Negative Bacteria Research Articles

Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of PCMX Derivative

Abstract: Para Chloro Meta Xylenol (PCMX) is an exceptionally broad spectrum bactericide and preservative with a long established and proven use in controlling bacteria, mildew and fungal growth in a wide range of applications (medical, domestic and industrial). Chloroxylenol, also known as para chloro meta xylenol, is an antiseptic and disinfectant which is used for skin disinfection and cleaning surgical instruments. It is also used within a number of household disinfectants and wound cleaners. Their analogues viz. hybrid / ester molecules also possess various biological activities which prompted us to synthesize a novel analogue for their future application as bioactive molecule. The synthesized compound was characterized by IR, 1HNMR, mass spectral data, elemental analysis and screened for its potential antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. It shows a promising antibacterial activity.

Fabrication and physicochemical investigation of pH-responsive alginate/pectin hybrid network hydrogel for improved stability and controlled release of diallyl thiosulfinate

The present investigation explores the formulation and fabrication of alginate-pectin (with varying degree of methoxylation) hybrid network hydrogel beads through ionotropic gelation process as a biocompatible carrier material for encapsulating diallyl thiosulfinate (allicin). The primary aspiration of this research is to overcome allicin's inherent instability which restricts its use in functional food fortification and medicinal products as a bioactive compound with several intriguing health-promoting characteristics. Fabrication of the beads were done through structured parameter optimization. Chemical interaction between allicin and biopolymer matrix was assessed by FTIR-ATR. The ARGE entrapped hydrogel beads had a near spherical shape with sphericity factor ∼1.0 with an average diameter of ∼3.5 mm in the hydrated state (density ∼1.06 g/cm3). The beads showed encapsulation efficiency of ∼70.8 %. The beads efficaciously reduced degradation (<5 %) and stabilized ampule amount of allicin for a prolonged time. Various physicochemical characterizations of the produced beads were done. Further, in vitro release kinetics of allicin from beads were observed in simulated gastrointestinal environment and it showed a sustained release pattern. The release behavior of allicin exhibited a higher release at intestinal pH (∼88 %) than stomach pH (∼35 %). The formulation expressed commendable antimicrobial activity against gram positive and negative bacteria in both solid and liquid media. Moreover, the encapsulation process retained significant antioxidant potential (>60 %). Anti-inflammatory and hemolysis assay expressed admirable biocompatibility. Hence, the results suggest that the fabricated formulation is suitable for being a drug carrier material for allicin while accentuating its aptitude for upholding hemocompatibility, allicin’s concentration, sustained release and bioactivity.

Identification of Diverse Multiple Drugs Resistant Bacterial Pathogens using Microscan Panel

Bacterial isolates from clinical sources have increased resistance to antimicrobial agents available and routinely used in developing countries like Ethiopia. One of the control measures of antimicrobial resistance is to know the susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria from clinical specimens and treat patients accordingly. Therefore the objective of the present study is to isolate bacterial pathogens from different clinical specimens and determine their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Clinical samples (urine, blood, pus and discharges from different body sites were cultured and isolation of bacterial pathogens were done following standard bacteriological methods using media recommended by Cheesbrough. Identification of bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were done using Micro Scan Identification Panel method. The Panels were read by Micro Scan Auto Scan 4 reader after incubating for 18 to 24 hours at 35o c aerobically. The retrospective data of microbiological culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test results were analysed. A total of 995 clinical specimens were cultured at Bethzatha Bacteriology Lab., Bethzatha Hospital, from May 2021 to February 2022. The most frequent specimens were, urine 87 (32%), blood 77(28%), pus and discharges from different body sites 65(24%). Out of these, 273(27%) yielded different bacterial pathogens. The most dominant gram negative bacterial isolates from urine samples 43/87(49%), 6/87(7%), 7/87(8%) were E. coli, Acinetobacter and Klebsiella spp, respectively in that order. Klebsiella pneumoniae 12/77 (16%) were most frequently isolated from blood culture followed by diverse coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS) 26/77 (33.7%) and S. aureus 15/77(19.5%). The most frequent 20/65(31%) isolates from pus and discharges were S. aureus followed by 12/65(18.5%) CoNS. In the present study, most bacterial isolates from different clinical samples were multiply resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, trimethoprim sulphametoaxzole, levofloxacillin and ampicillin-sulbactam. On the other hand the most frequent Gram negative bacteria, E.coli and Klebsiella pneumonia were most susceptible to amikacin and ertapenem, and the gram positive isolates, S. aureus were most susceptible to levofloxacillin and gentamicin; whereas coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) were most susceptible to gentamicin, tecioplanin, rifampicin, vancomycin, daptomycin. Therefore clinicians should be guided by antimicrobial susceptibility test. In the absence of antimicrobial susceptibility test we suggest that the above mentioned drugs to be most appropriate for empirical treatment in the study hospitals and health settings in Addis Ababa. Furthermore critical measures need to be taken to curb the increasing spread of AMR bacteria.

There is no association between serum endotoxin levels and inflammation in asthma

Backround Endotoxin, in lipopolysaccharide structure (LPS), is the main component of the outer membrane of gram negative bacteria. LPS levels were associated with inflammatory disease. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease involving many different cell types and cellular elements. The association between LPS serum levels and the asthma is not well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the LPS serum levels and the severity of asthma, demographic data and laboratory parameters. Methodology The study included 67 patients aged >18 years with a diagnosis of asthma, and 15 healthy volunteers with no history of chronic disease as a control group. The Asthma Control Test (ACT), Respiratory Function Tests (RFTs), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and endotoxin levels were measured and compared between the groups. The endotoxin measurements were performed using the ELISA method. Results The mild-moderate asthma group included 33 patients and the severe asthma group, 34 patients. The endotoxin level was measured as 17.78 (range 3.59 to 304.55) EU/ml in the patient group and 15 (range 4.01 to 74.06) EU/ml in the control group with no statistically significant difference determined between the groups. In the subgroups, the endotoxin level was measured as 15.21 (range 3.69 to 304.55) EU/ml in the mild-moderate group and 14.46 (range 3.59 to 278.86) EU/ml in the severe asthma group with no statistically significant difference determined between the groups. Conclusion The results of this study showed no relationship between serum endotoxin level and asthma or asthma severity.

Isolation, Identification and Comparative Analysis of Oral Microbial Communities in Smokers and Non-Smokers: A Scientific Investigation

Smoking tobacco considerably changes the Gram-positive bacteria in saliva, including pathogens that may be involved in the development of tobacco-related illnesses such as periodontitis and peri-implantitis. A poor diet, poor oral hygiene, and other health problems can change the balance between these bacteria, allowing the dangerous bacteria to gain control. Pathogens can spread to distant places in the body if they overgrow in the mouth and blood vessels. Some bacteria have adapted to survive in the oral cavity by surviving within our bodies' defense mechanisms. Smokers are more likely to experience issues following gum and oral surgery, gum disease, tooth loss, decay on the roots of teeth, and oral cancer of the mouth. It has been reported that smoking has an impact on the oral microbiota, which has been connected to a number of human disorders. This study was designed for the isolation of bacteria from smokers and non-smokers. Oral health can be impacted by smoking. Smokers are more likely to experience issues following gum and oral surgery, gum disease, tooth loss, decay on the roots of teeth, and oral cancer of the mouth. The bacterial were isolated from the samples collected from non- smokers and smokers. The culture technique was used to grow bacteria. For further identification Gram staining, microscopy and biochemical tests were performed. Gram positive and gram negative bacteria were isolated from both smokers and non-smokers. The prevalence of gram positive bacteria was high in smokers and the prevalence of gram negative bacteria among smokers was high. Total 33% of gram positive bacteria were isolated from non-smokers and 67% from smokers. The gram positive species isolated were S. aureus and S. pneumoniae and 33% of gram negative bacteria were isolated from non-smokers and 67% from smokers. The gram negative species isolated were E.coli and K. pneumoniae.

Microbial Communities and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Aerobic Bacteria Associated with the Vaginal Microbiota: A Retrospective Study in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The vaginal microbiota, unlike some other sites such as the intestinal microbiota is a less diversified micro-ecosystem; dominated normally by Lactobacilli which play specific important roles in the wellbeing of the vagina and the female person. Dysbiosis or the loss of Lactobacilli dominance results in ecological shift that leads to a number of conditions such as proliferation of intestinal aerobic bacteria leading to aerobic vaginitis and such other disease conditions. In this retrospective cross sectional descriptive study, laboratory records of microscopy, culture and susceptibility analysis of high vaginal swabs (HVS) and other relevant data were reviewed to synthesize information relating to the microbial community and antimicrobial resistance among aerobic bacteria. Out of 790 specimens examined, microbial growths were observed in 596 (75.4%); dominated by fungi (Candida spp), 485 (68.3%), followed by aerobic bacteria, 223(31.4%) and protozoa (Trichomonas), 2 (0.3%). The bacterial population was dominated by Escherichia coli 98 (44.0%), followed by Enterococcus faecalis 55 (24.7%), Staphylococcus aureus 41 (18.4%), Proteus mirabilis 10(4.5%), Streptococcus agalactiae 9 (4.0%), Klebsiella pnumoniae 5 (2.2%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 10 (4.5%). Gram negative bacteria constitutes 118 (52.9%), while gram positive are 105 (47.1%) The cumulative antimicrobial resistance profile of the 223 bacterial strains tested against 10 antimicrobial agents was 55.5%. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most resistant bacteria by showing resistance against 62% of the test antimicrobial agents, followed by Klebsiella pnumoniae, 58%, Escherichia coli, 54.1%, Staphylocuccus aureus, 51.0%, Proteus mirabilis, 51.0%. Enterocuccus faecalis, 48.4% and Streptococcus agalactiae 38.9%. This study has contributed in ascertaining the prevalence of bacterial and other associated organisms of the vaginal microbiota, and also unraveled the different aerobic bacterial species together with their antimicrobial resistance patterns; which will be found valuable in treatment of associated infections.

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.&#x0D; 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 &gt;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.&#x0D; 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.&#x0D; 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.

The Hybrid Antibiotic Thiomarinol A Overcomes Intrinsic Resistance in Escherichia coli Using a Privileged Dithiolopyrrolone Moiety.

An impermeable outer membrane and multidrug efflux pumps work in concert to provide Gram-negative bacteria with intrinsic resistance against many antibiotics. These resistance mechanisms reduce the intracellular concentrations of antibiotics and render them ineffective. The natural product thiomarinol A combines holothin, a dithiolopyrrolone antibiotic, with marinolic acid A, a close analogue of mupirocin. The hybridity of thiomarinol A converts the mupirocin scaffold from inhibiting Gram-positive bacteria to inhibiting both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. We found that thiomarinol A accumulates significantly more than mupirocin within the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli, likely contributing to its broad-spectrum activity. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of E. coli mutants reveals that thiomarinol A overcomes the intrinsic resistance mechanisms that render mupirocin inactive. Structure-activity relationship studies suggest that the dithiolopyrrolone is a privileged moiety for improving the accumulation and antibiotic activity of the mupirocin scaffold without compromising binding to isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase. These studies also highlight that accumulation is required but not sufficient for antibiotic activity. Our work reveals a role of the dithiolopyrrolone moiety in overcoming intrinsic mupirocin resistance in E. coli and provides a starting point for designing dual-acting and high-accumulating hybrid antibiotics.

Role of ZnO/GO nanocomposite in photocatalytic degradation of mixture of organic pollutants and antimicrobial activity

AbstractA number of carcinogenic dyes and microbial infections have negative effects on living being. These also have a detrimental effect on water quality and responsible for major health problems. ZnO/GO nanocomposites (NCs) (10 wt. % GO) is synthesized via one pot ecofriendly route. It is utilized for photocatalytic degradation of aqueous solution of Malachite green (MG), Crystal violet (CV) and first time mixture of pollutants (CV+MG) dyes in 1 : 2 ratio. These synthesized NCs are analyzed by using many techniques such as P‐XRD, FE‐SEM, HR‐TEM, BET and UV‐Vis spectrophotometer. Kinetics and mechanism of photocatalytic degradation is also explored. The photocatalytic degradation followed the order (CV+MG) (1 : 2) binary system &gt; MG &gt; CV dyes. On the other hand, an antibacterial activity is also investigated against Gram positive (+ve) bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) as well as Gram negative (−ve) bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Citrobacter sp. The ZnO/GO NCs followed the antibacterial activity order: E. coli &gt; S. aureus ~ Citrobacter sp. &gt; E. faecalis and the inhibition zones diameters are 20, 15, 15 and 10 mm respectively which is comparable with standard drug Gentamycin.

Trans-Cinnamaldehyde-Fighting Streptococcus mutans Using Nature.

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is the main cariogenic bacterium with acidophilic properties, in part due to its acid-producing and -resistant properties. As a result of this activity, hard tooth structures may demineralize and form caries. Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) is a phytochemical from the cinnamon plant that has established antibacterial properties for Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. This research sought to assess the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of trans-cinnamaldehyde on S. mutans. TC was diluted to a concentration range of 156.25-5000 μg/mL in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 0.03-1%, an organic solvent. Antibacterial activity was monitored by testing the range of TC concentrations on 24 h planktonic growth compared with untreated S. mutans. The subminimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were used to evaluate the bacterial distribution and morphology in the biofilms. Our in vitro data established a TC MBC of 2500 μg/mL against planktonic S. mutans using a microplate spectrophotometer. Furthermore, the DMSO-only controls showed no antibacterial effect against planktonic S. mutans. Next, the sub-MBC doses exhibited antibiofilm action at TC doses of ≥625 μg/mL on hydroxyapatite discs, as demonstrated through biofilm analysis using spinning-disk confocal microscopy (SDCM) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM). Our findings show that TC possesses potent antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against S. mutans. Our data insinuate that the most effective sub-MBC of TC to bestow these activities is 625 μg/mL.

Honey mediated synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles, and evaluation of antimicrobial, antibiofilm activities against multidrug resistant clinical bacterial isolates

The present work aims to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) via a greener approach using honey as a bio-reductant and stabilizing agent. The prepared nanoparticles were analysed by using UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), crystalline nature by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field electron scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), size distribution and zeta potential by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. XRD patterns demonstrate the polycrystalline wurtzite structure for ZnONPs with an average zeta potential value of − 2.61 mV. Spherical and square-shaped nanostructures were affirmed using FE-SEM and TEM micrographs. The DPPH and ABTS assays revealed that ZnONPs possess antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 38 µg/mL and 6.38 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of ZnONPs performed against clinical strains of Gram negative bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Gram positive bacteria Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was assessed along with their antibiofilm activity. The evaluation of the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane with the leakge of cellular components, including nucleic acids and proteins, into the culture medium indicated that honey synthesized ZnONPs could function as potential antimicrobial agents.

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.

Procedure Optimization for Green Synthesis of Magnetic‐Copper Nanoparticles by Aqueous Alcea Medicinal Plant Extract and Their Photocatalytic Properties

AbstractIn this research, the biosynthesis method was used for Fe3O4/CuO core‐shell nanocomposite using by aqueous Alcea medicinal plant extract, which aimed to synthesize antibacterial substances against common resistant bacteria. Antibacterial effects of various samples synthesized in different concentrations were evaluated against gram‐positive and negative bacteria in Mueller Hilton agar culture medium. The photocatalytic properties were carried out in a period of 140 minutes, and the maximum effect of the sample was 76 % in 100 minutes. FTIR, SEM, EDX and XRD tests confirmed the correct to design the experiment. synthesis of the nanocomposite with an average size of 38 nm and a surface charge of 23.1 mV. To obtain the best and most effective conditions for the synthesis of antibacterial nanoparticles, the CCD method was used. The main purpose of this research work is to use a medicinal plant as a reducer in the synthesis of metal composite nanoparticles, which plant itself has healing and antimicrobial properties in traditional medical science.

Assessment of carvacrol-antibiotic combinations' antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activity of carvacrol in combination with approved antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpenoid component of essential oils, has demonstrated antimicrobial properties against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The study evaluated the antimicrobial effects of carvacrol combined with sulfamethoxazole, linezolid, minocycline, and trimethoprim. The MRSA strain (ATCC-33591) was used, and various assays, including MIC determination, checkerboard assay, and microdilution assay were conducted. The results showed that the combination of carvacrol with antibiotics yielded better outcomes compared to monotherapy, leading to reduced bacterial colonization. Carvacrol, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim exhibited weak anti-staphylococcal effects, while linezolid and minocycline demonstrated stronger effects. This suggests that conventional antibiotic therapy may not be sufficient to effectively treat MRSA infections, potentially causing delays in healing or an exacerbation of the condition. Carvacrol combinations with two antibiotics displayed superior results compared to other pairs, indicating synergistic or additive effects of carvacrol with linezolid, minocycline, and sulfamethoxazole. These findings propose a new approach for developing drug molecules for MRSA treatment which combine volatile oils with available regimens. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the efficacy and biosafety of these combinations using in vivo or ex vivo models, aiming to minimize side effects and facilitate human trials. This study provides valuable insights into the potential use of carvacrol-antibiotic combinations as a novel therapeutic approach against MRSA.

Aquasomes nanoformulation for controlled release of drug and improved effectiveness against bacterial infections.

Aim: The study aimed to develop and evaluate an aquasome drug-delivery system for controlled drug delivery of cefprozil monohydrate. Materials & methods: Aquasomes were prepared by the spinal method with a calcium phosphate core, sugar-coated using cellobiose and drug-loaded by adsorption. The formulations were characterized for size, morphology and drug release. An antibacterial study was conducted for Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Results: It showed particle size of 2791.9nm, zeta potential of -0.3mV with good stability, and 99.08% of drug loading and drug release were controlled and prolonged, achieving 56% within 8h and possessing potential for 100% release beyond 12h. Conclusion: An aquasome drug-delivery system was developed for novel controlled drug delivery for pharmaceutical antibiotic therapeutics.

L-histidine doped CDs from Zingiber Montanum using hydrothermal method to enhance its antimicrobial activity and imply for latent fingerprint detection

Carbon dots (CDs) from Zingiber Montanum as a natural resource were prepared and tested as an antimicrobial activity with various types of bacteria. Then nitrogen doped carbon dots (N-CDs) were subject to obtain from the plant extract doped with L-histidine using hydrothermal method, indicating their N-CDs fluorescence intensity increases, and can be visualized more brightness under UV lamp compared with its bare CDs. Besides its antimicrobial purpose, fingerprint image is utmost known as one of the important characteristics of the crime evident, in this study, the N-CDs are then aimed to apply on various non-porous material surfaces for latent fingerprint detection. It was shown that the fine powder of N-CDs mixed with starch give more detailed minutiae compared with that from black commercial powder. The applicable fingerprint tracer using this N-CDs/starch powder shows a bit long time clear results until 90 days, indicating that the new N-CDs developed enhances much more the fingerprint performance than its usual. In addition, to confirm the antimicrobial activity the N-CDs alone were also used for such antimicrobial testing via agarose disk diffusion assay against both gram negative and gram-positive bacteria, resulted satisfactorily that this nanomaterial can be a high potential use for antibacterial activity.

A Series of Biguanide Ligands and Their Cu(II) Complexes: Cholinesterase Inhibitory and Antimicrobial Properties.

In this work, a series of biguanide hydrochloride salts and their Cu(II) complexes were synthesized and screened for their acetyl/butyryl choline esterase inhibitory and antimicrobial properties. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterised by common spectroscopic and analytical methods. Biguanide compounds showed considerably lower inhibitory activity compared to the reference drugs donepezil and galantamine. On the other hand, complexation of the biguanide compounds with Cu(II) resulted in dramatic increase in the inhibitory activity. The Cu(II) complexes showed AChE inhibitory activity with the IC50 values of 21.29±0.95-82.53±0.20 μM and those values are comparable to that of donepezil (IC50 : 18.54±1.03 μM). The synthesised compounds were also screened for their antimicrobial activity towards gram positive (+) and gram negative (-) bacteria. Compounds (12.50 mg/mL) showed important antibacterial properties with inhibition zones of 8-28 mm diameter against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Compounds A03 and A08 exhibited more antimicrobial properties towards E. coli than standard antibiotics amikacin and gentamicin.

Blood stream Infections in chronic hemodialysis patients - characteristics and outcomes

IntroductionBloodstream Infections (BSI) are a major cause of death and hospitalization among hemodialysis (HD) patients. The rates of BSI among HD patients vary and are influenced by local patient and pathogen characteristics. Modifications in local infection prevention protocols in light of active surveillance of BSI has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to further explore factors associated with BSI in a contemporary cohort of HD patients at a public teaching hospital dialysis center in Israel.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of HD patients with a BSI in the years 2014 to 2018. The primary outcome was the occurrence of BSI. Secondary outcomes were to describe the causative pathogens of BSI, and to assess for risk factors for BSI, and mortality.ResultsIncluded were 251 patients. The mean age was 68.5 ± 13.4 years, 66.9% were male. The mean time from initiation of dialysis was 34.76 ± 40.77 months, interquartile range (IQR) 1-47.5 months and the follow up period of the cohort was 25.17 ± 15.9 months. During the observation period, 44 patients (17.5%) developed 54 BSI events, while 10 of them (3.9% of the whole cohort) developed recurrent BSI events. Gram-negative microorganisms caused 46.3% of all BSI events. 31.4% of these BSI were caused by resistant bacteria. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, patients receiving dialysis through a central line had a significantly increased risk for BSI adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 3.907, p = 0.005, whereas patients’ weight was mildly protective (aOR 0.971, p = 0.024).ConclusionsWe noted an increased prevalence of gram-negative pathogens in the etiology of BSI in HD patients. Based on our findings, additional empirical antibiotics addressing gram negative bacteria have been added to our empirical treatment protocol. Our findings highlight the need to follow local epidemiology for implementing appropriate preventative measures and for tailoring appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy.

Microbial and heavy metal contamination in herbal medicine: a prospective study in the central region of Saudi Arabia

IntroductionHerbal medicine is a medical system based on the utilization of plants or plant extracts for therapy. The continual increase in global consumption and the trade of herbal medicine has raised safety concerns in many regions. These concerns are mainly linked to microbial contamination, which could spread infections with multi-resistant bacteria in the community, and heavy metal contamination that may lead to cancers or internal organs’ toxicity.MethodsThis study was performed using an experimental design. A total of 47 samples, herbal medicine products sold in local stores in Qassim region, were used in the experiments. They were tested for bacterial contamination, alongside 32 samples for heavy metal analysis. Bacterial contamination was determined by the streak plate method and further processed to determine their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns using MicroScan WalkAway96 pulse; heavy metals were determined using a spectrometer instrument.ResultsA total of 58 microorganisms were isolated. All samples were found to be contaminated with at least one organism except three samples. The majority of the isolated bacterial species were gram negative bacteria, such as Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp. and E. coli., which could be of fecal origin and may lead to pneumonia, skin, or internal infections. Furthermore, most of the gram-positive bacteria were found to be multi-drug resistant. Moreover, for heavy metals, all samples had levels exceeding the regulatory limits.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the presence of bacteria and heavy metals in samples of herbal medicines. Using these contaminated products may spread resistant infections, metal toxicities, or even cancers in the community.

Selection of Proteolytic Bacteria from Bonoloyo Public Burial Place (PBP), Banjarsari, Surakarta, Central Java

Public Burial Place (PBP) is a cemetery for everyone. In PBP, protein decomposition occurs actively because the human body is made up of 16.4% protein, so it is most likely that proteolytic bacteria can be found. Previous research has isolated as many as 45 isolates from PBP Bonoloyo, Surakarta, but has not selected their proteolytic capabilities. The aim of the study was to isolate proteolytic bacteria from the Bonoloyo Public Cemetery and identify them. The bacterial isolate of PBP Bonoloyo is a collection from the FKIP Biological Laboratory of Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta that selected its proteolytic capabilities using the milk agar scheme (SMA). The parameters measured are the diameter of the colony and the lymphatic zone formed to obtain the value of the proteolytic index (IP). For bacterial isolates showing a positive proteolytic activity, simple identification is carried out through the observation of colonial morphology and Gramme colouring. The results of the study showed that as many as 28 isolates (62.2%) were positive for proteolytic activity, with IP values &gt;2 for B1 and B3. Bacterial proteolytic isolates are dominantly white to yellow with irregular, filamentary, spindle, and circular colonial forms. The results of Gramme colouring show that bacterial isolates that have proteolytic abilities are a group of Gramme negative bacteria that are basil shaped. The bacterial isolate that shows the highest IP value is the B1 isolate, which is suspected to be of the genus Bacillus. This research obtained data showing that in the public cemetery (PBP), Bonoloyo stores potential as a proteolytic bacterial habitat for a group of Gramme negative bacteria.