Multi-antibiotic Resistance Research Articles

Etiological and epidemiological aspects of nosocomial bacterial infections during the COVID-19 pandemic

The most important aspect of the problem of the quality of medical care is the epidemiological safety of the therapeutic and diagnostic process. The intensive development of high-tech, invasive methods of diagnosis and treatment, combined with the widespread spread of multidrug-resistant microorganisms, determine the need for continuous improvement of the system of supervision and control of infections associated with medical care (ISMP). The aim of the study was to identify cases of ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infections in intensive care units (ICU) when infected with ESСAPE group bacteria; to study their prevalence, etiological structure and epidemiological significance in intensive care patients with COVID-19 undergoing invasive artificial ventilation (ventilator). The results of the study showed that in COVID-19 patients who received respiratory support in the ventilator mode, representatives of the ESСAPE group of bacteria (with genetic determinants of multiantibiotic resistance) were found more than 2 times more often than in surgical patients, which indicates the important epidemiological significance of aerobic gram-negative bacteria and non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria of the ESСAPE spectrum in patients COVID-19 in the formation of colonization and ventilator-associated infection of the respiratory tract. At the same time, both in COVID-19 patients and in patients with a surgical ICU, gram-negative bacteria of the genus Klebsiella spp., producing beta-lactamase, as well as non-fermenting gram-negative microorganisms Acinetobacter spp, were prioritized in the etiological structure. and P. aegidiposa, characterized by pronounced acquired resistance to antibiotics of the carbapenem group and are the prerogative of intensive care units. To ensure the epidemiological safety of medical care during ventilation, it is necessary to implement a strategy of empirical and targeted antibiotic therapy; monitoring of antibiotic resistance; conduct continuous epidemiological surveillance in the ICU with full collection of information on etiological agents, cases of respiratory tract infection and tighten epidemiological control over the preparation and conduct of ventilation.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals pathways underlying the multi-antibiotic resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Klebsiella pneumoniae, an opportunistic pathogen, is pervasively distributed across the world. Its escalating antibiotic resistance poses a serious threat to global public health. The mechanisms behind this resistance remain largely elusive. In this study, we performed antibiotic susceptibility testing on several clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae, and a reference strain ATCC13883, and then analysed their transcriptomic profiles to identify genes and pathways associated with antibiotic resistance. Our results showed that a clinical isolate DY16KPN may counteract antibiotics by enhancing the biosynthesis of building blocks of bacterial cell, such as fatty acids, proteins, and DNA, and reducing transmembrane transport. Increased butanoate metabolism and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis may also contribute to the drug-resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Additionally, we identified resistance-promoting mutations in gene promoter regions, which regulate the activity of downstream drug-resistant genes and pathways. Our results also demonstrated that DY16KPN counterbalances the trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole-mediated inhibitory effect on the synthesis of tetrahydrofolates and DNA by up-regulating the expression of targeted enzymes of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteroate synthase.

Migration of fungicides, antibiotics and resistome in the soil-lettuce system

The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have become a serious issue in global agricultural production. However, understanding how these ARGs spread across different spatial scales, especially when exposed to both pesticides and antibiotics, has remained a challenge. Here, metagenomic assembly and binning methodologies were used to determine the spread pathway of ARGs in the soil-lettuce system under individual and combined exposure of fungicides (carbendazim and pyraclostrobin) and antibiotics (chlortetracycline and ciprofloxacin). These agrochemicals not only facilitated the spread of ARGs from soil to lettuce but also significantly elevated the risk of developing multi-antibiotic resistance among bacteria, especially to some antibiotic types (i.e. sulfonamide, aminoglycoside, quinolone, and tetracycline). ARGs could be migrated through distinct pathways, including both vertical and horizontal gene transfer, with plasmids playing a crucial role in facilitating the horizontal gene transfer. These transfer pathways have enabled key pathogenic bacteria belonging to the genera Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Pantoea to acquire resistance and remain recalcitrant, posing the potential risk to crop health and food safety. In summary, our findings highlighted that fungicide and antibiotic could drive upward migration of ARGs in the soil-lettuce system and reduced the quality safety of agricultural products.

Evaluation of Multi-antibiotic Resistance Index (MAR) and Molecular Characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated in Pathological Products from Chad

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium present in several ecological niches causing opportunistic infections in humans. In developing countries like Chad, this bacteria is responsible for various human pathologies. High-priority pathogens, such as Salmonella and Shigella, represent a particularly heavy burden in low- and middle-income countries, as do Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, which pose serious problems in health centers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the multi-antibiotic resistance index and to carry out a molecular characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated in pathological products from Chad using by rep-PCR (GTG)5. Antibiotic resistance phenotypes were obtained by interpreting the results of our previous study on antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from human infections in N'Djamena, Chad. In this study, two phenotypes were obtained that is XDR and MDR. Thus, 24/36 of strains came from urine and 29/36 strains were MDR. The multi-antibiotic resistance (MAR) indexes varied from 0.33 to 0.86. The rep-PCR allowed good discrimination of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in this study. These isolates were grouped based on characteristic bands appearing in their genetic fingerprint profiles. In this study, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from urinary tract infections and pus were classified as XDR and MDR type strains.

Multiple antibiotic resistance of Salmonella Infantis in the Peruvian poultry production chain: Detection in birds, the farming environment, and chicken carcasses

Poultry can act as a reservoir of Salmonella enterica serotype Infantis (S. Infantis) of clinical and epidemiological importance because it triggers foodborne disease outbreaks and presents antibiotic multiresistance. The present study aimed to determine antimicrobial resistance in S. Infantis isolates from poultry livers, litter and chicken carcasses from Lima, Peru, during 2022–2023. S. Infantis was isolated from 10.1 % (27/267), 4.7 % (4/86), and 8 % (2/25) of the bird, litter and carcass samples, respectively. All isolates showed resistance to nalidixic acid (NA). In addition, 94 %, 76 %, 70 %, 48 %, and 45 % of the isolates showed resistance to tetracycline (TET), amoxicillin (AMX), chloramphenicol (C), gentamicin (GEN) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TS), respectively. All isolates showed susceptibility to imipinem and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Of the isolates, 93.9 % displayed multidrug resistance. The most frequent resistance pattern was C-AMX-NA-GEN-TET (24.2 %, n=8), determined even from carcass isolates, followed by C-AMX-NA-TET (18.2 %, n=6), and C-AMX-NA-GEN-TS-TET (12.1 %, n=4). The presence of these multidrug-resistant S. Infantis isolates is a threat to food safety and public health.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of antimicrobial resistance in Enterococcus species from dairy niches

The present work was carried out to investigate the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in dairy enterococci. Dairy samples comprising of raw milk and traditionally fermented milks were collected from local surrounding areas and a total of 140 enterococci strains were isolated from the dairy samples and further, 104 isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. The most prevalent resistance was observed against cephalosporins followed by fosfomycin, rifampicin, erythromycin etc. Multi-antibiotic resistance index of the tested isolates ranged from 0.09 to 0.36. Minimum inhibitory concentration testing showed very high cut-offs against erythromycin, tetracycline, cefepime and cefotaxime in certain isolates. Further, Extended Spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production tested by double disc synergy method confirmed 9 isolates as ESBL positive along with the presence of blaTEM gene in certain isolates. In addition, AMR genes against aminoglycoside, tetracyclines, macrolides, chloramphenicol along with multi-drug transporter gene (emeA) was also detected in many isolates. The resistant enterococci isolates also showed a high frequency of the presence of mobile genetic elements viz. Transposons (Tn-5397 and Tn-916/Tn-1545 family) and Integrons (intI1, intI3). Finally, virulence traits such as gelatinase and hemolysin production along with gelE and cylA genes was also detected in many of the resistant enterococci isolates. Although, the virulence traits could not be directly correlated with the AMR resistance of the isolates, the results from the study demonstrated the wide prevalence of AMR in dairy enterococci that could greatly contribute to the problem of antimicrobial resistance in the food chain.

Determination of antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of Terpinen-4-ol loaded polydopamine nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus isolates from cows with subclinical mastitis.

Mastitis in cows is one of the most important diseases that give rise to economic losses in dairy farms. Increasing antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, one of the most common causes of mastitis, is a significant health problem. Due to the problems encountered in treating infections caused by resistant strains, developing alternative treatment methods, such as Nanomaterial systems and natural agents, are important. The essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia is used as an antibacterial and the primary active component is terpinen-4-ol. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of terpinen-4-ol and terpinen-4-ol loaded polydopamine (T-PDA) nanoparticles against S. aureus isolates, which were resistant to at least one group of antibiotics isolated from milk samples of subclinical mastitis cows. The S. aureus strains were identified by biochemical tests and verified with the API Staph kit. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined by the disc diffusion method. The broth microdilution method determined the antimicrobial activities of the terpinen-4-ol and T-PDA nanoparticles, and anti-biofilm activities were assessed using the modified crystal violet method. All of the isolates were resistant to benzylpenicillin and susceptible to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Multi-antibiotic resistance was detected in the 11 S. aureus isolates used in this study. For the terpinen-4-ol and T-PDA nanoparticles, MIC values were determined in the range of 0.125-0.5% (µL/mL) and 0.125-0.25% (µL/mL), respectively. None of the isolates formed biofilms. As a result, it was found that the antibacterial efficacy of the T- PDA nanoparticles was higher against nine of the S. aureus isolates than against the terpinen-4-ol.

Evolution of the Antibiotic Resistance Levels, Multi-Resistance Patterns, and Presence of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in E. coli Isolates from the Feces of Breeding Hens during the Rearing Period.

The food chain acts as an entry point for antibiotic resistance to reach humans and environment. Because of the importance of the poultry sector, we investigated the prevalence and evolution of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from a series of 14,500 breeding hens and their farm environment during the rearing period. Samples included meconium from one-day-old breeders and fecal samples and boot swabs from the breeding sheds of pullets and adult hens. All E. coli isolates from one-day-old chicks, 77% from feces and 61% from boot swabs, were resistant to at least one antibiotic. Cefotaxime and multi-drug resistance in fecal isolates decreased during the rearing period from 41.2% and 80.8% in one-day-old chicks to 3.8% and 33.8% in adults. All genes studied were detected in E. coli from feces and boot swabs, the most common being blaTEM (75%), blaSHV (72%), and qnrB (67%). blaCMY-2 was detected in 100% of one-day-old breeders. The combination of at least one cephalosporin and one quinolone resistance gene was detected in 68.7% of fecal and boot swab isolates. Our results highlight the need to monitor the prevalence of antibiotic resistance on farms and to take appropriate measures to reduce the risk to public and environmental health.

Diversity and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae from the Urine of Human Population Using Bacteria-Contaminated Water in Butembo Urban Area (DR Congo, Central Africa)

Aims: This study aims to investigate the extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the human urine samples and to understand the potential influence of the contaminated water the urine donors use. Study Design and Methodology: One hundred urine samples from females and the same number from males were collected from donors of different age groups and analysed. One hundred urine samples from females and the same number from males were collected from donors of different age groups. The enterobacterial isolation was done on CLED agar medium. Their identification was carried out first by the enzymatic technic, then using MALDI–TOF MS method. ESBLs-producing enterobacteria were identified by searching the synergy between Clavulanic acid and 3rd generation Cephalosporins. The antimicrobial susceptibility tests were carried out using the disk diffusion method. Results: In male urine samples, the identified ESBLs-producing strains belong to E. coli, E. agglomerans and K. pneumoniae. They were in 11 samples: 3 from donors aged 20 years or less, 3 also from those aged 21 to 40 years as well as in those aged 41 to 60 years, and 2 in samples from donors aged over than 60 years. In female urine samples, the identified ESBLs-producing strains belong to Escherichia coli, Enterobacter agglomerans, Yersinia frederiksenii, Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae. They were in 27 samples: 3 from donors aged 20 years or less, 9 from those aged 21 to 40 years, 12 from those aged 41 to 60 years, and 3 from donors aged over than 60 years. All the strains were sensitive to Imipenem and resistant to Cefotaxim, Ceftazidin, Amoxicillin+Clavulanic acid and Nitrofurantoin. The Multi-Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index varied from 0.416 (E. coli strains, youngest male donors) to 0.916 (E. coli strains, old female donors). Most of strains react differently from one antibiotic to another (P<0.05), with the exception of E. coli strains from most samples. Most of the identified ESBLs-producing species have been reported in surface and groundwater the population use. These water resources could play a role in the human urinary tract infections. Conclusion: There is a serious health problem with great MAR indices for all bacterial species identified. Treating water before use could reduce the viability and spreading of ESBLs-producing bacteria and genes into the population.

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of TEM and CTX-M Beta-Lactamase Genes of Escherichia coli Isolated From Cow Milk

Objective: The study objective was to investigate the presence and antibiotic resistance of toxigenic E. coli strains in the raw milk of dairycattle and to determine the prevalence of blaTEM and blaCTX-M genes in the selected isolates. Methods: Two hundred raw milk samples were collected from 20 dairy farms located in Kafr El Sheikh City. Results: Among the samples, 60 were positive for E. coli. The sensitivity of these isolates was detected against different antibiotics. Usingthe disk diffusion test, all the isolates were resistant to at least two beta-lactam antibiotics. The resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics bythe selected E. coli was varied to be highly significant. Five percent of the tested E. coli was highly resistant with a multi-antibiotic resistant (MAR) index, of 1.0, while 8% had the lowest MAR (0.14). Both blaTEM and blaCTX-M resistant genes were detected in isolate No. 52, while, blaCTX-M was detected in isolate No. 34 and blaTEM was detected in isolates No. 9, 21, 28, and 40. The PCR products of blaTEM and blaCTX-M genes were sequenced and deposited in the GenBank of the NCBI database with the accession numbers OR450046 and OR879117, respectively. Conclusion: The macrolides group of antibiotics especially erythromycin should not be a suitable treatment of dairy herds for mastitisby E. coli in Egypt. The majority of E. coli was multiple-antibiotic resistant and co-carried many virulence genes, and it may pose a greatpotential risk to public health.

Antibacterial and antibiotics resistance modifying activity of oil extract of Myristica fragrans’s mace (aril) against Multi-Antibiotic Resistant phenotypes with a comparative study against Cymbopogon citratus

This study systematically inspects the potent antimicrobial properties inherent in Myristica fragrance (Javitri) and Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) essential oils. The core point is the targeted action against multiantibiotic-resistant (MAR) bacteria, a critical concern amidst the rising tide of antibiotic resistance. Notably, herbal alternatives are gaining traction as promising solutions. The research involves methodical extraction and assessment of these oils against formidable MAR strains, involving Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas sp. and through GC-MS analysis, we were able to find out the phytochemicals responsible for outstanding antimicrobial property of essential oil extracted from the mace of Myristica fragrans(Javitri). A significant part of this investigation delves into the synergistic interplay of Myristica fragrans oil with antibiotics. Through our research, we intend to re-establish the application of traditional herbal components for the purpose of medication and also in synergism with ineffective antibiotics and therapeutic strategies to face the antibiotic resistance crisis.

Exploring multi-antibiotic resistance in Arcobacter butzleri isolates from a poultry processing plant in northern Italy: An in-depth inquiry

Arcobacter butzleri is a foodborne pathogen that has been identified in various animal-derived foods, notably in poultry meat. The prevalence of this bacterium in poultry underscores the need for comprehensive investigations into its dissemination within poultry meat processing plants. Such assessments are critical due to the potential cross-contamination that may occur, impacting the safety of the final food product. This study endeavours to evaluate the genomic similarity of 56 A. butzleri isolates obtained from chicken carcasses (specifically neck skins and caecum, post-slaughter) and equipment surfaces following cleaning and sanitizing procedures. All samples originate from a poultry slaughterhouse in Northern Italy. The genomic analysis includes single nucleotide polymorphism, average nucleotide identity, and core genome multi-locus sequence typing analysis, aiming to discern potential cross-contamination between carcasses and equipment. The study evaluates antibiotic resistance, biofilm production, and host cell colonization of A. butzleri strains through in vitro assays. Genomic de-replication reveals the presence of 31 distinct strains. Results elucidate that a portion of these strains is evident in multiple sources, indicative of cross-contamination even post-cleaning and sanitization. The in vitro tests underline multi-antibiotic resistance of A. butzleri with genes associated with antibiotic resistance, among them mexAB-oprM, showing a correlation to the observed resistance. This study establishes the colonization capability of A. butzleri strains on a human gut mucus-secreting cell model, suggesting a potential virulence factor. Detection of various putative virulence genes further supports the hypothesis of strains virulence potential. This study holds importance of A. butzleri as it unveils the antibiotic resistance and pathogenic capabilities inherent in this species, identifying associated genetic traits. Through comprehensive genomic analysis, it was conclusively validated instances of cross-contamination between various sources and equipment surfaces, underscoring the pervasive dissemination of this bacterium within a food processing plant and its persistence. This research serves as an exploration into the intricate dynamics of A. butzleri within poultry processing environments. It accentuates the imperative for stringent hygiene protocols and ongoing surveillance to curtail the risk of cross-contamination, thereby ensuring the safety of poultry products for discerning consumers.

Cylindrospermopsin enhances the conjugative transfer of plasmid-mediated multi-antibiotic resistance genes through glutathione biosynthesis inhibition

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN), a cyanobacterial toxin, has been detected in the global water environment. However, information concerning the potential environmental risk of CYN is limited, since the majority of previous studies have mainly focused on the adverse health effects of CYN through contaminated drinking water. The present study reported that CYN at environmentally relevant levels (0.1–100 μg/L) can significantly enhance the conjugative transfer of RP4 plasmid in Escherichia coli genera, wherein application of 10 μg/L of CYN led to maximum fold change of ∼6.5- fold at 16 h of exposure. Meanwhile, evaluation of underlying mechanisms revealed that environmental concentration of CYN exposure could increase oxidative stress in the bacterial cells, resulting in ROS overproduction. In turn, this led to an upregulation of antioxidant enzyme-related genes to avoid ROS attack. Further, inhibition of the synthesis of glutathione (GSH) was also detected, which led to the rapid depletion of GSH in cells and thus triggered the SOS response and promoted the conjugative transfer process. Increase in cell membrane permeability, upregulation of expression of genes related to pilus generation, ATP synthesis, and RP4 gene expression were also observed. These results highlight the potential impact on the spread of antimicrobial resistance in water environments.

The Evaluation of Teleost-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides Against Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Introduction Gonorrhea has become an emerging sexually transmitted infection worldwide. The multi-antibiotic resistance facilitates the transmission; thus, new antibiotics or alternatives are needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are antimicrobials naturally secreted by the host as a defense material. Teleost-derived AMP have gained attention over the past two decades due to their potent efficacy towardmicroorganisms. This study examines teleost-derived AMP againstNeisseria gonorrhoeae (GC), the responsible bacteria for gonorrhea, to evaluate the antibiotic potential as a future alternative for preventing gonorrhea. Methods Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and time-killed assay were conducted to evaluate the inhibition concentration of each AMP. Transmission electron microscopy was used to confirm the potential mode of action. The inhibition of microcolony formation and adherence to epithelial cells were examined to assess the infection inhibition. Results Pardaxin-based (flatfish pardaxin {PB2}) andpiscidin-based (striped bass piscidin 1 {PIS} and tilapia piscidin {TP} 4) AMP were effective towardGC under or equal to 7.5 μg/mL as of minimal inhibitory concentration. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed that these AMP attack bacterial membranes as membrane blebbing and breakage were observed. These AMP also effectively reduced the GC biofilm formation, as well as their adherence to human endocervical epithelial cells. Conclusion Pardaxin-based (PB2) andpiscidin-based (PIS and TP4) teleost-derived AMP can inhibit GC and potentially serve as the new antibiotic alternative for preventing GC colonization and infection. This study will shed some light on the future development of teleost-derived AMP in treating gonorrhea and maintaining reproductive health.

Multidrug resistant profiles of clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Shigella species

In order to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern and multi antibiotic resistance index of E.coli, Salmonella typhi and Shigella species, a total of 32 pre-identified clinical isolates were obtained and subjected to conventional biochemical and gram staining reaction for confirmation. Antibiotic susceptibility testing to ten commonly prescribed antibiotics (Amplicin (PN:30 mcg), Gentamicin (GEN:10 mcg), Streptomycin (STR:30 mcg), Septrin (SXT:30 mcg), Nalidixic acid (NAL:30 mcg), Ciprofloxacin (CIP:10 mcg), Augmentin (AU:30 mcg), Reflacin (PEF:10 mcg), Tarivid (OFX:10mcg), and Ceporexin (CEP:10 mcg) was considered using disc agar diffusion method and reported with the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute Interpretative chart. Zones of inhibition were measured and Multiple Antibiotic Resistance index was calculated. Salmonella isolates demonstrated a high rate of susceptibility to Tarivid (90%), Reflaxin (90%), Gentamycin (80%), ciprofloxacin (60%), Augmentin (80%) and moderately susceptible to Streptomycin (40%) and Septrin (20%) with high resistance to Nalidixic acid (90%), Amplicin (90%) and Ceporexin (70%). Nearly all Shigella isolates were susceptible to Augmentin (80%), Reflaxin (90%), Tarivid (80%), intermediate susceptibility was also noted in Streptomycin (40%) and Ceporexin (50%) while high resistance to ciprofloxacin (80%), Amplicin (90%), Septrin (70%) and Nalidixi acid (90%). High rate of resistance was observed to nearly five antibiotics in E,coli with low susceptibility rate to all the antibiotics tested. All the isolates had Multiple Antibiotic Resistance index greater than 0.2 and above. This may be as a result of previous exposure to antibiotics and development of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics, hence, antimicrobial susceptibility testing is imperative in selecting therapeutic options.

Fecal Carriage of Colibactin-Encoding Escherichia coli Associated With Colorectal Cancer Among a Student Populace.

Fecal carriage of the colibactin (clb) gene in Escherichia coli is described as a source that could promote carcinogenesis, progressing to colorectal cancer. The present study investigated the demographic, dietary, and antibiotic consumption variables as correlates for fecal carriage of clb+/E coli among the student populace. In a randomized cross-sectional survey, E coli (N = 136) from the fecal samples of eligible students were characterized and evaluated for antibiotic resistance, β-lactamase (blm), biofilm, virulence factor production, and strain tryptophan reverse mutagenic activity. The encoded clb+/E coli were analyzed for correlates with principal component analysis. Of all the E coli strains, a low rate of 2 clb+/E coli (1.5%) and higher rates of biofilm (13.2%) and blm producers (11.8%) were recorded among the mutant strains as compared with the nonmutant types. All the clb+/E coli showed complete resistance to amoxicillin, Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate), gentamicin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The fecal clb-encoded E coli (1.5%) were not associated with demographic status, fiber-based food (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% CI, 56.74-138.7; P = .213), alcohol (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 61.74-147.1; P = .221), antibiotic consumptions (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 61.29-145.3; P = .222), and handwashing (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 60.19-145.5; P = .216). The hierarchical cluster of blm+/E coli revealed high-level resistance with a multiantibiotic resistance index ≥0.2 (P < .05). Only 12% of all strains were tryptophan mutant/blm+, and 1.5% of clb+/ECblm+ were observed in fecal samples with a 452-base pair size. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and biofilm production positively regressed with clb expression (P > .05). Principal component analysis score plot indicated an association of clb+/ECblm+ with dietary pattern, alcohol, blm, and hemolysin production. The combined activity of blm and biofilm production in the gut microbiota could promote clb+/E coli colonization, facilitating genotoxin production and possible colorectal cancer induction.

New Approaches to Tackling Intractable Issues in Infectious Disease.

Despite major progress in the last several decades in reducing the public and animal health burden of infectious disease a number of issues remain to be resolved and which have thus far been regarded as intractable. These include (i) the persistent carrier state in individuals convalescent from typhoid and typhoid-like infections, (ii) the increasing prevalence of multi-antibiotic resistance in enteric pathogens, much of which is mediated by self-transmissible plasmids, and (iii) parasite infections which are difficult to control by vaccination and where resistance to chemotherapeutics is also increasing. The author describes very recent work carried out by his group to look at resolving these problems in new and imaginative ways.

The Cell Envelope Integrity Protein Homologue D0Y85_RS06240 of Stenotrophomonas Confers Multiantibiotic Resistance.

The potential role of cell envelope integrity proteins in mediating antibiotic resistance is not well understood. In this study, we investigated whether the cell envelope integrity protein D0Y85_RS06240 from the multiantibiotic resistant strain Stenotrophomonas sp. G4 mediates antibiotic resistance. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to identify proteins related to the D0Y85_RS06240 protein. The D0Y85_RS06240 gene was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, both antibiotic MICs and the effect of efflux pump inhibitors on antibiotic MICs were determined by the broth microdilution method. A combination of antibiotic and efflux pump inhibitor was used to investigate bacterial killing kinetics, and binding of D0Y85_RS06240 to antibiotic molecules was predicted by molecular docking analysis. Sequence homology analysis revealed that D0Y85_RS06240 was related to cell envelope integrity proteins. The D0Y85_RS06240 heterologous expression strains were resistant to multiple antibiotics, including colistin, tetracycline, and cefixime. However, the efflux pump inhibitor N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) reduced the antibiotic MICs of the D0Y85_RS06240 heterologous expression strain, and bacterial killing kinetics revealed that NMP enhanced the bactericidal rate of tetracycline to the drug-resistant bacteria. Molecular docking analysis indicated that D0Y85_RS06240 could bind colistin, tetracycline, and cefixime. The cell envelope integrity protein D0Y85_RS06240 in Stenotrophomonas sp. G4 mediates multiantibiotic resistance. This study lays the foundation for an in-depth analysis of D0Y85_RS06240-mediated antibiotic resistance mechanisms and the use of D0Y85_RS06240 as a target for the treatment of multiantibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

Determine the prevalence and fluoroquinolone resistance pattern of Escherichia coli ST131 among clinical isolates from vaginitis patients

Abstract Background: The most interesting lineage of Escherichia coli is the sequence type 131 (ST131), a pandemic clone that is responsible for the high incidence of E. coli infections outside the intestine; in addition, it contributes to the global dissemination of multiantibiotic resistance. Aims: To determine the prevalence of E. coli st131, along with their fluoroquinolone resistance patterns and their phylogenetic background. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 high vaginal swabs were taken from female patients with aerobic vaginitis and were screened for the isolation and identification of E. coli ST131 using polymerase chain reaction technology that targets ST131-specific sequence polymorphisms in both the mdh and gyrB genes. An antibiotic sensitivity test was performed to determine resistance patterns. Results: Twenty-seven (18%) E. coli isolates were obtained from women with aerobic vaginitis, including 11 (40.7%) isolates belonging to sequence type 131. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the majority belonged to phylogroup B2 (90.9%), and one isolate belonged to phylogroup B1 (9.09%). All the isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin, and levofloxacin, whereas they were all sensitive to gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin. Conclusions: The presence of E. coli ST131 among E. coli isolates from patients with aerobic vaginitis, and the confirmation of their high resistance to most fluoroquinolones included in this study reflect their ability to adapt to different sites, which increases their risk as a pathogen.

Detection of genes conferring resistance on multi antibiotic resistance bacteria isolated from ready to eat foods sold in the Nigerian defence academy, Kaduna, Nigeria

Food has always been the means by which disease-causing organisms are transmitted to man. This study sought to isolate multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria from ready to eat food (RTE) sold within Nigerian Defence Academy. Eight (8) food samples were collected from five (5) vendors and spread plate technique was adopted for bacteria isolation from the food samples. Twenty-five (25) bacteria isolates were obtained from the food samples and subjected to antibiotic sensitivity assay using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Eight (8) of the isolates exhibited various degrees of resistance to the tested antibiotics. All the isolated bacteria in this study were susceptible to the effect of Quinolones antibiotics and were resistant to cefuroxime, cefotaxime and Ampiclox. Six (6) of the isolates that showed multi-antibiotic resistance were characterized by 16SrRNA gene sequencing as Bacillus cereus strains (0083 and HYM76), Staphylococcus aureus strain MRSA252, Lactobacillus murinus strain AMB_10 and Listeria Spp. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis detection of four (4) antibiotics resistance genes – Aminoglycoside adenylyltransferase (AADA1), Acridine (ACRA), Chloramphenicol Resistance (CMLA) and Erythromycin (ERM(C)) – produced the following results: AADA1 genes were amplified in Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus; ACRA gene was detected in all the selected isolates; CMLA gene was detected in Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus murinus and Bacillus cereus while ERM(C) gene was present in Staphylococcus aureus.