Pathogenic Bacterial Isolates Research Articles

Isolation, Identification and Antibiotic Resistance of Different Clinical Isolates in Savar Area, Bangladesh

Introduction: The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms, which pose a grave threat, has made choosing antibiotics to treat bacterial infections incredibly challenging. The prescription antibiotics have to consistently be effective against the identified related infections. Thus the research team wanted to find the antibiotic sensitivity profiles and pathogenic bacterial isolates in various patient specimens. Methods: The collection of 403 clinical samples of throat swabs, sputum, blood, stool, and urine from people of both genders and various ages was performed aseptically. Identification was carried out by microscopic, cultural, biochemical, and serological analysis. Finally, the disk diffusion method by Kirby-Bauer was employed to determine antibiotic responsiveness profiling. Results: A total of 93 samples (23.08%) were identified as positive isolates comprising 28.74% (25/87) of urine culture, followed by 24.32% (27/111) of blood, 23.08% (15/65) of stool, 20% (07/35) of throat swabs, and 18.1% (19/105) of sputum culture. Gram-negative bacteria 81(87.1%) showed more prevalence than Gram-positive bacteria 12 (12.90%). The most frequently identified isolates were Klebsiella spp. (24%), Salmonella spp. (23%), E. coli (17%), Pseudomonas spp. (5%), and Enterococcus spp. (3%). The infections showed more prevalence within the age group of 16-46 years (60.2%) and among males (48%) than females (46%). Conclusions: It was found that E. coli was the most abundant bacteria isolated from urine, Klebsiella spp. was the most abundant bacteria isolated from sputum and throat swabs, and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli was the most abundant bacteria isolated from stool. Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin, Imipenem, and Levofloxacin were considerably effective antibiotics, whereas Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime, Cefuroxime, Mecillinam, and Meropenem were least effective.

In vitro and in silico properties of Rhododendron arboreum against pathogenic bacterial isolates

The tree Rhododendron arboreum belongs to the Ericaceae family, which harbours the entire Himalayan range. In this study, flowers and leaves of R. arboreum were selected from the Mussoorie area in the district of Dehradun (Uttarakhand). Plant extracts were obtained by using hexane, distilled water, acetone, 80% methanol and ethyl acetate solvents in an orbital shaker. The activity of the extracts against Bacillus cereus, Shigella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli was investigated using an agar well diffusion procedure, and the synergistic interaction of the extracts with conventional antibiotics, including norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin, was examined. Phytochemicals of R. arboreum were obtained from PubChem, and a target protein was rebuilt using the RCSB protein data bank. The docking approach was carried out via AutoDock vina software with penicillin binding protein (3VSL) to validate the microbe interactions and bioactive molecules, whereas Molinspiration and Swiss ADME servers were used to determine the Lipinski rule of 5 and perform drug-likeness analysis, respectively. Protox II and AdmetSAR tools were used to screen phytoconstituent toxicity. Flower and leaf extracts exhibited the highest yields (3.06 ± 0.9% and 2.53 ± 1.01%, respectively) in methanol. Phenolics, alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, steroids, amino acids, cardiac glycosides, tannin, protein, and saponin were qualitatively found. Synergistic activity against B. cereus and E. coli was observed for aqueous leaf extracts, while methanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of flowers and leaves exhibited synergism against Shigella and S. aureus. Ethyl acetate extracts of flowers and leaves are the best synergistic enhancer. According to in silico data obtained from an in silico study, the best phytocompounds and prospective antibacterial agents are epifriedelanol and campanulin.

Laboratory indices of hospitalized sickle cell disease patients, prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of pathogenic bacterial isolates at MRCG ward in the Gambia

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of invasive bacterial infections and their antimicrobial resistance patterns in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients admitted at the Medical Research Council the Gambia (MRCG) Ward in the era of PCV and Hib vaccination in the Gambia.Methods and ResultsThis study was conducted in the clinical laboratory department of MRCG. We retrospectively generated haematological, and blood culture data from our electronic medical records from 2015 to 2022 of SCD patients admitted to MRCG Ward. Of 380 SCD patients, blood culture was requested only for 159. Of the 159 admitted SCD, 11 patients had qualified positive blood cultures. Five different types of bacterial pathogens were isolated from these positive blood cultures: 4 Staphylococcus aureus, 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae, 2 Salmonella species, 1 Enterococcus species, and 1 Shigella boydii. No episode of bacteremia caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b was identified. The molecular serotyping of the Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates revealed non-vaccine serotypes 10 A, 12 F and 12 F. Penicillin resistance was recorded in two of the three Streptococcus pneumoniae. The Staphylococcus aureus isolates were penicillin resistant but cefoxitin sensitive, hence no methicillin (oxacillin) resistant Staphylococcus aureus was reported. Generally, the isolated pathogens were all sensitive to chloramphenicol, and vancomycin. The haematological indices were not significantly varied between SCD patients with and without microbiologically confirmed bacterial infection.ConclusionStreptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common cause of bacteremia in these admitted SCD patients. The presence of non-typhoidal Salmonella and Shigella infection coupled with penicillin resistance should be considered during penicillin prophylaxis and empirical treatment regimens for SCD patients and future SCD management policies in the Gambia. The haematological parameters may not be reliable biomarkers in differentiating bacterial from non-bacterial infections in SCD patients.

Antibacterial Activity of Silver nanoparticles Against Pathogenic Bacterial Isolates from Diabetic Foot Patients

Diabetic foot is a catastrophic complication of diabetes. This study included isolation and identification of three types of bacteria that cause diabetic foot ulcers, fifty-five isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, thirty-five isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii, and thirty isolates of Serratia marcescens. These isolates were obtained from diabetic foot patients at different private clinics in and around Baghdad and Medical City Hospital. The proportion of male patients was greater than females, and it was noted that the age group (51-68 years) was more ages affected by diabetic foot. These isolates showed high resistance to most of the antibiotics used, Staphylococcus aureus was resistant to Penicillin, Tetracycline, and Ciprofloxacin in the percentage of 100 %, 65 %, and 26 %, respectively. Acinetobacter baumannii, showed high resistance to Penicillin, at a percentage of 80%, and Ciprofloxacin at 60%. Serratia marcescens was resistant to most antibiotics that were used in this study, Tetracycline, Penicillin, Cefotaxime, and Amoxicillin in the percent of (100, 95, 91, 88,70, and 64) %, respectively. The chemical reduction method was used in this study to synthesize silver nanoparticles. The characterization of silver nanoparticles was done by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope, and transmission electron microscope, which showed particle sizes of 24.56 to 66.2 nm, which proved that silver nanoparticles had nano size and spherical shape. The result of antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria showed the highest effect of silver nitrate than other bacteria tested in this study, the diameter of the inhibition zone reached 15.66mm. Likewise for silver nanoparticles where the diameter of the inhibition zone of highest effect reached 29.33mm for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The test of silver nanoparticles' ability to inhibit bacterial growth produced the greatest results for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which were inhibited after 60 minutes. Based on these research findings, silver nanoparticles have demonstrated their efficacy in this study against isolated bacteria from diabetic feet.

Isolation of Bacterial Pathogens Associated with Commercially Available Spices in Mangaluru City, India

Spices are important sources of natural flavouring, colouring and antimicrobial agents in food and medicine. In India, spices are widely produced, consumed and exported across the world. Like many other agricultural commodities, spices are exposed to a wide range of bacterial contamination during their harvesting, processing and transportation causing foodborne illnesses. Spices in their desiccated form offer an environment conducive to the survival of many pathogenic bacteria which becomes challenging for spice manufacturers to control or mitigate any bacterial contamination. The present study aimed at the isolation, phenotypic and genotypic identification of bacterial pathogens namely Salmonella spp., Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli associated with spices collected in and around Mangaluru, Karnataka. Isolation of bacterial pathogens was performed using a modified standard FDA BAM methodology. A total of 140 spice samples inclusive of pepper, clove, cumin, red chillies, turmeric, coriander, clove and fennel in whole and powdered form were screened for pathogens. No targeted bacterial pathogens were present in the samples collected. It can be inferred that good agricultural, manufacturing and hygienic practices were maintained in the commercial supply of spices. The absence of bacteria could also be attributed to the inherent antimicrobial properties of spices.

Intramammary Infusion of Micronised Purified Flavonoid Fraction (MPFF) in Mastitis-Diagnosed Dairy Cows Naturally Infected by Staphylococcus spp. in the Late Lactation.

Infectious mastitis is the most prevalent health problem in dairy cattle that can result in permanent economic losses on dairy farms. The micronised purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) is a biocompatible active polyphenolic compound derived from flavonoid glycosides which exhibits several antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and phlebotonic properties. The goal was to assess the effects of an alternative therapy for mastitis based on MPFF intramammary infusions in late lactation in dairy cows naturally infected by Staphylococcus spp. The California Mastitis Test (CMT scores) was performed to detect mastitis-positive quarters in twelve dairy farms. All cows were screened for immune response by measuring somatic cell counts (SCCs; cells/mL) in milk samples from each quarter. In addition, bacteriological identification, pathogenic bacterial isolates, and total bacterial counts (TBCs; CFU/mL) were assessed before (day 0, last milking day) and after (day 3 post-calving) MPFF application. Antimicrobial sensitivity patterns of the pathogenic isolated bacteria were evaluated. Finally, cure rates (%) were determined for each MPFF treatment. Around 15 mastitis-related genera were isolated. Staphylococcus aureus (25.2%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS; 22.4%) were the most prevalent pathogens. No statistical differences were observed in SCCs and TBCs after low, medium, and high MPFF dose administration in S. aureus-positive mastitis cases (p > 0.05). However, differences were observed in SCCs and TBCs after medium and high MPFF dose administration in CNS-positive quarters (p < 0.05). The pathogenic bacteria isolate reduction after MPFF applications showed a dose-response fashion (p < 0.01) while isolates obtained from controls and low MPFF-treated quarters remained similar, irrespective of the pathogen (p > 0.05). Sensitivity patterns were variable, although S. aureus remained resistant, irrespective of the MPFF dose. However, CNS showed a dose-response sensitivity pattern. Finally, the cure rate (%) on day 3 post-partum improved significantly using medium and higher MPFF doses in CNS-positive quarters (p < 0.05). In conclusion, MPFF treatment was found to be more effective for CNS-positive cases in the late lactation due to noticeable dose-specific responses regarding somatic cells, bacterial counts, sensitivity patterns, and cure rates in dairy cattle.

Antimicrobial activities of methanol leaf extract of herbal plants against selected pathogenic bacterial isolates

Antimicrobial activities of methanol leaf extract of herbal plants against selected pathogenic bacterial isolates

Determination the Optimum Conditions for Antibiotics Production from Streptomyces albus that Locally Isolated

A total of 31 different Streptomyces isolates were recovered from 25 samples of soil collected from different sites in Tikrit University gardens. There were 14 isolates showed as activity against pathogenic bacterial isolates, 6 (43)% isolates were effected against Staph. aureus. and E. coli, while 3 (21)% isolates showed impact high against Staphylococcus aureus only, and did not show any effect against Escherichia coli, while 5 (36)% isolates showed impact against E. coli only, Streptomyces albus were identified which gave the high effectiveness against pathogenic bacteria on the bases of morphological and biochemical tests and sensitivity to some antibiotics. This isolate was gave high production at 30 C for 7 days and pH 7, the best carbon source when used glucose at concentrations 15-20 g / l and the level of salt was at 1.5 g / l and with the use of Cysteine as a nitrogen source oncluded that AEA has a therapeutic activity against nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin in male rats.

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF ANAEROBIC BACTERIA ISOLATED AT VIET DUC UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Objectives: To evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility of anaerobic bacteria strains isolated from clinical specimens at Viet Duc University Hospital. Subjects and methods: A descriptive study and lab analysis on 167 anaerobic isolates isolated from clinical specimens. Results: The highest rate of resistance to the isolates was observed for metronidazole (84.43%), followed by clindamycin (49.7%) and antibiotics in the carbapenem group (2.99% - 8.98%), respectively. The lowest rate of resistance was shown for piperacillin/tazobactam (1.2%). However, the rate of resistance to antibiotics was variable in isolated strains. In more detail, amoxicillin/clavulanate varied from 0.00% - 10.53%, piperacillin/tazobactam (0.00% - 2.17%), metronidazole (78.95 % - 93.75%), carbapenems (0.00% - 12.50%), moxifloxacin (0.00% - 10.53%), and clindamycin (40.00% - 85.42%). The susceptibility to metronidazole was 80.43% in 46 Bacteroides isolates and 4.17% in 48 Prevotella isolates. Compared to other antibiotics, the resistance to metronidazole is significantly high, specifically for Prevotella, with the highest rate of 93.75%. Conclusion: The rate of resistance to antibiotics in pathogenic anaerobic bacterial isolates fluctuated with amoxicillin/clavulanate (0.00% - 10.53%), piperacillin/tazobactam (0.00% - 2.17%), carbapenems (0.00% - 12.50%), moxifloxacin (0.00% - 10.53%), and clindamycin (40.00% - 85.42%). The resistance varied in different strains. Prevotella and Micromonas were shown to be less resistant to antibiotics than Bacteroides and Clostridium.

Impact of prophylactic and ‘rescue pack’ antibiotics on the airway microbiome in chronic lung disease

The management of many chronic lung diseases involves multiple antibiotic prescriptions either to treat acute exacerbations or as prophylactic therapy to reduce the frequency of exacerbations and improve patients’ quality...

Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Phenolic Extract of Agaricus bisporus Against Pathogenic Bacteria and Yeasts

<i>Agaricus biosporus</i> is a mushroom known for its use for nutritional and medicinal purposes. This study tested whether silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from phenolic compounds extracted from this mushroom have an efficient antimicrobial impact against pathogenic bacteria and yeast isolated from urine, sputum, and vaginal swabs. Different methods were employed in the characterization of AgNPs. The microorganisms of isolated bacteria and yeast were identified according to morphological features, results of biochemical tests, and the VITEK 2 compact system. The susceptibility to antibiotics was determined by the disk method. The bacteria and yeast resisted all antibiotics employed in this research. But the AgNPs had good antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and yeast. The highest inhibition zone of AgNPs against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> in a 100 mg/mL concentration was 30 mm, while the minimal inhibition zone of AgNPs was 12 mm against <i>Escherichia coli</i> at the same concentration. The antibacterial effect of the synthesized AgNPs was concentration-dependent against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. With respect to the effect on yeast growth, there was a clear inhibitory effect of the synthesized AgNPs at 100 mg/mL, when the largest zone of inhibition was found against <i>Candida glabrata</i> (29 mm), and the minimal inhibition zone was found against <i>C. guillermondi</i> and <i>C. albican</i> (23 mm). Similarly, the AgNPs synergized with antibiotics were used against pathogenic bacterial and yeast isolates because when antibiotics and AgNPs were combined, the inhibition zones were larger compared to those of the antibiotics alone.

Antimicrobial activity of aqueous extract of Citrullus colocynthis L.fruit

The aqueous extract of C. Colocynthis fruit was tested for its antimicrobial activity against certain pathogenic fungal and bacterial isolates using agar well diffusion method. The activity of the extract was determined through measuring the diameter of inhibition zone and minimal inhibitory concentration. The study revealed that all the fungal and bacterial isolates are sensitive to the extract . Fungal isolates are more sensitive than bacterial isolates. All concentrations of the extract used in this experiment showed antifungal activity against the Cladosporium cladosporides. The activity of Citrullus colocynthis L. extract is significantly better than the standard antifungal drugs, nystatin and fluconazole in a concentration of 0.25 mg/ml .The inhibitory effect of C. colocynthis fruit aqueous extract may attributed to active compounds present in the extract.

Physicochemical Characteristics, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Liquid Smoke Derived from Mixed Sawdust and Cocoa Pod Husks Biomass

This study aimed to analyze the physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of liquid smoke derived from mixed sawdust (MS) and cocoa pod husks (CPH) biomass. The liquid smoke formed by pyrolysis of MS and CPH biomass (Theobroma cacao L.) has the physical characteristics of brown color, transparrent, has floating solids, and has an acidic pH of 3.79 for MS and 5.43 for CPH. The results of the antibacterial assay of both liquid smokes by agar diffusion method against 3 pathogenic bacterial isolates; Escherichia coli FNCC 0091, Staphylococcus aureus FNCC 0047 and Salmonella typhimurium FNCC 0150 showed positive results with the formation of clear zones around the test discs. Antioxidant activity assay showed that liquid smoke derived from the biomass of MS had an IC50 value of 0.112 mg/mL, more potential than liquid smoke derived from the biomass of CPH, which was 2.060 mg/mL. Liquid smoke chemical composition analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry method showed that liquid smoke derived from MS biomass was dominated by acetic acid (64.64 %), phenols (12.08 %) and acetone (5.78 %), while the liquid smoke derived from CPH biomass was dominated by methylamine (37.26 %), acetic acid (24.61 %) and acetone (19.89 %). The acetic acid, phenols, methylamine and acetone content in both liquid smokes thought to play an important role on its antioxidant activities and inhibition of bacterial growth. HIGHLIGHTS Pyrolysis uses biomass as raw material in the form of mixed sawdust from the home furniture industry and CPH which are a by-product of the chocolate processing industry The liquid smoke obtained from the pyrolysis of both types of biomass has a unique composition and has antibacterial and antioxidant properties The liquid smoke has the potential to be applied as a preservative in food products GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity of sesquiterpene lactones compounds extracted from Artemisia Herba Alba plan

The Artemisia Herba Alba plant, is widespread in Iraq and its municipal kind called Artemisia herba alba is used as anti-parasites and anti-bacterial agent, it also has effective against different kinds of infections, this activity returns to Sesquiterpene lactone compounds, which are the main product of the Artemisia Herba Alba oil. In this study, these compounds were extracted from the Artemisia Herba Alb plant. The effectiveness of five one-half concentrations (200,100,50,25,12.5) mg / ml, against five species of pathogenic bacterial isolates from urinary tract infections (UTI) cases were tested , The activity of Sesquiterpene lactone compounds was significant (P&lt;0.05) for highest concentration of 200 mg /ml against P. aeruginosa, while the activity was not significantly against K .pneumoniae ,S. pneumoniae ,S. pyogenes when it is compared with standard antibiotic which is used against these pathogenic bacteria. In this study the anti-inflammatory activity of Sesquiterpene lactone compounds which induced by injection of carrageenan at the feet of laboratory mice, we found that these compounds was significantly (P &lt;0.05) more active in reducing the inflammation caused by the injection of carrageenan but not those efficiency shown by the use of anti-inflammatory aspirin to reduce inflammation to the laboratory mice resulting from the injection of carrageenan.

Evaluation of InTray Cassettes Directly from Blood Cultures for the Diagnosis of Sepsis in Clinical Bacteriology Laboratories as an Alternative to Classic Culture Media.

Culture media is fundamental in clinical bacteriology for the detection and isolation of bacterial pathogens. However, in-house media preparation could be challenging in low-resource settings. InTray® cassettes (Biomed Diagnostics) could be a valid alternative as they are compact, ready-to-use media preparations. In this study, we evaluate the use of two InTray media as a subculture alternative for the diagnosis of bloodstream infections: the InTray® Müller-Hinton (MH) chocolate and the InTray® Colorex™ Screen. The InTray MH chocolate was evaluated in 2 steps: firstly, using simulated positive blood cultures (reference evaluation study), and secondly, using positive blood cultures from a routine clinical laboratory (clinical evaluation study). The Colorex Screen was tested using simulated poly-microbial blood cultures. The sensitivity and specificity of the InTray MH chocolate were respectively 99.2% and 90% in the reference evaluation study and 97.1% and 88.2% in the clinical evaluation study. The time to detection (TTD) was ≤20 h in most positive blood cultures (99.8% and 97% in the two studies, respectively). The InTray® MH Chocolate agar showed good performance when used directly from clinical blood cultures for single bacterial infections. However, mixed flora is more challenging to interpret on this media than on Colorex™ Screen, even for an experienced microbiologist.

In vitro activity of cefpodoxime against Russian clinical isolates of Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes

Objective. To determine in vitro activity of oral III generation cephalosporin cefpodoxime against clinical isolates of Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes isolated from patients with community-acquired respiratory tract infections in different regions of the Russian Federation. Materials and Methods. The study included isolates of bacterial pathogens of community-acquired respiratory tract infections isolated from outpatients and hospitalized patients in different regions of the Russian Federation. A total of 558 isolates were included in the study, including 184 isolates of H. influenzae, 186 isolates of S. pneumoniae and 188 isolates of S. pyogenes. Species identification was performed using the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (Bruker Daltonics, Germany), for S. pneumoniae identification was also performed taking into account the morphology of colonies on blood agar, the presence of α-hemolysis, negative catalase reaction, sensitivity to optochin and positive results of latex-agglutination using DrySpot kit (OXOID, UK). Antimicrobial susceptibility to cefpodoxime and comparative antimicrobials was determined using broth microdilution method; interpretation of susceptibility testing results was performed in accordance with the recommendations of EUCAST, v.13.0. Data analysis and visualization were performed using the online platform AMRcloud. Results. Despite the generally low incidence of antibiotic resistance in the tested H. influenzae isolates, cefpodoxime, to which all tested isolates were susceptible, was superior to all other oral antibiotics in terms of in vitro activity: aminophenocillins (R – 8.7%), amoxicillin/clavulanate (R – 1.1%), co-trimoxazole (R – 31.5%), levofloxacin (R – 3.8%), moxifloxacin (R – 3.8%), tetracycline (R – 11%), cefixime (R – 2.2%), ceftibuten (R – 3.3%). Among the studied S. pneumoniae isolates, 81.7% were susceptible to cefpodoxime. All isolates resistant to penicillin, amoxicillin and ceftriaxone were also resistant to cefpodoxime. Cefpodoxime was inferior to levofloxacin (R – 0%), moxifloxacin (R – 0%), linezolid (R – 0%), vancomycin (R – 0%), ertapenem (R – 8.6%), ceftaroline (R – 2.3%), and chloramphenicol (R – 3.2%) in terms of in vitro activity against S. pneumoniae. However, all these drugs are either not available in oral form or have a less favorable safety profile compared to cefpodoxime. When compared with other III generation oral cephalosporins cefixime and ceftibuten, the activity of cefpodoxime against S. pneumoniae was significantly higher based on MIC50/90 values (cefixime – 0.125⁄8 mg/l, ceftibuten – 2/≥ 128 mg/l, cefpodoxime – 0.06/4 mg/l) and MICs range (cefixime – 0.06/≥ 128 mg/l, ceftibuten – 0.06/≥ 128 mg/l, cefpodoxime – 0.03/32 mg/l). No strains resistant to β-lactam antibiotics were detected among the tested S. pyogenes isolates. Based on the MIC50/90 values and the range of MIC values, the in vitro activity of cefpodoxime was higher than that of ceftibuten and comparable to that of cefixime. Conclusions. According to the results of our study, as well as in view of its pharmacokinetic profile, high safety and compliance, cefpodoxime can be considered as one of the options for oral therapy of community-acquired bacterial upper and lower respiratory tract infections.

Molecular Characterization and Antibiogram of Selected Pathogens Isolated from Streams and Wells Water Sources in Three Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria

Aims: Reliance on unhealthy water sources such as hand dug wells and streams have led to the occurrence of waterborne diseases such as amoebic dysentery, gastroenteritis, typhoid fever and cholera among several communities in Rivers State. This study tends to identify selected multidrug resistant pathogens isolated from streams and wells water sources in three Local Government Areas of Rivers State using molecular techniques.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 48 well and stream water samples were collected aseptically from 24 sampling sites in Ikwerre, Emohua and Etche Local Government Areas of Rivers State. Samples were analysed using membrane filtration technique for total heterotrophic bacterial count and total coliform count. The well and stream water samples were also cultured for E. coli, Salmonella and Vibrio sp. Antibiotic sensitivity test of the isolates was carried out using the disk diffusion method and multidrug resistant isolates were identified using PCR-based techniques (16S rRNA).&#x0D; Results: The results of this study showed that total aerobic heterotrophic bacteria count occurred more in Emohua LGA for both well and stream water sources with bacterial count of 1.71 x104 cfu/ml for well water samples and 2.35 x 104 cfu/ml for stream water samples. The mean fungal count of the stream water samples was highest in Emohua LGA with 2.55 x 104 cfu/ml followed by Ikwerre LGA which had 4.20 x 103 cfu/ml and Etche LGA with the least count of 1.80 x 102 cfu/ml. All the isolated bacteria species were found to be resistant to more than 50% of the antibiotics used with highest Multi Antibiotic Resistant Index of 0.625. multidrug resistant bacterial isolates identified include Vibrio sp strain 201707CJKOP-Y162 (MG593726), Bacillus sbtilis clone N55 (JQ622582), Chryseobacterium sp strain CB2915-325-DE_0621 (MH512534), Enterobacter sp strain AB55 (MF407145), Klebsiella pneumonia strain M792-16(MH680830), Shigella sonnei strain AR_0030(CP032523), Escherichia coli strain WECHEC025943(CP027205) and Salmonella bongori strain KC153129.116 (MG663494).&#x0D; Conclusion: Access to good quality or potable drinking water and efficient sanitary practices are fundamental to human health and economic development. The occurrence of multidrug resistant pathogenic bacterial isolates in natural water sources requires serious routine evaluation in order to forestall the outbreak of waterborne disease epidemics.

Antibacterial Effect of Silver Nanoparticles Prepared from Sophora flavescens Root Aqueous Extracts against Multidrug-resistance Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus

Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs) from plant extracts has attracted significant interest in modern medicine. Therefore, this study prepared an aqueous extract of Sophora flavescens roots, which are used in folk medicine to treat several diseases, including bacterial infections. In addition, silver NPs (AgNPs) were synthesized from root extract using the green synthesis method. The NPs were diagnosed using modern methods. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of the root aqueous extract and AgNPs aqueous preparation (at concentrations of 7% and 9%, respectively) was examined against selected isolates of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The results indicated that both the plant extract and NP preparations inhibited pathogenic bacterial isolates.

Prevalence and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Pathogenic Bacteria Associated with Ocular Infections in Adult Patients.

Ocular infection is a significant public health issue in many countries and is a leading cause of morbidity and blindness worldwide. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of bacterial isolates, and their role in patients with external ocular infections, according to age, sex, and residence in rural and urban areas. In addition, investigate the antibiotic sensitivity and resistance patterns commonly used for treating patients suffering from external ocular infections in Babylon Governorate, Iraq. Two hundred patients with clinical suspicion of external ocular infections, ranging in age from 20 to 68 years old and from both sexes, participated in this study. The eye swabs were collected and cultured to distinguish between bacterial and viral isolates. About 105 isolates (52.5%) were found to be positive bacterial cultures and taken as a study sample, whereas 95 (47.5%) negative bacterial cultures were excluded. The results revealed that ocular infections most frequently occur in the age groups between 20-49years, and most patients were males 65 (61.9%). The most common eye infection was conjunctivitis, which affected 45.7% of patients. This was followed by blepharitis, which affected 21.9% of patients; blepharoconjunctivitis, which affected 14.3% of patients; dacryocystitis, which affected 12.4% of patients; and keratitis, which affected 5.7% of patients. Also, the results indicated that the most common bacteria implicated in ocular infections are Staphylococcus aureus (37.1%), followed by Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS) (26.7%), Haemophilusinfluenzae (21.9%), Streptococcuspneumoniae (6.7%), Klebsiella pneumonia (3.8%), Streptococcus pyogenes (1.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.9%). Furthermore, some antibiotics were tested for these pathogenic bacterial isolates to show their effects against these bacteria. It was found that most bacterial isolates were resistant to Ampicillin, Penicillin, and Tetracycline, whereas they were susceptible to Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycinand Chloramphenicol.

Molecular characterisation of Flavobacterium columnare associated with columnaris disease in freshwater fishes with emphasis on virulence and antibiotic resistance pattern

Flavobacterium columnare is a major aquaculture pathogen that causes columnaris disease. However, only very limited studies have been conducted on its virulence and resistance pattern. Three pathogenic bacterial isolates of F. columnare (CIFRI-RCM8, CFCCSL66 and CFCCO41) were obtained from diseased fish (Labeo rohita, L. catla and Clarias magur) of culture farms in Odisha and West Bengal, India. Clinical signs such as tail rot, skin ulcer and gill discolouration, as well as soft ulceration across the entire body, irrespective of the fish size were noticed. The virulence of the isolates was confirmed by a recursive in vitro experiments. The pathological changes in infected L. rohita were studied to confirm the pathogenicity. Considerable difference in virulence was noticed when fishes were challenged with different F. columnare strains. Among the isolates, CIFRI-RCM8 was the most virulent,whereas CFCCO41 was the least virulent one. All of the isolates were found to be multidrug-resistant showing resistance to cefuroxime, ampicillin, cephalothin, amoxyclav, cefalexin, ceftazidime, carbenicillin, trimethoprim, clindamycin, ticarcillin and penicillin-G. The study suggested that F. columnare is one of the most important etiological agents of disease in freshwater fishes for which appropriate management protocols needs to be developed. Keywords: Antibiotics, Columnaris disease, Flavobacterium columnare, Molecular characterisation, Virulence