Sensitivity Pattern Research Articles

Identification of Yeast and Yeast-Like Fungi at a Tertiary Care Center: A Retrospective Study.

Background Fungal infections pose a significant global health challenge. Despite their substantial impact, these ubiquitous fungi can become pathogenic but have not received adequate attention in public health, leading to infections that are often underestimated by the general public and healthcare professionals. Candida species and Cryptococcus species play a key role in these infections, with emerging multidrug resistance in Candida species posing considerable challenges. This study aimed to understand the prevalence of yeast and yeast-like infections, particularly in the COVID-19 era, and to assess the antifungal susceptibility pattern. Methodology A retrospective observational study was conducted at a rural tertiary care medical college in Maharashtra, India. Retrospective records of samples processed for fungal culture were analyzed in the microbiology department. Yeast identification and antifungal susceptibility were performed using the VITEK-2 automated system. Results Among 95 fungal isolates, 86 (90.52%) were yeast isolates, primarily non-albicans Candida (NAC) species. Candida albicans accounted for 41 (47.67%) yeast isolates. In 14 isolates, NAC species were not identified by the VITEK-2 system up to the species level. Isolates from urine samples contributed the highest percentage of 61% (58) of yeast isolates. C. albicans showed high sensitivity to most antifungal agents. Other Candida species, such as Candida famata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida guilliermondii, were sensitive to all antifungal agents. Candida auris showed complete resistance to amphotericin B and fluconazole but sensitivity to other agents. Mixed sensitivity patterns were observed in Candida ciferri and Candida lusitaniae, with some resistance to voriconazole, caspofungin, and micafungin. Conclusions This study shows the increasing prevalence of yeast and yeast-like infections, particularly NAC, during the COVID-19 era. Improved yeast identification and susceptibility testing are crucial for guiding the appropriate treatment and mitigating the impact of these infections, emphasizing the need for comprehensive future studies in this area.

Global sensitivity and domain‐selective testing for functional‐valued responses: An application to climate economy models

AbstractUnderstanding the dynamics and evolution of climate change and associated uncertainties is key for designing robust policy actions. Computer models are key tools in this scientific effort, which have now reached a high level of sophistication and complexity. Model auditing is needed in order to better understand their results, and to deal with the fact that such models are increasingly opaque with respect to their inner workings. Current techniques such as Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) are limited to dealing either with multivariate outputs, stochastic ones, or finite‐change inputs. This limits their applicability to time‐varying variables such as future pathways of greenhouse gases. To provide additional semantics in the analysis of a model ensemble, we provide an extension of GSA methodologies tackling the case of stochastic functional outputs with finite change inputs. To deal with finite change inputs and functional outputs, we propose an extension of currently available GSA methodologies while we deal with the stochastic part by introducing a novel, domain‐selective inferential technique for sensitivity indices. Our method is explored via a simulation study that shows its robustness and efficacy in detecting sensitivity patterns. We apply it to real‐world data, where its capabilities can provide to practitioners and policymakers additional information about the time dynamics of sensitivity patterns, as well as information about robustness.

Surgical Site Infections in Gastrointestinal Surgeries: Estimation of Prevalence, Risk Factors and Bacteriological Profile.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are one of the leading causes of operation-related adverse effects.To create an effective hospital infection program, information about a local pattern is essential. The ever-changing pattern of infections and inappropriate use of antibiotics has predisposed to the development of drug-resistant strains and has made the management of SSIs arduous. The purpose of this study is to estimate prevalence and identify risk factors and commonest organisms associated with SSIs. In this analytical cross-sectional study, the relationship between various risk factors and the development of SSIswas evaluated in patients undergoing elective surgery and staying at least seven days postoperatively in the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Liver transplant for a study duration of two months. Diagnosis of SSIs was based on modified CDC criteria. Wound pus was followed by blood collection in suspected secondary septicemia. MacConkey and blood agar were used to culture pus; brain heart infusion broth was used for blood samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using Mueller-Hinton agar by the Kirby-Bauermethod. Twelve out of 50 had developed postsurgical wound infections where Gram-negative organisms prevailed over Gram-positive ones. The associated risk factors identified in this study are age, BMI, wound class, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, preprocedural WBC count >10,000, and the duration of surgery. Escherichia coli is the causative microbe for the majority of infections (35.7%). Gram-negative bacteria isolated in this study were extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producers. Multidrug-resistant organisms were predominant. Conclusion: The present study identified an SSI rate of 24% in gastrointestinal surgeries. The sensitivity and resistance pattern of the organisms isolated will help in measures to be taken to devise a proper and effective current hospital antibiotic prophylaxis policy.

Natural variation in infection specificity of Caenorhabditis briggsae isolates by two RNA viruses.

Antagonistic relationships such as host-virus interactions potentially lead to rapid evolution and specificity in interactions. The Orsay virus is so far the only horizontal virus naturally infecting the nematode C. elegans. In contrast, several related RNA viruses infect its congener C. briggsae, including Santeuil (SANTV) and Le Blanc (LEBV) viruses. Here we focus on the host's intraspecific variation in sensitivity to these two intestinal viruses. Many temperate-origin C. briggsae strains, including JU1264 and JU1498, are sensitive to both, while many tropical strains, such as AF16, are resistant to both. Interestingly, some C. briggsae strains exhibit a specific resistance, such as the HK104 strain, specifically resistant to LEBV. The viral sensitivity pattern matches the strains' geographic and genomic relationships. The heavily infected strains mount a seemingly normal small RNA response that is insufficient to suppress viral infection, while the resistant strains show no small RNA response, suggesting an early block in viral entry or replication. We use a genetic approach from the host side to map genomic regions participating in viral resistance polymorphisms. Using Advanced Intercrossed Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) between virus-resistant AF16 and SANTV-sensitive HK104, we detect Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) on chromosomes IV and III. Building RILs between virus-sensitive JU1498 and LEBV-resistant HK104 followed by bulk segregant analysis, we identify a chromosome II QTL. In both cases, further introgressions of the regions confirmed the QTLs. This diversity provides an avenue for studying virus entry, replication, and exit mechanisms, as well as host-virus specificity and the host response to a specific virus infection.

Analysis of pollen sensitization characteristics of artemisia allergic rhinitis in three urban and rural areas of Inner Mongolia

Objective: To investigate the distribution rules of artemisia pollen and the clinical sensitization characteristics of allergic rhinitis (AR) induced by artemisia pollen in three urban and rural areas of Inner Mongolia. Methods: From March to October 2019, in 3 central cities (Chifeng, Hohhot, Ordos) and rural areas of Inner Mongolia, an epidemiological investigation method combining multi-stage stratified random sampling and face-to-face questionnaire survey was adopted to screen suspected AR patients, and skin prick test (SPT) was applied for diagnosis. At the same time, pollen monitoring was carried out in 3 areas to analyze the distribution and clinical sensitization characteristics of artemisia pollen.SPSS26.0 statistical software was used to process all the data. Chi-square test was used to compare rates among different age, sex, region and nationality, Spearman test was used to describe correlation analysis, and pairwise comparison of positive rates among multiple samples was used Bonferroni method. Results: Among the 6 393 subjects, 1 093 cases were diagnosed with AR, and the prevalence of AR was 17.10% (1 093/6 393). Among them, pollen-induced allergic rhinitis, the prevalence of PiAR was 10.97% (701/6 393), accounting for 64.14%(701/1 093).The highest incidence was in the youth group (20-39 years old), accounting for 46.94% (329/701).The diagnosed prevalence was higher in females than in males (11.35% vs. 10.64%, χ2 value 12.304, P<0.001).The prevalence rate of ethnic minority was higher than that of Han nationality (13.01% vs. 10.65%, χ2 value 6.296, P=0.008).The prevalence in urban areas was also significantly higher than that in rural areas (18.40% vs. 5.50%, χ2 value 10.497, P<0.001).There was significant difference in prevalence rate among the three regions in Inner Mongolia (6.06% in Chifeng, 13.46% in Hohhot, 16.39% in Ordos, χ2 value 70.054, P<0.001).The main clinical symptoms of artemisia PiAR were sneezing (95.58%), nasal congestion (91.73%) and nasal itching (89.30%).Allergic conjunctivitis accounted for 79.60% (558/701), chronic sinusitis for 55.63% (390/701), asthma for 23.25% (163/701).The pattern of artemisia pollen sensitization was mainly multiple sensitization, and the frequency of clinical symptoms and clinical diseases induced by hypersensitization with other allergens accounted for more than that caused by single artemisia pollen. The spread period of Artemisia pollen in the three regions was from June to October, and the peak state was in August in summer. The peak time of clinical symptoms in artemisia PiAR patients was about 2 weeks earlier than the peak time of pollen concentration, and the two were significantly positively correlated (R=0.7671, P<0.001). Conclusion: Artemisia pollens are the dominant pollens in late summer and early autumn in Inner Mongolia, and the prevalence of artemisia PiAR is high. Controlling the spread of Artemisia pollens is of great significance for the prevention and treatment of AR.

Patch Test Results with the Latin American Baseline Series in a Colombian Population. 2016-2021.

Background: Contact dermatitis (CD) is one of the most prevalent skin diseases. It is commonly divided into irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Patch testing is a procedure used to support the diagnosis of ACD. This test should be interpreted along with the clinical history and morphology of the skin lesions to determine clinical relevance. Objective: To describe the sensitization patterns of patients undergoing patch testing with the Latin American baseline series. Methods: A single-center retrospective study was performed. For the study, patients older than 18 years with a clinical diagnosis of contact dermatitis, who underwent patch testing using the Latin American baseline series were considered. These tests took place at the Alma Mater Hospital of Antioquia between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. Results: A total of 648 patients were included. Patch tests were positive in 63% of cases, with a mean age of 51.5 years. Around 36.6% had atopy-related diseases. The main occupation was housework (30.7%). The hands were the most affected area in the body (31%). The main allergens were nickel sulfate (34%), sodium tetrachloropalladate (24.2%), and thimerosal (8.0%). Fifteen allergens had a percentage below 1%. Hydrocortisone and budesonide did not yield positive results. Conclusion: Nickel sulfate was the most frequent allergen, and women were the most affected. The information gathered could be useful for adjusting the allergens that should be included in the regional baseline series, taking into account the frequency found.

Epidemiological case-control study on contact sensitisation in female foot care specialists with occupational contact dermatitis: Patch test data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 2008 to 2022.

Mainly women work as foot care specialists (FCS). They are at risk to develop occupational dermatitis (OD). The objective of this study is to describe the contact sensitisation pattern of female FCS with OD. In a retrospective study, patch test and clinical data collected by the Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) from 2008 to 2022 were analysed. Data of 116 female FCS with OD were compared with data of 13 930 female patients with OD working in other professions and 78 612 female patients without OD. Hand dermatitis (93.1%) was significantly more common and face dermatitis (0.9%) significantly less common in female FCS with OD compared to other female patients with or without OD. Frequent suspected allergen sources were disinfectants, gloves, leave-on and nail cosmetics. Occlusion and wetness were important co-factors. The most common diagnoses were irritant contact dermatitis (26.7%) and allergic contact dermatitis (21.6%). No sensitisation to any of the baseline series allergens was significantly more frequent in female FCS with OD than in the two control groups. However, sensitisations to allergens which FCS are abundantly exposed to, including fragrances, preservatives, rubber ingredients and disinfectants, were most common. FCS should be aware of the OD risk and prevention should be promoted.

Declining Trend in Antimicrobial Sensitivity in Respiratory Tract Bacterial Pathogens against Commonly Used Drugs at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major health issue. To determine trends in bacterial organisms in respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and their antibiotic sensitivity at a tertiary care center in India, we performed this study. Successive samples received from January 2017 to December 2021 from the respiratory tract (sputum, endotracheal secretion, and bronchoalveolar lavage) from intensive care units and medical inpatients were processed for bacterial growth. The identification of isolates and antibiotic sensitivity patterns was performed using an automated VITEK-2 system. Descriptive statistics are reported. We received 7,204 respiratory samples. Significant bacterial growth was in 3,000 (41.6%), and 2,992 (41.5%) were gram-negative. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most prevalent, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter aerogenes. Increasing secular trends were observed for Klebsiella and Pseudomonas and declining trends for Acinetobacter and Escherichia (p < 0.05). Antimicrobial sensitivity patterns showed that Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, E. coli, and Enterobacter had a high sensitivity with colistin and polymyxin (99-100%). Moderate sensitivity was observed with carbapenems (Acinetobacter: 47.5%, Enterobacter: 62.0%, Escherichia: 76.5%, Klebsiella: 72.3%, Pseudomonas: 66.7%) and tigecycline (Acinetobacter: 50.4%, Enterobacter: 68.0%, Escherichia: 81.1%, Klebsiella: 66.6%, Pseudomonas: 0%). Aminoglycosides had <50% sensitivity for various organisms, and <25% sensitivity was observed with third-generation cephalosporins and quinolones. Trend analysis showed persistent sensitivity of various pathogenic bacteria to colistin and polymyxin and declining pharmacological sensitivity in Acinetobacter (carbapenems and tigecycline), Escherichia (carbapenems, quinolones, and tigecycline), Klebsiella (carbapenems, quinolones, aminoglycosides, and tigecycline), and Pseudomonas (carbapenems and aminoglycosides) species (p < 0.05). Common respiratory tract gram-negative bacterial pathogens at a tertiary care hospital are K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, and E. coli. All these bacteria demonstrate high sensitivity only with colistin and polymyxin. Significant AMR is observed to carbapenems, tigecycline, aminoglycosides, and third-generation cephalosporins. Secular trends show declining antimicrobial sensitivity among various bacterial pathogens.

Molecular sensitization profile to grass and olive pollens in Portugal.

Background. Grass and olive pollens have overlapping pollination periods and are common allergens in the Iberian Peninsula. The objective is to determine the sensitization pattern to major Phleum pratense and Olea europaea pollens in the Portuguese population with pollen allergic rhinitis (AR) using molecular allergen diagnosis (MAD). Methods. Seasonal AR patients (≥ 12 years), with positive skin prick tests (SPT) to Phleum and Olea were recruited from 16 centers. Using ALEX2, specific IgE to Phl p1, Phl p2, Phl p5, Phl p6, Phl p7, Phl p 12, Ole e1, Ole e7 and Ole e9 were determined. Immunoblotting of Olea allergic patients was performed. Results. Included 175 patients (55.4% female; mean age 31.6 ± 13.3 years; 85.7% adults; 40% asthmatic, Coast 28%/Inland 72% and North 29.1%/Centre 20.6%/South 50.3%). Considering Phleum MAD, 85.7% were sensitized to Phl p1, 45.7% to Phl p2, 50.3% to Phl p5, 45.7%, to Phl p6, 10.9% to Phl p7 and 22.9% to Phl p12. Sensitization to Ole e1 was found in 56.6%, to Ole e7 in 1.7% and Ole e9 in 3.4% patients. Sensitization to Phl p7 was more frequent in asthmatics (17.4% vs 6.6%; p = 0.044). Sensitization to Phl p5, Phl p6, Phl p12 and Ole e1 was more frequent in inland. Regarding sensitization patterns: 53.1% patients were sensitized to both species genuine´ sIgE, 38.3% to Phleum and 3.4% only to Olea species' sIgE. Immunoblotting of Olea allergic patients showed a high intensity band that may correspond to Ole e12. Conclusions. MAD showed "genuine" Grass and Olea sensitization in approximately 50% of our patients.

The role of adenoid immune phenotype in polysensitized children with allergic rhinitis and adenoid hypertrophy.

There is increasing interest in elucidating the relationship between adenoid hypertrophy (AH) and allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the impact of aeroallergen sensitization patterns on children with AH and AR remains unclear. Patients aged 2-8 years (recruited from January 2019 to December 2022) with nasal symptoms were assessed for allergies, adenoid size, and respiratory viral infection history. The serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE levels were measured, and flexible nasal endoscopy was performed. The relationship between AH, aeroallergen sensitization patterns, and lymphocyte subpopulations in adenoid samples was analyzed using flow cytometry. In total, 5281 children were enrolled (56.5% with AR; and 48.6% with AH). AH was more prevalent in children with AR. Compared to nonsensitized individuals, those polysensitized to molds had a higher prevalence of AH (adjusted OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.32-1.96) and a greater occurrence of two or more respiratory viral infections, particularly in adenoidectomy patients. The percentages and corrected absolute counts of regulatory T (Treg) cells, activated Tregs, class-switched memory B cells (CSMBs), natural killer (NK) T cells, and NK cell subpopulations were reduced in the adenoid tissues of children with both AH and AR (AH-AR) compared to AH-nAR children. Polysensitization in AH-AR children correlated with lower CSMB percentages. Polysensitivity to molds is associated with an increased risk of AH in children with AR. Fewer B cells, NK cells, and Treg cells with an effector/memory phenotype were detected in the adenoids of AR children, and these lower percentages of immune cells, particularly CSMBs, were closely linked to aeroallergen sensitization models and respiratory viral infection.

Characterization of Clinical Presentation, Etiology, and Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns in Neonatal Septicemia: A Comprehensive Analysis of Bacterial Isolates.

Neonatal septicemia remains a significant healthcare challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings, with both early-onset neonatal septicemia (EONS) and late-onset neonatal septicemia (LONS) presentations contributing to morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to characterize the clinico-etiological profile and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of neonatal septicemia in a tertiary care setting in north India. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2021 to February 2022, encompassing neonates admitted to the Department of Pediatrics with suspected neonatal septicemia, confirmed by positive blood cultures. A total of 96 neonates were included, predominantly male (71.9%). Gram-negative bacteria constituted 61.6% of isolates, and the most common organism isolated was non-lactose fermenter group (38.4%) followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (33.4%). Non-lactose fermenter group bacteria were prominent in EONS cases (44.6%), while CoNS predominated in LONS cases (51.6%). Birthplace, birth weight, and perinatal score were significantly associated with both EONS and LONS. Linezolid exhibited high efficacy against gram-positive bacteria, while ciprofloxacin and meropenem demonstrated effectiveness against various gram-negative pathogens. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains exhibited resistance to all the antibiotics used in the study except for linezolid. These findings underscore the importance of tailored empirical therapy guided by local epidemiological data to optimize clinical outcomes and mitigate antimicrobial resistance.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Sensitivity Patterns of Uropathogens in Wad Medani, Sudan: A Three Year, Cross-Sectional Study [Letter

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Sensitivity Patterns of Uropathogens in Wad Medani, Sudan: A Three Year, Cross-Sectional Study [Letter

A STUDY ON IN VITRO ACTIVITY OF FOSFOMYCIN AGAINST ENTEROBACTERIACAE UROPATHOGEN ALONG WITH MICROBIOLOGICAL PROFILE AND ANTIBIOGRAM OF UROPATHOGENS

Background:Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infection throughout the world that may affect both the lower and the upper urinary tracts. Aims &amp; Objective:The present study was done to determine various organisms causing Urinary tract infections and to analyse antimicrobial sensitivity patterns of those isolates. Materials and Methods:This prospective study was conducted from April 2020 to March 2021at SIMS&amp; RH, Tumkur. All urine samples were received in Microbiology laboratory for routine microbiology investigations were inoculated on Blood agar and MacConkey agar culture media using calibrated wire loop . Urinary isolates with significant bacteriuria were further processed by conventional biochemical tests and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done as per standard methods. Results: A total of 697 urine samples were processed in that 324 (46.48%) samples were shown as significant growth of bacteria. Most of the cases seen in (67.28%) female and under age group of 21-30(22.22%).The predominantly Gram-negative bacteria (85.18%) were isolated followed by Gram positive bacteria(10.49%) and Candida spp(4.32%). The Gram negative bacteria showed high sensitivity to Ampicillin sulbactum (88.27%) followed by Amikacin (87.24%). All Gram-positive bacteria isolates is showed sensitivity to Vancomycin (100%).We found that 235( 92.88%) Enterobacteriaceace isolates were is susceptible for Fosfomycin. Conclusion:. Antibiotic resistance has become a major clinical problem worldwide and has increased over the years.Hence antibiotic susceptibility testing should be done to diagnose and treat the drug resistant UTI cases. Fosfomycin may be given empirically in patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infection due to Enterobacteriaceace.

Bacterial profiling, sensitivity and resistance pattern of neonatal sepsis in neonatal intensive care unit of tertiary care hospital

Bacterial profiling, sensitivity and resistance pattern of neonatal sepsis in neonatal intensive care unit of tertiary care hospital

Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiling of Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacterial Isolates in a Tertiary Care Hospital: Establishment of an Antibiogram.

Introduction Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global healthcare challenge in the management of bacterial infections, which is frequently attributed to rapid bacterial adaptations. This study aims to develop an antibiogram for a tertiary care hospital, providing comprehensive antibiotic sensitivity profiles for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It informs healthcare providers of antibiotic resistance trends, enabling informed treatment decisions and enhanced infection control measures. Methods We conducted a six-month prospective observational study, during which we gathered and analyzed data from the microbiology laboratory to identify patterns of antimicrobial sensitivity. Subsequently, the data underwent analysis and interpretation using the respected WHONET software, a readily available tool designed for this specific task. Our methodology adhered to the guidelines established by the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute for the standardization of antibiogram generation procedures, and these guidelines are easily integrated into the WHONET software for analytical purposes. Results There were a total of 357 isolates across various hospital departments, comprising 13 distinct bacterial species. Among them, nine were identified as Gram-negative bacteria, accounting for 262 (73.3%) isolates. Escherichia coli accounted for 131 (36.6%) isolates, while Klebsiella accounted for 62 (17.3%), emerging as the predominant species among them. The remaining four bacterial species were identified as Gram-positive bacteria, totaling 95 (26.6%) isolates, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most frequently isolated species at 51 (14.2%), followed by Enterococcus at 26 (7.2%). Subsequent analysis using the WHONET software facilitated the creation of an antibiogram. Among the Gram-negative bacteria, E. coli displayed high sensitivity (100%) to aztreonam and clindamycin, followed by nitrofurantoin (98%), imipenem (94%), and meropenem (95%). However, it exhibited decreased sensitivity to ampicillin (25%), cefuroxime (34%), and ceftriaxone (39%). Conversely, among the Gram-positive bacteria, S. aureus demonstrated 100% sensitivity to ampicillin, amoxiclav, cefazolin, teicoplanin, linezolid, rifampicin, nitrofurantoin, and cefotaxime. However, it exhibited zero sensitivity to vancomycin and only 6% sensitivity to cotrimoxazole. Conclusion This study advances the understanding of antibiotic susceptibility in a tertiary care setting and provides an invaluable tool for optimizing treatment strategies, enhancing infection control measures, and combating antibiotic resistance.

Bullet-related bacterial wound infections among injured personnel at emergency site hospitals in Bahir Dar: prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility and associated factors.

Bullet-related bacterial wound infection can be caused by high-velocity bullets and shrapnel injuries. In Ethiopia, significant injuries were reported that may cause severe wound infections, persistent systemic infections and may lead to amputation and mortality. The magnitude, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and factors associated with bacterial wound infections among patients with bullet-related injuries are not yet studied particularly at health facilities in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence, bacterial profiles, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and factors associated with bacterial infections among patients with bullet-related injuries at referral health facilities in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. A Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with bullet-related injuries at three referral health facilities in Bahir Dar from May 25 to July 27, 2022. A total of 384 patients with bullet-related injuries were included in the study. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Wound swabs were collected aseptically and cultured on Blood and MacConkey agar following bacteriological standards. Biochemical tests were performed to differentiate bacteria for positive cultivation and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the isolates were done on Muller Hinton agar using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique according to the 2021 Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guideline. The data were entered using Epi-Info version 7.3 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive data were presented using frequency, percentages, figures, and charts. Logistic regression was carried out to identify factors associated with bacterial wound infections. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The prevalence of bullet-related bacterial wound infection among three referral hospitals in Bahir Dar city was 54.7%. The most commonly isolated Gram-negative organism was Klebsiella spps 49 (23.3%) while among Gram-positive organism, Staphylococcus aureus 58 (27.6%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CONS) 18 (8.6%). Contamination, hospitalization and smoking habit were significantly associated with the presence of bullet-related bacterial wound infections. Over 97% multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial isolates were identified and of theses, E. coli, Proteus species, Citrobactor, and Staphylococcus aureus were highly drug resistant. Increased prevalence of bullet-related bacterial wound infection was noticed in this study. S. aureus followed by Klebsiella species were most commonly isolated bacteria. High frequency of resistance to Ampicillin, Oxacillin, Cefepime, Ceftriaxone, Ceftazidime, Vancomycin, and Norfloxacin was observed. Therefore, proper handling of bullet injuries, prompt investigation of bacterial infections, monitoring of drug sensitivity patterns and antibiotic usage are critical.

Warming effects on grassland soil microbial communities are amplified in cool months.

Global warming modulates soil respiration (RS) via microbial decomposition, which is seasonally dependent. Yet, the magnitude and direction of this modulation remain unclear, partly owing to the lack of knowledge on how microorganisms respond to seasonal changes. Here, we investigated the temporal dynamics of soil microbial communities over 12 consecutive months under experimental warming in a tallgrass prairie ecosystem. The interplay between warming and time altered (P < 0.05) the taxonomic and functional compositions of microbial communities. During the cool months (January to February and October to December), warming induced a soil microbiome with a higher genomic potential for carbon decomposition, community-level ribosomal RNA operon (rrn) copy numbers, and microbial metabolic quotients, suggesting that warming stimulated fast-growing microorganisms that enhanced carbon decomposition. Modeling analyses further showed that warming reduced the temperature sensitivity of microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) by 28.7% when monthly average temperature was low, resulting in lower microbial CUE and higher heterotrophic respiration (Rh) potentials. Structural equation modeling showed that warming modulated both Rh and RS directly by altering soil temperature and indirectly by influencing microbial community traits, soil moisture, nitrate content, soil pH, and gross primary productivity. The modulation of Rh by warming was more pronounced in cooler months compared to warmer ones. Together, our findings reveal distinct warming-induced effects on microbial functional traits in cool months, challenging the norm of soil sampling only in the peak growing season, and advancing our mechanistic understanding of the seasonal pattern of RS and Rh sensitivity to warming.

The Pattern of Bacterial Infections Among Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media Cases at a Tertiary Care Centre in North-East India.

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a chronic inflammation of the mucoperiosteal lining of the middle ear cleft, presenting with recurrent ear discharge through a tympanic membrane perforation. The present study aims to assess the spectrum of bacterial infection among CSOM cases and detect the isolated organism's antibiotic sensitivity pattern. The prospective hospital-based observational study was conducted from June 2021 to June 2022 and included 94 CSOM cases. An aural swab of the ear discharge was collected from each patient under aseptic precautions. The swab was utilized for Gram's staining and the aerobic bacterial pathogen culture. The organisms isolated were tested for antibiotic sensitivity using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The most affected age group was the second decade of life (27.7%, n=26), with a male-to-female ratio of 1.35:1. The mean duration of ear discharge was 24.0±14.7 months, mostly mucoid ear discharge (39.4%, n=37). Among gram-positive bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 16 (17.0%) cases. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most isolated gram-negative bacteria strain in 26 (27.7%) cases. Cotrimoxazole (67.7%, n=21) had the highest sensitivity towards gram-positive bacteria isolates. Amongst gram-negative bacteria, amikacin and ciprofloxacin were the most sensitive, with 78.0% (n=39) susceptibility. Evaluating the spectrum of infecting organisms of CSOM and their antibiotic sensitivity may help initiate prompt treatment with the appropriate antibiotic regimen, thereby preventing future complications.

Efficacy of seventh generation bonding agents as desensitizers in patients with dentin hypersensitivity: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundDentin hypersensitivity (DH) is one of the most challenging and persistent dental complaints characterized by transient, intense pain triggered by various stimuli. It affects a significant portion of the global population, predominantly those aged 20–40. This study aims to evaluate the desensitizing efficacy of seventh-generation dentin bonding agents (Single Bond Universal by 3 M ESPE and Xeno-V + by Dentsply) against a control group using Bifluorid 12 by Voco in mitigating DH within a month of the follow-up period.MethodsThis was a single-center, parallel-group, double-blind, controlled randomized clinical trial conducted at Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 105 patients with DH were allocated into three groups for this study. The patients were divided into three groups (Single Bond Universal by 3 M ESPE and Xeno-V + by Dentsply) and the control group containing fluoride varnish (Bifluorid 12 by Voco). Discomfort Interval Scale scores and Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale scores were recorded at baseline, immediately after the intervention, after 01 weeks, and after 01 month.ResultsAll the materials demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in discomfort and sensitivity (DIS scores p-value 0.01) immediately after 01 week and over a period of 01 month after treatment compared with the baseline scores before application, with no single material proving superior over the one-month observation period. The study also provided insights into dental hygiene practices, with a significant majority using a toothbrush and sensitivity patterns, with cold stimuli being the most common cause of sensitivity.ConclusionThe study demonstrates that Single Bond Universal, Xeno V+, and Bifluorid 12 are equally effective in reducing dentin hypersensitivity, with no distinct superiority observed over a one-month period. The findings highlight the potential of fluoride varnishes as a less technique-sensitive and cost-effective option for treating DH, offering valuable insights for future research and clinical practice.Trial registrationNCT04225247 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04225247), Date of Registration: 13/01/2020. (Retrospectively registered).

Assessment of Biofilm Production and Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns in Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Al-Qadisiyah Hospitals, Iraq

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most common causative agents of nosocomial infections. Opportunistic pathogens can generate a thick layer of biofilm as an important virulence factor. Objectives: The current study was aimed in the detection of biofilm formation in Klebsiella pneumoniae pathogenic capability as a common opportunistic pathogen accounting pneumonia, urinary tract infections, with in nosocomial infections. Materials and Methods: In this observational study, a total of 140 clinical samples obtained from patients with bacterial infections were analyzed. The identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates was performed using selective culture media and biochemical tests. Additionally, biofilm strains were characterized using the Crystal Violet assay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Results: Among the 140 samples collected from various specimens, a total of 100 isolates (43.47%) were identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae culturing and biochemical tests. Out of these isolates, 58 (58%) were obtained from male individuals, while 42 (42%) were obtained from female individuals. Using the phenotypic method, the analysis revealed that 18% isolates were classified as strong biofilm producers, 33% as medium biofilm producers, 49% as weak biofilm producers, and 30 as non-biofilm producers. The frequency of specific genes in the isolates was reported as follows: wzm (47%) and markA (69%). Conclusion: The presence of the markA gene is significant in the context of biofilm formation in Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, as it serves as a marker for distinguishing various types of biofilms.