Fusidic Acid Research Articles

Phenotypic and molecular determination of biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance of coagulase negative staphylococci isolated from food samples of animal origin in Turkey.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation characteristics of the coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) isolated from various animal food samples (raw milk, cheese, chicken, meat). Methods: A total of 60 Staphylococcus isolates collected from various animal food samples (raw milk, cheese, chicken, meat) were obtained from the frozen culture collection of the Microbiology Laboratory of the XXX University. The isolates were assessed regarding antibiotic resistance, biofilm and s layer formation, and biofilm-associated genes. Results: In total, 22 CNS isolates were identified. The CNS isolates were highly resistant to fosfomycin (68.2%; 15/22), fusidic acid (63.6%, n=14/22), and tetracycline (59.1%, n=13/22). There was an intermediate resistance to other antibiotics as well. There was very strong slime production (54.5%, n=12/22) and S-layer production (40.9%, n=9/22). The biofilm formation of CNS isolates was better at 24 hours. Regarding the biofilm producing genes, 10 (45%) of 22 CNS isolates were positive for the icaA gene, and 4 (18%) isolates were positive for the icaD gene while all of the isolates were negative for the bap gene. Conclusion: The CNS existing in foods from animals may lead to public health problems with clinical implications as a result of being one of the important factors associated with antibiotic resistance. The bacteria that can gain antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation capabilities in the stages of production and consumption may be a critical healthcare issue for humans and animals.

Chitosan based hydrogel fabricated with Fusidic acid loaded SLNs topical system: A new approach against MRSA related wound infections

This research work aims to explore the potential therapeutic efficacy of Fusidic acid loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (FA-SLNs) based hydrogel for topical delivery, particularly focusing on the eradication of MRSA induced infections. Hot homogenization techniques were employed for the fabrication of FA-SLNs. The nanocarriers were optimized by using Box-Behnken statistical model, which exhibited a particle size of 276.9 nm, zeta potential of -22.7 mV and entrapment efficiency of 87% with spherical morphology. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-Ray diffractometry validated the amorphous nature of drug in SLNs. Optimized FA-SLNs were integrated into chitosan hydrogel for topical delivery, demonstrating sustained in vitro drug release, less permeation and better retention characteristics compared to the conventional commercially available formulations. Microbiological studies revealed strikingly enhanced antibacterial activity of FA-SLNs and FA-SLNs based hydrogel against resistant and non-resistant strains when compared to coarse drug and FA-Marketed cream. Additionally, MTT assay demonstrated the nontoxic nature of FA-SLNS. In vivo prospect of optimized formulation was assessed for its wound healing potential in MRSA induced wound infection, and various diverse aspects including bacterial load, wound contraction, morphological and histopathological metrics of wounds were analyzed. The findings indicated a substantially improved therapeutic effectiveness in the group treated with FA-SLNs-based hydrogel. The current research study introduces a promising breakthrough for treating wound infections by presenting a safe, efficacious and reliable formulation.

Prevalence, virulence potential, antibiotic resistance profile, heavy metal resistance genes of Listeria innocua: A first study in consumed foods for assessment of human health risk in Northern Turkey.

Listeria (L.) innocua is typically considered a non-pathogenic bacterium that can sometimes act as an opportunistic pathogen in severely immunocompromised patients. However, it plays an important role in food safety because it acts as an indicator organism for potential contamination and the effectiveness of sanitation methods. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, virulence genes, antibiotic resistance profiles, heavy metal and disinfectant resistance genes of L. innocua isolates from animal-derived foods. In this study, we isolated and characterized 39 L. innocua strains recovered from commonly 400 consumed beef meat, fresh fish meat, raw cow milk, and traditional cheese samples collected in Giresun, Turkey. The occurrence of virulence-associated genes was detected, such as plcA (97.4%), iap (35.8%), and hlyA (15.3%). A high incidence of resistance was recorded for fusidic acid (100%), followed by oxacillin (97.4%), clindamycin (82%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (69.2%), benzylpenicillin (41%), nitrofurantoin (35.8%), and fosfomycin (35.8%). Overall, 100% (39/39) of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, while 92.3% (36/39) of the isolate strains were multidrug resistant in the antimicrobial susceptibility tested. Among the L. innocua isolates (n = 39), 51.2%, 38.4%, 20.5%, 7.6%, 5.1%, 2.5%, and 2.5% were positive for qacH, cadA1, qacE, qacEΔ1-sul, qacJ, qacF, and qacG heavy metal and disinfectant resistance genes, respectively. The results highlight the need for more comprehensive studies to understand the monitoring and surveillance of L. innocua and their potential hazards to both humans and animals.

Effects of Matricaria aurea extract in excisional wound healing on albino rats

The Asteraceae herbal plant Matricaria aurea (Loefl.) Sch.Bip is well known for its use in treating gastrointestinal, cardiac, pulmonary, rheumatologic and many other ailments; nevertheless, wound care has not yet received scientific validation. This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of M. aurea topical formulation on the rate of wound healing and contraction and the histopathological properties of the healing tissue in a rat model of an excisional wound. A total of 45 male rats with excisional wounds were enrolled in the study. The rats were divided into three groups, each with 15 male rats weighing approximately 200–250 g. The first group received treatment with M. aurea, the second group received fusidic acid cream and the third group received normal saline. The treatment was administered for 15 days while photographs were taken every other day, the diameters were measured and a histopathologic examination was conducted. There was a significant accelerated effect for wound healing, as evidenced by the inflammatory cells and diameters reducing to almost the same degree in the M. aurea and fusidic acid groups as compared to the control group (p<0.05). In vivo, the healing of wounds in albino Wister rats is demonstrated by the ethanolic extract of M. aurea. The findings, which show enhanced contraction, epithelization and tensile strength, significantly imply that wound healing promotion and acceleration can be achieved based on faster healing as compared to negative control and similar to standard control (fusidic acid) wounds.

Simulating New Fusidic Acid Derivatives to Target Gram‐Positive Bacteria by Using Computational Methods

AbstractGram‐positive bacteria represent a significant threat due to their resistance to conventional antibiotics. This study employs computational methods to investigate fusidic acid (FA) derivatives (1–24) as potential antibiotics against Gram‐positive bacteria. Techniques such as density functional theory calculations, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations were utilized to evaluate ligand interactions with target proteins Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) elongation factor G (fusA) (2XEX), fusidic acid resistance protein (fusB) (4ADN), and fusidic acid resistance protein (fusC) (2YB5), comparing them to established antibiotics (ceftobiprole, linezolid, vancomycin). Notably, ligand 16 demonstrated a remarkable binding affinity to the S. aureus elongation factor G protein (−8.7 kcal mol⁻¹), closely aligning with both in vitro and in vivo results and outperforming fusidic acid and reference drugs. In silico methods (SwissADME, AdmetSAR, Molinspiration, Molsoft) were used to assess pharmacokinetics and drug‐likeness. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed superior S. aureus elongation factor G stability for ligands fusidic acid 1, (Z)‐2‐((3R,4S,8S,9R,10S,11R,13S,14S,16S)‐16‐acetoxy‐3,11‐dihydroxy‐4,8,10,14‐tetramethylhexadecahydro‐17H‐cyclopenta[a]phenanthren‐17‐ylidene)‐5‐cyclohexylidene‐ pentanoic acid (14), (Z)‐2‐((3R,4S,8S,9R,10S,11R,13S, 14S,16S)‐16‐acetoxy‐3,11‐dihydroxy‐4,8,10,14‐tetramethylhexadecahydro‐17H‐cyclopenta[a]phenanthren‐17‐ylidene)‐5cyclohexylidenepentanoic acid (16), and (Z)‐2‐((3R,4S,8S,9R,10S,11R,13S,14S,16S)‐16‐acetoxy‐3,11‐dihydroxy‐4,8,10,14‐tetramethylhexadecahydro‐17H‐cyclopenta[a]phenanthren‐17‐ylidene)‐5‐cyclopentylidenepentanoic acid (17), with ligand 16 exhibiting exceptional stability across various temperatures, especially at human body temperature (310 K). Further molecular dynamics simulations of ligand 16 validated its robust stability and potential to disrupt S. aureus elongation factor G, supporting the docking results and showing strong consistency with in vitro and in vivo findings. Consequently, ligand 16 emerges as a promising candidate for further development as an anti‐Gram‐positive bacterial drug, pending validation through rigorous clinical trials.

Varicella challenges: A case of respiratory tract complications in an elderly patient

Varicella, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is rarely reported in the elderly but often complicates with pneumonia. In this case report, we present a case of varicella pneumonia in the elderly. A 60-year-old man presented to the emergency room with vesicles filled with clear fluid that had appeared all over the body for the past four days. The patient also reported fever, headache, pain when swallowing, and itching. Initially, the rash consisted of pink macules that progressed to papules, vesicles, pustules, and crusts. The patient experienced a cough and shortness of breath one day before the hospital visit but did not report any chest or abdominal pain. Notably, the patient’s two grandchildren had a history of chickenpox. The patient had been living with diabetes for five years and was undergoing treatment with insulin injections. The patient was also an active smoker for 40 years. On physical examination, several vesicles with varying degrees of redness were observed, along with yellow-black crusts, pustules, and erosions. Diagnostic tests revealed multinucleated giant cells on a Tzanck smear; pulmonary inflammation with thickening of the right hilum on a chest X-ray; extended-spectrum beta-lactamases Klebsiella pneumoniae in the sputum culture; and elevated hemoglobin A1c, blood sugar level, and liver and kidney function markers on laboratory examination. Based on the clinical findings, the patient was diagnosed with varicella, community-acquired pneumonia, diabetes, acute renal failure, and elevated transaminase enzymes. The patient was treated with acyclovir, paracetamol, salicylate 2% powder, fusidic acid 2% cream, moxifloxacin, N-acetylcysteine, curcuma, and insulin. The patient’s clinical condition improved, the complaint of dyspnea decreased, and the patient was discharged to outpatient care after eight days of hospitalization. This case highlights that while varicella is rare in the elderly, it often presents with severe varicella pneumonia, making early detection and comprehensive management essential to prevent complications and mortality.

Clinical characteristics and genomic changes of recurrent Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia

BackgroundRecurrent or persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia presents significant clinical challenges. Comprehensive genomic-scale studies on the genetic changes in MRSA that correspond to refractory bacteremia are lacking. MethodFrom 2011 to 2019, MRSA blood isolates were collected from patients with persistent or recurrent bacteremia at a teaching hospital in southern Taiwan. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) captured the genomic changes in strains responsible for refractory bacteremia, and the altered susceptibilities to specific antimicrobial agents were assessed through measurements of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs). ResultA total of 35 MRSA blood isolates from 15 patients with recurrent or persistent bacteremia were analyzed. Reduced susceptibilities to at least one anti-MRSA agent developed in strains from seven (46.7 %) patients. Of them, a non-synonymous mutation on a global regulator mgrA was associated with reduced daptomycin susceptibility, while an increase in vancomycin MIC was linked to mutations in genes encoding LCP family protein. A 16-fold increase in MIC to fusidic acid was connected to a mutation in the elongation factor G. These recurrent strains commonly exhibited a loss or acquisition of adhesion genes that were involved in biofilm formation, including fnbA, fnbB, and sdrD, and easG series genes of type VII secretion system. ConclusionChanges in the susceptibility of successive strains to common anti-MRSA agents were frequently observed in recurrent MRSA bacteremia. These changes were linked to modifications in genes of regulatory cascade, peptidoglycan binding, adhesion, and type VII secretion system.

Identification of human pregnane X receptor antagonists utilizing a high-throughput screening platform.

Pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptor with a well-established role in regulating drug metabolism and clearance. Recent studies have shown that PXR is involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, immune response, and energy homeostasis. It is important to identify compounds that may modulate PXR activity to prevent drug-drug interactions, distinguish chemicals which could potentially generate toxicity, and identify compounds for further development towards therapeutic usage. In this study, we have screened the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Pharmacologically Active Chemical Toolbox (NPACT) library, which consists of 5,099 unique pharmacologically active synthetic and naturally derived small molecules to identify PXR antagonists. Ninety-four compounds were identified as potential PXR antagonists through a primary screen and 66 were confirmed in a confirmation study. Of these compounds, twenty potential PXR antagonists, including gamma-secretase modulator 2 (GSM2) and fusidic acid, were selected for further study based on their efficacy, potency, and novelty. Their PXR inhibition abilities were assessed by examining their effects on cytrochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 mRNA expression using metabolically competent HepaRG cells. Additionally, a pharmacological inhibition assay using various concentrations of rifampicin as a stimulator was performed in HepG2-CYP3A4-hPXR cells to confirm the activity of the 20 selected compounds against PXR. Finally, HepaRG cells were used to confirm PXR antagonism by verification of a concentration-dependent decrease of CYP3A4 when co-treated with the known PXR agonist, rifampicin. Additionally, the potent actives were further investigated using molecular docking to find the potential interactions of the novel ligands with the active sites of hPXR. To our knowledge from the current study, GSM2 and fusidic acid have been identified as novel PXR antagonists, which provides useful information for further investigation regarding possible drug-drug interactions, as well as the detection of potential therapeutic effects or other toxic consequences.

Delivery of sodium fusidate from alginate-reinforced, carbonated apatite cement: Physicochemical properties, release behavior, antibacterial and cytotoxicity properties

The present work focuses on the development of composite cements based on dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD), calcium carbonate CaCO3, sodium alginate (AG), and sodium fusidate (FS). The effect of AG, setting accelerator (0.5 M of Na2HPO4), and antibacterial agent (FS) on the features (setting ability, injectability, cohesion, and compressive strength) of DCPD-CaCO3-based cement was investigated. The reference and composite cements are composed of a nanocrystalline carbonated apatite, similar to bone mineral, and an excess of unreacted vaterite (CaCO3). The incorporation of AG increased the composite cement's total porosity compared to the reference cement (CR). The evaluation of the injectability and cohesion properties showed that adding 10 wt % of AG resulted in a total extrusion of the paste with an improvement in the cohesion of the cement paste. The compressive strength of the cements raised from 3.2 for CR up to 7 MPa with the addition of 10 % of AG and Na2HPO4 . The setting time is significantly reduced by introducing Na2HPO4, resulting in appropriate values (≤ 30 min) for clinical use. Moreover, incorporating 3 wt % of FS in the composite cements had no significant effect on their features. The release study of FS-loaded composites showed sustained and controlled release profiles, with daily released amounts at the therapeutic level. The antibacterial activity of the designed FS-loaded composites demonstrated the effectiveness of the specimens in inhibiting the growth of S. Aureus. Furthermore, the in vitro biological tests did not show any toxicity of the tested cements towards hPBMCs, thereby confirming their biocompatibility.

The fungal natural product fusidic acid demonstrates potent activity against Mycoplasma genitalium.

Antimicrobial resistance is extremely common in Mycoplasma genitalium, a frequent cause of urethritis in men and cervicitis, vaginitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease in women. Treatment of M. genitalium infections is difficult due to intrinsic and acquired resistance to many antibiotic classes. We undertook a program to identify novel antimicrobials with activity against M. genitalium from fungal natural products. Extracts of Ramularia coccinea contained a molecule with potent activity that was subsequently identified as fusidic acid, a fusidane-type antibiotic that has been in clinical use for decades outside the United States. We found that minimum inhibitory concentrations of fusidic acid ranged from 0.31 to 4 µg/mL among 17 M. genitalium strains including laboratory-passaged and low-passage clinical isolates. Time-kill data indicate that bactericidal killing occurs when M. genitalium is exposed to ≥10 µg/mL for 48 h, comparing favorably to serum concentrations obtained from typical loading dose regimens. Resistance to fusidic acid was associated with mutations in fusA consistent with the known mechanism of action in which fusidic acid inhibits protein synthesis by binding to elongation factor G. Interestingly, no mutants resistant to >10 µg/mL fusidic acid were obtained and a resistant strain containing a F435Y mutation in FusA was impaired for growth in vitro. These data suggest that fusidic acid may be a promising option for the treatment of M. genitalium infections.

Biofilm morphology and antibiotic susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on poly-D,L-lactide-co-poly(ethylene glycol) (PDLLA-PEG) coated titanium

Biodegradable polymeric coatings are being explored as a preventive strategy for orthopaedic device-related infection. In this study, titanium surfaces (Ti) were coated with poly-D,L-lactide (PDLLA, (P)), polyethylene-glycol poly-D,L-lactide (PEGylated-PDLLA, (PP20)), or multi-layered PEGylated-PDLLA (M), with or without 1 % silver sulfadiazine. The aim was to evaluate their cytocompatibility, resistance to Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation, and their potential to enhance the susceptibility of any biofilm formed to antibiotics. Using automated high-content screening confocal microscopy, biofilm formation of a clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolate expressing GFP was quantified, along with isogenic mutants that were unable to form polysaccharidic or proteinaceous biofilm matrices. The results showed that PEGylated-PDLLA coatings exhibited significant antibiofilm properties, with M showing the highest effect. This inhibitory effect was stronger in S. aureus biofilms with a matrix composed of proteins compared to those with an exopolysaccharide (PIA) biofilm matrix. Our data suggest that the antibiofilm effect may have been due to (i) inhibition of the initial attachment through microbial surface components recognising adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs), since PEG reduces protein surface adsorption via surface hydration layer and steric repulsion; and (ii) mechanical disaggregation and dispersal of microcolonies due to the bioresorbable/degradable nature of the polymers, which undergo hydration and hydrolysis over time. The disruption of biofilm morphology by the PDLLA-PEG co-polymers increased S. aureus susceptibility to antibiotics like rifampicin and fusidic acid. Adding 1 % AgSD provided additional early bactericidal effects on both biofilm and planktonic S. aureus. Additionally, the coatings were cytocompatible with immune cells, indicating their potential to enhance bacterial clearance and reduce bacterial colonisation of titanium-based orthopaedic biomaterials.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Wound and Pus Bacterial Pathogens at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The long history and extensive use of antibiotics have caused resistant bacterial pathogens to emerge, increasing mortality and morbidity. The current study was designed to see the prevalence of aerobic bacterial isolates with their antimicrobial resistance pattern from out- and inpatients requested for wound or pus culture. Retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in central Riyadh from January 2023 to December 2023. Samples were collected and inoculated onto the appropriate media following standard guidelines. Bacterial pathogens were identified by the Vitek2 compact system. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method as well as by MIC determination through the Vitek2 compact. A total of 1186 subjects were included in the study with a bacterial isolation rate of 691 (58.3%). Out of these, 155 positive cultures had incomplete information or anaerobic or fungal growth and were excluded from the study. With a slight female predominance (54.9%), the majority of subjects (72.2%) were outpatients, and over half of the isolates (55.2%) were Gram-positive. The most common isolate was Staphylococcus spp. (44.4%), followed by E. coli (13.6%) and P. aeruginosa (12.9%). The highest resistance was reported against penicillin followed by fusidic acid against Gram-positive bacteria. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in 40.5% of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolates. Amikacin was the most susceptible antibiotic against all Gram-negative isolates. MDR Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 51.9% of wound infection isolates (95% CI: 45.95 to 58.33) while 6.3% (95% CI: 4.39 to 8.86) were XDR (nonsusceptibility to at least one agent in all but two or fewer antimicrobial categories). A high prevalence of bacterial isolates, with S. aureus as the predominant pathogen, showed high rates of multidrug resistance. This highlights the importance of monitoring antibiotic choices for prophylaxis and treatment in the study area.

Urinary tract infection pathogens diagnosed in Basra city hospitals

Background. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the growth of pathological bacteria within the urinary tract, and is one of the most common types of bacterial infections worldwide. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a major public health concern. Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections exacerbate the situation in developed, developing and underdeveloped countries. Objective. The aim of this research is to identify the frequency of different bacterial pathogens and their sensitivity to different types of antibiotics in patients suffering from UTI in Basra city hospitals. Method. This cross-sectional study included 505 samples positive for bacterial growth. It was conducted by data extraction from hospital laboratory records, where information was obtained about bacterial examination of urine samples taken from patients with urinary tract infection. The samples were cultured and antibiotic sensitivity was tested by laboratory workers, in order to determine the appropriate treatment for patients. Results and conclusions. The average age of patients was 43.5 years, of whom (60.4%) were females. The most common bacteria was Escherichia coli (40.6%). In antibiotic susceptibility testing process, gentamicin (5.7%), ciprofloxacin (4.7%), trimethoprim (4.7%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (4.1%), and cefepime (3.9%) were the most frequently used antibiotics, while cefotetan (0.06%), ampicillin-sulbactam (0.09%), mupirocin (0.2%), cefazolin (0.2%), fosfomycin and amoxicillin (0.2%) were the least used. The highest sensitivity shown by cultured bacteria was to linezolid (95.5%), ertapenem (91.7%), teicoplanin (79.4%), nitrofurantoin (75.2%) and amikacin (72.4%). The highest resistance shown by cultured bacteria was to cefazolin (100%), oxacillin (94.6%), fusidic acid (91.2%), ampicillin (90.4%), and amoxicillin (88.2%).

Global Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Staphylococcus aureus in Atopic Dermatitis

Individuals with atopic dermatitis are frequently colonized and infected with Staphylococcus aureus. Empirical antibiotic therapy for individuals with atopic dermatitis is common, but data about the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of S aureus strains isolated from these individuals are scarce for those living in particular geographic areas. To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of S aureus from individuals with atopic dermatitis and analyze differences according to the income level of the country of origin and the data collection period. A meta-analysis of the literature was performed from the inception of the included databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane) to June 20, 2023, using predetermined Medical Subject Headings. Studies were included if they reported antibiotic susceptibility profiles of 1 or more S aureus cutaneous isolates from individuals with atopic dermatitis. Articles written in English, Spanish, French, or German were included. Working in pairs, 6 of the authors conducted the data extraction. The guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) were followed. The outcome of interest was antimicrobial susceptibility. A total of 61 studies reported 4091 S aureus isolates from individuals with atopic dermatitis. For 4 of the 11 commonly used antibiotics (36.4%), antimicrobial susceptibility was 85% or less, including for methicillin (binomial proportion, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.76-0.91]), erythromycin (binomial proportion, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.61-0.83]), fusidic acid (binomial proportion, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.62-0.91]), and clindamycin (binomial proportion, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.65-0.89]). Most studies (46; 75.4%) were conducted in high-income countries. Antimicrobial susceptibility to erythromycin, methicillin, and trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole was significantly lower in lower middle-income countries and upper middle-income countries. Regarding the temporal trends, 33 studies (54.1%) reported data collected from 1998 to 2010. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns have not changed over time. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, antimicrobial susceptibility of S aureus to β-lactams, erythromycin, clindamycin, and fusidic acid may be suboptimal for empirical use in individuals with atopic dermatitis. Significant differences in antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were found in high-income countries and in lower middle-income countries and upper middle-income countries for some antibiotics.

The First Validation HPTLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Beclomethasone Dipropionate and Fusidic Acid in Pure and Pharmaceutical Dosage Form

The First Validation HPTLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Beclomethasone Dipropionate and Fusidic Acid in Pure and Pharmaceutical Dosage Form

An Integrated All-Natural Conductive Supramolecular Hydrogel Wearable Biosensor with Enhanced Biocompatibility and Antibacterial Properties.

Conductive hydrogels exhibit tremendous potential for wearable bioelectronics, biosensing, and health monitoring applications, yet concurrently enhancing their biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties remains a long-standing challenge. Herein, we report an all-natural conductive supramolecular hydrogel (GT5-DACD2-B) prepared via the Schiff base reaction between the biofriendly dialdehyde cyclodextrin and gelatin. The potent antibacterial agent fusidic acid (FA) is incorporated through host-guest inclusion, enabling 100% inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus proliferation. The biocompatibility of our hydrogel is bolstered with tannic acid (TA) facilitating antibacterial effects through interactions with gelatin, while borax augments conductivity. This supramolecular hydrogel not only exhibits stable conductivity and rapid response characteristics but also functions as a flexible sensor for monitoring human movement, facial expressions, and speech recognition. Innovatively integrating biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, and conductivity into a single system, our work pioneers a paradigm for developing multifunctional biosensors with integrated antibacterial functionalities, paving the way for advanced wearable bioelectronics with enhanced safety and multifunctionality.

Bacteriophage therapy reduces Staphylococcus aureus in a porcine and human ex vivo burn wound infection model.

Burn wounds are a major burden, with high mortality rates due to infections. Staphylococcus aureus is a major causative agent of burn wound infections, which can be difficult to treat because of antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. An alternative to antibiotics is the use of bacteriophages, viruses that infect and kill bacteria. We investigated the efficacy of bacteriophage therapy for burn wound infections, in both a porcine and a newly developed human ex vivo skin model. In both models, the efficacy of a reference antibiotic treatment (fusidic acid) and bacteriophage treatment was determined for a single treatment, successive treatment, and prophylaxis. Both models showed a reduction in bacterial load after a single bacteriophage treatment. Increasing the frequency of bacteriophage treatments increased bacteriophage efficacy in the human ex vivo skin model, but not in the porcine model. In both models, prophylaxis with bacteriophages increased treatment efficacy. In all cases, bacteriophage treatment outperformed fusidic acid treatment. Both models allowed investigation of bacteriophage-bacteria dynamics in burn wounds. Overall, bacteriophage treatment outperformed antibiotic control underlining the potential of bacteriophage therapy for the treatment of burn wound infections, especially when used prophylactically.

Molecular diversity in fusidic acid-resistant Methicillin Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus.

The recent emergence of fusidic acid (FA)-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has underscored the importance of active surveillance in isolating these strains. The molecular basis of fusidic acid resistance and the carriage of virulence factors in four borderline oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (BORSA) clinical strains was assessed through phenotypical and genotypical methods. All S. aureus clinical strains were obtained from various hospital units in Sicily. In vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted. WGS was performed using the Illumina MiSeq Platform, and data analysis was carried out to determine ST, resistome and virulome profiles. Genotypic characterization revealed that the strains belong to four STs: ST630, ST8, ST15, and ST1. FA resistance was associated with mutations in the fusA gene or fusB and fusC genes. Additionally, one case exhibited resistance to mupirocin, related to the presence of the mupA gene. Borderline MIC values were observed for cefoxitin in three out of four cases, leading to their categorization as BORSA. Virulence gene content was complex and diversified, with one testing positive for the lukS/F genes, coding for PVL toxin. Resistance to FA is multifactorial, involving point mutations in chromosomal genes or association with mobile genetic elements. Monitoring the resistance to these antibiotics might help to manage and eradicate mupirocin- and FA-resistant S. aureus strains, which are also known to be important carriers of virulence determinants.

Comparative Efficacy of Manuka Honey and its Combination with Fusidic Acid in Surgically Inflicted Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus Infected Wounds in Rabbits

Comparative Efficacy of Manuka Honey and its Combination with Fusidic Acid in Surgically Inflicted Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus Infected Wounds in Rabbits

Characterization of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in municipal wastewater in Finland

Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) of multidrug-resistant bacteria could complement clinical data, serving as a population-level early warning tool. This study evaluated WBS as a pandemic preparedness tool, by selectively isolating and culturing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with CHROMagar MRSA. Some 24-h composite wastewater samples (n = 80) were collected from ten treatment plants across Finland between February 2021 and January 2022. MRSA prevalence in wastewater samples was 27.5% (n = 22/80), showing seasonal and temporal variations. Phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) with microdilution showed that over 80% of isolates were drug-resistant to clindamycin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, tetracycline, fusidic acid, and erythromycin. Four isolates (18.2%) were vancomycin-resistant. WGS revealed that 31.8% (n = 7) of the isolates belonged to the ST8-t008 and ST6-t304 spa types, respectively. In addition, two spa types (t011 and t034) belong to the CC398 complex. The mecA gene was found in all isolates (n = 22) and three tetracycline resistance determinants (tet38, tetK, and tetM) were detected with tet38 being the most abundant (81.8%, n = 18/22). Three isolates harboured the plasmid-mediated sat4 gene that confers resistance to Streptothricin. In addition, resistance determinants to macrolide antibiotics (mph (C)/msr (A) and fosfomycin (fosB) were detected in the seven isolates that belonged to spa type t008. All isolates except one harboured the SCCmec_type_IVa(2B). Six ST8 isolates harboured the LukS/F-PV genes encoding the Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and were also positive for the Arginine Catabolic Mobile Element (ACME), suggesting they belong to the USA300 clone. The Inc18 plasmid was the most abundant as it was detected in 72.7% (n = 16/22) of the isolates. Other plasmid replicons detected were the rep_trans and repA_N which were detected in 45.4% (n = 10/22) and 40.9% (n = 9/22) of the isolates respectively. Ten isolates harboured at least three plasmid replicons and no plasmid replicons were detected in four isolates (ST6/t304). The cgMLST revealed that some isolates aggregated into two genomically indistinguishable clusters: ST6/t304 belonging to cluster type CT12405 (≤20 allelic differences) and ST8/t008 belonging to cluster type CT1925 (<8 allelic differences). Overall, we found a high genotypic concordance with the national clinical bacterial resistance data. Our study demonstrates the sensitivity of culture-based wastewater surveillance for MRSA using clinical media following pre-enrichment, reliably predicting pathogen occurrence at the population level.