Predominant Isolates Research Articles

Molecular Breeding for Incorporation of Submergence Tolerance and Durable Bacterial Blight Resistance into the Popular Rice Variety 'Ranidhan'.

Ranidhan is a popular late-maturing rice variety of Odisha state, India. The farmers of the state suffer heavy loss in years with flash floods as the variety is sensitive to submergence. Bacterial blight (BB) disease is a major yield-limiting factor, and the variety is susceptible to the disease. BB resistance genes Xa21, xa13, and xa5, along with the Sub1 QTL, for submergence stress tolerance were transferred into the variety using marker-assisted backcross breeding approach. Foreground selection using direct and closely linked markers detected the progenies carrying all four target genes in the BC1F1, BC2F1, and BC3F1 generations, and the positive progenies carrying these genes with maximum similarity to the recipient parent, Ranidhan, were backcrossed into each segregating generation. Foreground selection in the BC1F1 generation progenies detected all target genes in 11 progenies. The progeny carrying all target genes and similar to the recipient parent in terms of phenotype was backcrossed, and a total of 321 BC2F1 seeds were produced. Ten progenies carried all target genes/QTL in the BC2F1 generation. Screening of the BC3F1 progenies using markers detected 12 plants carrying the target genes. A total of 1270 BC3F2 seeds were obtained from the best BC3F1 progeny. Foreground selection in the BC3F2 progenies detected four plants carrying the target genes in the homozygous condition. The bioassay of the pyramided lines conferred very high levels of resistance to the predominant isolates of bacterial blight pathogen. These BB pyramided lines were submergence-tolerant and similar to Ranidhan in 13 agro-morphologic and grain quality traits; hence, they are likely to be adopted by farmers.

Evaluation of bacteriological profile of meat contact surfaces, handling practices of raw meat and its associated factors in butcher shops of Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia-A facility based cross sectional study

BackgroundMeat is subjected to contamination from a range of sources throughout animal slaughter and its sale. The demand for meat products in Ethiopia has been increased dramatically; especially the consumption of fresh chilled meat becomes a status of symbol.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the bacteriological profile of meat contact surfaces, raw meat handling practices, and its associated factors in butcher shops located in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia.Methods and MaterialsA facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out among meat handlers in butcher shops in Arba Minch town from November to December 2020. A pre-tested and semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data on workers meat handling practices and the sterile swab was used to collect samples from selected meat contact surfaces for bacteriological analysis. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used for data analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was utilized to assess the presence and degree of association between raw meat handling practice and independent variables. Adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval at P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Result and ConclusionThis study revealed the knowledge and handling practice gap among meat handlers of butcher shops. Knowledge of food handling hygiene has shown significant association with handling practice [AOR = 4.5 (1.182,17.202)]. The median total viable count of bacterial loads from the swab samples of butchers’ hands, knives, and the tables was 5.60 ± 0.80, 5.60 ± 1.00, 5.70 ± 1.00 log10 Colony-forming unit (CFU)/cm2, respectively. Escherichia coli was the predominant isolate 34(68%) followed by Staphylococcus species 28(56%) and Salmonella species 19(38%). The median total bacterial load obtained from the samples exceeds the acceptable value of less than 5.0 log10 CFU/cm2 on fresh meat. This indicates the need for improvement in the meat handling and processing chain to safeguard the public health against the risks of foodborne bacterial infections.

Diversity, antimicrobial production, and seasonal variation of honey bee microbiota isolated from the honey stomachs of the domestic honey bee, Apis mellifera

The antimicrobial nature of honey and its related apiological origins typically focus on basic chemical analysis without attempting to understand the diversity of the microbial component. The antibacterial activity, chemical characterization, and diversity of bacteria isolated from Apis mellifera honey stomachs and hive honey collected throughout the honey production season are presented. After screening &amp;gt;2,000 isolates, 50 isolates were selected and characterized by 16S rRNA gene homology, Gram stain, catalase and protease tests, as well as for antibacterial activity against select indicators. Antibacterial-producing isolates were predominantly from the Pseudomonas, Paenibacillus, Lonsdalea, Serratia, and Bacillus genera. Isolates collected from honey stomachs in April displayed the highest level of activity (27%). While April isolates did not demonstrate activity against the Gram-negative bacteria tested. Whereas 59% of July isolates, 33% of September isolates, and 100% of the honey isolates did. The predominant honey stomach isolates were Pseudomonas spp. (April), Paenibacillus polymyxa (July, Sept.), and Lonsdalea iberica (Sept.). Chemical characterizations of the antimicrobial compounds show most to be antibiotic in nature with the minority being potential bacteriocins. This study offers the first glimpse into the variability and diversity of the bacteria/host interactions found within the honey stomach of the domestic honey bee while revealing a novel source of potentially beneficial antimicrobial compounds.

Assessment of the Occupational Risk of Tuberculosis & Air Borne Infection Control in High-Risk Hospital Wards and Its Implications on Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India.

Introduction The indoor air in hospitals could play a significant role in the transmission of a wide array of infections, especially in respiratory intensive care units, pulmonary outpatient departments, and other areas. Unprotected coughing and sneezing may facilitate the release of aerosols and contaminate the indoor environment. The majority of infections transmitted through these modes include viral diseases, including tuberculosis (TB), influenza, and measles, among several others. Moreover, the possibility of direct and indirect transmission of microbes by air has been underestimated in hospital settings, especially in developing countries. This studytherefore was carried out to assess the burden of microbes in the air of selected wards in a tertiary care hospital and evaluate the occupational risk of some infections among healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods This study was carried out between September 2019 and February 2021 at a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India. A total of 30 symptomatic healthcare workers (HCWs) were included in the study and were screened for present and past tuberculosis (TB) as well as other lower respiratory tract infections. A tuberculin skin test, chest X-ray, and sputum acid-fast staining were performed on all the HCWs who were negative for other bacterial infections and were symptomatic. The study was conductedin coordination with the pulmonology department. Active monitoring of air was performed by microbiological air sampler in the respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) and other high-risk areas including the pulmonology outpatient department (OPD), the radiology OPD, and the microbiology department. Results Sputum for tuberculousbacteriawas positive in four (16.6%) HCWs. The chest X-ray showed radiological findings suggestive of TB in five (20.8%) HCWs. Three (12.5%) HCWs who were screened for extrapulmonary TBrevealed one (33.3%) was positive for TB of the hip joint. Among the HCWs, eight (33%) returned positive tuberculin tests. Assessment of the hospital air in theRICU revealedthe bacterial count (288 CFU/m3) exceeded the normal limit (≤50 CFU/m3). The COVID-19 isolation ward showed the lowest bacterial count (06 CFU/m3) and no fungi. The predominant bacterial isolates were gram-positive cocci in clusters (Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus). After proper disinfection and correction of ventilation techniques, the resampling results noted microbial colonies under normal limits. Conclusion A high burden of TB was noted among the HCWs. The airborne infection control strategies are essential to minimize the risk ofnosocomial infections and occupational TB risk to HCWs. Most microbes are transmitted through the airborne route and therefore it is extremely important to take measures to control the transmission of such pathogens in hospital settings.

Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Domestic Water Storage Tanks in Sidon, Lebanon

Safe, accessible, and good water quality are essential characteristics for reducing various waterborne diseases. Since domestic water is the water most consumed by Lebanese people, cleaning household water tanks is important to prevent their exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. Generally, all the stages of the value chain of the Lebanese water sector are still imperfect. Thus, the domestic water should be regularly tested, especially in the impoverished landmarks where water quality is the worst. The aim of this study is to evaluate the physicochemical parameters and microbiological quality of the water in the storage tanks of homes in Sidon, Lebanon. Fifty water samples were collected aseptically from domestic water storage tanks. The microbiological assessment was performed using basic plating techniques. Identification of isolated bacteria was performed using MALDI-TOF-MS. Physicochemical parameters were assessed using titration, pH, and conductivity measurements. Antibiotic-susceptibility testing was performed using antibiotic disks. Screening for virulence genes in bacteria was carried out via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Most of the physicochemical parameters were within the permissible limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water. The heterotrophic plate count (HPC) varied between the water samples. The total coliform, fecal coliform, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) contaminate was 54%, 20%, and 16% in each of the samples, respectively. Other bacteria isolated from household water included intestinal Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) (68%), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (68%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) (22%). Other predominant isolates recovered from the samples were also identified. The bacterial isolates showed a prevalence of resistance and intermediate resistance against the tested antibiotic agents. Multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in 21% of the collected S. aureus, using cefoxitin agent and mecA gene detection. A prevalence of virulence genes in both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus was also noticed. Our data show that Sidon domestic water is not suitable for either drinking or home applications.

Probiotic lactic acid bacteria as a means of preventing in vitro urinary catheter colonization and biofilm formation

BackgroundCatheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most common infections found in healthcare facilities. Urinary catheters predispose the development of CAUTIs by destroying natural barriers and providing a source for infection and biofilm formation (BF). This study aimed to evaluate probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as a means of preventing in vitro urinary catheter colonization and BF.MethodsCross-sectional screening, followed by an experimental study, was conducted on 120 catheterized patients admitted to the urology department in a tertiary care hospital for 7 months. The isolated and identified uropathogens were tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns by the disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recommendations and examined for their ability to produce biofilms using a microtiter plate (MtP) assay. Five LAB (Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), Bifidobacterium bifidum (B. bifidum), L. paracasei, L. pentosus, and L. plantarum) were identified and examined for preventing in vitro colonization and BF of some isolated uropathogens on Foley urinary catheter surfaces.ResultsOf the 120 samples collected, 32.5% were found to be associated with CAUTIs. Of isolated organisms, 74.4% were gram-negative bacilli, while gram-positive cocci represented 14%, and only 11.6% were of the Candida species. About two-thirds of isolated uropathogens were biofilm formers. All five probiotic strains had inhibitory effects on the growth of all the uropathogens tested but with varying intensities according to the duration of application after 2, 4, and 6 days.ConclusionsThe prevalence of CAUTIs was high, and the predominant bacterial isolates were gram-negative bacilli. Many of the studied uropathogens were biofilm formers. The bacterial isolates had a higher prevalence of resistance to commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents. Probiotics have the potential to prevent in vitro urinary catheter colonization and inhibit BF. Pre-coating urinary catheters with probiotics is recommended after ensuring the safety of probiotics’ use in vivo by carrying out further large-scale studies.

Prevalence of Lower Respiratory Tract Fungal Infection at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central Madhya Pradesh, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The incidence of fungal infections and resistant isolates has risen exponentially due to multiple factors. This makes the isolation of fungi, performing identification, and susceptibility testing a necessary routine microbiological procedure. Assessing the burden and analysing the epidemiologic trends of fungal infections is critical for patient management. Aim: To determine the prevalence of various fungal infections affecting the lower respiratory tract. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted at Department of Microbiology, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose (NSCB) Medical College Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India specimens from 400 patients with suspected Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI) were processed following standard microbiological methods for fungal culture and sensitivity testing. All the fungal isolates were obtained and their antifungal susceptibility pattern were recorded. The data entry was done in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and the final analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 25.0, developed by IBM in Chicago, USA. Results: The majority of the assessed specimens were sputum (285, 71.2%). Out of the 115 Candida isolates, C.albicans (61, 53%) was the most common species isolated. Among the Non- Candida albicans Candida (NCAC) group, C. tropicalis (32, 27.8%) was the predominant isolate, followed by C. glabrata (16, 13.9%) and C. krusei (6, 5.2%). C. albicans was found to be the most prevalent in the elderly population (&gt;60 years of age), whereas NCAC was prevalent in the 46-60 years age group. Regarding the antifungal drug susceptibility pattern, significantly higher drug resistance was seen in the NCAC group compared to C. albicans towards agents such as ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin-B, and nystatin. None of the fungal isolates demonstrated resistance to caspofungin. Conclusion: Fungal aetiology is a significant problem in patients with LRTI, which often remains underdiagnosed, increasing morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it should be kept in mind while managing a patient with LRTI.

A cross-sectional study of clinical features of bacterial meningitis among neonates presumed to have sepsis in a tertiary hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Identifying meningitis among neonates is usually challenging given the non-specific presentation and overlap with neonatal sepsis. This study was aimed at determining the pertinent clinical features that would suggest bacterial meningitis among infants with signs of possible serious bacterial infection and their outcomes. This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among neonates presenting with clinical features of sepsis admitted at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) between May and December 2015. Detailed clinical features, blood cultures, and cerebrospinal fluid were obtained. The specimens were tested at the Central Pathology Laboratory at MNH. Short-term clinical outcome was also determined for recruited participants. One hundred and twenty-six neonates met the inclusion criteria and were recruited, males were 67 (53.2%) and the mean age of participants was 10.4 ± 7.9 days. Features of meningitis were noted among 19% (24/126) and very low birth weight neonates were observed to have a statistically higher prevalence of meningitis (p=0.038). Bacterial isolates from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture were Klebsiella spp and E. coli, while predominant isolates from blood culture were Klebsiella spp (35%) and E. coli (20.6%). There was high resistance to ampicillin (91.2%), cloxacillin (94.1%), gentamycin (50%), and ceftriaxone (50%). A high mortality of 24.9% was noted. Neonatal meningitis is common among neonates with sepsis, and bacterial isolates were resistant to routinely used antibiotics. High mortality attributed to meningitis was noted at Muhimbili National Hospital.

Bacterial Pathogens Isolated from Surgical Wound and Their Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern in A Government Hospital in Anambra, Nigeria

Surgical wound infections are among the most common healthcare-associated infections as complications associated with them can have a significant long-term effect on the morbidity, mortality, and quality of life for patients. Knowledge on local pathogens and sensitivity to antimicrobial agents are crucial for successful treatment and management of surgical wound infection. This study evaluates the bacterial pathogens present in infected surgical wounds and their antimicrobial susceptibility profile. A total of 200 wound swabs from 112 males and 88 female patients of ages from 10 – 70 years with surgical wound infection were collected using clean, sterile swabs and analyzed using standard microbiological methods. Antibiotic disk diffusion method was used to determine the antibiotic resistance profile. Result showed that 142(71%) wound specimens were culture positive while 58(29%) showed no growth on culture media. Majority of the culture positive wounds (90.1%) showed single bacterial growth while the remaining (9.9%) revealed poly-microbial growth. The isolates were found to belong to both Gram-positive 53(37.3%) and Gram-negative 89(62.7%) bacteria. The most predominant isolate from the infected surgical wound was Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus 53 (37.3%), followed by Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa 45(31.7%), Escherichia coli 32 (22.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae 12 (8.5%). The result of their antibiotic sensitivity test showed that majority of the wound isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin 126(88.7 %), followed by erythromycin 114(80.3%), gentamicin 109(76.7%) and trimetoprim-sulphametoxazole 103(72.5%). The overall findings on antimicrobial profile revealed high level of antimicrobial resistance from microorganisms isolated from surgical wound infections to commonly prescribed antibiotics. Therefore, there is a need for adequate intervention to control the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections due to Aeromonas spp.: An Emerging Pathogen

Introduction: Aeromonas spp., the emerging human pathogens, can cause various diseases like gastrointestinal infections, Skin and Soft-Tissue Infections (SSTIs), respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infection, hepatobiliary tract infection, blood stream infections etc. Aeromonas consists of important pathogenic species like Aeromonas hydrophila being the most common one followed by A.sobria, A.veroni, A.caviae and A.salmonicida. SSTIs due to Aeromonads are most often associated with preexisting ulcer, traumatic wound and exposure to water. Aim: The present study was carried out to analyse socioepidemiological factors, clinical features, risk factors and antibiotic resistance potential of Aeromonas spp., SSTIs. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, all Gramnegative fermenting motile isolates which are positive for oxidase, H2 S production, indole reaction, lysine decarboxylase were further identified by Vitek 2 compact system (Biomerieux, France). The study period was 2 years. Results: A total of 39 patients with Aeromonas spp., SSTIs were identified during the period from 2020 to 2022. Majority of patients hailed from urban areas, were in middle age group and were farmers. A.hydrophila (n=24, 62%) was the predominant isolate. Majority of the infections were superinfection of wound (n=16, 41%) and chronic non healing ulcer (n=13, 33.3%). A total of 33.3% of infections were polymicrobial, common concomitant pathogens being, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Trauma and water exposure were main risk factors with co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension and liver cirrhosis. A 20.5% of patients were immunocompromised. There was one case of Necrotising Fasciitis (NF) which resulted in patient’s death. Cotrimoxazole, 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins. Aztreonam and Tigecycline were the most effective antibiotics while eight of the isolates were Multidrug Resistant (MDR). Thirty-three patients recovered completely and three patients died of complications. Conclusion: Aeromonas hydrophila must be regarded as an emerging pathogen of SSTIs mainly in patients with preexisting ulcers and can be MDR. Such infections have a good prognosis if prompt medical, surgical and supportive treatment is given.

Bacteriological Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern in Sterile Body Fluids from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Sterile body sites are those where no microorganisms exist as commensals in an otherwise healthy person. Isolation of microorganisms from these sites can indicate either pathological agents or contaminants from the skin. Sterile body fluids are frequently received in microbiology laboratories for culture and sensitivity testing, as the isolation of pathogens from these sites is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Aim: To assess the current scenario of aerobic bacteriological profiles and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns in various sterile body fluids at a tertiary care hospital in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based observational study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. The study duration was one year, from January 2022 to December 2022. A total of 450 body fluid samples were collected from 567 patients, of which 117 samples did not meet the inclusion criteria. Out of the 450 samples, 315 were from male patients and 135 were from female patients. All infected body fluids received from clinically diagnosed cases, irrespective of age and gender, were included. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method following the guidelines of the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Sterile body fluids were collected with complete aseptic precautions and processed in the Department of Microbiology using standard laboratory procedures. Statistical data analysis was conducted using MS Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0. A p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 450 clinical samples were processed, of which 153 (34%) were peritoneal fluid, 92 (20.5%) were synovial fluid, 77 (17.1%) were pleural fluids, 118 (26.2%) were Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), and 10 (2.2%) were pericardial fluid. In the present study, 126 (28%) pathogens were isolated from the 450 processed samples, with gram negative bacilli being the predominant isolates (88/126, 69.8%), while the remaining 38/126 (30.2%) were gram-positive isolates. Among the 88 gram negative isolates, Escherichia coli was the most common (27, 21.4%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (23, 18.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14, 11.1%), Acinetobacter spp. (12, 9.5%), Enterobacter spp. (7, 5.6%), and Citrobacter spp. (5, 4.0%). Similarly, among the gram-positive isolates, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common (20, 15.9%), followed by Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci (CONS) (16, 12.7%) and Enterococcus spp. (2, 1.6%). Gram negative isolates showed 100% sensitivity to colistin and polymyxin B, followed by imipenem (90%) and cefepime (80%). Grampositive isolates exhibited 100% sensitivity to linezolid, followed by vancomycin. Conclusion: Early identification of pathogens from these sites, along with their antibiotic susceptibility patterns, will help clinicians initiate targeted therapy. This approach can reduce hospital stays for patients and minimise the development of drug resistance.

Isolation and Evaluation of Microorganisms on Mobile Phone Surfaces of Health Care Professionals Working at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Mysuru

Background amp Objectives Health care practitioners mobile devices may contain bacteria that can spread nosocomial diseases to patients their families and the general public. The purpose of this study was to detect bacterial isolates evaluate their patterns of antibiotic susceptibility and ascertain the prevalence of bacterial contamination on the mobile phones belonging to healthcare professionals.Methods A cross-sectional study involving 52 healthcare professionals and their mobile phones was carried out between February 2023 and April 2023. Using a self-administered questionnaire data was gathered. Each cell phone of the participating healthcare professional was swabbed and the sample was taken to the microbiology lab for bacterial culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing. SPSS programme version 16 was used to analyse the data collected.Results In our study 51.92 of the swabs showed bacterial growth. Majority of cell phones belonged to technicians 29.6 followed by nursing staff physiotherapists and ward boys 14.8. Cell phones of laboratory technicians were 80 contaminated and those of doctors were 20 contaminated. Coagulase negative Staphylococci CoNS 77.7 and Klebsiella species 14.8 were the most predominant bacterial isolates. Majority of CoNS 80.9 were resistant to Cefoxitin and Ciprofloxacin indicating the presence of Methecillin resistant CoNS. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas were sensitive to all the tested antibiotics. Klebsiella pneumoniae was resistant to Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid Cotrimoxazole and sensitive to all others.Conclusion Mobile devices are frequently contaminated with nosocomial pathogens. Most of the isolates exhibited antibiotic resistance.

Bacteriology of community-acquired pneumonia, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and associated risk factors among HIV patients, Northeast Ethiopia: cross-sectional study.

Pneumonia is an opportunistic infection and it is a major cause of mortality and morbidity among human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome-positive patients. Previous studies have shown the dominant pathogens bacterial isolates were K. pneumoniae 27.0%, S. aureus 20.8%, S. pneumoniae 18.8% and E. coli 8.3%. This study aimed to determine bacteriology of community-acquired pneumonia, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and associated risk factors among human immunodeficiency virus patients in the Northeast Ethiopia: cross-sectional study. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2021 at six health facilities in Dessie Town. A total of 378 community-acquired pneumonia patients suspected to be human immunodeficiency virus-positive were recruited using a consecutive sampling technique. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A two-milliliter sputum specimen was collected aseptically from each study participant. Samples were cultivated on blood agar, chocolate agar and MacConkey agar to isolate bacterial pathogens. To identify bacteria pathogens Gram stain, colony morphology and biochemical tests were performed. The Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion method was used to perform the antimicrobial susceptibility test. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression analysis was carried out using Statistical package for social science version 25 software. p-value < 0.05 with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was considered for statistical significance. The overall prevalence of bacterial pneumonia was 175 (46.3%). Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 119 (68%) and the predominant isolates identified were Streptococcus pneumoniae 49 (28%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 46 (26.3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 34 (19.4%). There were 148 (84.6%) multidrug-resistant bacteria overall. Statistically significant factors included viral load, cigarette smoking, cluster of differentiation 4 count, alcohol use, World Health Organization clinical stages III and IV and low white blood cell count. The study found that both multidrug resistance and bacterial pneumonia were high. Thus, bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility tests should be routinely performed in health facilities in order to prevent and control the spread of bacterial infection and concurrent drug resistance.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Bacteria Isolated from Ear Swabs Specimens in a Tertiary Health Facility, North-eastern Nigeria

An ear infection is among the common diseases in children. There is an increased rate of antimicrobial resistance to pathogens that cause ear infections worldwide. We analyzed two years of data on bacterial isolates associated with suspected cases of ear infection and their antibiotic-resistant patterns. All records on ear swabs (n= 134) sent for culture and sensitivity, at the medical microbiology laboratory of a tertiary Health Facility in Northeastern Nigeria, from 2017 to 2018 were reviewed. The patients’ socio-demographic information, bacteria isolated, antibiotics tested, and their sensitivity patterns were extracted. Kirby-Bauer method of antibiotic sensitivity testing and CLSI guidelines were adopted. Descriptive analyses of the data were conducted. Of a total of 134 patients’ records extracted 50.7% were female, median age 12 (IQR 9-15 years). Of the 134 samples cultured, 124 (92.5%) yield bacterial growth. Eight (8) different isolates obtained were Staphylococcus aureus (38.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.7%), Proteus mirabilis (16.1%) Proteus vulgaris (9.7%), Klebsiella oxytoca (9.0%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.6%) Escherichia coli (2.4%) and Enterococcus spp. (0.8%), Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant isolate, while Enterococcus spp. was the least. A high resistant rate was recorded against many of the antibiotics tested. All isolate demonstrated resistance to amoxicillin and cotrimoxazole, and high sensitivity to ciprofloxacin. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most common pathogens isolated. Most isolates showed high sensitivity to ciprofloxacin. The high resistance rate recorded on most of the antibiotics tested highlight the need for appropriate prescription of antimicrobials based on local susceptibility profile in the treatments of ear infection.

Antibiogram of bacterial isolates from urine at Okhaldhunga Community Hospital: a rural setting in Nepal

Introduction: Infection of urinary tract is the second most common site of infection after respiratory tract worldwide. The objective of the study is to study the prevalence of positive urine samples and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the bacterial isolates in Eastern part of Nepal.&#x0D; &#x0D; Method: A total of 210 Mid-Stream Urine (MSU) samples collected from both inpatient and outpatient departments of Okhaldhunga Community Hospital (OCH) were included in the study. Each urine samples were cultured and the antibiogram of isolates were determined as per CLSI guideline.&#x0D; &#x0D; Result: The prevalence of positive culture was found to be 40.9%. Out of which, 82.5% were identified bacteria. The age group with the greatest number of bacterial isolates was 20-30 years. Altogether five different bacteria were identified. Among these, E. coli was the most predominant isolate (76.1%), followed by S. aureus (16.9%) and K. pneumoniae (4.2%). Nitrofurantoin was found to be the most effective drug for the Gram-negative bacilli with a sensitivity of 86.3% while Amoxicillin was least effective showing 87.7% resistance. For Gram positive cocci, Chloramphenicol and Cloxacillin were the most effective and Penicillin was least effective drug showing 84.6% sensitivity and 92.3% resistance respectively.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: The prevalence of positive urine culture was 40.9%. The most effective antibiotic was Nitrofurantoin. Since the isolates showed high resistance towards Amoxicillin and Doxycycline, antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolates should be performed time to time to monitor the resistance pattern of the bacteria.&#x0D;

Emerging Bacterial Eye Infection: Identification, Susceptibility and Immunotherapy of Kocuria Species in Patients of Basrah, Iraq

Ocular infections are common and considered sight-threatening consequences Non-pathogenic commensal bacteria can cause a serious opportunistic pathogen among immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals leading to blindness. The aim of this study was the identification bacteria isolated from ocular infections, investigate the antibiotic susceptibility, and using interleukin 17 (IL-17) as the immunotherapeutic agent to support the patient immune system. 33 eye swab samples were collected from people with microbial eye infections including (conjunctivitis, dacrocystis, corneal ulcers, and post-traumatic). Recovered isolates were gram stained and tested for antibiotic susceptibility. Out of 36 swabs, 14 bacterial isolates were identified. Gram positive bacteria were predominant isolates, pathogenic Staphylococcus species 6 (42.85%) followed by non-pathogenic commensal bacteria Kocuria spp. 5 (35.71%). Gram negative bacteria including only Moraxella species 2 (14.28%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing indicated high sensitivity of recovered isolates to tetracycline and Ofloxacin and significant resistance to both benzylpenicillin and erythromycin. The recovered bacteria exhibited significant resistance to IL-17 via Immunotherapeutic assay in-vitro. In conclusion, non- pathogenic commensal bacteria Kocuria spp. seems to be predominant and IL-17 lack to antimicrobial activity in-vitro.

The Epidemiology, Associated Factors and Bacterial Profile of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnant Women: A Retrospective Chart Review Study in Saudi Arabia.

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is the presence of significant amounts of bacteria within the urinary tract in the absence of urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms, resulting in negative neonatal and pregnancy consequences. This study determined the prevalence, bacteriology patterns, and associated factors with ASB among pregnant women in both primary and hospital levels of care in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. This retrospective chart review study included pregnant women between 18 and 50 years who performed the screening urine culture test during their first antenatal visit between 2017 and 2021, without UTI symptoms. The collected data involved the demographic, medical, and obstetric characteristics, and urine culture results. T-tests and chi-squared tests were used for bivariate associations followed by binary logistic regression models. ASB was positive among 03.42% of the 6471 pregnant women included in the study. Logistic regression revealed that the risk of positive ASB increased in pregnant women in the first and second trimesters (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.41-2.93 and OR= 1.50, 95% CI = 1.03-2.19, respectively), as well as pregnant women with a history of previous UTI (OR = 2.98, 95% CI = 2.14-4.15). The predominant organism isolates were E. coli, followed by GBS, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis. With limited data on ASB among pregnant women in Saudi Arabia, findings from the current study could help decision-makers in the country assess the epidemiological characteristics of the condition. Further study is recommended to investigate the susceptibility patterns of commonly prescribed antibiotics with different uropathogens to guide the clinicians who deal with these cases. Additionally, a large national study across the other regions in the kingdom is suggested to calculate the prevalence of ASB in Saudi Arabia.

Drug resistance profiles of Gram-negative bacilli isolated from clinical samples in Cross River State, Nigeria

Objectives: Resistance of Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) to antimicrobial agents is increasing worldwide. This is fast becoming a serious public health concern as these bacteria display multiple antibiotic resistance mechanisms. This study was aimed at evaluating antibiotic resistance profiles of GNB from clinical samples in Cross River State, Nigeria. Material and Methods: Urine and stool samples of 600 randomly selected participants were analyzed. Samples were inoculated onto CLED agar and selenite-F broth, respectively, and enriched bacterial growth in selenite-F broth was subcultured on deoxycholate citrate agar. Gram stain procedure was used to determine the Gram reaction of isolates and identification was carried out using the Microbact 24E GNB identification kit. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Multiple antibiotic resistance indices (MARIs) for each isolate were calculated. Data analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel Package 2016 and GraphPad Prism version 6. Results: A total of 129 non-repetitive GNB were isolated and categorized by their ability to ferment sugars. The lactose-fermenting Enterobacteriaceae (LFE) were the most predominant isolates (32 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 25 Escherichia coli). There were 50 non-sugar-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NSF-GNB) comprising Pseudomonas spp. (28), Acinetobacter spp. (15), Burkholderia cepacia (3), and one isolate each of Tatumella ptyseos, Alcaligenes faecalis, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Non-lactose-fermenting Enterobacteriaceae comprised Proteus spp. (14), Providencia stuartii (4), and Serratia rubidaea (4). Antimicrobial susceptibility test results showed that tetracycline was the least effective with 71.3% of isolates showing resistance. About 65% of LFE and 95.5% of non-lactose-fermenting Enterobacteriaceae (NLFE) showed resistance to tetracycline. Resistance of all isolates to tigecycline, a member of a new class of antibiotics, was 31% (40/129); however, all isolates of E. coli, S. rubidaea, and Acinetobacter spp. were susceptible to tigecycline. Resistance profiles of LFE to tested antibiotics showed comparable resistance levels for ceftriaxone and tetracycline between K. pneumoniae and E. coli. However, the resistance of K. pneumoniae to ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and tigecycline was 50%, 44%, and 13% compared with E. coli – 32%, 32%, and 0%, respectively. E. coli showed, on average, higher resistance levels to carbapenems compared with K. pneumoniae. Among NLFE, Proteus spp. was more resistant than P. stuartii to cephalosporins, quinolones, and tigecycline. In contrast, P. stuartii isolates were twice as resistant to the carbapenems as Proteus spp. Except for ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and gentamicin, S. rubidaea was susceptible to all other antibiotics. Among NSF-GNB, Acinetobacter spp. was the most resistant to all other carbapenems, except ertapenem. Pseudomonas spp. were the most resistant to fluoroquinolones. The mean of the total MARI was 0.45 ± 0.26, with 54.3% (70/129) of isolates having MARI above the total mean. About 73% (95/129) of the total GNB had MARI above 0.2. Multidrug resistance in Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter species was 53.2%, 100%, and 93.3%, respectively. Conclusion: The high level of antibiotic resistance of GNB, especially by NLFE and NSF-GNB, portends great danger for the health sector as these organisms are opportunistic pathogens and pose serious health risks as nosocomial pathogens and community-acquired pathogens in immunosuppressed individuals.

Prevalence and Antibiogram of Biofilm Forming Bacteria Associated with Toilet Seats in Dormitories within a University Campus in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Public toilet facilities pose serious health threats to those accessing it, as they may be sources of infection to the users. Understanding the bacterial types and their virulence features such as biofilm production and resistance to antibiotics will aid in advancing control measures. This study was therefore conducted to determine the prevalence and antibiogram of biofilm forming bacterial species associated with toilet seats in University dormitories. A total of 24 samples were obtained from six (6) hostels aseptically. The samples were subjected to standard microbiological procedures for the isolation and identification of the bacterial species. Standard plate count was used for the enumeration of the bacterial populations. Antibiotics susceptibility and biofilm production was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion and the Congo red agar method, respectively. The data obtained from the study identified Staphylococcus spp. as the predominant isolate, having a prevalence of 58.3%, followed by Bacillus spp. (54.2%), while Serratia mercensis (4.2%) was the least encountered isolate. Data obtained showed the total heterotrophic bacterial count ranged from 1±0.02 x 105 cfu/ml to 2.5±0.03 x 105 cfu/ml. The antibiogram obtained showed that the isolates were highly resistant to most of the antibiotics tested, as all the Gram positive isolates (100 %) were resistant to five (i.e 62.5 %) of the antibiotics (Cefuroxime, Ceftaziidime, Augmentin, Cloxacillin and Ceftriaxone). The Gram negative isolates showed similar pattern where 100 % of the isolates were resistant to four (i.e 50%) of the antibiotics, (Augmentin, Ceftaziidime, Ciprofloxacin and Cefuroxime). The results showed 57.1 % of the isolates produced biofilm. The study indicated a high rate of recovery of bacteria from the toilet seats in dormitories within the University. Proper sanitary measures should therefore be adopted to facilitate good hygiene and reduce the transmission of bacterial infections.

An alternative approach for controlling bacterial pathogens in liquid and solid poultry waste using Calcium hypochlorite Ca(OCl)2 disinfectant-based silver nanoparticles

Inappropriate handling of poultry waste from the beginning to the end of the production cycle could lead to health and environmental hazards. The purpose of this study was to assess the current state of poultry waste management practices as well as to evaluate the efficacy of disinfectants (VIRKON S, Quaternary ammonium compound (QAC), Calcium hypochlorite [Ca(OCl)2], and nanomaterials (nano-silver particles (Ag NPs), and Ca(OCl)2-Ag NPs composite) on pathogenic bacteria for use in the disinfection of waste collection areas within poultry operation systems. Two hundred and ten samples were gathered from variant waste types for isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria. Then, the efficacy of some disinfectants against fifty strains of isolated bacteria was evaluated using a broth micro-dilution assay. Results showed the most predominant bacterial isolates from wastes were E. coli (33.69%), Salmonella spp. (26.09%), followed by K. pneumonae (15.22%) and L. monocytogenes (14.13%). Ca(OCl)2-Ag NPs had a microbial lethal effect against all pathogenic bacteria (100%) that were isolated from liquid and solid waste. In conclusion, poultry manure waste is collected and dumped on the agricultural land around those chicken farms without any treatment. The Ca(OCl)2-Ag NPs composite was lethal to all pathogenic microbes isolated from waste and their collected areas at 1.0 mg/L concentration.