Nosocomial Bacteria Research Articles

Effect of Gentamicin Collagen Sponge on Wound Healing: In Vivo Study and Assessment of Its Effectiveness against Nosocomial Bacteria

Background: Gentamicin collagen sponge (Genta-Coll) reportedly has a hemostatic effect and promotes wound healing. However, it may also interfere with wound healing by causing foreign body reactions. We planned to analyze the effect of Genta-Coll on wound healing by inducing muscle defects in the rectus abdominis muscle of rats. We also assessed the effectiveness of Genta-Coll in preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) using the zone of inhibition tests to determine the sensitivity of pathogenic bacteria.Methods: We created an 8×8-mm muscle defect in both recti abdominis of 15 white Sprague-Dawley rats and distributed them into the control group (no care) and group A (Genta-Coll). Three biopsies were performed for histologic analysis (on days 3, 7, and 27). In the second study, we placed Genta-Coll on Mueller–Hinton agar plates seeded with pathogenic microorganisms commonly responsible for SSIs. The zone of inhibition was measured after 24 and 48 hours of incubation.Results: Group A showed a slightly higher score for foreign body giant cells and inflammation, with no significant difference. Granulation and neovascularization were constantly high in group A, and muscle regeneration was also high in group A. Extracellular matrix formation advanced at a similar pace in both groups. Genta-Coll created a zone of inhibition against all microorganisms except for Candida albicans. The effect lasted without change between 24 and 48 hours.Conclusion: While foreign body reactions and inflammation increased in group A, wound healing was unaffected. Genta-Coll can promote faster wound healing with an anti-bactericidal effect against SSI pathogens.

Engineering Phage Tail Fiber Protein as a Wide-Spectrum Probe for Acinetobacter baumannii Strains with a Recognition Rate of 100.

As a multidrug-resistant pathogen, Acinetobacter baumannii has long been identified as one of the most common nosocomial bacteria. High-performance recognition probes for wide-spectrum detection of A. baumannii are highly desired to achieve efficient diagnosis and timely treatment of infectious diseases induced by this pathogen. An engineering tail fiber protein (ETFP) named as Gp50 encoded by lytic phage Abp9 was expressed in Escherichia coli and identified as a binding protein for A. baumannii. According to the results of genome sequencing of an A. baumannii wild strain and phage-resistant strains, the binding receptor of ETFP Gp50 is inferred to be a lipopolysaccharide distributed on the bacterial surface. The engineering protein did not show lytic activity to A. baumannii, which facilitates the development of reliable diagnosis kits and biosensors with high flexibility and low false-negative rate. The results of specificity study show that ETFP Gp50 is a species-specific binding protein with a recognition rate of 100% for all tested 77 A. baumannii strains, while that of the natural phage Abp9 is only 27.3%. With the engineering protein, a fluorescence method was developed to detect A. baumannii with a detection range of 2.0 × 102 to 2.0 × 108 cfu mL-1. The method has been used for the quantification of A. baumannii in a diverse sample matrix with acceptable reliability. The work demonstrates the application potential of ETFP Gp50 as an ideal recognition probe for rapid screening of A. baumannii strains in a complicated sample matrix.

Nosocomial Infections Associated with Caesarean Section

Nosocomial infections, also called health-care-associated or hospital-acquired infections, are a subset of infectious diseases acquired in a health-care facility. Historically, Staphylococci, Pseudomonas, and Escherichia coli have been the common known as nosocomial infection bacteria. Moreover, nosocomial pneumonia, surgical wound infections, and vascular access-related bacteremia have caused the most illness and death in hospitalized patients; and intensive care units have been the epicenters of antibiotic resistance . Acquired antimicrobial resistance is the major problem, and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is the pathogen of greatest concern. The shift to outpatient care is leaving the most vulnerable patients in hospitals. Aging of our population and increasingly aggressive medical and surgical interventions, including implanted foreign bodies, organ transplantations, and xenotransplantation, create a cohort of particularly susceptible persons. Moreover, renovation of aging hospitals increases risk of airborne fungal and other infections . To prevent and control these emerging nosocomial infections, we need to increase national surveillance, "risk adjust" infection rates so that inter hospital comparisons are valid, develop more noninvasive infection-resistant devices, and work with health-care workers on better implementation of existing control measures such as hand washing . In this review we aimed to review the previous projects which study incidence of hospital infection among delivery women with caesarean section in hospitals. Also, to discuss about the nosocomial infections and its types. We will also review the most common way a nosocomial infection is acquired, and the most common cause of nosocomial infection. In order to the modes of transmission of infection. In addition to a way to prevent nosocomial infections in hospitals. KEYWORDS: nosocomial infections, caesarean section

Nosocomial Infections Associated with Caesarean Section

Nosocomial infections, also called health-care-associated or hospital-acquired infections, are a subset of infectious diseases acquired in a health-care facility. Historically, Staphylococci, Pseudomonas, and Escherichia coli have been the common known as nosocomial infection bacteria. Moreover, nosocomial pneumonia, surgical wound infections, and vascular access-related bacteremia have caused the most illness and death in hospitalized patients; and intensive care units have been the epicenters of antibiotic resistance.
 Acquired antimicrobial resistance is the major problem, and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is the pathogen of greatest concern. The shift to outpatient care is leaving the most vulnerable patients in hospitals. Aging of our population and increasingly aggressive medical and surgical interventions, including implanted foreign bodies, organ transplantations, and xenotransplantation, create a cohort of particularly susceptible persons. Moreover, renovation of aging hospitals increases risk of airborne fungal and other infections.
 To prevent and control these emerging nosocomial infections, we need to increase national surveillance, "risk adjust" infection rates so that inter hospital comparisons are valid, develop more noninvasive infection-resistant devices, and work with health-care workers on better implementation of existing control measures such as hand washing.
 In this review we aimed to review the previous projects which study incidence of hospital infection among delivery women with caesarean section in hospitals. Also, to discuss about the nosocomial infections and its types. We will also review the most common way a nosocomial infection is acquired, and the most common cause of nosocomial infection. In order to the modes of transmission of infection. In addition to a way to prevent nosocomial infections in hospitals.

Radiological equipment and accessories as sources of nosocomial infection

Background: Nosocomial infections have become a major challenge in health institutions, as they affect the quality of health care delivered. The radiology department is one of the mainstays of modern medicine. It is therefore, necessary to assess its contamination by nosocomial organisms.Aim: The study aims at identifying the nosocomial bacteria associated with imaging equipment and accessories in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.Methods: The study design was prospective and cross-sectional in nature, and was conducted between Oct 2014 to Jan 2015 using disproportionate stratified random sampling method. Four different conventional x-ray units, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, angiography and ultrasound units were selected. Swabs were collected from the surfaces of the selected parts of the equipment and accessories after working hours in each unit. The swabs were taken to the microbiology laboratory for culturing and identification using standard laboratory procedure. A total of 200 cultured samples were used in the study. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 software.Results: Bacteria were isolated in 43.5 % (n = 87) of all the swab samples with ultrasound transducer as major culture. Specific bacteria isolated were: Staphylococcus aureus (n = 65; 74.7 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 14; 16.1 %), Bacillus spp (n = 6; 6.9 %), Klebsiella spp (n = 1; 1.1 %) and Proteus spp (n = 1; 1.1 %). Methylated spirit was the most effective chemical disinfectant. Conclusion: Radiology equipment and accessories in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital are not entirely free of bacteria. Meticulous attention to disinfection will safeguard staff and other patients from nosocomial infections.

Role of X-ray equipment and ultrasound machines as possible vectors of nosocomial bacteria in the community

The not infrequent area for nosocomial bacterial (NB) contamination became the surface of radiology Department (RD) gadgets. The aim of the current study was to identify NB inside the RD devices as vectors. Affecting the inpatients fitness and public health. Questionnaire trial was used, after each sample collection for NB isolation and identity. approximately 93 % of RD technicians were participated, 87% worked with inpatients, 63% used sterile plastic sheet, 87% changed plastic sheet between inpatient, 60% modified each day, and 93% sterilized the devices after inpatient. The sterilization each day changed into 90%, NB infection had inpatients transmitted (44%), transferred to technicians (38%), moreover 80% of technicians were expected the NB infection from RD gadgets. The NB isolated from x-ray system cassette were 73%, couch (60%), and chest stand 50%, (25, 30 and 27%) for (key board, lead apron and tube head cope with). The NB isolated from ultrasound machines were; 30% probe, both 24% probe holder, for (gel and key board) as (15 and 14%). The x-ray system as 41.83% became higher than the ultrasound machines 19.75% isolated NB have been Staphylococcous epidermidis 22%, Staphylococcous aureus 19%, Bacillus spp. 19%; Escherichia coli 12%. in conclusion, the NB detected in RD gadgets may serve as vectors that affect the inpatient and public health. It is highly recommended the “Hospitals Hygiene strategy; simply, use the recent anti NB gel. gadgets modernization and regularity sterilization; ought to refresh guides “fitness schooling” and “Hospitals Hygiene strategy“.

Synthesis of Cu(OH)2 nanowires modified by Fe3O4@SiO2 nanocomposite via green and innovative method with antibacterial activity and investigation of magnetic behaviours.

In this study, green synthesis of modified Cu(OH)2 nanowires by Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell nanospheres was easily performed via chemical reduction. In other words, the direct coating of Cu(OH)2 on Fe3O4@SiO2 was successfully realized without the extra complicated procedures. Various concentrations of synthesized nanocomposites were tested on pathogenic and nosocomial bacteria. In this study, the structural information and characterization of Fe3O4@SiO2/Cu(OH)2 nanowires (FSCNWs) were obtained using FE-SEM, FT-IR, EDX and X-ray diffraction. This nanocomposite can effectively kill important infectious bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Studies have shown that FSCNW nanocomposites affect common antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This result confirms the function of FSCNW as an effective, beneficial and environmentally friendly antibacterial agent that can used in a wide range of applications in medicine. FSCNWs can be separated conveniently from bacteria-containing solutions using a magnet. Compared with nanocomposites based on other metals such as silver and gold, the use of FSCNWs in water treatment has been recommended because of the precursor of copper for its low price and less toxicity. In addition to its special properties such as mild reaction conditions, green synthesis methods, admissible magnetic properties, easy separation, high antibacterial activity and beneficial efficiency.

Infectious complications in acute graft‐versus‐host disease after liver transplantation

Graft-versus-hostdisease (GVHD) following liver transplantation (LT) is rare but can lead tosignificant mortality. The leading cause of death following GVHD diagnosis isinfectious complications. However, there is a lack of clear descriptions concerning infection and antimicrobial management patterns. Our study aims toprovide the focused details of all infectious complications of acute GVHDfollowing LT. We retrospectively reviewed all adult LT recipients with acute GVHD at Mayo Clinic's Transplant Centers from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2021. Detailed characteristics of infection in each case were described. Among 4,585 LTs performed during this period, 12 (0.3%) patients developed acuteGVHD. The median time from transplantation to GVHD diagnosis was 49.0 days [IQR 31.5-99.0]. Ten (83.3%) patients developed severe infections leading tomortality. The most common cause of infection was nosocomial bacteremia fromenteric bacteria such as vancomycin-resistant enterococci and gram-negative bacilli. Other infections included breakthrough invasive fungal infections,cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation, and Clostridioides difficile colitis. Antimicrobial prophylaxis strategies in most cases were based on the degree of neutropenia-these include levofloxacin for bacterial prophylaxis, nebulized pentamidine for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia prophylaxis, posaconazole for invasive fungal prophylaxis, and valganciclovir based on CMVstatus. All GVHD patients with severe infections succumbed to thesecomplications. Ourstudy reiterates that despite prophylaxis, infectious complications in GVHDfollowing LT are common and lead to exceptionally high mortality. Individualizedantimicrobial treatment, prophylaxis and monitoring strategies remain a criticalcomponent of GVHD management. Further study to optimize these practices isrequired.

Detection of the aadA1 and aac (3)-1V resistance genes in Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a gram-negative aerobic bacterium that can be found in different environments, such as food, containing vegetables, meat, and fish; moreover, it can be present in soil and freshwater. A. baumannii has globally considered an opportunistic nosocomial bacterium in the healthcare setting contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. The current study aimed to detect the aminoglycoside genes in A. baumannii isolated from different clinical causes. In total, 20 isolates of A. baumannii were obtained from different clinical cases. Bacterial isolate DNA was extracted using a DNA extraction kit. Quantus Fluorometer was used to detect the concentration of the extracted DNA in order to detect the goodness of samples. 1 μl of DNA and 199 μl of diluted QuantiFlour Dye were mixed. After 5 min incubation at room temperature, DNA concentration values were evaluated, and following the initial amplification of the A. baumannii aadA1 gene, 20 μl of PCR product with F and R primers were sent to Sanger sequencing. The results of the antimicrobial susceptibility revealed that A. baumannii isolates were resistant to Gentamicin (95%), Amikacin (90%), and Tobramycin (60%). Molecular investigation of the aadA1 and aac (3)-IV genes exhibited that the aadA1 gene was detected in 15% of the isolates. However, the aac (3)-IV gene was not detected in any of the isolates. The gel electrophoresis revealed that the molecular weight of the aadA1 gene was 490bp. The DNA sequence of the aadA1 gene was conducted in this study, and the results exhibited no mutations in all isolates.

5NosoAE: a web server for nosocomial bacterial antibiogram investigation and epidemiology survey.

5NosoAE is a webserver that can be used for nosocomial bacterial analysis including the identification of similar strains based on antimicrobial resistance profiles (antibiogram) and the spatiotemporal distribution visualization and phylogenetic analysis of identified strains with similar antibiograms. The extensive use of antibiotics has caused many pathogenic bacteria to develop multiple drug resistance, resulting in clinical infection treatment challenges and posing a major threat to global public health. Relevant studies have investigated the key determinants of antimicrobial resistance in the whole-genome sequence of bacteria. However, a web server is currently not available for performing large-scale strain searches according to antimicrobial resistance profiles and visualizing epidemiological information including the spatiotemporal distribution, antibiogram heatmap, and phylogeny of identified strains. Here, we implemented these functions in the new server, referred to as 5NosoAE. This server accepts the genome sequence file in the FASTA format of five nosocomial bacteria, namely Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecium and Staphylococcus aureus for query. All visualizations are implemented in JavaScript and PHP. This server will be useful for physicians and epidemiologists involved in research on infectious disease. The 5NosoAE platform is available at https://nosoae.imst.nsysu.edu.tw.

Role of fluid status markers as risk factors for suboptimal vancomycin concentration during continuous infusion in neonates: an observational study.

Vancomycin C24h was underdosed in 60% of patients and factors linked to changes in vancomycin pharmacokinetic such as volume of distribution and clearance, linked to creatinine level, inflammation, or weight gain, were identified. •Adjustment of vancomycin regimen remains difficult due to inter- and intra-individual variability of vancomycin pharmacokinetics. • Impact of fluid status on vancomycin concentration in critically ill neonates is incompletely studied. •Proportion of patients with adequate vancomycin concentration using a target adapted to nosocomial gram-positive bacteria MIC is low. • We confirmed the role of creatinine level and report two new factors associated with low vancomycin concentration: presence of systemic inflammation and weight gain.

Gram-Negative Rods on Inanimate Surfaces of Selected Hospital Facilities and Their Nosocomial Significance.

Inanimate surfaces are often referred to as nosocomial bacterial reservoirs and represent an important vector in the process of spreading pathogens to patients. Most gram-negative rods can survive on inanimate surfaces for several months. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and resistance of gram-negative bacteria isolated from the inanimate surfaces of two selected hospital departments. MALDI-TOF identified gram-negative rods isolated from inanimate surfaces. Antibiotic resistance was determined using a disk diffusion method, and the phenotype of resistance was determined using an inhibitory analyzer. From the inanimate surfaces, 98 strains of gram-negative nosocomial bacteria were identified by the MALDI-TOF MS. The most frequently isolated bacterium occurring in both departments was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 33), followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 20) and Enterobacter cloacae (n = 14). The most common phenotypic type of resistance in both departments was ampicillin resistance—AmpC (n = 38), then production of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) (n = 33), followed by SHV-1 (n = 11), TEM-1 (n = 11), and fluoroquinolone resistance—Qnr (n = 22). The nosocomial important enzymes capable of hydrolyzing carbapenems, OXA-48 and metallo-β-lactamases, were confirmed in 12 and 2 cases, respectively. The results of our study prove that inanimate surfaces in hospitals are a reservoir of resistant gram-negative bacteria, which directly threaten hospitalized patients.

Genetic Cassettes Profiling of Class I Integron and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles Among Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates Collected from Patients in North of Iran

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic nosocomial bacterium, especially in infection wards and among patients with burns. The present study addressed the molecular investigation of the gene cassettes of Class I integrin (intI) and its relationship with multiple drug resistance in clinical samples of P. aeruginosa isolated from Babol hospitals in north of Iran. Objectives: This study aimed to detect the frequency of intI and gene cassettes in the clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. Methods: In this study, from 75 clinical samples, 30 strains were identified using specific biochemical methods. After determining antibiotic susceptibility using disk diffusion and agar dilution, the frequency of the intI gene and its gene cassettes were determined using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results: The highest resistance rate was observed for cefotaxime, ampicillin, and nitrofurantoin using disk diffusion and agar dilution methods. The molecular analyses revealed that 60% of the isolates had the intI genes. The frequency of the aadB, dfrA1, and bla-OXA30 genes were 61, 66, and 33%, respectively. Conclusions: The high resistance of Pseudomonas isolates is due to the presence of intI and its gene cassettes. Considering their high resistance to cefotaxime, gentamicin, ampicillin, and imipenem in hospitals, selecting appropriate drugs or generally changing the treatment course for patients is possible to prevent the spread of resistance inducing genes and the development of nosocomial infections.

Optimizing the Bacteriostatic and Cytocompatibility Properties of Poly(hexamethylene guanidine) Hydrochloride (PHMG) via the Guanidine/Alkane Ratio.

The emergence of "superbugs" is not only problematic and potentially lethal for infected subjects but also poses serious challenges for the healthcare system. Although existing antibacterial agents have been effective in some cases, the side effects and biocompatibility generally present difficulties. The development of new antibacterial agents is therefore urgently required. In this work, we have adapted a strategy for the improvement of poly(hexamethylene guanidine) hydrochloride (PHMG), a common antibacterial agent. This involves copolymerization of separate monomer units in varying ratios to find the optimum ratio of the hydrocarbon to guanidine units for antibacterial activity. A series of these copolymers, designated as PGB, was synthesized. By varying the guanidine/hydrophobic ratio and the copolymer molecular weight, a structure-optimized PGB was identified that showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and excellent biocompatibility in solution. In an antibacterial assay, the copolymer with the optimum composition (hydrophobic unit content 25%) inhibited >99% Staphylococcus aureus and was compatible with mammalian cells. A polyurethane emulsion containing this PGB component formed transparent, flexible films (PGB-PU films) on a wide range of substrate surfaces, including soft polymers and metals. The PGB-PU films showed excellent bacteriostatic efficiency against nosocomial drug-resistant bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). It is concluded that our PGB polymers can be used as bacteriostatic agents generally and in particular for the design of antibacterial surfaces in medical devices.

Evaluation of nosocomial bacteria in Babylon province, Iraq

This study was conducted to evaluate the occurrence of microbial contamination in the environment of some hospitals and to identify its source in Babil Governorate, during the period between 24/10/2021 to 16/12/2021, (133) samples were collected from different models of samples in Al-Hilla Surgical Hospital, maternity and Children Hospital, Al-Musayyib general Hospital, Marjan Teaching Hospital and Imam Al-Sadiq Hospital. The results of the study was showed the emergence of positive and negative bacteria in the hospital environment from a total of 186 isolates, where the numbers of negative bacteria were higher than positive bacteria (130, 56 isolates, respectively). Also results was revealed the widespread of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria in emergency wards, especially in Hilla Teaching Hospital, Marjan Hospital, and Musayyib general Hospital, compared to other corridors, which amounted to (21, 9, 15 isolates), respectively.

Antibacterial effect of fresh and liquid PRP on three nosocomial bacteria including Methicilline Resistant Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (MRCONS) ,E.coli (ESBL) and pseudomonas aeroginosa (ATCC 27853)

Antibacterial effect of fresh and liquid PRP on three nosocomial bacteria including Methicilline Resistant Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (MRCONS) ,E.coli (ESBL) and pseudomonas aeroginosa (ATCC 27853)

Metal-Organic Framework (MOFs) tethered to cotton fibers display antimicrobial activity against relevant nosocomial bacteria

Despite antibiotic treatments, bacteria remain outstanding etiological agents of hospital-acquired infections. This work assessed the antimicrobial activity of copper, zinc, and aluminum Metal-Organic framework (MOFs) immobilized onto cotton fibers against nosocomial bacteria. The MOF systems were synthesized over cotton carboxymethylated fibers (CMCs) through a friendly environmental insitu method. SEM and XRD analyses showed that MOFs uniformly anchored on cotton fibers were resistant to sterilization by autoclaving processes.On the other hand, using the ASTM E2149-13a method, it was observed that all the MOF systems exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC25922TM, Staphylococcus aureus ATCCR6538TM and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCCR13882TM. In general, Gram-negative bacteria were the most susceptible to the cellulose-MOF systems; in fact, the cotton-Cu-MOF (MOF-199) displayed antimicrobial activity greater than 99% against Gram-negative bacteria in less than 5 min. On the other hand, the cotton-Zn-MOFs (MOF-74 and MOF-5) systems inhibited the growth of E. coli and K. pneumonia, displaying a bacterial growth inhibition range between 80% and 99.9%. In addition, the cotton-Al-MOF (MIL-53) exhibited a greater spectrum of antibacterial activity, indeed inhibited the growth of S. aureus (Gram-positive), K. pneumoniae, and E. coli (Gram-negative) at 50.2%, 53.6%, and 93.4%, respectively. Noteworthy, the antibacterial activity of Al+3 based MOFs has not been reported previously. All these results expand the potential of cellulose-MOF systems as attractive materials in the production of antibacterial fabrics, especially for hospital environments.

Major Genetic Determinants of Extended-Spectrum Β-Lactamase (ESBL), Carbapenemase, Fosfomycin and Colistin Resistance in Escherichia Coli from Intensive Care Units

Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains placed in predominant nosocomial bacteria in intensive care units (ICUs), resulting in severe drug-resistant infections. Non-susceptibility to β-lactams and last-line drugs such as Fosfomycin and Colistin cause limited availability of infections eradication. The objective of this study included the determination of genes encoding extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), Carbapenemase, Colistin, and Fosfomycin resistance in clinical isolates of E. coli in ICUs. A total of 200 E. coli isolates were identified from ICU settings. The CTXM-1, SHV, IMP and OXA-48 genes were detected for β-lactamases using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The fosA3 and mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes were also detected for resistance against Fosfomycin and Colistin. The CTX-M1, SHV, IMP and OXA-48 genes were detected in 60 (30%), 56 (28%), 28 (14%) and 4 (8%) of isolates. none of the E. coli isolates had the mcr-2 and fosA3 genes. Despite the existence of resistance genes to the third-generation antibiotics and Carbapenemase s, any isolates had genes for resistance to Fosfomycin and Colistin. More studies are needed to follow the resistance genes against last-resort antibiotics.

ARE THE DISINFECTANTS USED IN HOSPITALS ALSO EFFECTIVE ON BACTERIA THAT CAUSE NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS?: A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL INVESTIGATION

Objective: Determining the disinfectant activity regularly will result in proper disinfection. In our study, it was aimed to determine the efficacy, effective concentrations and durations of some disinfectants used in Trakya University Hospital against nosocomial bacteria isolated from the same center. Material and Method: MRSA, VRE, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii isolates and 10 different disinfectants supplied from the same center were included in the study. Susceptibility tests and Qualitative Suspension Test were applied through the guidelines of CLSI M100-S25 and TS/EN/1040:2005 (formerly TS/EN/1040:1999), respectively. Qualitative Suspension Test was modified by using D/E Neutralizing Broth instead of adding a neutralizing agent. Result and Discussion: As a result, it was determined that all isolates were susceptible in the application conditions. However, peracetic acid, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, non-ionic active agent and sodium hypochlorite containing disinfectants being used in the hospital were not effective against some strains isolated from the hospital. Even the resistance of a single isolate to the application conditions of a disinfectant may lead to selection and proliferation of the strains and this may cause hospital infections. Our results might provide a reference to indicate the importance of selecting appropriate disinfectants and appropriate conditions for cleaning and disinfection in hospitals.

Thymus zygis Essential Oil: Phytochemical Characterization, Bioactivity Evaluation and Synergistic Effect with Antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus is a nosocomial bacterium causing different infectious diseases, ranging from skin and soft-tissue infections to more serious and life-threatening infections such as sepsis, meningitis and endocarditis, which may be exacerbated by antibiotic resistance. Plant products may be seen as an alternative as antibacterial agents, namely, against S. aureus. Thus, the aim of this work was to characterize the chemical composition and evaluate the bioactive properties of the T. zygis essential oil (EO), with a focus on antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was used to assess the chemical composition of the T. zygis EO, and the antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH method and β-carotene-bleaching assay. The antimicrobial activity against S. aureus strains, the interaction with different antibiotics and the attenuation of this bacterium’s virulence were evaluated. The T. zygis EO showed antioxidant activity acting through two different mechanisms and antibacterial activity against S. aureus, with antibiofilm and antihaemolytic properties. This EO also demonstrated synergistic or additive interactions in combination with ampicillin, ciprofloxacin or vancomycin against S. aureus strains and, in some cases, changed the antibiotic-resistance phenotype from resistant to susceptible. Therefore, the present work demonstrates the good bioactive properties of the EO of T. zygis, mainly the antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, revealing its potential to be used as an antibacterial agent.