High prevalence of multidrug-resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii and dissemination of carbapenemase-encoding genes bla_(OXA-23-like),bla_(OXA-24-like)and bla_(NDM-1) in Algiers hospitals

Objective:To assess and characterize antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii strains recovered from 5 health-care facilities in Algiers.Methods:Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by agar diffusion and agar dilution methods,resistance genes were identified by PCR and sequencing,and molecular typing of isolates was carried out by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR(ERIC-PCR).Results:Among 125 tested isolates,117(93.6% ) were multidrug-resistant.of which 94(75.2% ) were imipenem resistant.The bla_(ADC)and bla_(OXA-51-like) genes were detected in all isolates,in association with ISAba I sequence in 84% and 8% (imipenem resistant) of isolates,respectively.The bla_(OXA-23-like) and bla_(OXA-24-like)carbapenemase genes were delected in 67.02% and 20.21% of imipenem-resistant isolates,respectively.The bla_(OXA-23-like) gene is linked to ISAba1 or ISAba4 elements.The metallo-β-lactamase NDM-1 gene was found in 10(10.6% ) imipenem-resisianl strains from three hospitals,it is linked to ISAba125 clement in nine strains.Extended spectrum β-lactamases production was not detected.Imipenem and cefotaxime resistance phenolypes could not be transferred to Escherichia coli by conjugation.Outer membrane protein CarO gene was not delected in four imipenem-resisianl isolates.The aac(6')-1b.sul1,sul2,tetA and tetB genes were present in 5.31% .36.17% .77.65% .1.06% and 65.92% of strains,respectively.Class 1 integrons were detected in 23.4% strains.KRIC-PCR typing showed a genetic diversity among bla_(OXA-23-like) and bla_(OXA-24-like) positive strains,while clonality was observed among bla_(NDM-1)positives.Conclusions:This study highlighted the high prevalence of imipenem resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii in Algiers hospitals mediated mainly by bla_(OXA-23-like),bla_(OXA-24-like),and bla_(NDM-1) genes.

Expression of multidrug-resistance associated proteins in human retinoblastoma treated by primary enucleation

AIM： To reveal the expression of multidrug-resistance associated proteins： glutathione-S-transferase π（GSTπ）, P-glycoprotein（P-gp） and vault protein lung resistance protein（LRP） in retinoblastoma（RB） without any conservative treatment before primary enucleation and to correlate this expression with histopathological tumor features. METHODS： A total of 42 specimens of RB undergone primary enucleation were selected for the research. Sections from the formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens were stained with HE and immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of GSTπ, P-gp and LRP.RESULTS： GSTπ was expressed in 39/42（92.86%） RBs and in 9/9（100%） well-differentiated RBs. P-gp/GSTπ was found in 30（71.42%） of 42 RBs. Totally 9（21.43%） tumors were well differentiated and 33（78.57%） were poorly differentiated. Totally 15（35.71%） eyes had optic nerve（ON） tumor invasion, 36（85.71%） had choroidal tumor invasion, and 14（33.33%） had simultaneous choroidal and ON invasion. There was no statistically significant relationship between P-gp, GSTπ, LRP positivity and the degree of ocular layer tumor invasion and ON tumor invasion（P〉0.05）. CONCLUSION： RB intrinsically expresses GSTπ, P-gp and LRP. GSTπ expression is positive in 100% welldifferentiation ones, so in which way it is correlated with differentiation. But the other two proteins expressions are not related to tumor differentiation and to the degree of tumor invasion. GSTπ may be a new target of chemotherapy in RB.

High Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistance MRSA and VRSA of Different Infections from AI-Jumhuory Teaching Hospital Patients in Mosul

Staphylococcus aureus is major human pathogen causing large variety of infections worldwide. This study carried out to isolate S. aureus from different clinical cases, also detection of MRSA prevalence and VRSA emergence, in addition to shedding light on strains that have to be multidrug resistance against various antibiotics, The clinical samples were collected from AI-Jumhuory Teaching Hospital patients in Mosul, isolates identification were achieved by conventional procedures including biochemical and physiological tests, and the specific latex agglutination test. The sensitivity pattern achieved by using disk diffusion technique, for MRSA and VRSA detection oxacillin-disk （1 μg） and vancomycin-disk （30 μg） were used respectively. Results revealed, among 17 S. aureus isolates, 7 （41%） were mostly isolated from patients with wound and burn infections. Isolates had high resistance rate against ampicillin （100%） and cefotaxime （81%）, and lower resistance rate against several antibiotics. MRSA was 88% of total isolates, 93.3% of MRSA were multidrug resistance to 3-9 of antibiotics. Six isolates （40%） of MRSA were VRSA. It is concluded that antibiotics other than vancomycin can be used as anti-MRSA agents after a sensitivity test to prevent the prevalence of VRSA, the major cause of this chemotherapy problems maybe irrational and indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Role of Na^+/H^+ exchanger isoform-1 in doxorubicin-induced multidrug-resistance HL-60 cell line

Objective: To explore the roles of intracellular pH value (pHi) and sodium-hydrogen exchanger isoform-1 (NHE-1) in the mechanism of multidrug resistance of leukemia cells. Methods: Multidrug resistant cell line HL-60 induced by doxorubicin(DOX) (called as HL-60/DOX cells) and their parent cell line HL-60 were employed as experiment group and control group. The proliferation and chemosensitivity of the cells were studied by MTT assay, and the expression of multidrug resistance protein (MRP) was detected by immol/Lunocytochemistry. Meanwhile, pHi was measured by spectrofluorometery with a fluorescence dye BCECF-AM. Based on the pHi recovery curve after intracellular acid loading, the activity of NHE-1 was analyzed. The expression of NHE-1 mRNA and MRP mRNA were determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Cell apoptosis was observed with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and apoptotic DNA was extracted and electrophoresed. Results: ① The IC 50 values for DOX, MTZ, VCR and homoharringtonine(HT), in HL-60/DOX cells were significantly higher than those in HL-60 cells (P<0.01). HL-60/DOX cells expressed abundant MRP, but HL-60 cells did not. ② pHi of HL-60/DOX cells were significantly higher than that of HL-60 cells(P<0.001). The expression and activity of NHE-1 in HL-60/DOX cells were significantly stronger than those of HL-60 cells. ③After administration of the specific NHE-1 inhibitor dimethyl amiloride (DMA) at a certain range of concentrations, compared with HL-60 cells, the rate of growth inhibition of HL-60/DOX cells increased significantly (P<0.05), the drug-sensitivity of HL-60/DOX cells was significantly sensitive (P<0.01), the expression of MRP and MRP mRNA decreased significantly (P<0.01), the apoptosis rate increased significantly (P<0.01). Conclusion: NHE-1 is involved in the drug-resistant mechanisms of multidrug-resistant HL-60 cells induced by DOX. The specific NHE-1 inhibitor DMA can partly reverse the multidrug resistance of HL-60 cells induced by DOX.

Multidrug-Resistant of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Strains in Chicken Feces Intended for Consumption in Open Spaces of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Resistant bacteria can be transmitted to humans through feces or contaminated meat from local chickens. Bacterial strains were isolated from the intestinal contents of 400 local chicken samples from various sales sites. These strains were then characterized using bacteriological and biochemical methods to identify resistant strains. In a study conducted in Ouagadougou, we systematically collected chicken fecal samples from 20 locations across the city, followed by isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. using specific enrichment and culture methods, as well as Escherichia coli. Bacterial strains were characterized using antibiotic resistance profiles were determined through agar diffusion tests, revealing sensitivity or resistance to a range of antibiotics based on established scientific criteria. The results showed that out of the 400 samples collected, 81.25% and 63.5% were contaminated by Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., respectively. Among these, 86.15% of identified Escherichia coli and 50.78% of Salmonella spp. displayed resistance to at least one tested antibiotic. Among 280 Escherichia coli isolates identified resistant to at least one antibiotic, 31.07% were resistant to cefotaxime (CTX), 20.35% to ceftazidime (CAZ), 21.07% to ceftriaxone (CTR), 75% to amoxicillin clavulanic acid (AMC), 23.57% aztreoname (ATM) and 27.14% were resistant to imipenem (IMP). In the case of the 129 Salmonella spp. isolates resistant to at least one tested antibiotic, 34.88% were resistant to CTX;41.08% to CAZ;35.65% to CTR, 92% to AMC, 39.53% to ATM and finally 47.28% were resistant to IMP. Our study revealed high prevalence of resistance in bacterial strains isolated from local chickens sold outdoors in Ouagadougou. These findings raise significant public health concerns, due to the possible transmission of these resistant strains to humans through the consumption of contaminated meat, thus complicating the treatment of bacterial infections.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety Analysis of Tigecycline in the Treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Combined with Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infection

Objective:To study the clinical efficacy and safety of tigecycline in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)combined with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection.Methods:113 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD combined with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection were recruited between January 2021 and January 2023,and given tigecycline treatment.The total effective rate,lung function indexes,related biochemical index levels,and the incidence rate of adverse reactions were observed after the treatment.Results:After the treatment,100 patients were cured,1 case with apparent effect,2 cases were effective,10 cases were ineffective,and the total effective rate was 91.15%.The post-treatment CRP(21.22±3.35 mg/L),PCT(3.18±1.11 ng/L),CRE(76.36±9.24μmol/L),and ALT(37.76±6.99 U/L)were significantly improved as compared to the pre-treatment(P<0.05).After treatment,10 cases of vomiting(8.85%),13 cases of nausea(11.50%),4 cases of diarrhea(3.53%),1 case of abdominal pain(0.88%),and 2 cases of allergy(1.77%)were observed in 113 patients.Conclusion:Tigecycline therapy for patients with acute exacerbation of COPD combined with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection not only has significant therapeutic efficacy but also has a high degree of safety.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Combined Chemotherapy Regimen Containing Bedaquiline in the Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in China

Objective This study aims to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the combined chemotherapy regimen containing Bedaquiline(BR)and the conventional treatment regimen(CR,not containing Bedaquiline)for the treatment of adults with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis(MDR-TB)in China.Methods A combination of a decision tree and a Markov model was developed to estimate the cost and effects of MDR patients in BR and CR within ten years.The model parameter data were synthesized from the literature,the national TB surveillance information system,and consultation with experts.The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio(ICER)of BR vs.CR was determined.Results BR(vs.CR)had a higher sputum culture conversion rate and cure rate and prevented many premature deaths(decreased by 12.8%),thereby obtaining more quality-adjusted life years(QALYs)(increased by 2.31 years).The per capita cost in BR was as high as 138,000 yuan,roughly double that of CR.The ICER for BR was 33,700 yuan/QALY,which was lower than China's 1×per capita Gross Domestic Product(GDP)in 2020(72,400 yuan).Conclusion BR is shown to be cost effective.When the unit price of Bedaquiline reaches or falls below57.21 yuan per unit,BR is expected to be the dominant strategy in China over CR.

In vitro study on the transmission of multidrug-resistant bacteria from textiles to pig skin

BACKGROUND The survival of microorganisms on textiles and specifically on healthcare profes-sionals’(HCP)attire has been demonstrated in several studies.The ability of microorganisms to adhere and remain on textiles for up to hours or days raises questions as to their possible role in transmission from textile to skin via HCP to patients.AIM To evaluate the presence,survival and transmission of different multidrug-resistant bacteria(MDRB)from HCP attire onto skin.METHODS Three MDRB[methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA);vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium(VRE);carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae,(CRKP)]were inoculated on textiles from scrubs(60%cotton-40%polyester)and white coat(100%cotton)at concentrations of 108 colony-forming units(CFU),105 CFU,and 103 CFU per mL.The inoculation of swatches was divided in time intervals of 1 min,5 min,15 min,30 min,1 h,2 h,3 h,4 h,5 h,and 6 h.At the end of each period,textiles were imprinted onto pig skins and each skin square was inverted onto three different selective chromogenic media.Growth from the pig skin squares was recorded for the 3 MDRB at the three above concentrations,for the whole length of the 6-h experiment.RESULTS MRSA was recovered from pig skins at all concentrations for the whole duration of the 6-h study.VRE was recovered from the concentration of 108 CFU/mL for 6 h and from 105 CFU/mL for up to 3 h,while showing no growth at 103 CFU/mL.CRKP was recovered from 108 CFU/mL for 6 h,up to 30 min from 105 CFU/mL and for 1 min from the concentration of 103 CFU/mL.CONCLUSION Evidence from the current study shows that MRSA can persist on textiles and transmit to skin for 6 h even at low concentrations.The fact that all MDRB can be sustained and transferred to skin even at lower concentrations,supports that textiles are implicated as vectors of bacterial spread.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo): Prospective Cohort Study of Therapeutic Regimen with Aminoglycoside versus Bedaquiline

Context: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains a major public health problem in developing countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which continues to face the emergence of MDR-TB cases. Because of the ototoxic effects of AGs, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the introduction of the bedaquiline regimen. However, very few data are available regarding the susceptibility of bedaquiline to induce hearing loss, hence the present study set out to compare the AG-based regimen and the bedaquiline-based regimen in the occurrence of hearing loss in MDR-TB patients. Methods: This is a prospective multicenter cohort study that included 335 MDR-TB patients, performed in Kinshasa (DRC) during the period from January 2020 to January 2021. Sociodemographic, clinical, biological and audiometric data were analyzed using Stata 17. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare changes in the degree of hearing loss over time between the two groups of patients on AG and bedaquiline regimens. The double-difference method was estimated using regression with fixed-effects. A p value < 0.05 was considered the threshold for statistical significance. Results: The degree of hearing loss was similar between the two groups at the first month [AGs (28 dB) vs BDQ (30 dB);p = 0.298]. At six months, the mean degree of hearing loss was significantly greater in the aminoglycoside regimen group [AGs (60.5 dB) vs BDQ (44 dB);p < 0.001]. The double difference was significant, with a greater increase in hearing loss in the AGs group (diff-in-diff 18.3;p < 0.001). After adjustment for age and serum albumin, the group receiving the AG-based regimen had a 2-point greater worsening than those with bedaquiline at the sixth month (diff-in-diff 19.8;p Conclusion: Hearing loss is frequent with both treatment regimens, but more marked with the Aminoglycoside-based regimen. Thus, bedaquiline should also benefit for audiometric monitoring in future MDR-TB patients.

Determinants of the Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo): A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: The onset of the hearing loss is a major challenge during the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Aminoglycoside-based regimens, to a lesser extent based on bedaquiline, induce ototoxic sensorineural hearing loss. Research on risk factors is essential to enable high-risk individuals to benefit from preventive measures in settings with limited resources. Objective: This study aimed to assess the determinants of the hearing loss in patients with MDR-TB. Methods: This prospective multicenter cohort study included 337 patients with MDR-TB. It was performed in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) between January 2020 and January 2021. Sociodemographic, clinical, biological, therapeutic, and audiometric data were exported and analyzed using Stata 17 and MedCalc. The fixed-effect linear regression panel model was used to assess the degree of the hearing loss over time according to the following covariates: therapeutic regimen (aminoglycosides, bedaquiline, or alternate), stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD), age at inclusion, body mass index, serum albumin level, HIV status, alcohol intake, hypertension, and hemoglobin level. The Hausman test was used to select between fixed- and random-effect estimators. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p Result: A total of 236 patients (70%) received an aminoglycoside-based regimen, 61 (18%) received a bedaquiline-based regimen, and 40 (12%) received aminoglycosides relayed by bedaquiline. The frequency of the hearing loss increased from 62% to 96.3% within six months for all therapeutic regimens. The Hearing loss worsened, with moderate (72.4%) and profound (16%) deafness being predominant. An Exposure to the treatment for more than one month (β coeff: 27.695, Se: 0.793, p β coeff: 6.102, Se: 1.779, p β coeff: 5.610, Se: 1.682, p = 0.001), and an eGFR β coeff: 6.730, Se: 2.70, p = 0.013) were the independent risk factors associated with the hearing loss in patients with MDR-TB. Conclusions: The Hearing loss was more prevalent and worsened during the treatment of the patients with MDR-TB. An Exposure for more than one month, AG-based regimens, advanced age, hypoalbuminemia, and CKD have emerged as the main determinants of the worsening of the hearing loss.

巨噬细胞负载Fe_(3)O_(4)@PLGA纳米颗粒触发智能催化功能杀死多重耐药大肠杆菌

Infections with multidrug-resistant(MDR)Gram-negative bacteria,such as MDR Escherichia coli(E.coli),remain a challenge due to the lack of safe antibiotics and high fatality rates under anti-infection therapies.This work presents a form of biomimetic intelligent catalysis inspired by the selective biocatalytic property of macrophages(MΦs),consisting of an intelligent controlling center(a living MΦ)and a Fenton reaction catalyst(Fe_(3)O_(4)@poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA)nanoparticles)for killing MDR E.coli without harming normal cells.The MΦ-Fe_(3)O_(4)@PLGA particles(i.e.,the intelligent catalysis particles)exhibit selective biocatalysis activity toward MDR E.coli by producing H_(2)O_(2) and lipid droplets(LDs).This process activates the lipid metabolism and glycan biosynthesis and metabolism pathways based on the result of RNA sequencing data analysis.The H_(2)O_(2) further reacts with Fe_(3)O_(4)@PLGA to form highly toxic hydroxyl radicals(·OH),while the LDs contain antimicrobial peptides and can target MDR E.coli.The highly toxicOH and antimicrobial peptides are shown to combat with MDR E.coli,such that the antibacterial efficiency of the MΦ-Fe_(3)O_(4)@PLGA particles against MDR E.coli is 99.29%±0.31%in vitro.More importantly,after several passages,the intelligent catalysis function of the MΦ-Fe_(3)O_(4)@PLGA particles is well maintained.Hence,the concept of biomimetic intelligent catalysts displays potential for treating diseases other than infections.

An Analysis of the Accounting Costs Associated with 20-Month DR TB Regimens in Maputo City, Mozambique

Introduction: Socioeconomic and demographic conditions in a country can influence tuberculosis incidence and mortality, with nearly 95% of tuberculosis-related deaths occurring in poorer countries. Mozambique is among the 30 countries with the highest TB burden. Objective: The study aimed to estimate the average direct medical cost of treating drug-resistant tuberculosis in 19 health centers in Maputo City, Mozambique. Methods: A retrospective analysis of direct medical costs was conducted on patients aged 18 and older who completed 20-month drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment regimens in Maputo City in 2019. Results: This analysis covered 140 patients who completed a 20-month treatment regimen, with 64.3% (78) being male and 35.7% (62) female. Approximately 50% of the participants were aged between 29 and 47. The average direct medical cost of DRTB treatment was $4789.43, reaching up to $6568.00, with a standard deviation of $753.26, including clinical interventions and treatment. Conclusion: The direct medical costs for a basic treatment package for a patient with drug-resistant TB in Mozambique equal 36 minimum wages. Developing alternative and innovative funding mechanisms and identifying ways to mitigate costs through the use of generic medicines would be beneficial.

Association between HLA-DR Expression and Multidrug-resistant Infection in Patients with Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Multidrug-resistant （MDR） bacterial infection is a common complication of severe acute pancreatitis （SAP）. This study aimed to explore the association between human leukocyte antigen-antigen D-related （HLA-DR） expression and multidrug-resistant infection in patients with SAP. A total of 24 SAP patients who were admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between May 2015 and December 2016 were enrolled in the study. The percentages of CD4^＋, CD8^＋, natural killer （NK）, and HLA-DR （CD14＋） cells and the CD4^＋/CD8^＋ cell ratio on days 1, 7, 14, and 28 after admission were determined by flow cytometry. Eighteen patients presented with the symptoms of infection. Among them, 55.6% patients （10/18） developed MDR infection. The most common causative MDR organisms were Enterobacter cloacae and Acinetobacter baumannii. The CD4＋/CD8＋ cell ratio and the percentage of NK cells were similar between patients with non-MDR and patients with MDR infections. In patients without infection, the HLA-DR percentage was maintained at a high level throughout the 28 days. Compared to the patients without any infection, the HLA-DR percentage in patients with non-MDR infection was reduced on day 1 but increased and reached similar levels on day 28. In patients with MDR infection, the HLA-DR percentage remained below normal levels at all-time points. It was concluded that persistent down-regulation of HLA-DR expression is associated with MDR bacterial infection in patients with SAP.

Multidrug-resistant organisms in intensive care units and logistic analysis of risk factors

BACKGROUND Intensive care unit(ICU)patients are critically ill and have low immunity.They will undergo various trauma medical procedures during diagnosis and treatment.The use of high-dose hormones and broad-spectrum antibiotics will increase the incidence of nosocomial infection in ICU patients.Therefore,it is necessary to explore the causes of nosocomial infection in ICU and provide basis for the prevention and control of nosocomial infection in ICU.AIM To explore major pathogens of nosocomial infection in ICUs,methods of detection and drug resistance trends.METHODS Risk factors of multidrug-resistant infection were analyzed to provide a basis for clinical rational use of antimicrobial drugs in the ICU.These findings were used to standardize rational use of antimicrobial agents.BD PhoenixTM100 automatic bacterial identification analyzer was used to for cell identification in specimens collected from the ICU between January 2016 and December 2019.Drug sensitivity tests were carried out and drug resistance trends were analyzed using the optical disc diffusion method.Odds ratios and corresponding 95%CI of independent variables were calculated using a logistic regression model.Backward elimination(trend=0.1)was used as an inclusion criterion for multivariate analysis.All data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0,and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS We collected 2070 samples from ICU patients between January 2016 and December 2019.Sample types comprised sputum(1139 strains,55.02%),blood(521 strains,25.17%),and drainage fluid(117 strains,5.65%).A total of 1051 strains of major pathogens,including Acinetobacter baumannii,Escherichia coli(E.coli),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa),Klebsiella pneumoniae(K.pneumoniae)and Staphylococcus aureus,were detected,with a detection rate of 35.97%(378/1051).Most of these strains were resistant to antibiotics.Detection rate of E.coli was 21.79%(229/1051),and it was generally sensitive to many antimicrobial drugs.Detection rate of P.aeruginosa was 24.74%(260/1051),and showed low sensitivity to most antibiotics.Detection rate of K.pneumoniae was 9.42%(99/1051),which was generally resistant to multiple antimicrobial drugs and resistant forms.K.pneumoniae was resistant to imipenem for approximate 4 years,and showed a 19.9%(19/99)and 20.20%(20/99)rate of meropenem resistance.Logistic analysis showed that mechanical ventilation and ureteral intubation were risk factors for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.CONCLUSION This study showed a high incidence of ICU infections.Mechanical ventilation and urine tube intubation were risk factors for infection with multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Serum IL-1β and IL-18 correlate with ESR and CRP in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients

Dear Editor： The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis （MDR-TB） is bringing new challenges. MDR-TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis （M. tuberculosis） that is resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin, with or with- out resistance to other anti-tuberculosis drugs. Approximately 450,000 people developed MDR-TB worldwide in 2012 and an estimated 170,000 people died from the disease. Bacterial burden is not strictly corre- lated with disease progression, and several hallmarks of severe tuberculosis suggest that insufficiently controlled inflammation plays an important role in pathogenesis.

Risk Factors for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis and Characteristics of Cases: A Case-Control Study of Patients Attending ALERT General Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background:Tuberculosis remains a major public-health problem in the world, despite several efforts to improve case identification and treatment. Particularly multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is becoming a major threat to tuberculosis control programs in Ethiopia which seriously threatens the control and prevention efforts and is associated with both high death rates and treatment costs. Methods: A case-control study was conducted to assess risk factors and characteristics of MDR-TB cases at ALERT Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where cases were 167 MDR-TB patients, while controls were newly diagnosed and bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB cases of similar number, who were matched by sex and age of 5-years interval. Results: The socio-demographic characteristics of the participants indicated that majority (53.3%) were males and 46.7% females;a little over half of cases (55.1%) were in the age group 26 - 45 years, whereas 46.7% of controls were in this age group. According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, previous history of hospital admission was the only factor that was identified as predictor which increased risk to develop MDR-TB by almost twenty times (AOR = 19.5;95% CI: 9.17 - 41.62) and P-value of <0.05. All other studied factor such as being unemployed, family size, having member of household member with TB, and history of visiting hospital in past 12 months etc., didn’t show any statistically significant association. Conclusion: The study identified previous history of hospital admission as independent predictors for the occurrence of MDR-TB, while other studied variables didn’t show any strong association. The findings added to the pool of knowledge emphasizing the need for instituting strong infection control practice at health care facilities to prevent nosocomial transmission of MDR-TB.

Antibacterial activities of ethanol extracts of Philippine medicinal plants against multidrug-resistant bacteria

Objective: To investigate the antibacterial activities of crude ethanol extracts of 12 Philippine medicinal plants.Methods: Crude ethanol extracts from 12 Philippine medicinal plants were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycinresistant Enterococcus, extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and metallo-β-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. Results: The leaf extracts of Psidium guajava, Phyllanthus niruri, Ehretia microphylla and Piper betle(P. betle) showed antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. P. betle showed the highest antibacterial activity for these bacteria in the disk diffusion(16-33 mm inhibition diameter), minimum inhibitory concentration(19-156 μg/m L) and minimum bactericidal concentration(312 μg/m L) assays. P. betle leaf extracts only showed remarkable antibacterial activity for all the Gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria(extended spectrum β-lactamaseproducing, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and metallo-β-lactamase-producing) in the disk diffusion(17-21 mm inhibition diameter), minimum inhibitory concentration(312-625 μg/m L) and minimum bactericidal concentration(312-625 μg/m L) assays. Conclusions: P. betle had the greatest potential value against both Gram-negative and Grampositive multidrug-resistant bacteria. Favorable antagonistic activities were also exhibited by the ethanol extracts of Psidium guajava, Phyllanthus niruri and Ehretia microphylla.

Case of bronchoesophageal fistula with gastric perforation due to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

Gastric perforation and tuberculous bronchoesophageal fistula(TBEF) are very rare complications of extrapulmonary tuberculosis(TB). We present a case of pulmonary TB with TBEF and gastric perforation caused by a multidrug-resistant tuberculosis strain in a nonacquired immune deficiency syndrome male patient.The patient underwent total gastrectomy with Rouxen-Y end-to-side esophagojejunostomy and feeding jejunostomy during intravenous treatment with anti-TB medication, and esophageal reconstruction with colonic interposition and jejunocolostomy were performed successfully after a full course of anti-TB medication.Though recent therapies for TBEF have favored medication, patients with severe stenosis or perforation require surgery and medication with anti-TB drugs basedupon adequate culture and drug susceptibility testing.

Control of multidrug-resistant planktonic Acinetobacter baumannii:biocidal efficacy study by atmospheric-pressure air plasma

In this research,an atmospheric-pressure air plasma is used to inactivate the multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in liquid.The efficacy of the air plasma on bacterial deactivation and the cytobiological variations after the plasma treatment are investigated.According to colony forming units,nearly all the bacteria（6-log） are inactivated after 10 min of air plasma treatment.However,7% of the bacteria enter a viable but non-culturable state detected by the resazurin based assay during the same period of plasma exposure.Meanwhile,86% of the bacteria lose their membrane integrity in the light of SYTO 9/PI staining assay.The morphological changes in the cells are examined by scanning electron microscopy and bacteria with morphological changes are rare after plasma exposure in the liquid.The concentrations of the long-living RS,such as H2O2,NO3^- and O3,in liquid induced by plasma treatment are measured,and they increase with plasma treatment time.The changes of the intracellular ROS may be related to cell death,which may be attributed to oxidative stress and other damage effects induced by RS plasma generated in liquid.The rapid and effective bacteria inactivation may stem from the RS in the liquid generated by plasma and air plasmas may become a valuable therapy in the treatment of infected wounds.

Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Analysis of Continuous Surveillance Data from 2007 to 2016

Background: For countries with limited resources such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the diagnosis of Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is still insufficient. The MDR-TB identification is done primarily among at-risk groups. The knowledge of the true extent of the MDR-TB remains a major challenge. This study tries to determine the proportion of MDR-TB in each group of presumptive MDR-TB patients and to identify some associated factors. Methods: This is an analysis of the DRC surveillance between 2007 and 2016. The proportions were expressed in Percentage. The logistic regression permits to identify the associated factors with the RR-/MDR-TB with adjusted Odds-ratio and 95% CI. Significance defined as p ≤ 0.05. Results: Overall, 83% (5407/6512) of the MDR-TB presumptive cases had each a TB test. 86.5% (4676/5407) had each a culture and drug sensitive testing (DST) on solid medium, and 24.3% (1312/5407) had performed an Xpert MTB/RIF test. The proportion of those with at least one first-line drug resistance was 59.3% [95% CI 57.2 - 61.4] among which 50.1%, [95% CI 47.9 - 52.3] for the isoniazid, 45.6% [95% CI 43.4 - 47.8] for the rifampicin, 49.9% [95% CI 47.8 - 52.1] for ethambutol and 35.8% [95% CI 33.7 - 37.9] for streptomycin. The confirmation of MDR-TB was 42.8% [95% CI 38.4 - 47.8]. Combining both tests, the proportion of RR-/MDR-TB was 49.6% [95% CI 47.9 - 51.4] for all presumptives. This proportion was 60.0% for failures, 40.7% for relapses and 34.7% for defaulters. Associated factors with the diagnosis of MDR-TB were: aged less than 35 years;prior treatment failure;defaulters;the delay between the collection of sputum and the test completion. Conclusion: The proportion of RR-/MDR-TB among the presumptives has been higher than those estimated generally. The National tuberculosis programme (NTP) should improve patient follow-up to reduce TB treatment failures and defaulting. Moreover, while increasing the use of molecular tests, they should reduce sample delivery times when they use culture and DST concomitantly.