MacConkey Research Articles

Presence of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli from Meat Handler and Poultry Cecal Samples

Antimicrobial resistance is a global health issue that affects humans, animals, and agriculture. This study assessed the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of extended-spectrum beta- lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) in poultry and hand swabs of meat handlers working in a dressing plant in the Philippines. Fourteen (14) hand swabs from poultry handlers and 89 poultry cecal samples were collected and screened for ESBL production using MacConkey agar supplemented with cefotaxime and eosin methylene blue agar. Identification of E. coli through biochemical testing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was then performed using the VITEK 2 System. Results showed that 7.14% (1/14) of the hand swabs and 23.60% (21/89) of the poultry cecal samples were positive for ESBL-EC. Identified isolates were further evaluated for their antimicrobial susceptibility using 33 antibiotics from various groups. Results showed 100% (22/22) resistance to the following antimicrobial drugs: ampicillin, ticarcillin, cefalotin, cefuroxime, cefuroxime axetil, cefixime, cefotaxime, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, tetracycline, trimethoprim, and trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole. Resistance of select ESBL-EC isolates against other drugs under the beta-lactam, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and aminoglycoside groups were also observed. Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria may be found in both human and animal sources, which highlights the need for ensuring safety practices to prevent their spread in the community. Gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis may be used to further evaluate this relationship. Continuous surveillance and review of standards and protocols are also needed to monitor antimicrobial resistance, as underlined by the strategies of the One Health approach.

Bacterial Enumeration and Detection in Rhynchophorus phoenicis (African Palm Weevil Larva) Sold within Yenagoa Metropolis

Microbial contamination of Rhynchophorus phoenicis (larva of the African palm weevil) was examined from street vendors. R. phoenicis larvae sold on the street were purchased from six vendors in the following location including Akenfa, Ekeki, Kpansia, Opolo, Swali and Etegwe in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The pour plate method was used to assess the total viable count (TVC), Total colony count (TCC) and Total streptococcal count (TSC). Samples were homogenized before the plate counting method was applied at respective concentration ranging from 0.1ml-10-7ml, however 10-7ml concentration was used for viable colony counts and aseptically inoculated onto MacConkey agar, Nutrient agar and blood agar for identification of potential pathogens. Results revealed TVC ranging from 48.5±5.4a to 117.5±8.5b, TCC ranging from 44.0±5.1ac to 70.0±8.6ab and TSC ranging from 44.8±4.8a to 60.0±6.7a Similarly bacteria identified in all samples based on morphological and biochemical characteristics were Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus cholermidis, Streptococcus sp, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp, Enterobacter spp, Pseudomonas spp, Proteus spp and Klebsiellae spp. Street-sold R. phoenicis, can be a source of food poisoning if not handled properly during, handling, processing and hawking.

Microbial Quality and Mineral Content of Water Consumed in Ho Municipality of Volta Region, Ghana

Background: Water quality and safety are fundamental to human development and well-being. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the bacteriological and mineral content of water in Ho, the capital city of the Volta Region of Ghana.
 Methods: Sachet, bottled, and tap water were sampled from January to February in 2019 due to the high rate of consumption and their presumed quality which were taken at random from five different locations throughout the municipality. Water quality assessment protocols were utilized to ascertain the bacteriological as well as mineral contents of the samples, whilst ANOVA was used to determine statistical difference and significance at p<0.05.
 Results: The maximum Heterotrophic Plate Count for tap water was 9.95±0.64×105 Colony Forming Unit (CFU)/ml, for sachet water was 7.46±0.09×106 CFU/ml, and for bottled water was 1.10±0.56×105 CFU/ml, all obtained on nutrient agar. For MacConkey agar, maximum growth was 2.94±0.03×106, 9.42±1.67×106, and 2.31±0.77×105 CFU/ml for tap, sachet, and bottled water, respectively. The Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate Agar indicated maximum growth of 1.84±0.34×103, 5.72±0.06×106, and 5.50±2.12×104 CFU/ml for tap, sachet, and bottled water, respectively.
 The physical parameters such as pH, turbidity, color, and conductivity were within the recommended limits set by the Ghana Standards Authority. However, tap water recorded the highest turbidity, bottled water recorded the highest and least pH and turbidity, respectively. Moreover, the mineral analysis revealed high levels of phosphate (PO₄³⁻), chloride (Cl-), and sodium (Na) in bottled water, and total iron (Fe) was relatively high in several tap and sachet water samples, the latter item also recorded the highest for ammonia (NH3).
 Conclusions: Overall, the tap, sachet, and bottled water samples exhibited varied levels of microbial, and mineral contents whilst the physical parameters were relatively within the recommended levels. The sachet and tap

Typhoidal salmonella disease in Mukuru informal settlement, Nairobi Kenya; carriage, diversity, and antimicrobial resistant genes.

Multiple studies have shown that typhoid fever is endemic in developing countries characterized by poor hygiene. A unique way of Salmonella Typhi (S.Typhi) pathogenicity is establishing a persistent, usually asymptomatic carrier state in some infected individuals who excrete large numbers of bacteria in faeces. This study aimed to determine the isolation rate of S.Typhi from blood and stool samples among cases and asymptomatic individuals in the Mukuru informal settlement and identify antibiotic resistance patterns within the same population. We recruited 1014 outpatient participants presenting with typhoid-like symptoms in selected health centres in Nairobi, Kenya. Bacterial isolation was done on Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate agar (XLD) and Mac Conkey agar (Oxoid), followed by standard biochemical tests. Identification was done using API20E, and S.Typhi was confirmed by serotyping using polyvalent antisera 0-9 and monovalent antisera d. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial susceptibility of S.Typhi isolates, while Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) strains were characterized using conventional PCR. Of 1014 participants, 54 (5%) tested positive for S.Typhi. Thirty-eight (70%) of the S.Typhi isolated were from stool samples, while sixteen (30%) were from blood. Three (0.2%) of the isolates were from asymptomatic carriers. Of the 54 S.Typhi isolates, 20 (37%) were MDR. Resistance to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid was 43% and 52%, respectively. Resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (a beta-lactam inhibitor) was 2%. The BlaTEM-1 gene was present in 19/20 (95%) MDR isolates. MDR S.Typhi is prevalent in Mukuru Informal settlement. The sharp increase in nalidixic acid resistance is an indication of reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, which are currently the recommended drugs for the treatment of typhoid fever. This study highlights the need for effective antimicrobial stewardship and routine surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to inform policy on the prevention and control of MDR Typhoid disease.

Multidrug-Resistant ESBL-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Associated with Clinical Samples in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Sirajganj

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) microorganisms have been shown to increase multidrug resistance worldwide, which is a great concern. The prevalence of ESBL-producing clinical pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance patterns were identified in 66 isolates from patients in Khwaja Yunus Ali Hospital with several clinical infections cultured on blood agar and MacConkey agar media. The most prevalent bacteria were Escherichia coli (80.3%), which were identified by the BD-Phonex automated identifier machine, followed by Pseudomonas spp. (6%), Klebsiella spp. (12.1%), and others (4.4%). This research was conducted from January 2023 to June 2023. Generally, a large number of antibiotic resistance patterns and ESBL-producing common bacterial isolates were found in this study, where most of the resistant percentage was found in third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics, which increases the public health problem. In this study, the most prevalent bacteria E. coli isolates were mostly resistant to penicillin (100%), ceftazidime, cefotaxime, and cefuroxime (98.4%). Besides, 95.4% resistance was shown against ceftriaxone. The double-disc synergy test was done to determine the presence of ESBL-producing bacterial strains. The most widely ESBL-positive isolate was Escherichia coli (83%). Among the 66 sample strains produced, the ESBL maximum (53.03%) belonged to female patients, while 46.97% belonged to male patients. This study focuses on the prevalence and patterns of clinical pathogens and the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of ESBL-producing bacterial infections in a tertiary-level health service center in Bangladesh. Generally, a large number of antibiotic resistance patterns and ESBL-producing common bacterial isolates were found in this study, which increases the public health risk. Therefore, to save human life, we ought to be taking appropriate action against the threat.

A15 LEVERAGING CULTURE-DEPENDENT AND -INDEPENDENT METAGENOMICS TO IDENTIFY ENTEROBACTERIACEAE GENES ASSOCIATED WITH ACTIVE ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Abstract Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is restricted to the large intestine and is characterized by mucosal inflammation. There is evidence that pathogenic bacteria contribute to UC pathogenesis in at least some patients and the bacterial family Enterobacteriaceae are prime suspects. Some strains of Enterobacteriaceae carry virulence genes important for colonizing the gut (e.g. fimH) and disrupting the intestinal epithelium (e.g. hemolysins). We hypothesize that key virulence genes carried by strains of many Enterobacteriaceae species contribute to disease activity in some UC patients. As we predict virulence genes are strain-specific, the detection of the species alone (e.g. Escherichia coli) is insufficient to predict pathogenic potential and this has confounded previous studies to identify infectious agents in UC. Aims We aim to use culture-dependent and -independent sequencing approaches to identify Enterobacteriaceae genes in the UC gut microbiome associated with active disease. Methods UC patient stool samples collected throughout enrolment in randomized control trials of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for adult UC (n=10) and microbiome studies in early-onset pediatric UC (n=25) were cultured on MacConkey (MAC) agar to enrich for Enterobacteriaceae. Strains were isolated from baseline stool samples cultured on MAC agar for whole genome sequencing and virulence gene characterization. Baseline and post-treatment stool samples cultured on MAC agar were sent for metagenomic sequencing. Using a subset of 11 pediatric patients, I developed a metagenomic pipeline to identify Enterobacteriaceae genes enriched during active UC compared to periods of remission or milder disease. Results Known virulence genes, including fimH and hemolysins, were present in some strains across multiple Enterobacteriaceae species. Using an unbiased metagenomic approach with the pediatric cohort, we identified 42 genes enriched at baseline with the criteria they must be elevated in at least three of the 11 patients. The majority of the 42 genes were distributed into six gene clusters, including a small plasmid. Conclusions Our approach allows us to identify genes enriched in active UC that have not been previously described in the literature and our analysis will be repeated with our adult cohort. Genes that are enriched in active UC in the pediatric and/or adult cohort will be validated in publicly available metagenomic datasets that consist of both IBD patients and healthy controls. Furthermore, culture-dependent approaches allow us to test mechanisms in vivo that are informed by our bioinformatics. Leveraging microbiome and clinical data provides a unique window to guide future diagnostics and treatments to improve outcomes for UC patients. Funding Agencies CIHROGS

The Role of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight- Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) in the Identification of Non-fermenting Gram-Negative Bacilli from Clinical Isolates in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) are a heterogeneous group of aerobic non-spore forming bacilli. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight- Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) is a quick, precise diagnostic method that could identify the isolates at the species level. The aim of the study is to identify the non-fermenters isolated from various clinical infections by MALDI-TOF analysis and to detect the antibiogram of these isolates. The non-fermenters were isolated from various clinical specimens, plated on Blood agar and MacConkey agar and incubated at 37⁰C for 24 hours. Identification was done on the basis of colony morphology, Gram stain, and MALDI-TOF Analysis. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing was done by Kirby- Bauer Disc Diffusion Technique using commercially available antibiotics on Muller-Hinton Agar. A total of 360 samples were studied. The majority of the non-fermenters were from Blood/ Body fluids (39.72%). Acinetobacter spp (31.67%) was the most common isolate, followed by Pseudomonas spp (22.50%). Other non-fermenters like Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Burkholderia spp, Elizabethkingia spp, Achromobacter spp, Chryseobacterium spp, Ralstonia spp, Pandoraea spp, Rhizobium radiobacter, Sphingomonas spp, Ochrobactrum spp, Myroides odoratimimus and Brevundimonas spp were rarely isolated non-fermenters. Most of the strains were multi drug resistant to commonly used antibiotics like Cephalosporins, Aminoglycosides and Carbapenems. Our results showed that identifying non-fermenters using MALDI-TOF MS is a reliable and rapid technique that shortens the time to initiate appropriate therapy and even the length of the hospital stay.

Investigation of healthy horse eyes microbiota and evaluation of its antimicrobial susceptibility

SummaryBackgroundThe conjunctiva of the eye is a mucosal surface that is colonised by various bacteria. Following surgery, trauma or other underlying conditions the normal flora may cause eye infection such as conjunctival and corneal infections, or endophthalmitis.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the bacterial population and antibiotic resistance of the conjunctiva in healthy horses.Study designRandom sampling of ocular samples from 20 horses during the winter (2019).MethodsSwab samples were collected from the eyes of 20 healthy horses of different breeds, ages and sexes in Tehran province, Iran. The swabs were cultured on blood agar and MacConkey agar and incubated at 37°C for 24–48 h. The isolated bacteria were characterised using cellular morphology, gram‐staining and biochemical tests. Sensitivity and resistance to 10 different antibiotics were measured using an antibiogram test.ResultsResults showed that the bacterial population consisted of various species, with Bacillus cereus being the most frequent. There were no significant differences in the frequency of isolated bacteria between sexes and age groups. There were no significant differences in the sensitivity of the bacterial flora of the eyes to colistin, ceftiofur, florfenicol, amoxicillin and ampicillin between either different age groups or different sexes of the horses (p > 0.05). However, sensitivity to enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin was significantly correlated with the age groups of the horses (p > 0.05). A significant difference in sensitivity to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole between various sexes of horses was observed.Main limitationsThe nonuniformity of the follow‐up examination, reliance on owners or caregivers of the horse for follow‐up information and lack of adequate financial resources to study more horses.ConclusionsThe study suggests that the frequency of individual bacteria comprising the bacterial flora in horses' eyes is influenced by housing and management conditions rather than age and sex.

An interlaboratory study on the detection method for Escherichia albertii in food using real time PCR assay and selective agars

Escherichia albertii is an emerging enteropathogen. Although E. albertii-specific detection and isolation methods have been developed, their efficiency on food samples have not yet been systematically studied. To establish a series of effective methods for detecting E. albertii in food, an interlaboratory study was conducted in 11 laboratories using enrichment with modified E. coli broth supplemented with cefixime and tellurite (CT-mEC), real-time PCR assay, and plating on four kinds of selective agars. This study focused on the detection efficiency of an E. albertii-specific real-time PCR assay (EA-rtPCR) and plating on deoxycholate hydrogen sulfide lactose agar (DHL), MacConkey agar (MAC), DHL supplemented with rhamnose and xylose (RX-DHL), and MAC supplemented with rhamnose and xylose (RX-MAC). Chicken and bean sprout samples were inoculated with E. albertii either at 17.7 CFU/25 g (low inoculation level) or 88.5 CFU/25 g (high inoculation level), and uninoculated samples were used as controls. The sensitivity of EA-rtPCR was 1.000 for chicken and bean sprout samples inoculated with E. albertii at low and high inoculation levels. The Ct values of bean sprout samples were higher than those of the chicken samples. Analysis of microbial distribution by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in enriched cultures of bean sprout samples showed that approximately >96 % of the population comprised unidentified genus of family Enterobacteriaceae and genus Acinetobacter in samples which E. albertii was not isolated. The sensitivity of the plating methods for chicken and bean sprout samples inoculated with a high inoculation level of E. albertii was 1.000 and 0.848–0.970, respectively. The sensitivity of the plating methods for chicken and bean sprout samples inoculated with a low inoculation level of E. albertii was 0.939–1.000 and 0.515–0.727, respectively. The E. albertii-positive rate in all colonies isolated in this study was 89–90 % in RX-DHL and RX-MAC, and 64 and 44 % in DHL and MAC, respectively. Therefore, the sensitivity of RX-supplemented agar was higher than that of the agars without these sugars. Using a combination of enrichment in CT-mEC and E. albertii isolation on selective agars supplemented with RX, E. albertii at an inoculation level of over 17.5 CFU/25 g of food was detected with a sensitivity of 1.000 and 0.667–0.727 in chicken and bean sprouts, respectively. Therefore, screening for E. albertii-specific genes using EA-rtPCR followed by isolation with RX-DHL or RX-MAC is an efficient method for E. albertii detection in food.

Susceptibility of some Enterobacteriaceae isolated from 4 different aquatic environments in DR Congo (Central Africa), to Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid and some 3rd generation Cephalosporins

Little is known about the variation of the antibiotic susceptibility of different bacterial strains of the same cells species, isolated from different aquatic environments. The present study aims to evaluate the susceptibility towards some 3rd generation cephalosporins (Ceftriaxon, Ceftazidim and Cefotaxim) and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid, of Enterobacteriaceae strains isolated from groundwater, stream, hospital wastewater and slaughterhouse wastewater. Enterobacteria species were isolated on Mac Conkey agar, then identified using enzymatic and MALDI-TOF MS system. The antimicrobial susceptibility was carried out using the disk diffusion method. The antibiotic minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were carried using the VITEK®2 system. Bacterial species mostly identified were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Ewingelia americana. The antibiotic inhibition diameters and the MICs varied depending on the antibiotics, bacterial species and type of aquatic environment hosting the microorganism. Relatively lower MICs were recorded with Cefotaxim against different bacteria in slaughterhouse wastewater, in river water and in well water. Antibiotic resistance was noted with all strains from hospital wastewater. Significant differences (P˂0.05) amongst antibiotic inhibition diameter was noted for K. pneumoniae and S. typhi in most cases. The relative variations in the action mechanisms amongst antibiotics and the intrinsic defense potential of each bacterial strain, as well as the potential influence of the physicochemical properties of each water medium, could partly be at the origin of the relative differences observed at the phenotypic level. It seems necessary to explore the diversity, similarities and differences amongst antibiotic resistance genes in these different types of aquatic biotopes.

Investigation of multidrug resistant <i>Escherichia coli</i> on medical equipment and surfaces from selected hospitals in Minna, Nigeria

Nosocomial infections are often caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria contaminating hospital environments which can cause outbreaks as well as sporadic transmission. This study was carried out to investigate the presence of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli on medical equipment and surfaces in selected hospitals in Minna, Nigeria. A total of 130 samples were collected by swabbing medical equipment (28) and surfaces (102), the samples were screened for Escherichia coli isolates by culturing on MacConkey agar and Eosin methylene blue agar (EMB). A total 22 (17.9%) Escherichia coli were isolated, with the highest level of contamination observed in beds (31.8%) and chair surfaces (13.6%). Antibiotic susceptibility results revealed that 19(86.4%) of the E. coli isolates were multidrug-resistant showing high level of resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 19(86.4%), ampicillin 18(81.8%), cefixime 17(77.3%), nalidixic acid 17(77.3%), ciprofloxacin 15(68.2%) and cefpodoxime 14(63.6%). Escherichia coli isolated exhibited high level of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics in the treatment of E. coli infections. This is quiet alarming, as such existing prevention strategies and infection control programs should be intensified in the control of nosocomial infections.

Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and associated risk factors of uropathogenic Escherichia coli among pregnant women attending Dr. Sumait Hospital Mogadishu, Somalia.

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is a strain of E. coli commonly associated with urinary tract infections. In addition, antibiotic resistance in UPEC is one of the most significant health problems. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and factors linked to uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) in pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was conducted within a hospital setting between August 2022 and December 2022. Using consecutive convenient sampling, the research enrolled 220 pregnant women. The urine samples obtained from these women were cultured on MacConkey and blood agar and incubated at 37°C overnight, followed by sub-culturing on Mueller Hinton media. Bacterial identification involved Gram staining and biochemical characterization (TSI, indole, citrate, methyl red, urea agar, and motility tests). Conversely, susceptibility tests were performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. A binary logistic regression model and analysis of odds ratios (ORs) were employed to evaluate the risk factors associated with E. coli infection, and statistical significance was attributed to p-values of ≤0.05. Out of the 220 urine samples examined, 42 (19%) exhibited a positive culture, indicating an E. coli infection in pregnant women. Our analysis revealed that income, gestational age, and history of UTIs were identified as risk factors associated with E. coli infection. Most E. coli isolates demonstrated sensitivity to amikacin (100%), nitrofurantoin (85.7%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and meropenem (83.3%). The prevalence of E. coli was remarkable. It could be recommended that pregnant women in antenatal care have routine culture and antimicrobial susceptibility tests to prevent transmission of resistant pathogens and complications in both pregnant mothers and the unborn baby.

Somatostatin alleviates diversion colitis after fecal-stream bypass colostomy surgeries in rats

Diversion colitis (DC) is a prevalent complication of colostomy characterized by intestinal inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of somatostatin (SST) in managing DC. After establishing a rat DC model, SST was administered via Mini Osmotic Pumps 2001W at a pumping rate of 1.0μL/h. Various techniques, including hematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid-Schiff staining, immunofluorescence staining, and electron microscopy were employed to assess the effects of SST. Intestinal barrier functions were evaluated using Evans blue, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and MacConkey agar. After SST treatment, the significant weight loss and associated high mortality in the DC group were successfully mitigated. Upregulation of claudin-3 and claudin-4 restored mechanical barriers in colon epithelial tissue, whereas protection of goblet cells and stimulation of mucus secretion enhanced mucus barriers. SST effectively reduced leaky gut and alleviated systemic inflammation. This study provides initial evidence supporting the efficacy of SST in the treatment of DC. It offers insights into the role of SST in DC by elucidating its ability to restore damaged intestinal barriers.

Bacteriological assessment of kunu-zaki sold in selected communities in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Kunu-zaki is a fermented beverage sold in Nigeria; often prepared under unsafe conditions, predisposing it to pathogen contaminations. The bacteria associated with Kunu-zaki sold in the different area of Port Harcourt and an antibiogram of the pathogens was determined using standard methods involving nutrient agar, Salmonella-Shigella agar, Thiosulphate citrate bile salt sucrose agar, MacConkey agar, Mannitol salt agar, Eosin-Methylene blue agar and Mueller Hinton agar. The counts for kunu-zaki obtained from Choba, Mile 1, Rumuodara and Rumuokoro ranged from 2.87±0.11 to 5.39±0.19, 4.50±0.27 to 5.46±0.38, 4.02±0.54 to 5.96±0.27 and 4.24±1.13 to 5.94±0.22 log10cfu/ml, respectively. The confirmation of the isolates as: Staphylococcus spp. (27%), Lactobacillus spp. (20%), Streptococcus spp. (17%), Bacillus spp. (17%), E. coli (10%), and Shigella at (10%) was based on cultural and biochemical characteristics. The Gram-negative bacteria were 100% susceptible to pefloxacin, gentamycin, ciprofloxacin and tarivid while the Gram-positive bacteria isolates showed varying resistance to the antibiotics with Staphylococcus being the most susceptible. The occurrence of the antibiotic resistance isolates possess danger for potential consumers, hence the need to improve the production process.

Magnitude and Factors Associated with Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile at Hawassa, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia: A prospective Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The use of urinary catheter benefit patients who are unable to urinate for various medical reasons. Despite its use, a urinary catheter during its application may introduce bacteria to the urinary tract and result in Urinary tract infection (UTI). Even though the burden of catheter-associated UTI is expected to be high in resource-limited countries, there is limited data. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of culture- confirmed catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of bacteria.
 Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH), Sidama region, from May-August 2022. One hundred forty-nine catheterized patients at HUCSH were included. Socio-demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected using structured questionnaire. Urine specimens were cultured on blood and MacConkey agar. Culture-confirmed catheter-associated urinary tract infection was established if >1 X 105 colonies of bacteria per milliliters of urine was detected. The disc diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. For data analysis, SPSS version 26 was used. Factors associated with culture-confirmed CAUTI were assessed using binary logistic regression.
 Results: The magnitude of culture confirmed CAUTI was 30.2% (n=45; 95% CI=22.8−37.6). The most common bacterial isolates were Escherichia coli (n=12; 26.7%), followed by Klebsiella species (n=10; 22.2%), and Staphylococcus aureus (n=6; 13.3%). Duration of catheterization (AOR=9.6, 95% CI=3.8−24.2) and comorbidities (AOR=4.1, 95% CI=1.7−9.8) were significantly associated with culture-confirmed CAUTI. Most Gram- negative bacteria were resistant to commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents.
 Conclusions: The magnitude of culture-confirmed CAUTI at HUCSH was high. E. coli was the leading bacteria and most of them were resistant to various types of antimicrobial agents. Duration of catheterization and comorbidities were significantly associated with culture- confirmed CAUTI.

Study of bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of pus isolates in tertiary care hospital

Surgical wound causes invasion of pathogens causing surgical site infections which are commonly polymicrobial in nature. This pus forming infection causes delayed wound healing, wound dehiscence and wound breakdown contributing to important healthcare associated infections (HAI) Multidrug resistance has emerged among organisms isolated in pus sample due to failure of appropriate use of antibiotics.: 1. To study the bacteriological profile of pus samples 2. To determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolated pathogens from pus samples.The study was conducted in department of microbiology, Shimoga institute of medical sciences, Shimoga from January 2018 to June 2018.All pus samples were processed on blood agar, MacConkey agar and incubated at 37°c under aerobic conditions for 24 hours. The organisms were identified as per standard conventional methods. The antimicrobial susceptibility tests were done by Kirby–Bauer’s Disk Diffusion method on Mueller–Hinton Agar and interpreted as per clinical laboratory standard institution guidelines (CLSI). Out of 350 samples 250 were culture positive 100 were culture negative. Among culture positive most common organism isolated was followed by 86(34.45%), 72(28.8%), 55(22%), 20(8%), 9(3.6%), 2(0.8%), 3(1.2%) 3(1.2%), 3(1.2%). Gram positive organisms were most sensitive for linezolid, vancomycin and least sensitive to cefoxitin, erythromycin. Gram Negative Organisms Were Most Sensitive for Imipenam, Piperacillin tazobactam and least Sensitive for Ampicillin-sulbactam, Ciprofloxacin is most common etiology of pus forming infection most importantly surgical site infections (SSI). MRSA prevalence in hospital set up indicates the failure of proper infection control practices implementation in the hospitals causing healthcare associated infections (HAI). Emergence of multidrug resistance among the pus isolates is because of non-judicious use of antibiotics.

Microbiological Profile and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns in Patients with Tinea Pedis at Diabetic Center In EL-Beyda City

The purpose of this study was to determine the microbiological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in patients with Tinea Pedis at the Diabetic Center in EL-Beyda City (Libya). Samples were collected from the diabetic patients with intertrigo of foot attending the out-patients’ department in the Diabetic Center from December 2020 to February 2021 by using sterile swabs. Samples were inoculated into blood and MacConkey agars for bacterial isolation. The microbiologic isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed according to standard microbiological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns of all the isolates to different antibiotics was determined by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Overall, 50 patients (50% male and 50% female) had a mean age of 58.4 ± 9.4 years and a mean duration of diabetes of 14.6 ± 6.6 years. Most isolates (76.8 %) were Gram-negative bacilli (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella Spp and Proteus Spp), followed by Gram-positive cocci (23.2%) (Streptococci Spp and Staphylococcus aureus). Most bacteria were sensitive to Ciprofloxacin (84.0%) and resistant to Erythromycin (42.0%). The majority of isolated bacteria from patients were found to be multi-drug resistant. The results demonstrate the importance of time in the identification of the intertrigo sample collection for the identification of the pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern before initiating antimicrobial treatment.

Isolation, Identification and Antibiogram of Bacteria Isolated from Raw Cow Milk in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State

The study was conducted to isolate and identify the bacteria, to know the sources of contamination of milk and antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria obtained from Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State. A total of 45 samples were collected from different locations in Dutsin-Ma such as Wednesday market, opposite the FUDMA takeoff site and Hospital road. All these samples were analyzed by culturing in different media such as Salmonella-Shigella agar, Eosin Methylene Blue agar, Mannitol Salt Agar, Nutrient agar, Cetrimide agar, and MacConkey agar. Biochemical tests were performed to identify the organism. Among 45 samples, 20 (37.7%) were Staphylococcus spp. Similarly, 11 (20.8%), 6 (11.3%), 4(7.5%) and 12(22.6%) were found positive for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella and Salmonella spp. and. respectively. Results of the antibiotic sensitivity test represent that, out of ten antibiotics Staphylococcus sp. were very sensitive against Gentamicin (95%), Ciprofloxacin (90%), Streptomycin (70%), and highly resistant against Zinnacef (60%), Ampiclox (70%), Amoxicillin (50%). Salmonella sp. were highly sensitive to Pefloxacin (83.3%), Sparfloxacin (83.3%), and Ciprofloxacin (95%), but resistant against Augmentin (83.3%), Streptomycin (75%), Sulfamethoxazole (66.6%). Klebsiella spp. were highly sensitive to Pefloxacin (50%), Sparfloxacin, Chloramphenicol (75%), and Ciprofloxacin (75%), but resistant to Gentamicin (100%), Streptomycin (100%), Sulfamethoxazole (75%), Augmentin (75%). Escherichia coli were highly sensitive to Gentamicin (72.7%), Ciprofloxacin (100%), Ofloxacin (90.9%), Sparfloxacin (72.7%), but highly resistant to Sulphamethoxazole (72.2%), Whereas, Pseudomonas aeruginosa were highly sensitive Ciprofloxacin (100%), Chloramphenicol (66.6%), Ofloxacin (66.6%), but highly resistant against Streptomycin (100%), Augmentin 83.35%), Perfloxacin (83.3%). Data from this study suggested that raw milk contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria may cause public health hazards.

Gut Microbiome Derived Lactic Acid Bacteria (GM-d-LAB) from Dwarf Goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) Inhibit the Resident Multiple Antibiotics Resistance Bacterial pathogens

Background: The global health threat posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has created an urgent need for developing alternative treatment methods. Probiotics, especially Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), are gaining interest in this context, as they demonstrate health-enhancing effects and potent antimicrobial activities. The intestines of goats could be a potential origin for developing new probiotics applications in animal feed and human health. Hence this study was carried out to determine the antibiotic resistance profiles of LAB and pathogens within the intestines of Nigerian dwarf goats (Capra aegagrus hircus), the antimicrobial activity of LAB against resident MDR pathogens, and subsequent identification of bioactive LAB isolated from goat faeces in Nigeria as potential probiotics in animal feed and human health.
 Method: Selective isolation of the LAB was carried out using de Mann Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) agar while enteric pathogens were isolated on MacConkey agar. Preliminary identification was carried out based on Gram reaction, and morphological, colonial, and biochemical characteristics of each isolate. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of all isolates were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The agar overlay method was used to test the most resistant LAB isolates for antimicrobial activity against enteric pathogens. Selected LAB isolates were identified by 16SrRNA sequencing. 
 Results: The antibiotics susceptibility profile showed that a majority (77%) of LAB isolates and minimal (҇≤10%) of enteric pathogens demonstrated resistance to at least three classes of antibiotics, indicating a pattern of multi-drug resistance. Over half (62%) of these LAB isolates displayed significant antimicrobial activity against at least five of the resident-resistant pathogens, illustrating their potential role in controlling these pathogens. The sequencing results identified the most active LAB isolates, revealing a mix of strains including Pediococcus lolli (46%), Pediococcus pentosaceus (23%), Weissella confusa (8%), Enterococcus faecium (8%), Enterococcus hirae (8%), and Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis (8%).
 Conclusion: The discovery of a diverse range of LAB strains in goat intestines with significant antimicrobial activity against resident enteric pathogens is valuable. This finding suggests the potential use of these bacteria as natural alternatives to traditional antibiotics, especially in the context of growing AMR in animal husbandry.

Acinetobacter - A Hard to Treat Resilient ICU Pathogen

Objective: To isolate Acinetobacter sp and identify MDR (multidrug resistant) and XDR (extensively drug resistant) isolates from intensive care unit in a tertiary care hospital, Lahore. Methodology: This cross-sectional research was performed retrospectively in a tertiary care hospital, Lahore from January 2022-December 2022. It consisted of 435 specimens from ICU patients processed for culture and sensitivity in microbiology section of Pathology Laboratory, SMCH. The specimens included blood, pus, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and other body cavity fluids, sputum, bronchial aspirates, wound swabs, ETT, etc. The specimens were cultured on Blood agar (Oxoid UK) and Mac Conkey agar (Oxoid UK) but CLED agar (Oxoid UK) was used for urine. After overnight incubation at 37°C, Acinetobacter sp were identified by morphology and biochemical reactions using Analytical profile index (API) 20 NE (Biomerieux, France). Results: One hundred and seventy-five cases revealed Gram negative bacteria (GNB) and 31 (17.71%) of the GNB were Acinetobacter sp. Fifteen isolates of Acinetobacter sp were obtained from respiratory secretions,7 from pus, 6 from urine, 2 from ETT, and 1 isolate from blood sample. A total of 31 isolates were obtained. Thirteen (41.9%) Acinetobacter isolates were MDR and 9 (29.0%) turned out to be XDR. The remaining 9 isolates exhibited satisfactory susceptibility. Conclusion: Acinetobacter sp. is responsible for a significant bulk of drug resistant ICU associated infections and is increasingly developing resistance as evident by 41.9% MDR and 29.0% XDR isolates.