviruses affecting papaya globally. This study aims to identify and dissect the genetic complexities of begomoviruses-betasatellites associated with PLCD. Surveys in various Indian provinces to collect symptomatic papaya leaf samples. Molecular characterization of 15 DNA-A positives isolates revealed that PSB 8 and PSB 14 from Lucknow shared 89.69% and 87.25% nucleotide sequence identity with other reported begomoviruses and 85.36% with each other. Based on ICTV's species demarcation threshold, these isolates are proposed as novel begomoviruses, named papaya leaf curl Lucknow virus-1 (PaLCLV-1) and papaya leaf curl Lucknow virus-2 (PaLCLV-2). This study also reports a novel strain (PSB 63) of duranta leaf curl virus (DLCV) on papaya, with a 93.48% sequence identity with known DLCV. The samples did not amplify for DNA-B but did for betasatellites. Nine of the 15 DNA-A positive samples were associated with betasatellites, revealing a novel betasatellite (PSBB 34) from Gujarat, sharing 88.46% similarity with ludwigia leaf distortion betasatellite (LuLDB), named papaya leaf curl Lucknow betasatellite (PaLCLB). Another new strain, tomato leaf curl betasatellite (ToLCLB), shared 91.96% identity with other betasatellites. These begomoviruses are monopartite and likely originated in the Old World. This study is the first to show an association between LuLDB and PaLCV (PSB 34). Recombination analysis revealed that major viral genome regions were obtained from previously reported begomoviruses. The study identified eight papaya-infecting begomoviruses and seven associated betasatellites as prominent in the sampled regions.

Comprehensive Assessment of Initial Adaptation of ESBL Positive ST131 Escherichia coli to Carbapenem Exposure.

It remains unclear how high-risk Escherichia coli lineages, like sequence type (ST) 131, initially adapt to carbapenem exposure in their progression to carbapenem resistance. Carbapenem mutation frequency was measured in multiple subclades of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) positive ST131 clinical isolates using a fluctuation assay followed by whole genome sequencing (WGS) characterization. Genomic, transcriptomic, and porin analyses of ST131 C2/H30Rx isolate, MB1860, under prolonged, increasing carbapenem exposure was performed using two experimental evolutionary platforms to measure fast vs. slow adaptation. All thirteen ESBL positive ST131 strains selected from a diverse (n=184) ST131 bacteremia cohort had detectable ertapenem (ETP) mutational frequencies with a positive correlation between initial ESBL gene copy number and mutation frequency (r = 0.87, P-value <1e-5). WGS analysis of mutants showed initial response to ETP exposure resulted in significant increases in ESBL gene copy numbers or mutations in outer membrane porin (Omp) genes in the absence of ESBL gene amplification with subclade specific associations. In both experimental evolutionary platforms, MB1860 responded to initial ETP exposure by increasing blaCTX-M-15 copy numbers via modular, insertion sequence 26 (IS26) mediated pseudocompound transposons (PCTns). Increased transcript levels of genes present within the PCTn was a conserved expression signal in both experimental evolutionary platforms. Stable mutations in Omp encoding genes were detected only after prolonged increasing carbapenem exposure consistent with clinical observations. ESBL gene amplification is a conserved response to initial carbapenem exposure, especially within the high-risk ST131 C2/H30Rx subclade. Targeting such amplification could assist with mitigating carbapenem resistance development.

Random Forest-Based Forensic Investigation of Non-Fungible Tokens: for Enhanced Detection and Anomaly Identification

The proposed work builds upon the Random Forest machine learning algorithm to improve the process of digit forensic investigation in case of NFT. The following structure of this framework is aimed at identifying and disabling fraudulent or suspicious activities in NFT transactions by comparing different parameters like the Detection Time, False Positive Rate, the Total Transaction Volume Analyzed, the Anomalous Transaction Ratio, Clustering Accuracy, Data Utilization Efficiency, and Detection Sensitivity. Through using Random Forest, a solid ensemble learning technique that is well known for its on high accuracy as well as off overfitting tendency, it optimistically improves the identifying abilities of the framework in isolation of the false positives. The ability of the proposed system to deliver optimal results is further explained by line plots, area charts, histograms, and stem plots which all provide the variation of these metrics as the time proceeds. Not only does it enhance the effectiveness of detecting the fraudulent transactions, but it also enhances the application of data in the forensic analysis that creates a great advantage in the increasing realm of digital assets for investigators.

Validation of a reduction in time for avian influenza virus isolation using specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs.

The international gold standard for avian influenza virus (AIV) diagnosis is virus isolation (VI) in specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs). AIV isolation typically involves a 6-day turnaround, during which premises under suspicion for notifiable AIV infection are held under restriction regardless of molecular diagnoses, often with significant welfare implications. A reduction in time for negation by VI was investigated following experimental inoculation of AIV from known-positive original clinical material into ECEs. VI data derived from more than 600 case investigations from epizootics of high-pathogenicity AIV (HPAIV) in Great Britain since 2016 and from low-pathogenicity AIV (LPAIV) cases in Great Britain since 2014 were examined to support a reduction in test timing using alternative regimens. HPAIVs were isolated during the first passage, and for LPAIV VI, the second passage could be reduced to 2 days. Power analysis showed that the benefit of reducing the number of days outweighed the risk of missing a positive isolate. Limited data were available from experimental inoculations. This truncated methodology, which enables an earlier release of restrictions, may substantially ease the economic implications of restriction. It could also reduce bird welfare implications and improve international standards without loss of test performance.

Beta-lactamase production among different agr groups of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates from broilers

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an opportunistic inhabitant of skin and mucosal membranes in animal species. Its resistance to β-lactam antibiotics is usually measured by β-lactamase enzyme production. This study was aimed to identify S. pseudintermedius from broilers, determine the prevalence of blaZ gene, and evaluate the relationship between agr type and β-lactamase gene expression. Fifty swabs from nasal cavities of broilers were sampled. To identify S. pseudintermedius, the nuc gene was amplified by PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on the isolates by the Kirby Bauer technique, and the presence of blaZ gene was detected. Finally, the relative gene expression of blaZ was determined in each agr group. Results of gene amplification showed that 33 samples (66 %) contained nuc gene of which 21 samples horbored blaZ and were resistant to penicillin (%63). The Multiplex PCR was used to determine the agr type of blaZ positive isolates. Of the strains, 70 % were categorized in the agr I group, 21 % in the agr II group, 0 % in the agr III group, and 9 % in the agr IV group. Results of relative gene expression of blaZ with gyr B as a housekeeping gene showed that the change fold of the blaZ gene was significantly higher in the agr I group compared to the other groups (p ≤ 0.05). These data suggested that agr activity may influence the resistance of S. pseudointermedius to β-lactam antibiotics. In this study, S. pseudintermedius was isolated for the first time from the nasal cavities of broilers.

High-temperature 205Tl decay clarifies 205Pb dating in early Solar System

Radioactive nuclei with lifetimes on the order of millions of years can reveal the formation history of the Sun and active nucleosynthesis occurring at the time and place of its birth1,2. Among such nuclei whose decay signatures are found in the oldest meteorites, 205Pb is a powerful example, as it is produced exclusively by slow neutron captures (the s process), with most being synthesized in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars3–5. However, making accurate abundance predictions for 205Pb has so far been impossible because the weak decay rates of 205Pb and 205Tl are very uncertain at stellar temperatures6,7. To constrain these decay rates, we measured for the first time the bound-state β− decay of fully ionized 205Tl81+, an exotic decay mode that only occurs in highly charged ions. The measured half-life is 4.7 times longer than the previous theoretical estimate8 and our 10% experimental uncertainty has eliminated the main nuclear-physics limitation. With new, experimentally backed decay rates, we used AGB stellar models to calculate 205Pb yields. Propagating those yields with basic galactic chemical evolution (GCE) and comparing with the 205Pb/204Pb ratio from meteorites9–11, we determined the isolation time of solar material inside its parent molecular cloud. We find positive isolation times that are consistent with the other s-process short-lived radioactive nuclei found in the early Solar System. Our results reaffirm the site of the Sun’s birth as a long-lived, giant molecular cloud and support the use of the 205Pb–205Tl decay system as a chronometer in the early Solar System.

Exploring Antibacterial Usage and Pathogen Surveillance over Five Years in a Tertiary Referral Teaching Hospital Adult General Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Antimicrobial resistance is a globally recognised health emergency. Intensive care is an area with significant antimicrobial consumption, particularly increased utilisation of broad-spectrum antibacterials, making stewardship programmes essential. We aimed to explore antibacterial consumption, partnered with pathogen surveillance, over a five-year period (2018 to 2023) in a tertiary referral adult general intensive care unit (ICU). The mean number of admissions was 1645 per annum. A comparison between the ICU populations admitted before and after the COVID-19 pandemic peak (2020/21) identified several notable differences with increased average daily unit bed occupancy (21.6 vs. 25.2, respectively) and a higher proportion of admissions with sepsis (28.4% vs. 32.5%, respectively) in the post-pandemic period. Over the entire five years, the overall proportion of antibacterial use by the WHO AWaRe classification was 42.6% access, 54.7% watch and 2.6% reserve. One hundred and forty-seven positive blood culture isolates were reported, with the most concerning antibacterial resistance identified in 7.5% (9 Escherichia coli and 2 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates). The COVID-19 pandemic peak year was associated with increased ICU bed occupancy, as well as a greater number of positive blood cultures but lower antibacterial consumption. Despite an increasingly complex workload, a large proportion of overall antibacterial consumption remained within the access category. However, the mortality rate and the incidence of most concerning antimicrobial resistance with respect to pathogens remained satisfyingly consistent, suggesting the positive consequences of real-world antibiotic stewardship in an intensive care setting.

Cefepime-taniborbactam demonstrates potent in vitro activity vs Enterobacterales with blaOXA-48.

Taniborbactam (formerly VNRX-5133) is a novel, investigational boronic acid β-lactamase inhibitor. The combination of cefepime (FEP) with taniborbactam is active against Enterobacterales carrying class A, B, C, and/or D enzymes. We assessed the activity of FEP-taniborbactam against Enterobacterales clinical strains carrying blaOXA-48 (N = 50, 100%), of which 78% harbored at least one extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL). CLSI-based agar dilution susceptibility testing was conducted using FEP-taniborbactam and comparators FEP, meropenem-vaborbactam (MVB), and ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA). The addition of taniborbactam lowered FEP MICs to the provisionally susceptible range of ≤16 µg/mL; the MIC90 value decreased from ≥64 µg/mL for FEP to 4 µg/mL for FEP-taniborbactam. Notably, FEP-taniborbactam MIC50/MIC90 values (0.5/4 µg/mL) were lower than those for MVB (1/16 µg/mL) and comparable to those for CZA (0.5/1 µg/mL). Time-kill assays with E. coli clinical strains DOV (blaOXA-48, blaCTX-M-15, blaTEM-1, and blaOXA-1) and MLI (blaOXA-48, blaVEB, blaTEM-1, and blaCMY-2) revealed that FEP-taniborbactam at concentrations 1×, 2×, and 4× MIC displayed time-dependent reductions in the number of CFU/mL from 0 to 6 h, and at 4× MIC demonstrated bactericidal activity (3 log10 reduction in CFU/mL at 24 h). Therefore, taniborbactam in combination with FEP was highly active against this diverse panel of Enterobacterales with blaOXA-48 and represents a potential addition to our antibiotic arsenal.IMPORTANCEOXA-48-like β-lactamases are class D carbapenemases widespread in Klebsiella pneumoniae and other Enterobacterales and are associated with carbapenem treatment failures. As up to 80% of OXA-48-like positive isolates coproduce extended-spectrum β-lactamases, a combination of β-lactams with broad-spectrum β-lactamase inhibitors is required to counteract all OXA-48-producing strains effectively. Herein, we evaluated the activity of cefepime-taniborbactam against 50 clinical strains producing OXA-48. We report that adding taniborbactam shifted the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) toward cefepime's susceptible range, restoring its antimicrobial activity. Notably, cefepime-taniborbactam MIC50/MIC90 values (0.5/4 µg/mL) were comparable to ceftazidime-avibactam (0.5/1 µg/mL). Finally, time-kill assays revealed sustained bactericidal activity of cefepime-taniborbactam for up to 24 h. In conclusion, cefepime-taniborbactam will be a welcome addition to the antibiotic arsenal to combat Enterobacterales producing OXA-48.

Molecular Characterization and Antibiogram of &lt;i&gt;Pseudomonas aeruginosa&lt;/i&gt; Isolated from Fish Sold in Markets of Tirupati, India

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an emerging opportunistic pathogen and is one of the pathogens in the acronym ESKAPE representing a global threat to human health associated with antimicrobial resistance. The present study aimed for molecular characterization, virulence gene profiling and antimicrobial resistance studies of P. aeruginosa isolated from 200 fish samples collected from different fish markets in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. Of the 200 fish samples screened, 30.5% were confirmed as P. aeruginosa by PCR, targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Among the positive isolates, it was found that 70.4% and 75.4% of the isolates harbored toxA and exoS virulence markers, respectively. All 61 P. aeruginosa isolates recovered were phenotypically characterized for antimicrobial resistance patterns by the disc diffusion method. The study has found 100% resistance against erythromycin followed by 98.4% resistance to amoxicillin, 91.8% resistance against tetracycline, 88.5% resistance to vancomycin and cotrimoxazole, 45.9% resistance to ciprofloxacin, 44.2% resistance against cefepime and 9.9% resistance to gentamicin. The MAR indices were in the range from 0.5 to 1.0. The prevalence of multiple antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa harboringvirulence genes in fish can pose a serious threat and hazard to public health through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish.

Current antibiotic resistance of Enterobacteriaceae isolated at Avicenna military hospital of Marrakesh

Enterobacteriaceae are bacteria found in the digestive system, known for causing infections and displaying antibiotic resistance. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies strains resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems as priority pathogens. This study, conducted at Avicenne Military Hospital of Marrakech, aimed to assess the epidemiological and antibiotic resistance profiles of Enterobacteriaceae over a two-year period (May 2020 - April 2022) to inform updated antibiotic use recommendations. This retrospective study analyzed 1,626 positive bacterial isolates from various hospital departments, including medical, surgical, intensive care, emergency units, and external samples. Of these, 1,163 (71.5%) were Enterobacteriaceae, predominantly Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter cloacae, primarily isolated from urine, pus, and blood cultures. Antibiotic resistance was assessed, revealing that 614 (52.8%) of Enterobacteriaceae were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers (ESBL-E), and 115 (9.9%) were carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). The study’s findings align with existing literature, showing a higher prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae in males and frequent isolation of Escherichia coli. The rise in multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, particularly ESBL-E and CPE, poses risks such as therapeutic failure, increased morbidity and mortality, and significant economic impacts. To address this, the study emphasizes the importance of early detection, infection control measures, responsible antibiotic prescribing, and collaborative efforts across hospital departments to reduce the spread of resistant strains.

Chemical Compound Identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) From Porang Tubers Waste (A. muelleri blume) as Probiotic

The production of amylase produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has better stability. The purpose of this study was to utilize and determine the characteristics of LAB isolates from porang skin waste which have the potential as probiotics and the activity of amylase enzymes. Isolation was done by fermentation method for 48 h with the addition of starter Pediococcus acidilactici that had been cultured. The results showed that the number of colonies of N1 isolates was 49 ×108 CFU/mL with regular small round colonies, having a convex elevation, the edges of the colonies were round, yellowish white, and Gram positive bacteria because they produced a purple color on Gram staining. Acid resistance test at pH 2.0; 3.0; 4.0; 5.0 and 6.0, the isolates N1 was able to survive at each pH because it showed turbidity in the growth medium. The antimicrobial activity test showed a strong zone of inhibition on S. aureus and S. pyogenes of 10,33 and 11,17 mm and a moderate zone of inhibition on K. pneumoniae, S. dysentriae, and P. aeruginosa, respectively, which was 6,33; 7,7 and 7,5 mm. The positive N1 isolate contained alkaloids as bioactive compounds from the results of phytochemical screening and the results of the FTIR analysis showed that specific groups of alkaloids were N-H, C-N, and C=O at wave numbers 3423.30 cm-1; 1235.45 cm-1; and 1634.81 cm-1.

Drug resistance profiling, antimicrobial susceptibility and demographic characteristics of children with acute bacterial meningitis in a Southeastern tertiary health facility

Background: Over the years, varying patterns of bacterial susceptibility and multidrug resistance (MDR) rates have been reported in different settings. Detailed evaluation of the drug profile of the bacterial pathogens implicated in children with invasive bacterial infection helps to reduce the heightened risk of adverse events that could follow poorly managed or complicated cases in resource limited environment like ours. This study therefore, aimed to highlight the antibiotic susceptibility and MDR rate, and establish the relationship if any, between demographic characteristics and positive CSF- bacterial isolates of post neonatal children with suspected acute bacterial meningitis (ABM). The findings would guide practitioners on the empirical antimicrobials to consider in the event of clinical suspicion of ABM pending the availability of CSF isolates' antibiogram. Methods: A prospective review of 100 children with clinical suspicion of ABM from January 2016- December 2020. Descriptive statistics, chi square and regression analysis were used to establish MDR rates, Isolates' susceptibility pattern and the relationship between demographic variables and positive isolates respectively. P&lt;0.05 was accepted as significant. Results: Fluroquinolones, cephalosporins, imipenem and aminoglycosides were susceptible anti-microgram in children with ABM. Sixty-four (85.5%) of the isolates showed MDR pattern, and young children (infants and toddlers) were significantly associated with positive CSF bacterial isolates. Conclusions: ABM should be treated with combination of CNS penetrating empirical antibiotics due to rising rate of MDR pathogens. Young children with febrile illnesses should be thoroughly evaluated for possibility of CNS infection.