Establishment of extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia model in rat

Objective:To establish extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa(XDR-PA)infection-induced pneumonia model in rats.Methods:Twenty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,low bacterial group,medium bacterial group,and high bacterial group.The low,medium and high bacterial groups were given intratracheal instillation of 0.1 mL of bacterial suspension(bacterial concentration in turn is 7.5×10^(9),3×10^(10),6×10^(10)CFU/mL),while the blank group were given the same volume of sterile normal saline.After modeling,the general conditions of rats in each group were observed,including mental state,hair,respiration,activity,eating,weight,and the survival curve was drawn.The pathological characteristics of lung tissue and the infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed.Pathogenic identification of each group was carried out by bacterial culture of lung tissue homogenate.Results:The general state of the blank group was normal,and the rats in other groups showed signs of mental depression,bristling,shortness of breath,even oral and nasal bleeding,decreased food intake and activity,and significant weight loss,and different degrees of death within 48 hours,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Pathological results showed that the alveolar structure of rats in the blank group was complete,and the alveolar space was clear without exudation.The lung tissue of the low and medium bacterial groups showed obvious inflammatory cell infiltration,alveolar structure destruction,alveolar septum thickening,interstitial edema,but the pathological damage of the medium group was more severe,with a mortality rate of up to 50%,and the mortality rate of the low bacterial group was 17%.In the high bacterial group,red blood cells,inflammatory cells and a large amount of fibrin-like exudation can be seen in the alveolar space,which has the pathological characteristics of acute respiratory failure,and the mortality rate is as high as 67%.The results of bacterial culture of lung tissue homogenate showed that the blank group had no bacterial colonies,while PA colony growth can be seen in low,medium and high bacterial groups.Conclusion:9 Intratracheal instillation of low bacterial count(0.1 mL of 7.5×10^(9) CFU/mL)XDR-PA bacterial suspension can successfully construct a rat pneumonia model of XDR-PA infection.

A Review of the Surgical Procedures for the Treatment of Drug-Resistant Epilepsy and Their Seizure Control Outcomes

Background: Drug-resistant epilepsy can be defined as the existence of seizures within 6 months, despite adequate therapy regimens with one or more antiepileptic drugs. Epilepsy surgery has been the standard therapy to help those patients who suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy. The goal of this surgery is to halt or reduce the intensity of seizures. This literature review aims to provide an overview of existing surgical procedures for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy and the degree of seizure control they provide based on available literature. Methods: Data were collected from medical journal databases, aggregators, and individual publications. The most used databases were PubMed, Medline and NCBI. Some of the keywords used to search these databases include: “drug resistant epilepsy”, “seizure control”, and “neurosurgery”. Results: Epileptic surgery is divided into resective and non-resective procedures. Studies have shown that a full resection of the epileptogenic brain area increases the probability of seizure eradication, however, the risks of postoperative impairments grow as the resection area is extended. On the other hand, patients who are unsuitable for seizure focus removal by resective surgery, such as those with multifocal seizures or overlapping epileptogenic zone with a functional cortex, may benefit from non-resective surgical options such as Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Responsive Neurostimulation. Conclusion: This literature review discusses the comprehensive treatment of epilepsy, especially the surgical treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. The reviewed studies have shown that epilepsy surgery has promising outcomes in achieving seizure freedom/reducing seizure frequency with minimal adverse effects when performed correctly with the appropriate choice of surgical candidates.

Clinical analysis of colistin sulfate in the treatment of pneumonia caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria

BACKGROUND Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria,exacerbated by excessive use of antimicrobials and immunosuppressants,are a major health threat.AIM To study the clinical efficacy and safety of colistin sulfate in the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli-induced pneumonia,and to provide theoretical reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.METHODS This retrospective analysis involved 54 patients with Gram-negative bacilli pneumonia admitted to intensive care unit of The General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army of China from August 2020 to June 2022.After bacteriological culture,the patients'airway secretions were collected to confirm the presence of Gram-negative bacilli.The patients were divided into the experimental and control groups according to the medication used.The research group consisted of 28 patients who received polymyxin sulfate combined with other drugs through intravenous,nebulization,or intravenous combined with nebulization,with a daily dosage of 1.5–3.0 million units.The control group consisted of 26 patients who received standard dosages of other antibiotics(including sulbactam sodium for injection,cefoperazone sodium sulbactam for injection,tigecycline,meropenem,or vaborbactam).RESULTS Of the 28 patients included in the research group,26 patients showed improvement,treatment was ineffective for two patients,and one patient died,with the treatment efficacy rate of 92.82%.Of the 26 patients in the control group,18 patients improved,treatment was ineffective for eight patients,and two patients died,with the treatment efficacy rate of 54.9%;significant difference was observed between the two groups(P<0.05).The levels of white blood cell(WBC),procalcitonin(PCT),and C-reactive protein(CRP)in both groups were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment(P<0.05),and the levels of WBC,PCT,and CRP in the research group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,there were no significant changes in aspartate aminotransferase,creatinine,and glomerular filtration rate in both groups,while total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase decreased after treatment(P<0.05)with no difference between the groups.In patients with good clinical outcomes,the sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)score was low when treated with inhaled polymyxin sulfate,and specific antibiotic treatment did not improve the outcome.Sepsis and septic shock as well as a low SOFA score were independent factors associated with good clinical outcomes.CONCLUSION Polymyxin sulfate has a significant effect on the treatment of patients with multiple drug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli pneumonia and other infections in the lungs and is safe and reliable.Moreover,the administration route of low-dose intravenous injection combined with nebulization shows better therapeutic effects and lower adverse reactions,providing new ideas for clinical administration.

Treatment strategies and preventive methods for drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori infection

The infection and drug resistance rates of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)are high and must be prevented and treated by better strategies.Based on recent research advances in this field as well as the results from our team and those on traditional Chinese medicine,we review the causes of drug resistance,and prevention and treatment strategies for drug-resistant H.pylori infection,with an aim to make suggestions for the development of new drugs,such as establishment of new target identification and screening systems,modification of existing drug structures,use of new technologies,application of natural products,and using a commercial compound library.This article may provide reference for eradication of drug-resistant H.pylori.

Distinctive Drug-resistant Mutation Profiles and Interpretations of HIV-1 Proviral DNA Revealed by Deep Sequencing in Reverse Transcriptase

Objective To investigate distinctive features in drug-resistant mutations （DRMs） and interpretations for reverse transcriptase inhibitors （RTIs） between proviral DNA and paired viral RNA in HIV-l-infected patients. Methods Forty-three HIV-l-infected individuals receiving first-line antiretroviral therapy were recruited to participate in a multicenter AIDS Cohort Study in Anhui and Henan Provinces in China in 2004. Drug resistance genotyping was performed by bulk sequencing and deep sequencing on the plasma and whole blood of 77 samples, respectively. Drug-resistance interpretation was compared between viral RNA and paired proviral DNA. Results Compared with bulk sequencing, deep sequencing could detect more DRMs and samples with DRMs in both viral RNA and proviral DNA. The mutations M1841 and M2301 were more prevalent in proviral DNA than in viral RNA （Fisher＇s exact test, P〈0.05）. Considering ＇majority resistant variants＇, 15 samples （19.48%） showed differences in drug resistance interpretation between viral RNA and proviral DNA, and 5 of these samples with different DRMs between proviral DNA and paired viral RNA showed a higher level of drug resistance to the first-line drugs. Considering ＇minority resistant variants＇, 22 samples （28.57%） were associated with a higher level of drug resistance to the tested RTIs for proviral DNA when compared with paired viral RNA. Conclusion Compared with viral RNA, the distinctive information of DRMs and drug resistance interpretations for proviral DNA could be obtained by deep sequencing, which could provide more detailed and precise information for drug resistance monitoring and the rational design of optimal antiretroviral therapy regimens.

Successful treatment of pyogenic ventriculitis caused by extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii with multi-route tigecycline: A case report

BACKGROUND Pyogenic ventriculitis caused by extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(A.baumannii)is one of the most severe complications associated with craniotomy.However,limited therapeutic options exist for the treatment of A.baumannii ventriculitis due to the poor penetration rate of most antibiotics through the blood-brain barrier.CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old male patient with severe traumatic brain injury developed pyogenic ventriculitis on postoperative day 24 caused by extensively drug-resistant A.baumannii susceptible to tigecycline only.Successful treatment was accomplished through multi-route administration of tigecycline,including intravenous combined with continuous ventricular irrigation plus intraventricular administration.The pus was cleared on the 3rd day post-irrigation,and cerebrospinal fluid cultures were negative after 12 d.CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that multi-route administration of tigecycline can be a therapeutic option against pyogenic ventriculitis caused by extensively drugresistant A.baumannii.

Prolonged use of bedaquiline in two patients with pulmonary extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis: Two case reports

BACKGROUND Bedaquiline is among the prioritized drugs recommended by the World Health Organization for the treatment of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis(XDRTB).Many patients have not achieved better clinical improvement after bedaquiline is stopped at 24 wk.However,there is no recommendation or guideline on bedaquiline administration beyond 24 wk,which is an important consideration when balancing the benefit of prognosis for XDR-TB against the uncertain safety concerning the newer antibiotics.CASE SUMMARY This paper reported 2 patients with XDR-TB(a female of 58 years of age and a female of 18 years of age)who received bedaquiline for 36 wk,as local experience to be shared.The 2 cases had negative cultures after 24 wk of treatment,but lung imaging was still positive.After discussion among experts,the consensus was made to bedaquiline prolongation by another 12 wk.The 36-wk prolonged use of bedaquiline in both cases achieved a favorable response without increasing the risk of cardiac events or new safety signals.CONCLUSION Longer regimen,including 36-wk bedaquiline treatment,might be an option for patients with XDR-TB.More studies are needed to explore the effectiveness and safety of prolonged use of bedaquiline for 36 wk vs standard 24 wk in the treatment of multidrug-resistant/XDR-TB or to investigate further the biomarkers and criteria indicative for extension of bedaquline to facilitate clinical use of thisnovel drug.

Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and neurochemical investigations of lamotrigine-pentylenetetrazole kindled mice to ascertain it as a reliable model for clinical drug-resistant epilepsy

Background:Pentylenetetrazole kindling has long been used for the screening of investigational antiseizure drugs.The presence of lamotrigine,at a very low dose,does not hamper kindling in mice;rather it modifies this epileptogenesis process into drug-resistant epilepsy.The lamotrigine-pentylenetetrazole kindled mice show resistance to lamotrigine,phenytoin,and carbamazepine.It may also be possible that other licensed antiseizure drugs,like the mentioned drugs,remain ineffective in this model;therefore,this was the subject of this study.Methods:Swiss albino mice were kindled with pentylenetetrazole for 35 days in the presence of either methylcellulose vehicle or lamotrigine(subtherapeutic dose,ie,5 mg/kg).Vehicle vs lamotrigine-kindled mice were compared in terms of(a)resistance/response toward nine antiseizure drugs applied as monotherapies and two drug combinations;(b)lamotrigine bioavailability in blood and brain;(c)blood-brain barrier integrity;and(d)amino acids and monoamines in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus.Results:Lamotrigine vs vehicle-kindled mice are similar(or not significantly different P>.05 from each other)in terms of(a)response toward drug combinations;(b)lamotrigine bioavailability;and(c)blood-brain barrier integrity except for,significantly(P<.05)reduced taurine and increased glutamate in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus.Aside from these,lamotrigine-kindled mice show significant(P<.05)resistant to lamotrigine(15 mg/kg),levetiracetam(40 mg/kg);carbamazepine(40 mg/kg),zonisamide(100 mg/kg),gabapentin(224 mg/kg),pregabalin(30 mg/kg),phenytoin(35 mg/kg),and topiramate(300 mg/kg).Conclusion:Lamotrigine-pentylenetetrazole kindling takes longer to develop(~5 weeks)in comparison to lamotrigine-amygdale(~4 weeks)and lamotriginecorneal(~2 weeks)kindling models.However,drug screening through this model may yield superior drugs with novel antiseizure mechanisms.

Combination Use of PFGE and Drug-resistant Analysis in the Epidemiological Investigation of Listeria Monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is the pathogen of listeriosis and it causes severe infections like septicemia, encephalitis, and meningitis, especially in immunocompromised individuals, newborns, and pregnant women. Its wide distribution in the environment and ability to survive or even grow under adverse conditions has made L. monocytogenes an important public health concern and in food industry.

Young children with multidrug-resistant epilepsy and vagus nerve stimulation responding to perampanel: A case report

BACKGROUND Perampanel(PER),a third-generation antiepileptic drug,is a selective and noncompetitiveα-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor antagonist,and has been approved for the treatment of adults and adolescents with focal epilepsy.However,there are only a few studies about the efficacy and tolerability of PER in young children with multidrug-resistant epilepsy.In this case,we aimed to share our clinical experience in this group.CASE SUMMARY A 4-year-old boy without perinatal asphyxia and familial history of epilepsy began to have ictal seizures from age 14 mo,with jerky movement of four limbs and head nodding.Abnormal multifocal discharge and background activity were recorded through electroencephalography,and no pathogenic mutation was found in the whole exome sequencing for the patient and his parents.He had received valproate,levetiracetam,topiramate,oxcarbazepine,clonazepam and lacosamide sequentially at different times,but he still had frequent seizures even after vagus nerve stimulation(VNS)implantation.He was diagnosed with idiopathic multidrug-resistant epilepsy.However,his seizure frequency was significantly reduced after PER administration in a dose-dependent manner,and better cognitive behavior was observed.In addition,the adverse reactions of anger and aggression also appeared.CONCLUSION PER is effective as add-on therapy for young children with multidrug-resistant epilepsy who have previously undergone VNS implantation.

A Review of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>and the Emergence of Drug-Resistant Problem

There are various bacteria living in this world. The most common one is Staphylococcus aureus. Almost everyone has heard of it. It is easy to find their habitats, such as hospitals, homes, parks, schools etc. Some of them are difficult to be eliminated because of drug-resistant mutations. Hence, lots of researchers devoted their efforts to eliminate them. This review illustrates the characteristics of the Staphylococcus aureus and the main threat of their drug-resistant strains, especially methicillin-resistant S. aureus. What’s more, the article also highlights the plight in the drug development.

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA in drug-sensitive cell and drug-resistant strains of ovarian cancer cell lines

Objective： To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2） mRNA in drug-sensitive cell and drugresistant clones of ovarian cancer cell lines. Methods： RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry were used to investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in 3 clones drug-sensitive and 5 clones drug-resistant ovarian cancer cell. Results： Strong COX-2 mRNA expressions were detected in 3 clones of drug-sensitive cell and weak expressions were detected in 5 clones of drug-resistant cell. The protein expression of COX-2 in drug-sensitive cell was strongly positive reaction in immunocytochemistry stain and there was a weak positive reaction in 5 clones of drug-resistant cell. Conclusion： The expression of COX-2 mRNA in drug-sensitive cell strains is much higher than that in drugresistant strains of ovarian cancer cell lines, providing a basis of the chemoprevention for ovarian cancer.

Pharmacological Isolation of Experimental Models of Drug-resistant Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line

Drug resistance is one of the major challenges facing the success of chemotherapy against human hepatocarcinoma (HCC) as well as other types of cancer. Studies with cell lines can serve as initial screening for agents that could modulate drug resistance. Development of a good experimental model of drug-resistant cells is a prerequisite for the success of such cellular studies;but could be laborious and generally time-consuming. Additionally, the high mortality rate associated with advanced HCC calls for a probe into the mechanism of resistance by developing experimental model that mimics clinical method of its treatment. Consequently, we have reported a simplified method of selection of drug-resistant hepatocarcinoma cells from human hepatocellular carcinoma (HEPG2) cell line using pharmacologic agents, cisplatin (CDDP) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). HEPG2 cell line was incubated for 24 hours with different concentrations of CDDP (0 - 20 μM) or 5-FU (0 - 100 μM). Cell viability was assayed by CCK-8 (Cell Counting Kit) analysis, and the inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for CDDP and 5-FU were established by dose-dependent cytotoxicity curves. The IC50(s) were confirmed by flow cytometric analysis of cell death due to CDDP or 5-FU. Clinical method of treatment was imitated by treating the parental HEPG2 cell line in pulse, at the optimal concentration of either CDDP or 5-FU for 4 to 6 hours. Induction was repeated 6 times, whilst allowing the cells to attain at least 70% confluence between intervals of induction. The resultant drug-resistant sublines, (HEPG2CR) and (HEPG2FR) were found to be stable after over 3 months of drug withdrawal and maintenance in drug-free medium. This was done with the views of establishing a simple, efficient and direct protocol for the development of good cellular models for the study of drug resistance in liver cancer, with possible application in other cancer types.

Highly Selective Photodynamic Therapy with a Short Drug-Light Interval Using a Cytotoxic Photosensitizer Porphyrus Envelope for Drug-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a less invasive cancer treatment using photochemical reactions induced by light irradiation to a photosensitizer (PS). Highly selective PDT with fast accumulation of the PS in target site might be a promising treatment option for drug-resistant prostate cancer facing high incidence rate of elderly men who have no effective treatment options and require a minimally invasive treatment. Hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope (HVJ-E) allows selective and fast drug delivery to the drug-resistant prostate cancer cells via rapid cell membrane fusion. PS named porphyrus envelope (PE) has been developed by insertion of lipidated protoporphyrin IX (PpIX lipid) into HVJ-E. In this study, we investigated the optimal conditions for PE preparation and laser irradiation for highly selective PDT using PE with a short drug-light interval. Materials and Methods: Human hormon refractory prostate cancer cell line PC-3 and human normal prostate epithelial cell line PNT2 were cultured. PpIX lipid uptake and cytotoxicity of PDT in the cells incubated with PE for 10 min were evaluated by measuring fluorescence intensity and by using a cell counting reagent 24 h after PDT, respectively. Results: PpIX lipid uptake and cytotoxicity of PDT were increased with PpIX lipid concentration. Cytotoxicity of PDT using PE was more than 9 times as strong as that with PpIX lipid and PpIX induced by 5-aminolevulinic acid. Much stronger cytotoxicity was induced in PC-3 cells than PNT2 cells with the ratio of cell death rate for cancer to normal cells up to 4.64 ± 0.09. Conclusions: Fast PS delivery with HVJ-E allows highly selective PDT with a short drug-light interval. Therefore, PDT using PE has a potential to shorten treatment period and reduce side effects of PDT.

The Introduction of Bedaquiline Regimen for Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in the Philippines: An Operational Study

Objectives: Bedaquiline (BDQ) is the first new anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug introduced to the market after 45 years. Recent studies have shown the potential benefits of adding bedaquiline to regimens for drug-resistant TB (DR-TB). In search of more effective regimens for DR-TB, bedaquiline was introduced in the TB program in the Philippines under operational research to assess its effectiveness, safety, and tolerability when given with background regimens among patients with multi-or extensively DR-TB (MDR/XDR-TB). Design: A prospective cohort study of patients with MDR/XDR-TB was given with a bedaquiline-containing regimen from June 2016 to May 2017. Demographic data, presence of comorbidities, and microbiologic profile on entry were recorded. Bedaquiline was administered at the recommended dose of 400 mg once daily for 14 days, then 200 mg three times a week for 22 weeks together with World Health Organization (WHO)-compliant background regimen. The time to culture conversion, interim outcomes at the 6th month of treatment, end-of-treatment outcomes, and post-treatment follow-up outcomes after one year was determined. The frequency and severity of adverse events (SAE) were recorded as part of pharmacovigilance. Results: Seventy-five patients were given with bedaquiline-containing regimen during the study period. Forty-two (56.0%) had second-line injectable resistance, 23 (30.7%) had fluoroquinolone-resistance, 6 (8.0%) had MDR-TB, and 4 (5.3%) had XDR-TB. In the 6th month of post-enrolment, 79% were culture-negative. The treatment success rate was 65.3% (37 were cured and 12 completed treatment), 7 (9.3%) died, 17 (22.7%) lost to follow-up, and 2 (2.7%) were withdrawn from treatment. Adverse events included vomiting (80%), dizziness (69%), nausea (52%), cough (44%), and headache (36%). The post-treatment follow-up of 49 patients in the 12th month showed 92% were culture-negative while 8% of TBC were not done. Conclusion: Bedaquiline-containing regimens for patients with MDR/XDR-TB were highly effective with an acceptable safety profile and favorable treatment outcomes, but the proportion of patients who lost to follow-up remains substantial.

Effect of"Fuzheng Qingretonglin"decoction on complex urinary tract infection in rats by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome pathway

Obiective:To investigate whether"Fuzheng Qingretonglin"decoction can reduce urinary tract damage caused by complex urinary tract infection caused by drug resistant Escherichia coli by regulating Nod-like receptor pyrin domain3 inflammasome,and to explore the feasibility of this decoction combined with levofloxacin in the treatment of complex urinary tract infection caused by drug resistant bacteria.Methods:SD rats were divided into five groups:sham group,model group,levofloxacin group(Lev group),levofloxacin+Fuzheng Qingre Tonglin decoction group(FZ+lev group),and Fuzheng Qingre Tonglin decoction group(FZQRTL group).After the experiment,urine was taken for bacterial culture to determine the urinary tract infection of rats in each group;HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of kidney and bladder tissues in rats;The expression of NLRP3 in kidney and bladder tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry;The expression of IL-1βand IL-18 in serum of rats was detected by ELISA;The expressions of NLRP3,ASC and Caspase-1 were detected by Western blotting.Results:The positive rate of urine bacteria culture in the sham group was 0%,the positive rate of urine bacteria culture in the model group was 100%;and the positive rate of urine bacteria culture in the FZ+lev group was 37.50%,which was statistically different from that in the model group(P<0.05).A large number of inflammatory cells were observed in the kidney and bladder tissues of the model group by HE staining,while the number of inflammatory cells in the kidney and bladder tissues of the Lev group and FZQRTL group was significantly reduced compared with that of the model group.The FZ+lev group in the number and structure of inflammatory cells in kidney and bladder were similar to the sham group.The NLRP3 immunohistochemistry of kidney and bladder tissue in FZ+lev groups and FZQRTL groups was significantly different from that in model group(P<0.001).The levels of IL-1βand IL-18 in serum of Lev group,FZQRTL group and FZ+lev group were significantly decreased by ELISA compared with model group(P<0.001).The levels of IL-1βand IL-18 in the FZ+lev groups were significantly lower than in the Lev group and FZQRTL group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The protein expressions of NLRP3,ASC and Caspase-1 in the Lev group,FZQRTL group and FZ+lev group were significantly lower than those in the model group(P<0.001).The protein expressions of NLRP3,ASC and Caspase-1 in the FZ+lev groups were significantly lower than in the Lev group and FZQRTL group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusions:"Fuzheng Qingretonglin"decoction may have a protective effect on the kidney and bladder of rats with complex urinary tract infection caused by drug-resistant Escherichia coli by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammatory bodies,and TCM combined with levofloxacin has a better therapeutic effect than TCM or levofloxacin alone.

The Role of Pyridoxine in the Prevention and Treatment of Neuropathy and Neurotoxicity Associated with Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment Regimens: A Topic Review

Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) is a global public health problem caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to Rifampicin. Drug-induced peripheral neuropathy and neurotoxicity are well-known adverse effects of treatment regimens that cause significant morbidity. Pyridoxine is often added to treatment regimens for the prevention and/or treatment of these side effects. The basis and effectiveness of this practice are unclear. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of pyridoxine in preventing and/or treating neuropathy and neurotoxicity associated with RR-TB treatment. We included studies with patients with RR-TB who experienced neuropathy or neurotoxicity attributed to RR-TB regimens and were given pyridoxine. Our findings showed contradicting evidence on the use of pyridoxine for preventing or treating neurotoxicity due to cycloserine in the treatment of RR-TB. Moreover, pyridoxine did not have a protective effect against neuropathy and/or neurotoxicity caused by other RR-TB regimens that do not contain isoniazid. In conclusion, we found that withdrawing or withholding medications such as linezolid, cycloserine, thioamides, fluoroquinolones, and ethambutol, implicated in causing neuropathy or neurotoxicity was more effective than using pyridoxine to stop the progression of symptoms, and in some instances, led to their reversal over time.

Persistent Pseudomonas Infection Mastoiditis—Local Antibiotic Treatment Is Superior than Systemic

Mastoiditis is a common complication of acute otitis media. It is common in younger age compared to adulthood. Mastoiditis occurs when an otitis media infection spread directly to involve the bone of mastoid air cell causing osteitis. Cholesteatoma can contribute to the development of mastoiditis. This typically leads to breakdown of some of the fine bony trabeculae of mastoid cells producing a coalescent mastoiditis with an emphyema in mastoid antrum. Cholesteatoma can contribute to the development of mastoiditis. The common treatment for mastoiditis is intravenous antibiotic. Our cases show that local antibiotic treatment is superior compared to systemic antibiotic in treating multi-drug resistant chronic. Pseudomonas mastoiditis compared to intravenous antibiotic. However, if it presents together with cholesteatoma the main treatment is still early mastoidectomy.

Efficacy and safety of modified medium-chain triglyceride ketogenic diet in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy

Background Medium-chain triglyceride ketogenic diet(MCTKD)is previously less commonly used in China.This study was aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the modified MCTKD in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy in Chinese patients.Methods Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy were enrolled to receive treatment with modified MCTKD in Guangdong Sanjiu Brain Hospital during December 2020 and September 2022.The modified MCTKD contained fat that provided 50–70%of the total energy,as well as proteins and carbohydrates that provided 20–30%and 20%of energy,respectively.The fat component was composed of 20–30%medium-chain triglycerides(MCTs)and 30–40%long-chain triglycerides.The efficacy and safety of the diet were assessed at 1,3 and 6 months.Results A total of 123 patients aged 2.5 to 65 years,were included in this study.The response rates at 1,3 and 6 months were 49.6%,43.1%,and 30.9%,respectively.The seizure freedom rates at 1,3 and 6 months were 12.2%,10.6%,and 6.5%,respectively.The retention rates at 1,3 and 6 months were 98.4%,65.0%and 33.3%respectively.Side effects occurred in 21.14%of patients,which were predominantly gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain,diarrhea,vomiting,and constipation,and most of them resolved after dietary adjustments.A total of 82 patients(66.7%)discontinued the treatment with the reason of refusing to eat(8.1%),poor efficacy(35.0%),poor compliance(4.9%),and inability to follow-up(9.8%).Only 4 patients(3.3%)withdrew the diet due to side effects.Conclusions The modified MCTKD with MCTs providing 20–30%of energy has a good safety in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy,but its effectiveness needs to be enhanced.Further modifications of MCTKD with an optimal energy ratio are required to achieve a better efficacy and safety.

Comparison of extended spectrum β-lactamasesproducing Escherichia coli with non-ESBLsproducing E.coli:drug-resistance and virulence

BACKGROUND:The virulent factors of Escherichia coli(E.coli) play an important role in the process of pathopoiesis.The study aimed to compare drug-resistant genes and virulence genes between extended spectrum β-lactamases(ESBLs)-producing E.coli and non-ESBLs-producing E.coli to provide a reference for physicians in management of hospital infection.METHODS:From October 2010 to August 2011,96 drug-resistant strains of E.coli isolated were collected from the specimens in Qingdao Municipal Hospital,Qingdao,China.These bacteria strains were divided into a ESBLs-producing group and a non-ESBLs-producing group.Drug sensitivity tests were performed using the Kirby-Bauer(K-B) method.Disinfectant gene,qacEA1-sull and 8 virulence genes(CNF2,hlyA,eaeA,VT1,est,bfpA,elt,and CNF1) were tested by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).RESULTS:Among the 96 E.coli isolates,the ESBLs-producing E.coli comprised 46(47.9%)strains and the non-ESBLs-producing E.coli consisted of 50(52.1%) strains.The detection rates of multiple drug-resistant strain,qacEA1-sull,CNF2,hlyA,eaeA,VT1,est,bfpA,elt,and CNF1 in 46ESBLs-producing E.coli isolates were 89.1%,76.1%,6.5%,69.6%,69.6%,89.1%,10.9%,26.1%,8.7%,and 19.6%,respectively.In the non-ESBLs-producing E.coli strains,the positive rates of multiple drug-resistant strain,qacEA1-sull,CNF2,hlyA,eaeA,VT1,est,bfpA,elt,and CNF1 were 62.0%,80.0%,16.0%,28.0%,64.0%,38.0%,6.0%,34.0%,10.0%,and 24.0%,respectively.The difference in the detection rates of multiple drug-resistant strain,hlyA and VT1 between the ESBLs-producing E.coli strains and the non-ESBLs-producing E.coli strains was statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The positive rate of multiple drug-resistant strains is higher in the ESBLsproducing strains than in the non-ESBLs-producing strains.The expression of some virulence genes hlyA and VT1 varies between the ESBLs-producing strains and the non-ESBLs-producing strains.Increased awareness of clinicians and enhanced testing by laboratories are required to reduce treatment failures and prevent the spread of multiple drug-resistant strains.