Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion Test Research Articles

Gram Positive Cocci Associated Urinary Tract Infections, their Prevalence and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the third most common type of infection in humans globally. Gram-positive bacteria are said to be responsible for ten percent of urinary tract (UTI) infections. The study's goal was to profile gram-positive cocci-associated UTIs and their antibiogram, as they were observed at LASUTH. Methods: This was a retrospective assessment of the Medical Microbiology Laboratory records of the LASUTH to review the in vitro antibiotic susceptibility patterns of gram-positive urinary bacterial isolates between April 2020 and March 2021. The bacteria were isolated and identified from routine urine samples using standard bacteriological methods and the API. In vitro antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) was routinely performed by the modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test and susceptibility breakpoints were determined using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: 2,253 urine samples were processed in the medical microbiology laboratory over the one year and 662 (29.4%) samples yielded Positive cultures. Of the 662 isolates, 494 (74.6%) were gram-negative bacteria. 164 (24.8%) were gram-positive cocci while 4 (0.6%) were gram positive rod. Among the gram-positive cocci’s isolated Enterococcus faecalis had the highest frequency 58 (35.4%). Aminoglycosides (Gentamycin and Amikacin) and Linezolid antibiotics were found to be the most effective drugs against gram-positive cocci bacteria except Enterococcus spp. For empirical treatment of Enterococcus spp in our facility Fosfomycin and Tigecycline are the best options, while for Streptococcus agalactiae associated UTI, Amikacin, Cefuroxime, Linezolid, and levofloxacin can be used for empirical treatment. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of gram-positive cocci associated UTI in this study was 7.3% (164/2253). The emergence of drug resistance in these pathogens to commonly used antibiotics is a thing of concern. Therefore, efficient antimicrobial stewardship programmes must be in place.

Chemical fingerprinting, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer potential of greenly synthesized silver nanoparticles from pistachio (Pistacia vera) nuts and senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.) leaves

AbstractThere is a growing interest in standardizing the biocompatible, cost‐effective, and eco‐friendly manufacturing techniques for metallic nanostructures due to their widespread applications in the industrial and medical sectors. In recent decades, green synthesis has been proven as the most suitable technique for synthesizing metal nanoparticles. The present research study investigates the use of Cassia angustifolia (senna) leaves and Pistacia vera (Pistachio) nuts to prepare crude aqueous extracts, ethanolic extracts, and biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The prepared aqueous extracts were used as reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents for the production of silver nanoparticles. These AgNPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. The outcomes validated the formation of stable AgNPs with bioactive functional components. In vitro antibacterial, anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant potentials were assessed by Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion test, MIC test, MBC test, MTT assay, BSA denaturation inhibition assay, and DPPH antioxidant assay, respectively. Results confirmed that the tested plant extract possesses a variety of bioactive compounds with various biological activities and is therapeutically effective. These findings verified that C. angustifolia and P. vera are promising bioresources for the synthesis of therapeutic extracts and nanostructures with commendable therapeutic potency.

Characterization of resistance genes and replicon typing in Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains

ObjectiveIn our study, K. pneumoniae strains (non-susceptible to carbapenem) (n = 60) were obtained from various clinical samples from Rize State Hospital between 2015 and 2017 and it is aimed to identify antibiotic resistance genes and replicon typing.MethodsAntibiotic susceptibility tests of the strains were performed with Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test and the Vitek-2 automated system (BioMerieux, France). Antibiotic resistance genes and replicon typing was characterized by PCR method.ResultsIt was determined that K. pneumaniae isolates were mostly isolated from the samples of the intensive care unit. All of the K. pneumoniae strains examined in this study were found to be ampicillin/sulbactam and ertapenem resistant but colistin susceptible. Amoxacillin/clavulonic acid resistance was detected at 98.14% of strains. The blaOXA-48 gene was mostly detected in isolates. The most common type of plasmid was I1 and 3 different plasmid types were found in five different strains together.ConclusionThis study also shows that the distribution of NDM-1 and OXA-48 carbapenemases has increased since the first co-display in Türkiye and that IncHI1 is the first record in our country. This study provides an overview of the major plasmid families occurring in multiple antibiotic-resistant strains of K. pneumoniae. To our knowledge, this study represents the first report of IncHI1 record in Türkiye.

Experiment to Demonstrate Pesticide-Induced Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): An Emerging Health Threat.

Background Pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, are essential for global food production, boosting crop yields, and preventing disease transmission. However, their excessive and improper use raises concerns about potential long-term consequences, affecting microbial ecosystems and fostering antimicrobial resistance. Materials and methods The objective of the study was to identify the effect of the pesticide compound (Imidacloprid17.1% w/w) on the ATCCEscherichia coli. An experiment was conducted on ATCCEscherichia coli27852. A 0.5 McFarland suspension of the strain was incubated in the presence of a pesticide compound (Imidacloprid17.1% w/w) at a dilution of 1:4, 1:8, and 1:16. at 370C. Antibiotic susceptibility for cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime, amikacin, and imipenem was determined via the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test at intervals of 24 hours, 48 hours, seven days, and 21 days. The results were then compared to the standard zone of inhibition diameter for ATCCEscherichia coli27852 by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results No bacterial growth was detected at pesticide dilutions of 1:1 and 1:2, indicating their inability to tolerate high pesticide concentrations. However, growth became evident at a 1:4 dilution and beyond, with mutants thriving within the inhibition zone. The experiment caused significant alterations in the inhibition zone sizes for all antibiotics, especially notable with imipenem, amikacin, and ceftazidime compared to the initial zone size for ATCCEscherichia coli27852. Conclusion Our study concludes that the pesticide (Imidacloprid 17.1% w/w) significantly influences antibiotic resistance, especially with carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and cephalosporins in the tested groups at various concentrations and durations of exposure.

Molecular typing of clinical and non-clinical <i>Escherichia coli</i> from Rivers State, Nigeria using amplification-based RAPD and ERIC-PCR typing methods

Due to the diverse nature of Escherichia coli, typing of these organisms is essential. This can provide key epidemiological information not just on the strains in circulation and their relationship, but also on the development and spread of drug resistant clones. Affordable PCR-based typing techniques have resulted in an increase in typing studies particularly in resource limited settings. But information from Nigeria on strain typing is limited. This study was therefore aimed at typing clinical and non-clinical strains of E. coli from Nigeria using the PCR based Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus-PCR (ERIC-PCR) typing methods. 
 E. coli was isolated from clinical and non-clinical sources using Eosin Methylene Blue agar. Characteristic green metallic sheen colonies associated with E. coli were purified, identities determined using standard biochemical tests and confirmed using molecular methods. Susceptibility testing was carried out using the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test and RAPD and ERIC-PCR typing carried out on 48 confirmed E. coli isolates as previously described. ERIC-PCR typing resulted in the generation of 38 unique patterns with a 0.94 diversity. Nine of these were singletons comprised of only a single isolate, while the remaining 29 patterns were grouped to 10 clusters. RAPD gave similar results of 37 patterns, 9 singletons, 0.94 diversity and 13 clusters. For ERIC-PCR, all isolates with identical patterns were from the same source. RAPD, however, had identical patterns present in isolates from different sources. 
 Using the ERIC-PCR typing method, this study was able to identify non-clinical isolates as distinct from the clinical E. coli isolates as evidenced by 100% identical ERIC-PCR profiles of isolates from the same source and a lack of 100% relatedness in isolates from different sources.

Genomic Characterization and Safety Assessment of Bifidobacterium breve BS2-PB3 as Functional Food.

Our group had isolated Bifidobacterium breve strain BS2-PB3 from human breast milk. In this study, we sequenced the whole genome of B. breve BS2-PB3, and with a focus on its safety profile, various probiotic characteristics (presence of antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factors, and mobile elements) were then determined through bioinformatic analyses. The antibiotic resistance profile of B. breve BS2-PB3 was also evaluated. The whole genome of B. breve BS2-PB3 consisted of 2,268,931 base pairs with a G-C content of 58.89% and 2,108 coding regions. The average nucleotide identity and whole-genome phylogenetic analyses supported the classification of B. breve BS2-PB3. According to our in silico assessment, B. breve BS2-PB3 possesses antioxidant and immunomodulation properties in addition to various genes related to the probiotic properties of heat, cold, and acid stress, bile tolerance, and adhesion. Antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disk-diffusion test, in which the minimum inhibitory concentrations for selected antibiotics were subsequently tested using the Epsilometer test. B. breve BS2-PB3 only exhibited selected resistance phenotypes, i.e., to mupirocin (minimum inhibitory concentration/MIC >1,024 μg/ml), sulfamethoxazole (MIC >1,024 μg/ml), and oxacillin (MIC >3 μg/ml). The resistance genes against those antibiotics, i.e., ileS, mupB, sul4, mecC and ramA, were detected within its genome as well. While no virulence factor was detected, four insertion sequences were identified within the genome but were located away from the identified antibiotic resistance genes. In conclusion, B. breve BS2-PB3 demonstrated a sufficient safety profile, making it a promising candidate for further development as a potential functional food.

Occurrence of Imipenem-Resistant Uropathogenic Escherichia coli in Pregnant Women: An Insight into Their Virulence Profile and Clonal Structure.

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the predominant pathogen in Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Limited studies were initiated to explore UPEC from pregnant women with respect to imipenem resistance, pathogenicity, and their clonal lineage. In this study, imipenem resistance, phylogenetic background, virulence-associated genes, and clonal characteristics in UPECs isolated from pregnant and non-pregnant cohorts were investigated. E. coli was identified biochemically from urine culture-positive samples from pregnant and non-pregnant women. Carbapenem (meropenem, ertapenem, imipenem) susceptibility was determined by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test. The pathogenic determinants were identified by PCR. MEGA 11 was used to interpret clonal lineages from MLST. GraphPad Prism 8.0 and SPSS 26.0 were used for statistical interpretation. Results indicated highest resistance against imipenem compared to meropenem and ertapenem in UPECs isolated from pregnant (UPECp; 63.89%) and non-pregnant (UPECnp; 87.88%) women. Although phylogroup E was predominant in both imipenem-resistant isolates, acquisition of virulence factors was higher among UPECnp than UPECp. Akin to this observation, the presence of PAI III536 and PAI IV536 was statistically significant (p < 0.05) in the former. MLST analysis revealed similar clonal lineages between UPECnp and UPECp, which showed an overall occurrence of ST405 followed by ST101, ST410, ST131, and ST1195 in UPECnp and ST167 in UPECp, respectively, with frequent occurrence of CC131, CC405. Therefore, imipenem-resistant UPECp although discrete with respect to their virulence determinants when compared to UPECnp shared similar STs and CCs, which implied common evolutionary history. Thus, empiric treatment must be restricted in UTIs to especially protect maternal and fetal health.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Characteristics of Escherichia coli in Selected Vegetables and Herbs in Bangkok, Thailand

Raw vegetables and herbs are exposure sources of foodborne pathogens. This study examined the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli in five types of fresh vegetables and herbs: spearmint (Mentha spicata), leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis), and cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Produce samples (n = 300) were acquired from local open markets and supermarkets in Bangkok, Thailand. Each produce sample was preenriched in buffered peptone water and then enriched in E. coli broth. A loopful of the second enrichment was transferred onto selective media for subsequent confirmation and biochemical tests. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test was employed to assess E. coli susceptibility to selected antibiotics (twelve antibiotics of seven classes). The latex agglutination test was performed to serotype the isolates for O157 and H7 antigens. A commercial test kit was used to determine the presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). For all samples, the prevalence of E. coli was found to be 32.0% (96/300), whereby produce from supermarkets had a higher prevalence than those from local markets at 40.7% (61/150) and 23.3% (35/150), respectively. Among different types of produce, leaf lettuce had the highest E. coli prevalence at 36.7% (22/60), followed by cucumber and spearmint, coriander, and Chinese cabbage, at 35.0% (21/60), 35.0% (21/60), 35.0% (21/60), and 18.3% (11/60), respectively. Of the positive isolates, 27.1% (26/96) showed multidrug resistance. All isolates (100%) showed resistance to penicillin but varying resistant characteristics for tetracycline, ampicillin, and amoxicillin, with resistance rates of 31.3% (30/96), 31.3% (30/96), and 31.3% (30/96), respectively. Two of the 96 isolates (1.1%) were positive for the O157 antigen but negative for the H7 antigen. No STEC was observed. This study established baseline information regarding the prevalence of E. coli and its antimicrobial resistance profile in produce in Bangkok, Thailand.

Detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and carbapenemases in clinical isolates of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in the northeast of Iran

PurposeStenotrophomonas maltophilia has emerged as an important pathogen associated with significant mortality in pneumonia and bacteremia of severely immunocompromised, hospitalized patients. The main objectives of the present study are to describe the surveillance of antibiotic resistance and to detect the genes encoding extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemase enzymes in clinical S. maltophilia isolates from blood cultures in the northeast of Iran. MethodsA total of 114 clinical human isolates of S. maltophilia were collected from blood cultures of patients admitted at three teaching hospitals in Mashhad, northeast of Iran. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test. The extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production was confirmed by the combination disk method. The PCR was applied for molecular epidemiology of ESBLs and carbapenemase coding genes. ResultsOverall, 10 % and 8 % of isolates were resistant to co-trimoxazole and levofloxacin, respectively. The prevalence of the blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M-15 genes in the 69 ESBL-producing isolates was 2.9 %, 5.8 %, and 10.14 %, respectively. Moreover, the prevalence of the blaKPC-1, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaNDM, and blaOXA-48 genes was 18.42 % (n = 21), 4.39 % (n = 5), 6.14 % (n = 7), 15.79 % (n = 18), and 14.91 % (n = 17), respectively. ConclusionFor the first time in Iran, ESBLs and carbapenemase coding genes have been identified in human clinical strains of S. maltophilia. Circulation of these resistant strains with transferable genes is a sign of flow of resistome genes from other bacterial genera to S. maltophilia, most probably leading to the evolution of the superbugs of this bacterium.

Cupferron impairs the growth and virulence of Escherichia coli clinical isolates.

Multidrug resistance is a worrying problem worldwide. The lack of readily available drugs to counter nosocomial infections requires the need for new interventional strategies. Drug repurposing represents a valid alternative to using commercial molecules as antimicrobial agents in a short time and with low costs. Contextually, the present study focused on the antibacterial potential of the ammonium salt N-nitroso-N-phenylhydroxylamine (Cupferron), evaluating the ability to inhibit microbial growth and influence the main virulence factors. Cupferron cytotoxicity was checked via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and hemolysis assays. The antimicrobial activity was assessed through the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test, broth microdilution method and time-killing kinetics. Furthermore, the impact on different stages of the biofilm life cycle, catalase, swimming and swarming motility was estimated via MTT and crystal violet (CV) assay, H2O2 sensitivity and motility tests, respectively. Cupferron exhibited less than 15% cytotoxicity at 200 μg/mL concentration. The 90% bacterial growth inhibitory concentrations (MIC90) values recorded after 24 hours of exposure were 200 and 100 μg/mL for multidrug-resistant (MDR) and sensitive strains, respectively, exerting a bacteriostatic action. Cupferron-treated bacteria showed increased susceptibility to biofilm production, oxidative stress and impaired bacterial motility in a dose-dependent manner. In the new antimicrobial compounds active research scenario, the results indicated that Cupferron could be an interesting candidate for tackling E. coli infections.

Designing a Multiplex PCR for Rapid and Accurate Detection of Metallobetalactamases Resistant Genes from Acinetobacter baumaniiIsolates in Tehran City, Iran.

Acinetobacter baumannii strains harboring Meallobetalactamases (MBL) pose a significant threat in the context of nosocomial infections. The present investigation was undertaken with the objective of devising a Multiplex PCR methodology for the concurrent detection of MBL genes within A. baumannii strains prevalent in Tehran City, Iran. Between October 2020 and February 2021, 100 strains of A. baumannii were procured from burn specimens of hospitalized patients at Motahhari Hospital in Tehran. The identification of A. baumannii strains involved conventional biochemical techniques, coupled with confirmation of the presence of the bla OXA-51 gene. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test. MBL-producing strains were characterized through a phenotypic approach employing the combined disk test, alongside Multiplex PCR for the simultaneous identification of bla VIM, bla IMP, bla GIM, and bla NDM genes. Statistical analyses were conducted using the chi-square test, with SPSS version 20.0 employed for data processing. Among 100 strains examined, 96.1% exhibited positivity for MBL, as determined by the combined disk test. The study revealed a predominance of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains, with colistin demonstrating the highest level of sensitivity. The genotypic assay unveiled that Multiplex PCR identified bla VIM, bla NDM, and bla IMP in 20 strains, bla VIM and bla NDM in 30 strains, and exclusively the bla NDM gene in 45 strains. Notably, the Multiplex PCR technique exhibited the capacity to concurrently detect MBL genes (bla VIM, bla IMP, bla GIM, bla NDM) in 2 strains. The current investigation underscores prevalence of the bla NDM gene within clinical strains of A. baumannii. Furthermore, Multiplex PCR emerges as a robust and highly sensitive technique for rapid discernment of the MBL genes within in A. baumannii strains.

Phenotype and genotype analysis for Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance in outpatients: a retrospective study.

To investigate the antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in outpatients and to explore the consistency between genotype and phenotype of H. pylori antibiotic resistance. A retrospective study on outpatients screened with urea breath test for H. pylori infection in Nanjing First Hospital from April 2018 to January 2022. Patients who tested positive underwent a consented upper endoscopy, and the H. pylori infection was confirmed by rapid urease test (RUT) and H. pylori culture. For antibiotic resistance phenotype analysis, the H. pylori strains isolated from gastric biopsy were tested for antibiotic resistance phenotype by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test. In addition, the antibiotic resistance genotype of isolated H. pylori was tested with a real-time polymerase chain reaction. A total of 4,399 patients underwent H. pylori infection screening, and 3,306 H. pylori strains were isolated. The antibiotic resistance phenotype test revealed that the resistance rates of metronidazole (MTZ), clarithromycin (CLR), levofloxacin (LEV), amoxicillin (AMX), furazolidone (FR), and tetracycline (TE) were 74.58%, 48.61%, 34.83%, 0.76%, 0.27%, and 0.09%, respectively. Additionally, the antibiotic resistance genotype test revealed that rdxA gene mutation A610G (92.96%), A91G (92.95%), C92A (93.00%), and G392A (95.07%) were predominant in H. pylori with MTZ resistance; 23S rRNA gene mutation A2143G (86.47%) occurred in most H. pylori with CLR resistance; and gyrA gene mutation 87Ile/Lys/Tyr/Arg (97.32%) and 91Asn/Gly/Tyr (90.61%) were the most popular mutations in strains with LEV resistance. The phenotypic resistance and genotypic resistance to CLR (kappa value = 0.824) and LEV (kappa value = 0.895) were in good agreement. The history of eradication with MTZ, CLR, LEV, and AMX was correlated with H. pylori resistance. In short, this study demonstrated that drug resistance of H. pylori was mainly to MTZ, CLR, and LEV in local outpatients. Three drugs can be selected for increased MICs (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) via single chromosomal mutations. In addition, the genotype could be used to predict the phenotypic H. pylori resistance to CLR and LEV. IMPORTANCE Helicobacter pylori is a key bacterium that causes stomach diseases. There was a high prevalence of H. pylori in the Chinese population. We analyzed the resistance phenotype and genotype characteristics of H. pylori in 4,399 outpatients at the First Hospital of Nanjing, China. We found a higher resistance rate to metronidazole (MTZ) , clarithromycin (CLR), and levofloxacin (LEV), and the genotype could be used to predict the phenotypic H. pylori resistance to CLR and LEV. This study provides information on H. pylori infection and also provides guidance for clinical doctors' drug treatment.

Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Gram-negative bacterial uropathogens in a tertiary hospital, southwest Nigeria

Background: Increasing rates of antibiotic resistance have made it necessary to regularly monitor antibiotic susceptibility patterns of gram negative bacterial uropathogens in order to optimize antibiotic therapy for urinary tract infections. The aim of this study was to analyze the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Gram-negative bacterial uropathogens in Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan-Remo, southwest Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: This study was a retrospective review of the Medical Microbiology Laboratory records of the hospital to analyze the in vitro antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Gram-negative urinary bacterial isolates between May 2016 and April 2022. The bacteria were isolated and identified from routine urine samples using standard bacteriological methods. In vitro antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) to amoxicillin-clavulanate, piperacillin-tazobactam, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin and meropenem was routinely performed by the modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test and susceptibility break points determined using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.&#x0D; Results: A total number of 3,549 urine samples were processed during the period of review, and 808 (22.8%) samples yielded positive bacterial cultures. Of the 808 isolates, 604 (74.8%) were Gram-negative bacteria. The most frequently isolated Gram-negative bacteria were Escherichia coli (41.9 %) and Klebsiella spp (27.5%) while Pseudomonas spp and Proteus spp accounted for 4.3% and 1.0% of all isolates respectively. Meropenem had the highest in vitro antibacterial activity (74.3% to 90.3% of isolates were sensitive) for all isolates. Overall, E. coli, Klebsiella spp., and Proteus spp. showed high resistance rates to amoxicillin-clavulanate (65.3% to 97.1%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Effective antimicrobial stewardship programs must be in place in order to ensure the appropriate use of antibiotics for treating urinary tract infections.

Evidence and Molecular Characterization of Multidrug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated From Equines in Pakistan

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the nasal colonization and drug resistance profile of Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) in donkeys (n =63), mules (n=42), and horses (n=98). MRSA and VRSA were confirmed based on phenotypic and molecular methods, followed by phylogenetic analysis. Furthermore, the association of various animal and management-based risk factors with S. aureus colonization was also evaluated. The presence of nuc gene on polymerase chain reaction showed an overall prevalence of 42.86% of S. aureus in equines. Based on Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test, 26.44% of isolates showed resistance to vancomycin. Further, mecA and vanB genes were targeted which showed an overall 14.94% and 13.79% prevalence of methicillin and vancomycin-resistant isolates, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a significant variation of the study isolates with each other and with already reported sequences of mecA and vanB genes. Risk factor analysis revealed that raising purpose (P=.011), work intensity (P < .001), stocking density (P=.006), presence of other livestock animals in surroundings (P=.043), and common drinking water source (P=.023) as significant. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of MRSA and VRSA isolates showed high resistance to various commonly used antibiotics. Furthermore, all the tested isolates showing resistance to three or more than three antibiotics were considered multiple drug-resistant. The current study manifests the molecular evidence of MRSA and VRSA isolated from equines in Pakistan which will help to address the emerging issue of multidrug resistance in S. aureus in equines and emphasizes the need for possible measures to tackle this issue.

Antimicrobial Activity of Cosmos caudatus Against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Malaysia is known for its richness in ecosystem including medicinal plants and herbs. The use of traditional herbs for medical purposes has been practiced for ages without any proper understanding on how they work. This study aims to produce extract from the leaves of Cosmos caudatus (Ulam Raja) and to investigate the antimicrobial activity of the produced extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Ethanolic Soxhlet extraction was carried out to obtain the leaves extract. Product from extraction process was subsequently tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test to determine its inhibitory effects against S. aureus and E. coli. Finally, the bioactive compounds in extracts were profiled using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Findings showed ethanol is suitable to be used in obtaining extract from the leaves of C. caudatus. The extract produced was dark green and was able to inhibit the growth of both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria. The size of inhibition zones ranging from 22 to 24 mm. The zones of inhibition produced by C. caudatus extract in this study are comparable to commercial antiseptic tested simultaneously in the experiment. Analysis of extract using GC-MS revealed several bioactive compounds including palmitic acid, stigmasterol, phytol and neophytadiene These compounds are well known for their medicinal and therapeutic properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidants and antitumor. Additionally, these bioactive compounds are commonly used as ingredients in commercial antiseptics and disinfectants. This study therefore has proven the medicinal properties of C. caudatus. Findings from this study can be used to develop plant-based pharmaceutical products which are cheaper, safer, and more environmentally friendly.

Trend of Changes in Chloramphenicol Resistance during the Years 2017–2020: A Retrospective Report from Israel

Resistant bacteria limit treatment options. This challenge has awakened interest in antibiotics that are no longer in use due to side effects, such as chloramphenicol. This work investigated trends in chloramphenicol resistance rates during 2017-2020 in bacteria isolated from diverse clinical samples at the Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Israel. Bacteria were isolated from 3873 samples and identified using routine methods, including matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) technology. Chloramphenicol susceptibility was tested using a VITEK II instrument or by the Kirby-Bauer disk-diffusion test. The average chloramphenicol resistance rate was 24%, with no significant differences between study years. Chloramphenicol resistance was associated with sample origin (p < 0.001); isolates originating from sputum samples showed 49.8% resistance rate, compared to 2.3% of the body fluid isolates, 10.4% of the ear/eye isolates and 22.5% of the blood isolates. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in chloramphenicol resistance among blood and ear/eye isolates during the study period (p = 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). The highest resistance rate was among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates (50.5%). In conclusion, since chloramphenicol susceptibility seems to be retained, its comeback to the clinical world should be considered.

A STUDY ON CLINICO-MICROBIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF CONJUNCTIVAL FLORA IN CONGENITAL DACROCYSTITIS

Dacryocystitis is an inammation of the lacrimal sac and duct. It may be congenital or acquired.It is an important cause of ocular morbidity both in children and adults. To isolate &amp; identify the causati PURPOSE- ve bacteria from clinically diagnosed cases of congenital dacryocystitis &amp; to study the organism in relation to clinical prole. -Gram฀s stain MATERIALS &amp; METHODS &amp; Giemsa stain ,Culture media,10 % KOH preparation , MacConkey฀s agar, 5% Sheep Blood agar, Chocolate agar .Biochemical tests on Isolated colonies from the plates were identied by Colony morphology, Gram฀s stain, Oxidase test, Catalase test, and Motility.For further identication isolated colony was inoculated into peptone water and Hiss serum for fastidious bacteria, which was incubated aerobically and inoculated into appropriate medias for biochemical tests like Indole production, Methyl red, Voges-proskauer test, Citrate utilization, Urease hydrolysis, Sugar fermentation, Triple Sugar Iron agar, Nitrate reduction test and Amino acids decarboxylase tests. The specic tests like Inulin fermentation, Optochin sensitivity test and Bile solubility test were done. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests: The standardized Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards institute (formerly NCCLS) was used for testing. The media used was Mueller-Hinton agar for non-fastidious organisms. 5% Sheep Blood agar added to Mueller-Hinton agar for fastidious organisms and Haemophilus Test Medium was used for testing Haemophilus inuenzae and it was read after 16-18 hours. The zone of inhibition was measured and reported as Susceptible or Resistant. For detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus detection disc tests for methicillin resistance was done using 10μg oxacillin disc on Mueller-Hinton agar containing 4% sodium chloride. In our study , femal RESULTS- es are more (7) as compared to males (4)&amp; the culture positive cases were 10 and in 1 case culture showed no bacterial growth. The most frequent Gram-positive isolates are Streptococcus pneumoniae 7 (63.63%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus 1 (9.09%) and the most frequent Gram-negative isolates are Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3 (27.27%). In our study the Gram-positive isolates were most sensitive to CONCLUSION- Vancomycin (100%), followed by Tobramycin and Linezolid (97.14 %). Least sensitive antibiotic against Gram-positive organisms was Penicillin (51.42 %). The Gram-negative organisms were most sensitive to Tobramycin and Gentamicin (100%), followed by Amikacin, Oaxacin (92.59 %), Cefepime (88.88 %). Least sensitive antibiotic against Gram-negative organisms was Ciprooxacin (77.77 %)

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Isolates in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Mysuru, India

Antimicrobial medications have become a significant issue in the healthcare sector as a result of the increaseddeath rate from Staphylococcus aureus infections, the appearance of methicillin-resistant and other multi-drugresistant strains. The study’s goals and objectives were determining the prevalence of MRSA and assessing theantibiotic efficacy of MRSA isolates from various clinical samples.Materials and Methods: A total of 395 MRSA were isolated from various clinical specimens and identified byusing standard microbiological techniques at tertiary care hospital of Mysore, South India. Methicillin resistancewas determined by standard Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test using cefoxitin 30μg disk.Antimicrobial resistance patterns were determined by automated Vitek2 system.Results: A total of 246 (62.27%) isolates were identified as MRSA out of 395 S. aureus isolates collected from variousclinical samples such as pus samples (86.17%), blood (3.65%), Et swabs (3.65%), ear swabs (2.84%), sputum (1.6%),urine (0.81%), and other sterile body fluids (1.21%). All MRSA isolates were susceptible (100%) to vancomycin,linezolid and daptomycin followed by other antibiotics like rifampicin (99%), tigecycline (96.74%), tetracycline(95.93%), teicoplanin (95.5%), gentamicin (73.17%). Most of the MRSA isolates were resistant to oxacillin (97.15%),trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (95.12%), Levofloxacin (93.49%), ciprofloxacin (92.68%), clindamycin (87.80%),erythromycin (63.41%).Conclusion: In our study, we found MRSA isolates were susceptible to most active and reliable routinely usedantibiotics. Good infection control procedures like thorough hand washing, identifying and treating MRSAcarriers, and prudent use of antimicrobial medicines are advised to prevent the formation of drug-resistantisolates. In addition to the Vitek 2 approach, we may conclude that cefoxitin disc diffusion is an essential test todiagnose MRSA.

LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN READY-TO-EAT CHICKEN PRODUCTS, THEIR ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AND VIRULENCE GENES

Ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products are food items that are extremely popular worldwide. Albeit documented with the alarming prevalence of pathogenic multidrug-resistant Listeria species in these food items worldwide, studies from the perspective of Bangladesh are absent. This study was devised with the aim to detect pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes in some of the most popular RTE meat products in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Thirty-nine such samples were investigated using biochemical tests and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis. Following confirmatory tests and detection of Listeria species, the isolates were subjected to the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test to investigate their antibiotic-susceptibility patterns against some of the most commonly used antibiotics to treat listeriosis – the infection caused by Listeria. Five Listeria species were detected using biochemical and PCR tests. This constituted an overall prevalence rate of 12.8% (n = 39). Four out of the five Listeria species were concluded to be L. monocytogenes, while the remaining one was an L. innocua isolate. PCR analyses revealed all four of the L. monocytogenes isolates to have the virulence genes hlyA, plcB and actA, although no polymorphism was observed for these genes. Despite the presence of these pathogenic genes, antibiotic susceptibility tests showed promising results as some of the most commonly prescribed drugs against listeriosis were highly effective against the isolates. Even though the isolates showed little to no antibiotic resistance against the antibiotics used in the study, the presence of three virulence genes in all four L. monocytogenes isolates is still a cause for concern. Even more so, the prevalence of these pathogenic strains in a food item that is increasing in popularity in a country like Bangladesh, where awareness and surveillance against listeriosis is limited, can have dire consequences should an outbreak occurs. Bioresearch Commu. 9(1): 1160-1169, 2023 (January)

Antimicrobial susceptibility of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from red-tailed racers (Gonyosoma oxycephalum)

Antibiotic resistant Coagulase negative staphylococci CoNS have been reported around the world. Therefore, the aim of the study is to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of CoNS isolated from red–tailed racers. Samples were swabbed from the oral cavity of 5 wild caught red–tailed racers, and were identified with biochemical test. The results obtained show that red–tailed racer 1 had S. sciuri and S. xylosus; red–tailed racer 2 had S. xylosus; red–tailed racer 3 had S. sciuri; red–tailed racer 4 had S. lentus; and red–tailed racer 5 had S. kloosii. The resistance test was done using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion test. And interpreted by referring to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLS1 2013). The results for antibiotic resistance test of Staphylococcus xylosus, Staphylococcus sciuri, and Staphylococcus lentus show susceptibility to amoxicillin, gentamicin, erythromycin, bacitracin, vancomycin and oxacillin, but resistance towards penicillin G. One sample of Staphylococcus sciuri is intermediate towards erythromycin, and one sample of Staphylococcus kloosii shows susceptibility towards amoxicillin, gentamicin, bacitracin, penicillin G, vancomycin, and oxacillin, but is resistant towards erythromycin.&#x0D; Keywords:&#x0D; antimicrobial susceptibility, coagulase negative staphylococci, red–tailed racers, Gonyosoma oxycephalum