Strains Of Gram-positive Cocci Research Articles

Use of tuf gene sequencing for Identification of Lactococci isolated from diseased rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Lactococcosis is a bacterial infection that is characterized by the appearance of septicemia in fish. Traditionally, the identification of causes of disease outbreaks in aquaculture poses a major challenge due to their comparable characteristics. In this study, simple PCR and sequencing based on the tuf gene were developed to identify isolates belonging to the Streptococcaceae family. The outbreaks of lactococcosis in rainbow trout have been mainly associated with Lactococcus garvieae, but the emergence of closely related species, Lactococcus petauri and Lactococcus formosensis pose a challenge in accurate identification. The study aimed to identify Gram-positive catalase-negative cocci and differentiate between Lactococcosis-causing bacteria (LCB) in rainbow trout isolates associated with lactococcosis outbreaks in Iran. Seventy-five Gram-positive cocci strains from diseased rainbow trout were tested using a PCR and sequencing method targeting the tuf gene. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses were conducted to distinguish between closely related Lactococcus species. The PCR results revealed a successful amplification with tuf gene primers for all strains, allowing species identification. The sequence analysis showed that all 29 isolates initially identified as L.garvieae were 100% identical to L.petauri, indicating a previous misclassification. This work is the first report by L.petauri of Iran. Analysis of tuf gene sequences revealed different patterns of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) for accurate species differentiation and phylogenetic analysis confirmed different clusters for LCB. The study highlights the misidentification of L.petauri as L.garvieae in lactococcosis outbreaks and the importance of accurate species differentiation in disease management. The tuf gene sequencing method shows promise for practical, cost-effective, and accurate differentiation of closely related streptococcal species in aquaculture. These findings strongly indicate the need to re-evaluate the initial identification of isolates from fish with lactococcisis. The findings of this study also suggest that the tuf gene sequencing, established in this research for its practicality and cost-efficiency, could potentially be integrated into routine diagnostic procedures for Gram-positive, catalase-negative cocci associated with outbreaks of infections in aquatic animals; however, further experimental works are warranted.

In vitro antibiofilm and bacteriostatic activity of diacerein against Enterococcus faecalis

Enterococcus faecalis is one of the main pathogens that causes hospital-acquired infections because it is intrinsically resistant to some antibiotics and often is capable of biofilm formation, which plays a critical role in resisting the external environment. Therefore, attacking biofilms is a potential therapeutic strategy for infections caused by E. faecalis. Current research indicates that diacerein used in the treatment of osteoarthritis showed antimicrobial activity on strains of gram-positive cocci in vitro. In this study, we tested the MICs of diacerein using the broth microdilution method, and successive susceptibility testing verified that E. faecalis is unlikely to develop resistance to diacerein. In addition, we obtained a strain of E. faecalis HE01 with strong biofilm-forming ability from an eye hospital environment and demonstrated that diacerein affected the biofilm development of HE01 in a dose-dependent manner. Then, we explored the mechanism by which diacerein inhibits biofilm formation through qRT-PCR, extracellular protein assays, hydrophobicity assays and transcriptomic analysis. The results showed that biofilm formation was inhibited at the initial adhesion stage by inhibition of the expression of the esp gene, synthesis of bacterial surface proteins and reduction in cell hydrophobicity. In addition, transcriptome analysis showed that diacerein not only inhibited bacterial growth by affecting the oxidative phosphorylation process and substance transport but also inhibited biofilm formation by affecting secondary metabolism, biosynthesis, the ribosome pathway and luxS expression. Thus, our findings provide compelling evidence for the substantial therapeutic potential of diacerein against E. faecalis biofilms.

Антибиотикорезистентность штаммов грамположительных кокков, выделенных из секрета предстательной железы мужчин с хроническим бактериальным простатитом

to characterize the antibiotic resistance of gram-positive cocci strains isolated from the prostate secretion in men with chronic bacterial prostatitis at the level of phenotype and genotype.Bacteria were isolated from the prostate secretion of men of reproductive age (20-45 years) with chronic bacterial prostatitis by conventional bacteriological method. The type of microorganisms was determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Resistance to 16 antibiotics of 31 strains of E. faecalis and 91 cultures of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) was determined by the disk diffusion method. Antibiotic resistance genes (mecA; blaZ; aac(6)- aph (2); ant (4)-Ia; aph (3)-IIIa; gyrA, grlA) were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR ) using selected primers.A high resistance of enterococci to antibacterial drugs was revealed: fluoroquinolones, carbapenens, cephalosporins (with the exception of cefoperazone), gentamicin and oxacillin. It has been established that CoNS are characterized by variable antibiotic resistance, while: isolates of S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus are resistant to all studied fluoroquinolones and carbapenems; S. warneri to carbapenems and the vast majority of studied cephalosporins; S. saprophyticus - to aminoglycosides. Amoxiclav and cefoperazone are characterized by the highest activity against clinical isolates. Using PCR, the presence of genetic determinants of resistance to aminoglycosides and -lactams was established in the isolates, with a predominance of the studied genes in CoNS.For effective antibiotic therapy in chronic bacterial prostatitis, it is necessary to conduct regional monitoring of the resistance of microorganisms to antibacterial drugs.

Multicentre interlaboratory analysis of routine susceptibility testing with a challenge panel of resistant strains

In order to elaborate a new national challenge panel of resistant Gram-negative bacilli and Gram-positive cocci strains for the validation of routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods, an interlaboratory evaluation was organised. The results of 12 well-characterised multidrug-resistant strains tested by nine laboratories using local disk diffusion (DD) and automated AST (AUST) methods were compared with the reference broth microdilution method. Overall categorical agreement ranged from 70% to 100% both for DD and AUST and was >90% for all but one strain for all antibiotics. Our multicentre AST study showed good reproducibility and the panel can be used as national resistant reference strains for routine AST validation.

Clinical characteristics of catheter-related infection in patients with chronic renal failure End Stage Renal failure undergoing semi-permanent catheter placement during maintenance hemodialysis through tunnelled cuffed hemodialysis catheter.

Objective:To analysis the relevant infections and risk factors of patients undergoing hemodialysis semi-permanent catheter (tunneled cuffed) placement during for maintenance hemodialysis.Methods:A total of 158 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) End stage renal failure (ESRF) treated in our hospital from September 2018 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients underwent semi-permanent catheter placement during maintenance hemodialysis. The occurrence of catheter-related infections in the patients were recorded. The patients with catheter-related infections were included in the infection group, and the others without infection in the non-infection group. The differences in hypertension, gender, diabetes, age, catheter indwelling time and dialysis time between the two groups were analyzed, and the distribution of pathogens in the patients with infections was analyzed.Results:The patients were followed up for 13 to 36 months, with an average of (22.18 ± 6.09) months. Among the 158 patients who underwent going semi-permanent catheter placement, 42 (26.58%) presented semi-permanent catheter-related infections, including four cases of catheter-related bacteremia, 16 cases of tunnel infection and 22 cases of catheter exit-site infection. Among total of 42 strains of pathogens were isolated from the 42 patients with catheter-related infections, including 243 strains of Gram-positive cocci were identified in 24/42(57.14%), and 163 strains of Gram-negative bacilli were identified 16/42(38.10%) and one starin of fungus was identified in 2/42 patients. Statistically significant differences were found in dialysis duration time, hypoalbuminemia, average mean age, diabetes and catheter indwelling time between patients with and without catheter-related infections (P < 0.05). Hypoalbuminemia, catheter indwelling time and diabetes were risk factors for catheter-related infections (P < 0.05).Conclusions:Patients with ESRF CRF are at risk and prone to catheter-related infections during hemodialysis using catheter, mainly tunnel infection and catheter exit-site infection. Gram-positive cocci are the main pathogens. Hypoalbuminemia, too long catheter indwelling time and diabetes are the risk factors for infections.

Microbiological and Antimicrobial Pattern of Diabetic Foot Ulcers at a Tertiary Care Center in East China.

Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) are the most complex and challenging pathological state, characterized by high complexity of management, morbidity, and mortality. Empirical antimicrobial administration is needed before the identification of the causative organisms. Microbiological profile of the diabetic foot patients is the basis of the antibiotic choice for clinicians. 76 patients visiting the Diabetic Foot Center of our Hospital for having ulcers with Wagner 3 to 5 were retrospectively surveyed for the bacterium infected. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was implemented and the results were interpreted on the basis of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. A total of 92 isolates were obtained, of which 47 strains of gram-negative bacilli (GNB) accounted for 51.1%, 41 strains of gram-positive cocci (GPC) accounted for 44.6%, and 4 strains of fungi accounted for 4.3%. Species of Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus are the two predominant strains. The top 4 most frequently isolated strains were Staphylococcus aureus (22.8%), enterococcus faecalis (9.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.8%), Escherichia coli (5.4%). The rate of resistance to methicillin was 33.3% for S. aureus. The rate of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) production among E. coli was 60%. 50% of Klebsiella pneumoniae were resistant to carbapenems. P. aeruginosa showed high sensitivity to commonly used antibiotics. There was one isolate of Acinetobacter spp. resistant to most antimicrobials except tigecycline and aminoglycosides. Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus are the two predominant species. The resistance to antibiotics of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa showed optimistic results. However, the high prevalence of CRKP imposed a challenging issue for clinical physicians.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activity of CoO Nanoparticles from a Co (II) Complex Derived from Polyvinyl Alcohol and Aminobenzoic Acid Derivative.

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (CoO NPs) were synthesized by the calcination method from the Co (II) complex which has the formula [Co(PVA)(P-ABA)(H2O)3], PVA = polyvinyl alcohol, and P-ABA = para-aminobenzoic acid. The calcination temperature was 550°C, and the products were characterized by element analysis, thermal analyses (TGA and DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectra, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters (∆H ∗, ∆G ∗, and ∆S ∗) for the cobalt (II) complex are calculated. The charges been carried by the atoms cause dipole moment 10.53 and 3.84 debye and total energy 11.04 × 102 and 24.80 × 102k Cal mol−1 for the Co (II) complex and cobalt oxide, respectively. X-ray diffraction confirmed that the resulting oxide was pure single-crystalline CoO nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy indicating that the crystallite size of cobalt oxide nanocrystals was in the range of 36–54 nm. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of cobalt oxide nanoparticles was evaluated using four bacterial strains and one fungal strain. Two strains of Gram-positive cocci (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis), two strains of Gram-negative bacilli (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and one strain of yeast such as fungi (Candida albicans) were used in this study.

In vitroantimicrobial activity of diacerein on common ocular surface pathogens

Objective To study the antimicrobial activity of diacerein on common pathogens of the ocular surface in vitro. Methods Pathogens were collected from patients with ocular surface infections in Henan Eye Hospital, including Gram-positive cocci and bacilli, Gram-negative bacilli, filamentous fungi, and Candida.The antimicrobial activity of diacerein was determined by the K-B agar diffusion method, and its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the micro-liquid method.Levofloxacin and voriconazole were used as the control of antibacterial and antifungal drug, respectirely. Results Diacerein showed antibacterial activity against 42 strains of Gram-positive cocci and 10 strains of Gram-positive bacilli, its inhibition zone diameters for Staphylococcus epidermidis, S.aureus, S.intermedius and Gram-positive Corynebacterium were not significantly different from those of levofloxacin (all at P>0.05). Its MIC range of diacetate against Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, S. intermedius and other Staphylococci was 1-32 μg/ml, and its respective MIC90 was 16, 8, 16, and 32 μg/ml.Diacerein had no bacteriostatic effect on 23 strains of Gram-negative bacilli, 10 strains of filamentous fungi and 3 strains of candida. Conclusions Diacerein has antibacterial effects against Gram-positive Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium isolated from the ocular surface, but shows no antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacilli and fungi.Diacerein offers a new drug option and method for the treatment of bacterial keratitis. Key words: Gram-positive cocci; Bacilli; Filamentous fungi; Candida; Diacerein; Inhibition zone; K-B agar paper diffusion method

Pyrimidine Analogues as a New Class of Gram-Positive Antibiotics, Mainly Targeting Thymineless-Death Related Proteins.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are widespread throughout the world and pose an increasingly serious threat to human and animal health. Besides implementing strict measures to prevent improper antibiotic use, it remains essential that novel antibiotics must be developed. These antibiotics need to exert their activity via mechanisms different from those employed by currently approved antibiotics. In this study, we used several 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) analogues as chemical probes and investigated the potential of these pyrimidine analogues as antibacterial agents. Several 5-FU derivatives exerted potent activity against strains of Gram-positive cocci (GPC) that are susceptible or resistant toward approved antibiotics, without showing cross-resistance. Furthermore, we have provided evidence that the pyrimidine analogues exerted anti-GPC activity via thymineless death by inhibition of thymidylate synthetase (ThyA) and/or inhibition of RNA synthesis. Interestingly, whole genome resequencing of in vitro-selected, pyrimidine analogue-resistant Staphylococcus aureus mutants indicated that S.aureus strains with pyrimidine-analogue resistance induced an amino acid (AA) substitution, deletion, and/or insertion into thymineless-death related proteins except for ThyA, or enhanced the ThyA transcription level. Thus, S.aureus may avoid altering the ThyA function by introducing an AA substitution, suggesting that the pyrimidine analogues, which directly bind to ThyA without phosphorylation, may be more effective and show a higher genetic barrier than the pyrimidines that depend on phosphorylation for activity. The findings of this study may assist in the future development of a novel class of antibiotics for combating MDR GPC, including methicillin-resistant S.aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci.

The pathogen spectrum and resistance in patients with peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis: A single-center, observational clinical study .

Peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis (PDAP) is one of the major causes of peritoneal dialysis (PD) failure and death. Therefore, it is important to determine how to effectively treat patients with PDAP. We analyzed the pathogen spectrum and bacterial resistance in 203 PDAP cases that were enrolled in this study from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017. All patients were infected with peritonitis and had been treated with antibiotics while at our center. Bacterial culture results of PD fluid and pathogen drug resistance were collected and analyzed. A total of 159 cases (78.3%) had a positive bacterial culture of PD fluid. A total of 47 pathogens were identified, including 19 (40.4%) Gram-positive cocci strains (the most common was Staphylococcus spp.), 15 (31.9%) Gram-negative bacilli strains (the most common was Escherichia coli, 4 fungal strains, and 9 other strains. The drug sensitivity test showed that Gram-positive cocci were sensitive to vancomycin (94.9%), but had a high resistance to cefazolin (67.7%). Gram-negative bacilli were sensitive to imipenem (96.2%), but had a high resistance to ceftriaxone (60.0%). Voriconazole and itraconazole were sensitive in fungal infections. A total of 162 cases were cured, 37 cases were unresponsive to antibiotic treatment and converted to hemodialysis after Tenckhoff catheter removal, and 4 cases resulted in death. Gram-positive cocci are still the primary pathogen of PDAP cases in our center, but demonstrate a high resistance to first-generation cephalosporin, which is the suggested treatment per International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis 2016 Peritonitis Recommendations. Therefore, an individualized treatment based on the distribution of pathogens and drug resistance in different centers is more conducive to improve the cure rate of PDAP.

Observation on the application of ventilator internal circuit disinfection in mechanically ventilated patients

To understand the internal circuit contamination of ventilator in mechanical ventilation patients, to evaluate the effect of ventilator internal circuit disinfection and the impact on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). A total of 39 patients with mechanical ventilation admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of Hangzhou Geriatric Hospital from January 2017 to June 2018 were enrolled. Routine mechanical ventilation treatments for patients included pipeline replacement, aseptic operation, prevention of infection, etc. After 2 weeks of mechanical ventilation, the internal circuit of the ventilator was disinfected using the internal circuit sterilizer of the ventilator. Microorganism sampling and detection at 3 cm to the exhalation port of the internal circuit of the ventilator was performed before and after disinfection. The number of colonies was < 5 cfu/cm2 and no pathogenic bacteria could be detected. During the observation period, if the patient was complicated by VAP for anti-infective treatment, the ventilator with internal loop disinfection was replaced after infection control, and was incorporated again into the group for observation. The number of microbial colonies in the internal circuit of the ventilator before and after disinfection, the microbiological test pass rate and the incidences of VAP during the 2 weeks were observed. All 39 patients were included in the analysis, with 23 male and 16 female; with age of 65-97 years old, average (78.7±7.6) years old. Before the disinfection, 9 604 strains were detected in the internal circuit of the ventilator, including 8 687 strains of Gram-negative bacilli (90.4%), 902 strains of Gram-positive cocci (9.4%), and 15 strains of fungi (0.2%), which were detected in the lower respiratory tract of the patients. The strain concordance rate was 41%. The qualified rate of microbial detection in the internal circuit of the ventilator was 5.1%; 13 cases (33.3%) of VAP occurred during 2 weeks of mechanical ventilation. After disinfection, 785 strains of pathogens were detected in the internal circuit of the ventilator, and the number of colonies was significantly reduced compared with that before disinfection [cfu/cm2: 0 (0, 20) vs. 150 (15, 500), P < 0.01], of which 688 strains of Gram-negative bacilli (87.7%), 92 strains of Gram-positive cocci (11.7%) and 5 strains of fungi (0.6%) were found; the qualified rate of microbial detection in the internal circuit of ventilator reached 71.8%, which was significantly higher than that before disinfection (P < 0.01); 2 weeks after mechanical ventilation the incidence of VAP decreased slightly during the period [20.5% (8/39) vs. 33.3% (13/39)], but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). The internal circuit of the ventilator can be used to detect the pathogen and the sputum culture of the patients on mechanical ventilation with a high consistency. The disinfection of the pathogen could significantly reduce the air pollution of the ventilator and reduce the occurrence of VAP in the patients.

Ocena działania olejku majerankowego wobec bakterii beztlenowych

Introduction. Sweet majoram (Origanum majorana L.), green plant from family Lamiaceae is common used in traditional medicine. Herba majoranae containing from 1 to 3.5% essential oil. The main components of the oil depend on the geographic origin of the plant and include: terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol, terpinene, γ-terpinene, cis-sabinene hydrate, p-cymene, triterpenic acid, phenolic acid, flavonoids glycosides, tanins, diterpenoids and triterpenoids. The oil is used for treatment of lung diseases, spleen, kidneys, hepatitis, alimentary tract and headaches. It has antiemetic, anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the susceptibility of anaerobic bacteria isolated from oral cavity to majoram oil. Material and methods. A total of 57 anaerobic bacteria belonging to the genus of Porphyromonas (4 strains), Prevotella (9), Bacteroides (11), Parabacteroides (1), Tannerella (2), Fusobacterium (7), 11 strains of Gram-positive cocci, 12 strains of Gram-positive rods and 6 reference strains were tested. Investigation was carried out using the plate dilution technique in Brucella agar supplemented with 5% defibrynated sheep blood, menadione and hemine. Inoculum containing 106 CFU per spot was seeded with Steers replicator upon the agar with various oil concentrations as well as upon that no majoram oil (Semifarm, Elbląg). The concentrations oil were: 0.06, 0.12, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/ml. The plate were incubated in anaerobic conditions, in anaerobic jars for 48 hours in 37°C. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was interpreted as the lowest concentrations oil inhibiting the growth of strains of anaerobes. Results and discussion. The results of investigations indicated that the from Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the genus of Bacteroides uniformis, Tannerella forsythia and Bacteroides vulgatus were the most susceptible to the essential oil (MIC &lt;0.06-0.5 mg/ml). But the 89% strains from genus of Prevotella was sensitive to 2.0 mg/ml and more. Tested oil was less active against the strains from genera of Fusobacterium. MIC of the strains were in ranges 1.0-&gt; 2.0 mg/ml. The rods from the genera Prevotella bivia, Prevotella buccalis, Prevotella loescheii, Bacteroides fragilis, Parabacteroides distasonis and Fusobacterium nucleatum were the lowest sensitive (MIC &gt; 2.0 mg/ml). The oil was very active vs. Gram-positive cocci. MIC for 50% this strains was in ranges &lt; 0.06-0.25 mg/ml. But the Gram-positive rods were less sensitive. The growth of the strains were inhibited by concentrations in ranges 1.0-&gt; 2.0 mg/ml (without Actinomyces viscosus – MIC 1.0 mg/ml). It appears that Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria were more susceptible to majoram oil than Gram-negative rods. Conclusions. The most susceptible to majoram oil from Gram-negative bacteria were rods of Bacteroides uniformis, Tannerella forsythia and Bacteroides vulgatus. The oil was very active against Gram-positive cocci and rods. The Gram-negative anaerobes were less susceptible to majoram oil than Gram-positive anaerobes.

Bacterial culture and drug sensitivity of eye secretions in 1 482 infants with dacryocystitis

Objective To investigate the distribution of bacteria and drug sensitivity of eye secretions in infants with dacryocystitis. Methods The data of 1 482 infants with dacryocystitis were collected from Apr. 2016 to Apr. 2018. The bacterial culture, drug sensitivity and drug resistance were analyzed on eye secretions. Results The pathogenic bacteria were detected in 1 031 strains, the positive rate was 69.57%. There were 707 strains of gram-positive cocci, accounting for 68.57%. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae were mainly pathogenic bacteria. The resistance of Zoxicillin, Penicillin and Ampicillin were the highest. The sensitivity to teicoplanin and vancomycin was the highest. There were 311 strains(30.16%) of gram-negative bacilli. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were mainly pathogenic bacteria, and the resistance rate of compound new noxamine, ampicillin and gentamicin was high, the sensitivity of three generation cephalosporins was high, and the highest sensitivity was imipenem and meropenem. There were 6 strains(0.58%) of gram-positive bacilli, 5 strains(0.48%) of gram- negative cocci and 2 strains(0.19%) of fungi. Conclusion The antibiotics should be selected rationally according to the drug sensitivity test results of the pathogenic bacteria isolated from the eye secretions of dacryocystitis, which can avoid misuse and blind drug use, so as to ensure the rational, safe and effective drug use of the children. Key words: Dacryocystitis; Infant; Bacterial culture; Drug sensitivity; Analysis

Wrażliwość bakterii beztlenowych na australijski olejek mirtowy (Backhousia citriodora F. Muell.)

Introduction. Herbs have been known and utilize since ancient Times in China, Europe and America. The ancient Egiptians used the myrtle to treat fever and infections. The plant have been mentioned in the Bible six times. Dioscorides recommended myrtle oil on patients with blader and lung infections. The herb and essential oil were used in Ayuveric treating infections respiratory tract and neuralgic. Backhousia citriodora F. Muell. belonging to the genus Backhousia and family Myrtaceae. It grown to 20-30 m high, on plantations in Australia, in subtropical rainforests of central and south-eastern Queensland. The leaves of the tree Backhousia citriodora produces an essential oil. It is obtained via hydro distillation. Lemon myrtle oil is known for its characteristic lemon flavor, related with presence of citral. Research indicated, that constituents of oil showed antibacterial activity against aerobic bacteria. There are no information about its activity towards anaerobic bacteria. Aim. The aim of the study was to determine activity of myrtle oil against anaerobic bacteria isolated from patients. Material and methods. The anaerobic bacteria were isolated from various infections of oral cavity. A total 135 strains isolated from patients and 7 reference strains were tested. The suscibility anaerobes to myrtle oil was carried out using plate dilution technique in Brucella agar supplemented with 5% defibrynated sheep blood, menadione and hemin. Inoculum containing 106 in CFU per spot was seeded with Steers replicator upon the surface of agar with myrtle oil and without oil (strains growth control). Incubation the plates was performed in anaerobic jars (10% C02 , 10% H2 , 80% N2 , palladic catalyst and anaerobic indicator) at 37°C for 48 hrs. The MIC was defined as the lowest concentrations of the myrtle oil that completely inhibited growth the tested anaerobic bacteria. Results. The results indicated that the myrtle oil was active against the 44 (50%) from all the tested strains of anaerobes to the concentrations from ranges &lt; 0.12-1.0 mg/ml. The rods from genus of Prevotella oralis and Prevotella oris were sensitive on concentrations &lt; 0.12 mg/ml. The oil was less active against the Gram-negative anaerobes from genus of Prevotella buccalis, Prevotella levii, Prevotella loescheii, Bacteroides uniformis and Parabacteroides distasonis (MIC &gt; 4.0 mg/ml). The Clostridial strains were very sensitive. The growth of this strains was inhibited by concentrations of &lt; 0.12 mg/ml. The volatile oil did appeared to be equally effective against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive anaerobic rods. The growth of 50 and 47% of this bacteria was inhibited in ranges from &lt; 0.12 to 1.0 mg/ml. The tested Gram-negative cocci from genus Veillonella parvula were less sensitive (MIC 1.0-&gt; 4.0 mg/ml). The strains of Gram-positive cocci were the least sensitive. Its growth was inhibited by concentrations 2.0-&gt; 4.0 mg/ml. Conclusions. The myrtle oil was more active against anaerobic bacteria from genus Prevotella oralis, Prevotella oris and strains from genera of Clostridium. The strains from genus Prevotella buccalis, Prevotella levii, Prevotella loescheii, Bacteroides uniformis and Parabacteroides distasonis were the lowest sensitive. The oil was equally effective against Gram-negative and Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria.

Relevant analyses of pathogenic bacteria and inflammatory factors in neonatal purulent meningitis.

Pathogenic bacteria and inflammatory factors in neonatal purulent meningitis (PM) were investigated to explore the diagnostic value of inflammatory factors in PM, to clarify the etiology, and to provide evidence for rational clinical treatment. Seventy-four neonates who were diagnosed with PM and were bacteriogically positive in Daqing Longnan Hospital from January 2012 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed and used as observation group. Another 74 neonates simultaneously hospitalized with non-PM factors were selected as control group. The levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and β 2 microglobulin (β2MG) in cerebrospinal fluid in pediatric patients were measured, and the separation culture and identification of pathogenic bacteria were carried out at the same time. The results showed that i) neonatal PM often lacked specific clinical manifestations; ii) high risk factors of neonatal PM included gestational age, body weight <2,500 g, neonatal asphyxia, premature rupture of membranes, and umbilical or pulmonary infection; iii) the levels of CRP and β2MG in the cerebrospinal fluid in the neonatal PM group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the neonatal PM group had obviously decreased levels of CRP and β2MG in the cerebrospinal fluid after treatment compared with those before treatment (P<0.05); iv) the positive rate of Gram-negative bacilli (G-bacilli) showed an increasing trend year by year in the past 4 years. Seventy-four strains of bacteria were isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid in neonatal PM group, including 45 strains of Gram-positive cocci (G+cocci, accounting for 60.81%) and 29 strains of G-bacilli (accounting for 39.19%). Among them, the top three were Escherichia coli, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) and Streptococcus. These findings indicated that for suspected PM pediatric patients with high risk factors, the inflammatory factors in cerebrospinal fluid and the etiology should be investigated via lumbar puncture as early as possible to confirm the diagnosis. Pathogenic bacteria of meningitis mainly are Escherichia coli, CNS and Streptococcus, and the characteristics of pathogenic bacteria should be considered during experiential medication. The incidence rate of PM due to Streptococcus has an upward tendency and great damage, needing to arouse high attention in clinic.

Ocena aktywności olejku imbirowego (Oleum Zingiberis) wobec bakterii beztlenowych

Introduction. Zingiber officinale from family Zingiberaceae is known as ginger. Its common names are African Ginger, Cocchin Ginger, Jamaican Ginger, Black Ginger, Gan jiang, Ingwer, Gegibre and Rice Ginger. It was used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat headaches, nausea and colds. In Mexican medicine have been used to treat gastrointestinal complaints. It is one of the frequently used spices in many countries of the world. It can be consumed as a fresh or dried to prepared tea, soft drinks and bread. The plant grown to 1 m high. The rhizome contain volatile oil. The major components of ginger are mono- and sesquiterpens, in it zingiberene and zingiberol. Futhermore oil contain borneol, cyneole, citral, camphene, β-phellandrene, zingerone, shogaol, geranyl acetate, geraniol, curcumene, terpineol, limonene, linalool, α-farnesene, neral and 6-gingerol. Research carried out on ginger indicated, that components to have antiinflammatory, antiplateled aggregation, antioxidant, antidiabetic, cholesterol-lowering, blood pressure-lowering and anticancer properties. Aim. The goal of this dates was to test the antimicrobial activity of ginger oil against anaerobes. Material and methods. The anaerobic bacterial strains were isolated from oral cavity. A total 53 strains isolated from patients and 6 reference strains were examined. The members of following genera were tested: Porphyromonas (4 strains), Prevotella (9), Bacteroides (8), Parabacteroides (1), Tannerella (2), Fusobacterium (7) and after 11 strains of Gram-positive cocci and Gram-positive rods and 6 reference strains from genus: Bacteroides fragilis ATCC 25285, Porphyromonas asaccharolytica ATCC 29743, Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 25586, Finegoldia magna ATCC 29328, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius ATCC 27337 and Propionibacterium acnes ATCC 11827. Susceptibility (MIC) was determined by the two-fold dilution technique in Brucella agar supplemented with 5% defibrynated sheep blood, menadione and hemin. The inoculum containing 106 CFU/per spot was seeded with Steers replicator upon the surface of agar with ginger oil (Semifarm, Gdańsk) or without the oil (the strains growth control). Concentrations of oil used were 20.0, 10.0, 7.5, 5.0, 2.5 and 1.2 mg/ml. Incubation the plates was performed in anaerobic conditions in anaerobic jar, at 37°C for 48 hrs. The MIC was defined as the lowest concentrations of ginger oil that completely inhibited the growth of tested anaerobes. Results. The results showed, that the most susceptible from Gram-anaerobic bacteria to ginger oil in ranges ≤ 1.26-5.0 mg/ml were the strains from genus of Tannerella forsythia and Bacteroides uniformis. The others of Gram-negative rods were susceptible to oil in ranges 10.0-≥ 20.0 mg/ml. The strains belonging to the genus of Prevotella bivia, Prevotella buccalis and Parabacteroides distasonis were the lowest sensitive to tested oil (MIC ≥ 20.0 mg/ml). The ginger oil was very active against Gram-positive cocci. MIC’s for all the tested strains were to the concentrations from 5.0 to 10.0 mg/ml. The oil characterized similarly of activity in case Gram-positive rods. The date showed, that 82% this strains were susceptible to concentration – 10.0 mg/ml. Conclusions. The results indicated that the ginger oil showed antibacterial activity against all tested anaerobic bacteria. The more susceptible to oil were the Gram-positive cocci and rods then Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria.

Distribution of pathogenic bacteria and drug sensitivity analysis on urinary tract infection

Objective To analyze the distribution and drug sensitivity of pathogenic bacteria in urinary tract infection, and to provide evidences for rational use of antibiotics in clinic. Methods The data from 3 677 midstream urine specimens for bacterial culture were retrospectively analyzed.VITEK-2Compact was used to identify bacteria and test drug sensitivity.And WHONET5.6 was used to statistically analyze the data. Results Of 649 strains of pathogenic bacteria from urinary tract infection patients, there were 439 strains of gram-negative bacteria, accounted for 67.6%, among which there were 301 (46.4%) strains of Escherichia coli, and 74 (11.4%) strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae; there were 121 strains of gram-positive cocci, accounted for 18.7%, among which there were 97(14.9%) strains of Enterococcus, and 22 (3.4%) strains of Staphylococcus; there were 89 strains of fungi, accounted for 13.7%.According to drug susceptibility, the sensitive rates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae to imipenem, cefotetan, piperacillin-tazobactam and amikacin were all over 87.0%.The drug sensitivity of Enterococcus to vancomycin and linezolid were both 100.0%.As to drug resistance to other drugs, Enterococcus faecium was higher than Enterococcus faecalis. Conclusion Escherichia coli is the primary pathogenic bacteria of urinary tract infection.Every bacteria strain has a high drug resistance.In clinic, hospital should perform urine bacterial culture and drug sensitivity tests timely, and use antibiotics rationally in order to reduce the production and growth of drug-resistant bacteria. Key words: Urinary Tract Infection; Bacteriology; Microbial sensitivitytests

Etiological analysis and in vitro drug sensitivity of bacterial keratitis in northern China in the period of 2006-2015

Objective: To analyze the etiology and drug sensitivity of bacterial keratitis and their changes, and to provide evidence for treatment and drug selection of bacterial keratitis. Methods: Retrospective case series study. From January 2006 to December 2015, corneal specimens suspected of bacterial infection were collected and cultured in Beijing Tongren Eye Center. General information of patients, etiological results and drug sensitivity test results were summarized and analyzed. The Chi-square test and Spearman correlation analysis were performed using SPSS 20.0 software. Results: A total of 6 220 corneal specimens were collected, and 1 133 of them were positive. The positive rate was 18.2%. Among the positive specimens, 673 were from males and 460 were from females, aged from 11 days to 94 years old, with an average age of (45.3±22.1) years old. Among all isolated bacteria, 741 strains of Gram-positive cocci accounted for 62.0%, and 303 strains of Gram-negative bacilli accounted for 25.2%. Three hundred and twenty-one strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common isolates, accounting for 26.9% of all bacteria isolated, which was followed by 131 Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.0%). In vitro drug sensitivity test results of 11 antibiotics showed that the sensitivity rate of gatifloxacin was highest, while the sensitivity rate of tobramycin and ceftazidime was lower than the other drugs. Multi-drug resistant bacteria accounted for 29.2% of all bacteria isolated. Conclusion: Bacterial species causing corneal infection are changing over time in northern China within recent 10 years. Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most common bacteria isolated. The sensitivity rate of corneal bacteria to the fourth generation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics represented by gatifloxacin is highest. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 662-667).

Analysis of distribution and antibiotic resistance of pathogens isolated from the paediatric population in Shenmu Hospital from 2011–2015

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and changes in antibacterial susceptibility of children in Shenmu City, northern Shaanxi, and provide a basis for rational drug use.MethodsThe distribution and drug resistance pattern of pathogenic bacteria isolated from children were retrospectively analysed.ResultsA total of 573 strains of pathogens were cultivated. A total of 201 (35.07%) strains of Gram-positive cocci and 183 (31.93%) strains of Gram-negative cocci were detected. A total of 189 (32.98%) strains of fungi were detected. The resistance rate of Staphylococcus to penicillin was 100% and that to erythromycin was 90.69%. There were varying degrees of resistance to other drugs, but no single strain had vancomycin resistance. Gram-negative bacilli were generally resistant to ampicillin, but had low resistance to the combined preparation of enzyme inhibitors, quinolones, and aminoglycosides, and were highly sensitive to imipenem and meropenem.ConclusionGram-negative bacilli are the main pathogens of bacterial infection in the paediatric ward. Strengthening clinical monitoring of bacterial distribution in paediatric clinical isolates and understanding changes in drug resistance are important for guiding the rational use of antibiotics. These measures could also prevent emergence and spreading of resistant strains.

English

Multidrug resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus have become a serious threat to hospitalized patients and health workers. Recently, this bacterium has emerged as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and this bacterial strain has turned into a superbug in the health domain. The main objective of the present study was to find out the prevalence of MRSA in different clinical samples. A total number of 155 clinical samples were collected from Sawai Maan Singh hospital in Jaipur from June, 2014 to January, 2015 and subjected to MRSA screening using biochemical and microbiological methods. An antibiotic sensitivity test was performed for the confirmation of MRSA. Out of 147 strains of Gram positive cocci isolated from clinical samples, 79 (53.74%) were found to be methicillin-resistant. Moreover, this study revealed that the major MRSA isolates were from pus swabs (37.70%) followed by wound swabs (30.40%), hand swabs (8.90%), surgical wound swab (7.60%), axilla swabs (6.32%) and nasal swabs (10.12%). Key words: Methicillin, Staphylococcus aureus, penicillin, oxacillin, cefoxitin.