Streptococcus Research Articles

Common Isolates and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Urine Samples among Patients Attending a Tertiary Health Institution in South Nigeria

Aim: To identify the main isolates in Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns in Federal Medical Centre Asaba as a guide to developing corresponding antibiogram to support empirical treatment of these infections. Study Design: A three - year retrospective cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria between 1st of January 2019 to 31st December 2022. Methodology: A three - year retrospective cross-sectional study carried out by reviewing laboratory records with a focus on identifying bacterial pathogens causing UTI as well as evaluating their antibiotics susceptibility in Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. All Urine microscopy, culture and sensitivity results from the 1st of January 2019 to 31st December, 2022 were collected and reviewed. Results: A total number of 2113 results of subjects, 683 males and 1430 females, that attended the tertiary hospital from the 1st of January 2019 to 31st December 2022 were reviewed. The bacterial strains identified/isolated among the population studied were Staphylococcus aureus 907 (42.9%), Escherichia coli 866 (41.9%), Klebsiella spp 232 (11.0%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 54 (2.6%), Proteus spp 31 (1.4%), Streptococcus spp 2 (0.1%) and Pantoea spp 1.The records revealed that the organisms were isolated more in female subjects (66.7%) than male subjects (33.3%), Staphylococcus aureus 285 males, 622 females, Escherichia coli 294 males, 592 females, Klebsiella spp 62 males, 170 females, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 29 males 25 females, Proteus spp 13 males, 18 females, Streptococcus spp 2 females. Pantoea spp 1 female as well. The highest percentages of resistance have been observed against tested antibiotics. Conclusion: Most of the isolates were extended spectrum β-lactamase producers and multidrug-resistant. We observed that Gram-negative bacteria were the main cause of UTIs where the predominant microorganism was E. coli.

Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome Due to Invasive Group A Streptococcal M1UK Strain Infection in a Previously Healthy Child

Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome Due to Invasive Group A Streptococcal M1UK Strain Infection in a Previously Healthy Child

Mutual influence of clinical manifestations of intestinal disorders and intestinal microbiot indicators in patients with deep endometriosis

Summary. Endometriosis is a chronic multifactorial disease that affects more than 170 million women of reproductive age worldwide, causing pelvic pain syndrome, dyspareunia, and symptoms of gastrointestinal dyspepsia, thereby having a negative impact on the psycho-emotional state of patients. Despite a wide range of medical and surgical treatments, the relapse rate reaches 50%, which is a global economic and social problem.The purpose of the study. to evaluate the mutual influence of clinical manifestations of intestinal disorders and the state of the intestinal microbiota in patients with deep endometriosis.Materials and methods. The study included 83 patients of reproductive age who underwent surgical treatment of common forms of external genital endometriosis. The first group consisted of 32 patients of reproductive age who underwent repeated surgical treatment due to relapse of deep infiltrative endometriosis, the second group — 51 patients without relapse of the disease one year after the primary operation, due to deep infiltrative endometriosis, the third group — 30 patients of reproductive age. not suffering from external genital endometriosis. An analysis of the somatic anamnesis was carried out, as well as questionnaire data on pelvic pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional bowel disorders in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis, depending on the status of relapse of the disease. The composition of the intestinal microbiota was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR using a test system for determining the DNA of intestinal-associated microorganisms.Results and discussion. The results of the study demonstrate bidirectional relationships between clinical and microbiological parameters and the recurrent course of deep endometriosis. Patients of the main group significantly more often suffered from functional diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the spectrum of which was represented by chronic gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome. Correlation relationships between indicators of the Bacillota domain of the intestinal microbiota and clinical and anamnestic indicators of gastrointestinal pathology, the values of questionnaire scales in patients with deep endometriosis demonstrate moderate positive relationships between the weight of patients and the number of Lachnospiraceae (r = 0.63299), symptoms of bloating and the number Streptococcus spp (r=0.67402). Correlation relationships between indicators of the Bacteroidota domain of the intestinal microbiota and corresponding indicators demonstrate strong positive relationships between the amount of E.Coli in the intestinal microbiota and the level of pain assessed on the VAS scale after 1 (r = 0.62366) and 3 months (r = 0. 72598) after surgery. Moderate positive correlations were revealed between the number of Enterobacterales in the intestinal microbiota and the level of pain assessed on the VAS scale 1 (r=0.58169) and 3 months (r=0.57706) after surgery.Conclusions. The recurrent course of endometriosis is accompanied by functional intestinal disorders, the manifestations of which persist after surgical treatment, which is mediated by changes in the intestinal microbiota. In patients with recurrent deep endometriosis, a decrease in the species and taxonomic diversity of the intestinal microbiota was found, due to an increase in the Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio, the number of pathobionts, and a decrease in the number of commensal bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium spp. These clinical and microbiological parallels demonstrate the need to harmonize the intestinal microbiota as a comprehensive prevention of disease relapse.

Invasive group B streptococcal infections in Western Australia, 2000-2018.

Neonatal and puerperal sepsis are major manifestations of invasive group B streptococcal (Streptococcus agalactiae; iGBS) infections. International data indicate the importance of iGBS infections among non-pregnant adults. To describe the burden of iGBS infections in Western Australia (WA) between 2000 and 2018 in terms of incidence, length of hospitalisation and all-cause 30- and 90-day mortality. This was a retrospective, population-based study using linked data from the state government-owned pathology provider, hospitalisations and death registrations. Children and adults with isolation of GBS in a normally sterile site or a hospital-based diagnosis of iGBS infection were included. There were 2861 cases; just over a quarter (n = 768) were aged 0-1 year. Half of the cases were among females (1438 of 2861), and the median age was 39 years. Incidence increased over the study period, with an age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate ratio for year of 1.08 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.09). The incidence in 2018 was 9.5 cases (95% CI 8.3-10.6 cases) per 100 000 population. The proportion of cases among those aged 0-1 year fell across the period, while the relative incidence in older age groups increased. The median length of hospital stay was 7 days (interquartile range 4-15 days), and mortality at 30 days was 3% (95 of 2861). iGBS cases increased across the period 2000-2018 in WA, with older adults making up a higher proportion of cases over time. Preventive efforts among older patients, including potentially through vaccination, may reverse this increase.

Fifteen-Year Retrospective Study: Prevalence of Bacterial Isolates in Mastitis-Suspected Milk Samples Submitted to Central Veterinary Laboratory, Nepal

Bovine mastitis, a prevalent mammary gland inflammation, significantly impacts dairy production worldwide. This study investigated the changing landscape of mastitis-causing bacteria in Nepal. A retrospective analysis of secondary data was conducted, utilizing technical bulletins published by the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) in Kathmandu over a fifteen-year period (2003/2004 to 2017/2018). The analysis focused on 3,445 bovine milk samples screened for mastitis using the California Mastitis Test (CMT).The analysis revealed Staphylococcus spp. as the most prevalent bacterial isolate (2,948 positive samples), followed by E. coli and Streptococcus spp. This finding suggests a potential shift in the dominant mastitis pathogens in Nepal, with Staphylococcus spp. potentially surpassing E. coli compared to previous reports. These results highlight the importance of implementing hygiene practices during milking to reduce the spread of contagious pathogens like Staphylococcus spp. Additionally, maintaining clean milking environments can help minimize E. coli infections. Further research is warranted to understand the factors driving this potential shift in bacterial prevalence and develop targeted prevention and control strategies for mastitis in Nepal.

Anaemia in a child with chronical disease and a newly diagnosed hypoparathyreosis

Anemia of chronic patients is a secondary hematological syndrome, and most often accompanies infectious-inflammatory, immunopathological and tumor processes. The introduction discusses the importance of blood testing to assess the response of the immune and hematopoietic systems to various adverse effects. Various mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of anemia, among which the main place belongs to the action of proinflammatory cytokines. In many cases, sideropenia develops that is not associated with an absolute iron deficiency, but occurs as a result of the redistribution of iron reserves in the body. In some patients, diagnosis of various types of pathology begins with the detection of anemia. This requires a comprehensive examination of patients, the exclusion of primary hematological pathology and the detection of all concomitant diseases, including foci of infection. This article presents a clinical example of a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis of normochromic normocytic anemia, which resulted in the detection of endocrine pathology — hypoparathyroidism, and chronic foci of Epstein–Barr virus and streptococcal infection in a teenage girl. The peculiarity of the case was that the patient initially consulted a hematologist about mild anemia, but during the examination it became obvious that complaints of progressive weakness, fatigue, hand tremors, and dizziness could not be linked to the existing hematological pathology. Spastic disorders and tetany of the limb muscles that arose during the examination period became the reason for diagnosing metabolic disorders: determining creatine phosphokinase, serum myoglobin, blood electrolytes, including calcium and phosphorus, as well as hormones of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. The examination results showed that the severity of the girl’s condition and neurological symptoms were caused by severe metabolic changes, phosphorus-calcium metabolism disorders in the form of hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, increasing levels of creatine phosphokinase, high levels of lactate dehydrogenase, and were due to endocrine pathology. The presence of neurological symptoms, changes in magnetic resonance imaging and electrocardiogram against the background of a significant decrease in parathyroid hormone, hypocalcemia, and increasing levels of creatine phosphokinase required the patient to be referred to the hospital with a diagnosis of “Hypoparathyroidism”. The presented clinical case confirms the need for an individual, multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis of secondary anemic conditions, which will allow identifying pathology of various organs and systems.

Characterization of an Acetogenin-Carrying Nanosuspension and Its Effect on Bacteria of Interest in the Poultry Industry

This work aimed to develop a nanosuspension (NSps) as an acetogenin (ACGs) carrier, using soy lecithin (SL) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (βCD) named NSps-βCDSL-ACGs. It was characterized by various spectroscopic techniques (DLS, FTIR, UV-vis diffuse reflectance). Moreover, the NSps morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Also, the antibacterial activity of NSps-βCDSL-ACGs was evaluated against strains of interest in the poultry sector. NSps-βCDSL-ACGs presented nanometric size (207–239 nm), acceptable polydispersity index (PDI) values (0.13–0.17) and a high Z potential value (−47.17–50.36 mV), demonstrating high stability. The presence of ACGs in NSps-βCDSL-ACGs was confirmed by FTIR analysis. The nanoparticles had a spherical shape and exhibited high inhibition potential against Salmonella Enteritidis (88.18%), Streptococcus gallolyticus (88.01%), Salmonella Typhimurium (86.28%) and Salmonella Infantis (77.02%) strains up to 48 h, and a reduction of up to 3 log CFU/mL was achieved for S. Typhimurium. Therefore, NSps-βCDSL-ACGs is an attractive option for implementing ACGs administration in the poultry sector to reduce the use of antibiotics and minimize bacterial resistance.

Group A streptococcal infections in Alberta, Canada 2018-2023.

Group A streptococcal infections in Alberta, Canada 2018-2023.

Comparing the safety of a single balloon catheter to dinoprostone for inducing labor in pregnant women with group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization: An observational study.

Group B Streptococcus is a bacterium that colonizes in approximately 20% of pregnant women and can be vertically transmitted to newborns, leading to maternal-neonatal adverse outcomes, such as chorioamnionitis, neonatal sepsis, and pneumonia. However, there is currently no agreement on the optimal induction method for this specific population. This study aims to evaluate the safety of a single balloon catheter (BC) in comparison to dinoprostone for labor induction in term pregnant women with group B Streptococcus colonization. In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 321 term pregnancies with positive group B Streptococcus requiring Induction of labor (IOL) were included. Out of these, 80 pregnancies were induced with a single BC, while the remaining 241 were induced with dinoprostone. The study compared the safety outcomes between the 2 groups, specifically focusing on maternal and neonatal adverse events. It is important to note that all women in the study received prophylactic antibiotics. When prophylactic antibiotics were administered, no significant differences were observed in terms of mode of delivery, clinical chorioamnionitis, puerperal infection, fetal distress, neonatal asphyxia, neonatal infection, neonatal sepsis, NICU admission, and neonatal pneumonia between the 2 induction methods (all P > .05). Additionally, there were no reported cases of neonatal group B Streptococcus infection following balloon induction in pregnant women with vaginal GBS colonization. In relation to maternal and neonatal adverse events, the study findings indicated that labor induction using a BC was deemed safe for women who were colonized with group B Streptococcus, provided that prophylactic antibiotics were administered either at the onset of labor or when the membranes ruptured.

Differences in microorganism profile in periprosthetic joint infections of the hip in patients affected by chronic kidney disease

BackgroundPatients affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). This patient population has a higher risk of recurrent infections and hospitalization. The aim of this study is to compare the profile of microorganisms in patients with CKD and PJI of the hip versus controls and to individuate potentially unusual and drug-resistant microorganisms among the causative bacteria.Materials and methodsA total of 4261 patients affected by PJI of the hip were retrospectively studied. Patients affected by CKD in this population were identified and compared with a control group of patients with PJI but without CKD. Data on patient characteristics and comorbidities were collected. The microorganisms responsible for PJI were identified and compared between both groups.ResultsThe CKD group included 409 patients, 54.3% male, mean age of 73.8 ± 8.9 years, a higher body mass index (BMI) than the general population (29.88 ± 5.90 kg/m2), and higher age-adjusted CCI of 6.15 ± 2.35. Overall, 70 different isolates of microorganisms were identified, including 52 Gram-positive spp., 28 Gram-negative spp., 3 fungi, and 1 mycobacterium. Polymicrobial infections were more common in CKD group than controls (47.9% versus 30.9%; p < 0.0001). Staphylococcus spp. were the most common bacteria in both groups, followed by Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae and Streptococcus spp. CKD group showed a higher risk of developing infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (p = 0.003), Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida (p = 0.035).ConclusionsRenal failure exposes patients who undergo THA to PJI caused by microorganisms that are potentially more drug resistant, leading to a higher risk of treatment failure. Knowing in advance the different microorganism profiles could help to plan a different surgical strategy.Level of Evidence III.

Behavioral problems in children with unoperated rheumatic heart disease at national referral hospital in Ethiopia: an observational study

BackgroundThe behavioral disorder is characterized by a profound abnormality in an individual’s cognition, emotion or behavior that reflects in psychological, biological or developmental dysfunction. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a long-term sequel of single or recurrent acute rheumatic fever. Children with RHD are thought to be at increased risk for behavioral problems due to autoimmunity seen in pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS). Behavior disorder is not well studied among children with RHD. Hence, this study aimed to assess the pattern and predictors of behavioral problems among children with RHD enrolled in chronic care at a national cardiac referral Hospital.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used a validated parental-reported Amharic Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to assess behavior problems. Children with RHD aged 6–17 years on chronic outpatient cardiac care at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia between February and May 2023 were included. Factors associated with behavior problems were assessed using logistic regression models.ResultsThe study included 166 children with a median age of 15 years [Interquartile range (IQR):13–17 years]. One-fourth of children, 24.7% (95% CI: 18.34–31.98), had behavioral problems. Of these, 46.4% (77) emotional, 35.5% (59) peer, 18.1% (30) conduct and 6.6% (11) hyperactivity problems were documented. Children who had good medication adherence, adjusted odds ratio AOR 0.29(95% CI: 0.09–0.94, P 0.040) and on New York Health Association (NYHA) class I, AOR 0.28(95% CI: 0.11–0.79, P 0.016) had lower odds for behavioral problems.ConclusionOne-fourth of children with RHD had behavioral abnormalities. Medication adherence and NYHA predicted behavioral abnormality. Better physical symptom control was associated with fewer behavioral problems. Behavioral abnormalities should be considered and assessed among children with RHD. Further multi-center mixed studies are recommended to uncover the unseen behavioral problem and guide health policy action on modalities of integration of behavioral problems assessment tools in clinical care.

Acute rheumatic fever in young adult patients: a case report

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an inflammatory response to group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection. The incidence ranges from 8 to 51 per 100.000 children and young adults worldwide. A 19-year-old male patient admitted with complaint of abdominal pain and joint pain of knee in both legs and elbow in both hands. Multiple erythematous macules, round in shape, elevated of white blood cells and anti-streptolysin O titer (ASOT) are present in this case. The diagnosis of ARF is made using the Jones criteria. Intramuscular benzathine penicillin G as a single dose is recommended for management of ARF and as secondary prophylaxis to prevent recurrences. Comprehensive treatment was needed for patient with rheumatic fever to prevent reoccurrence and also complication which may arise.

Molecular Characterization of Streptococcus spp. Isolated from Milk, Feces and Farm Environment of Mastitic Dairy Cows

Streptococci are the primary cause of mastitis, significantly impacting the dairy industry economically. This study aimed to explore the molecular epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence characteristics of Streptococcus spp. isolated from the milk, feces, and environment of dairy cows with mastitis. Sixty (60) samples (milk = 20, feces = 20 and soil = 20) from cows with clinical mastitis (CM) were purposively collected and examined. Samples were enriched in Luria Bertani broth (LB) and Streptococcus spp. was isolated on Modified Edwards Medium and confirmed by ribosomal (16S rRNA) gene sequencing. Twenty-two (36.67%) of the samples were positive for Streptococcus spp. (milk = 40.90%, feces = 31.82% and soil = 27.28%) by cultural and molecular examination. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 59.5, 30.5, 6.0% and 4.0 % of the Streptococcus isolates as S. uberis, S. agalactiae, S. hyovaginalis and S. urinalis, respectively. The milk samples had higher prevalence (42.75%) of S. uberis mastitis than feces (36.80%) and soil (20.45%) samples. Likewise, S. agalactiae was prevalent in 51.5%, 37.60% and 10.90% milk, feces and soil samples, respectively. The draft assembly sizes of G2M6 and G6M1 were 1,960,858 and 2,303,841 base pair (bp), respectively. The strains were typed as S. uberis sequence type 155 (ST155) and S. agalactiae sequence type 58 (ST58). The G2M6 genome contained 367 SEED subsystem features, 45 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), and 160 virulence and virulence-related genes, whereas the G6M1 genome possessed 378 SEED subsystem features, 41 ARGs and 178 virulence genes. One plasmid replicon such as IncY of 4,012 bp, was identified in the G6M1 genome (with 95% identity and 60% coverage) while G2M6 genome harbored none. Genome completeness analysis using BUSCO revealed the presence of 100% complete BUSCOs in the hybrid assembly of both genomes. Streptococcus spp. associated with bovine mastitis exhibit a variety of genomic traits and harbor an array of ARGs and virulence genes. Further investigation is needed to identify specific traits that govern virulence fitness in the pathophysiology of mastitis. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 6(1): 01-12, 2024

Trends in the growing impact of group A Streptococcus infection on public health after COVID-19 pandemic: a multicentral observational study in Okayama, Japan.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection has been surging worldwide. We aimed to compare the disease burden between notified cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) and unreported GAS infections. This is a multicentral observational study, retrospectively performed at seven hospitals in Okayama prefecture in Japan from January 2022, to June 2024. Clinical and microbiological data of patients with positive cultures of GAS were collected from the medical records. Primary outcomes were defined as rates of surgical procedures, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and in-hospital mortality, which were compared among patients with locally-defined STSS, invasive GAS (iGAS), and non-iGAS infection. GAS was detected in 181 patients, with 154 active cases of GAS infection. The number of patients with GAS infection surged in late 2023. The most common source of infection was skin and soft tissue infections, accounting for 83 cases, including 15 cases of necrotizing fasciitis, and 12 cases (7.8%) were notified to public health authorities as STSS. Among the 25 unreported iGAS cases, 9 (36.0%) underwent surgical intervention, and 4 patients (16.0%) required ICU admission. The mortality rates in the unreported iGAS cases were comparable to those observed in the notified STSS. We highlighted that the number of iGAS infections was twofold higher than that of notified STSS, with comparable mortality rate between these groups, indicating substantial underestimation of the true burden of iGAS. This epidemiological investigation has significant implications for enhancing infectious disease surveillance frameworks and public health policy development.

Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS): Clinical Report.

The sudden onset of severe behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms in children is a frightening and potentially life-changing situation. The pediatric health care providers and clinicians to whom families turn need guidance on how to accurately diagnose and treat new-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms in children. They need expert guidance about whether these symptoms indicate a diagnosis compatible with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). The cause of PANS is unknown, but it is theorized to be triggered, in some cases, by a recent infection and/or autoimmunity issues (similar to Sydenham chorea, autoimmune encephalitis [AE], and Guillain-Barré syndrome). The condition is challenging from a clinical perspective, because it lacks disease-specific biomarkers, strong evidence for pathogenic causes, and consensus on treatment of clinical symptoms. Further, the evidence base for PANS encompasses multiple subspecialties, including child and adolescent psychiatry, pediatric rheumatology, pediatric neurology, pediatric infectious diseases, pediatric immunology, and developmental-behavioral pediatrics.Given this complexity, there is a clear need for guidance and advice for pediatric clinicians and the families they serve and support. To that end, with the encouragement of the Board of Directors, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed this clinical report. It focuses primarily on PANS, an umbrella condition that encompasses pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS). Although PANDAS is, by definition, associated with streptococcal infection,1 it is now considered by many to represent a subset of the larger spectrum of infection-induced acute-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms.2,3 This clinical report was developed after a comprehensive literature review and analysis of the findings. Because they are limited by the present level of evidence on the topic, the findings are presented as a report rather than a clinical practice guideline. The contents are intended to aid the pediatric health care provider in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating sudden-onset and severe behavioral changes in children that could indicate potential PANS and in supporting these children and their families.

Emergence of T4SS-type-ICE-carrying emm28 Streptococcus pyogenes causing invasive infection in Shanghai, China.

Invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections have been rising in Europe, Australia, and the USA, but few data from China are available. This study was intended to provide local data to mirror the characteristics of iGAS infections in China. Retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of the iGAS infections during 2014-2023 in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China. Genomic analysis was conducted to characterize the antimicrobial resistance, virulence, prophage, integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), and phylogenetic clusters. During 2014-2023, a total of 21 iGAS cases were discovered, with soft tissue infections accounting for 61.9% (13/21) and 85.7% (18/21) of isolates resistant to both erythromycin and clindamycin. Three iGAS isolates in 2023 were performed genome sequencing, indicating two were emm12 and one was emm28. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the two emm12 isolates were assigned to Clade II and closely related with Chinese scarlet fever-causing isolates. The emm28 isolate was assigned to the subclades of SC1A and discovered to possess a novel ICE (designated as ICE-SHemm28; Tn916-like), which carried ermB gene and type IV secretion system (T4SS). Emergence of the emm28 iGAS strain harboring a novel macrolide resistance-carrying T4SS-type ICE was identified in invasive infections in Shanghai.

Has COVID-19 Affected the Course of Chickenpox in Children?

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology and clinical course of chickenpox in children based on 6 years of self-reported observations. The medical records of 350 patients under 18 years of age hospitalised in the Department of Paediatrics, Infectious Diseases, and Hepatology between 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2023 were analysed retrospectively. During the analysed period, 350 children were hospitalised due to chickenpox, the fewest in the pandemic period, the greatest number in 2023. Complications of chickenpox were diagnosed in 297 children (84.86%). The most commonly diagnosed complications were bacterial dermatitis (168, 48%) and lower respiratory tract infections (13.42%). After the pandemic period, a generalised inflammatory reaction was observed significantly more often (p ≤ 0.01069). Among children hospitalised in 2023, 5.90% of patients with bacterial dermatitis required surgical intervention due to skin abscess or fasciitis. In 2023, 41.46% of cultures from swabs taken from skin lesions grew Streptococcus pyogenes. After the pandemic, children with chickenpox and gastrointestinal symptoms were hospitalised significantly less frequently (p ≤ 0.00001). In the post-pandemic period, there were more hospitalisations of patients with chickenpox complicated by bacterial skin infection progressing to a generalised inflammatory reaction or septicaemia, related to the increase in invasive group A streptococcal infections observed in Europe. On the other hand, thanks to the widespread adaption of hygiene practices and infection prevention measures, the number of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms significantly decreased.

Association of Fusobacterium nucleatum infection with colorectal cancer in Kazakhstani patients.

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a gram-negative anaerobic bacillus associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to determine the abundance of F. nucleatum and other CRC-associated bacteria using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis to detect the possible correlations between tumor and normal tissues and the relationships between patients' clinical characteristics, diet, and CRC-associated bacteria. A total of 249 biopsy samples of tumor and paired normal tissues were collected from patients with CRC. Biopsy samples were screened for detection of F. nucleatum using qPCR targeting nusG gene. Bacteroides fragilis, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus gallolyticus were also detected in the samples using species-specific genes. The frequencies of detection of F. nucleatum in the tumor and normal tissues of patients with CRC were 43.37 and 24.1%, respectively (P < 0.05). Statistical analysis using cycle threshold (Ct) values from qPCR data and clinical characteristics showed that tumor size, tumor location, and processed meat consumption were significantly correlated with the abundance of F. nucleatum (P < 0.05). The significance of the prevalence of B. fragilis and E. coli in tumor tissues was marginally higher than that in normal tissues (P < 0.1), and the consumption of processed/red meat affected the prevalence of these bacteria (P < 0.05). Our results showed an association between the presence of F. nucleatum in tumor tissues and CRC, indicating that F. nucleatum may be a potential marker for CRC diagnosis. F. nucleatum is enriched in CRC tissues and is associated with CRC development.

Sociocultural aspects and Streptococcus spp isolation from dental biofilm: comparison between public health system and private dental practice patients

Sociocultural aspects and Streptococcus spp isolation from dental biofilm: comparison between public health system and private dental practice patients

Assessing Microbiological Quality and Safety of Fresh Fruits Sold at Nekemte Town, Western Ethiopia

There is ample evidence that eating fresh fruits has numerous health and nutritional advantages, making them an indispensable part of the human diet. They are one of the main causes of food-borne illnesses if they are not properly harvested, processed, stored, and handled. This study aimed to assess the microbial quality and safety of fresh fruits sold in Nekemte town. Sixty samples were collected from open markets and analyzed for their microbial quality and safety. The study found that the highest total viable count was found in avocado, followed by papaya, banana, and orange. The highest ASFBC count was found in banana, while the lowest was in orange. The highest total coliform count was found in banana. The study identified eleven bacterial genera, including Enterobacter spp, Escherichia spp, Klebsella spp, Staphylococcus spp, Aeromonas spp, Bacillus spp, Shigella spp, Proteus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Samonella spp, and Streptococcus spp. The most dominated genera were Staphylococcus spp, Escherichia spp, Streptococcus spp, Shigella spp, Aeromonas spp, and Proteus spp. The results suggest that contamination during fruit harvesting or processing and handling could lead to foodborne illnesses. Regular supervision and training can improve the quality of fresh fruit.