Direct and Residual Microbicidal Efficacy of Various Antiseptics against Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria

Background: Infections in ICU’s patients are known to often originate from the colonization of wounds by the patient’s endogenous microbiota, and to eventually lead to secondary sepsis. Aim: to compare in vitro the direct and residual effects after different exposure times of 4% chlorhexidine, and of 0.1% and 0.04% polyhexanide (in gel and solution forms), on ATCC-microorganisms, and too, on bacterial strains obtained from ICU patients. Methods: We used wild multi-drug resistant strains recently obtained from the wounds of patients hospitalized at ICU and reference strains from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Chlorhexidine 4% was studied as a reference solution. The direct and residual effects of the 0.1% and 0.04% polyhexanide, in gel and solution forms, were analyzed using cotton germ carriers. To evaluate the direct effect, we exposed the strains to the antiseptic. To assess the residual effect, the germ-carriers were impregnated with antiseptic and were allowed to dry before we contaminated them. We inoculated the germ carriers in a culture medium with an inhibitor of antiseptic effect to count the number of surviving microorganisms. Findings: 0.1% Polyhexanide solution proved a direct and residual efficacy after 24 hours equivalent to 4% chlorhexidine. Is very important to highlight that this great efficacy did not change according to whether they were ATCC or multidrug-resistant strains. Conclusions: 0.1% polyhexanide demonstrated a great direct and residual efficacy (like 4% chlorhexidine), against multi-drug resistant strains isolated from ICU’s patients. Moreover, due to its few cytotoxicity against keratinocytes and fibroblasts can be an optimal antiseptic for burns, wounds or ulcers.

Analysis of Multi-Drug Resistant Organism Surveillance and Antimicrobial Resistance Early Warning in a Hospital in 2022

Objective:To determine the clinical distribution of multi-drug resistant organism(MDRO)in Jiangyan Hospital and the monitoring and warning of drug-resistance bacteria to provide an important basis for guiding the application of broad-spectrum antibiotics in clinical treatment and reducing the occurrence of nosocomial infection.Methods:Retrospective screening and analysis were conducted on the pathogenic strains of hospitalized patients in our hospital in 2022.Results:A total of 2,769 strains of pathogenic bacteria and 390 strains of MDRO were detected and isolated in our hospital in 2022;the detection rate of MDRO was 14.08%.A total of 516 strains(18.64%)Klebsiella pneumoniae(KP)and 62 strains(12.02%)of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CR-KP)were detected;436 strains(15.75%)of Escherichia coli(ECO)were detected,including 8 strains(1.83%)of CR-ECO;342 strains(12.35%)of Pseudomonas aeruginosa(PA)and 116 strains(33.92%)of CR-PA were detected;there were 194 strains(7.01%)of Acinetobacter baumannii(AB),among which 125 strains(64.43%)were CR-AB;there were 291 strains(10.51%)of Staphylococcus aureus,among which 79 strains(27.15%)of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)were detected;78 strains(2.82%)of Enterococcus faecalis were detected,and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus(VRE)was not detected.The first five MDROs were CR-AB,CR-PA,MRSA,CR-KP,and CR-ECO.The top five departments with the highest MDRO detection rate in 2022 were the ICU(37.44%),the Pulmonology Department(ward 13;31.03%),the Department of Rehabilitation(ward 5;6.67%),the Department of Neurosurgery(ward 11;4.62%),and the Department of General Surgery(ward 10;3.59 The resistance rate of antibacterial drugs is divided into four levels for early warning:30%to 40%,41%to 50%,51%to 75%,and 75%or more.Conclusion:Our hospital should strengthen the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance warning related to MDRO and the abuse of antimicrobial drugs.Based on the results of drug sensitivity and antimicrobial resistance warning,the use of antibiotics should be standardized in clinical practice to reduce nosocomial infection。

Efficacy and Safety of Combined Bedaquiline and Delamanid Use among Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Beijing,China

Objectives The combined use of bedaquiline and delamanid(BDQ-DLM)is limited by an increased risk of prolonging the QTc interval.We retrospectively evaluated patients who received DLM/BDQcontaining regimens at a TB-specialized hospital.We aimed to present clinical efficacy and safety data for Chinese patients.Methods This case-control study included patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis(MDR-TB)treated with BDQ alone or BDQ plus DLM.Results A total of 96 patients were included in this analysis:64 in the BDQ group and 32 in the BDQ+DLM group.Among the 96 patients with positive sputum culture at the initiation of BDQ alone or BDQ combined with DLM,46 patients(71.9%)in the BDQ group and 29(90.6%)in the BDQ-DLM group achieved sputum culture conversion during treatment.The rate of sputum culture conversion did not differ between the two groups.The time to sputum culture conversion was significantly shorter in the BDQ-DLM group than in the BDQ group.The most frequent adverse event was QTc interval prolongation;however,the frequency of adverse events did not differ between the groups.Conclusion In conclusion,our results demonstrate that the combined use of BDQ and DLM is efficacious and tolerable in Chinese patients infected with MDR-TB.Patients in the BDQ-DLM group achieved sputum culture conversion sooner than those in the BDQ group.

Effect of Mn addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of GX40CrNiSi25-12 austenitic heat resistant steel

Three types of steels were designed on the basis of GX40CrNiSi25-12 austenitic heat resistant steel by adding different Mn contents(2wt.%,6wt.%,and 12wt.%).Thermodynamic calculation,microstructure characterization and mechanical property tests were conducted to investigate the effect of Mn addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the austenitic heat resistant steel.Results show that the matrix structure in all the three types of steels at room temperature is completely austenite.Carbides NbC and M_(23)C_(6)precipitate at grain boundaries of austenite matrix.With the increase of Mn content,the number of carbides increases and their distribution becomes more uniform.With the Mn content increases from 1.99%to 12.06%,the ultimate tensile strength,yield strength and elongation increase by 14.6%,8.0%and 46.3%,respectively.The improvement of the mechanical properties of austenitic steels can be explained by utilizing classic theories of alloy strengthening,including solid solution strengthening,precipitation strengthening,and grain refinement.The increase in alloy strength can be attributed to solid solution strengthening and precipitation strengthening caused by the addition of Mn.The improvement of the plasticity of austenitic steels can be explained from two aspects:grain refinement and homogenization of precipitated phases.

Evaluation of the Potential of Araucaria angustifolia Seeds as Source of Oligosaccharides, Resistant Starch and Growth of Probiotic Bacteria

“Pinhão”, the seed of Araucaria angustifolia, is an important food, being part of the eating habits of Indigenous communities. In this study, we evaluated the oligosaccharide content, resistant starch and the growth of probiotic bacteria. GF4 (1-fructofuranosylnystose) was the main fructo-oligosaccharides found, in higher contents compared to other food sources. Maltooligosaccharides (MOS) represented the main part of the oligosaccharides profile of Brazilian pine seeds. In descending order of importance was maltoheptaose (G7), maltohexose (G6) and maltotriose (G3). The starches from the variety Sanct josephi presented the highest amount of resistant starch that could stimulate probiotic strains, mainly B. breve and L. plantarum, and may have a prebiotic effect, potentially promoting health benefits. This study advances the understanding of the chemical composition of the main portion of the “pinhão” enhancing awareness of its potential as a healthy food source, contributing to different uses and indirectly with the species preservation.

Detection of ARV-Resistant Mutants in HIV-1-Infected Individuals in a Context of Systematic Switching to an Association Based on Dolutegravir in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

The emergence of antiretroviral resistance mutations represents a major threat to the achievement of national and global goals for the elimination of HIV-1 infection. The global strategy in 2019 in Cte d'Ivoire is a new national policy for the management of people living with HIV with the administration of dolutegravir (DTG)-based fixed-dose combination. The aim of our study was to evaluate HIV-1 resistance to antiretrovirals (ARVs) in infected adult subjects in Cte d’Ivoire in the context of a systematic switch to a DTG-based combination. Between February 2022 and October 2023, a cross-sectional survey with random sampling was conducted in 06 services caring for people living with HIV. A total of 139 participants were included in the study. Adults with a viral load ≥ 1000 copies/mL were tested for HIV-1 ARV resistance mutations. Molecular analyses were performed using protocol of ANRS-MIE (National Agency for Research on AIDS and emerging infectious diseases). The interpretation is performed by HIVGRAD (https://www.hiv-grade.de/cms/grade/). The frequencies of HIV-1 resistance to non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), integrase inhibitors (IINTs) and protease inhibitors (PIs) were 82%, 73%, 19% and 11% respectively. The main mutations observed in the different classes were K103N (45%), M184V (64%), E157Q (19%) and L10V/M46I/A71V/I54V (6%) respectively. This study reveals the emergence of resistance to DTG-based fixed-dose combinations, favored by high rates of resistance to NRTIs and NNRTIs. This finding underlines the need for enhanced viral load monitoring and HIV-1 genotyping tests to guide the choice of NRTIs for combination therapy. In addition, monitoring for mutations to second-generation NRTIs is essential, given the scale-up of DTG-based regimens currently underway in Cte d’Ivoire.

Treatment Resistant Depression, Ketamine versus ECT

Recent studies have highlighted the increase in treatment resistant depression. Of particular concern is the rising trend of depression and suicide rates among Young Adults. Ketamine was approved for treatment resistant depression in 2019 by the US Food and Drug Administration. It received an additional indication for treatment of suicidality. While intranasal Ketamine is approved for depression, recent data about intravenous infusion of Ketamine in controlled inpatient settings has been promising. ECT has a long-standing trend for being used for resistant depression and recent comparison trials have revealed positive results when head-to-head comparisons are made with Ketamine. Future studies need to focus on patient selection and wherein treatment algorithm should Ketamine be selected as treatment modality.

Incidence, risk factors and clinical outcome of multidrug-resistant organisms after heart transplantation

BACKGROUND Transplant recipients commonly harbor multidrug-resistant organisms(MDROs),as a result of frequent hospital admissions and increased exposure to antimi-crobials and invasive procedures.AIM To investigate the impact of patient demographic and clinical characteristics on MDRO acquisition,as well as the impact of MDRO acquisition on intensive care unit(ICU)and hospital length of stay,and on ICU mortality and 1-year mortality post heart transplantation.METHODS This retrospective cohort study analyzed 98 consecutive heart transplant patients over a ten-year period(2013-2022)in a single transplantation center.Data was collected regarding MDROs commonly encountered in critical care.RESULTS Among the 98 transplanted patients(70%male),about a third(32%)acquired or already harbored MDROs upon transplantation(MDRO group),while two thirds did not(MDRO-free group).The prevalent MDROs were Acinetobacter baumannii(14%),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(12%)and Klebsiella pneumoniae(11%).Compared to MDRO-free patients,the MDRO group was characterized by higher body mass index(P=0.002),higher rates of renal failure(P=0.017),primary graft dysfunction(10%vs 4.5%,P=0.001),surgical re-exploration(34%vs 14%,P=0.017),mechanical circulatory support(47%vs 26%P=0.037)and renal replacement therapy(28%vs 9%,P=0.014),as well as longer extracorporeal circulation time(median 210 vs 161 min,P=0.003).The median length of stay was longer in the MDRO group,namely ICU stay was 16 vs 9 d in the MDRO-free group(P=0.001),and hospital stay was 38 vs 28 d(P=0.006),while 1-year mortality was higher(28%vs 7.6%,log-rank-χ2:7.34).CONCLUSION Following heart transplantation,a predominance of Gram-negative MDROs was noted.MDRO acquisition was associated with higher complication rates,prolonged ICU and total hospital stay,and higher post-transplantation mortality.

Performance Parameters:Demobilization Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria(ARB)and Carrying Genes(ARG)in Wastewater Disinfection

The UV irradiation is used for removing Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria(ARB)and Antibiotic Resistance Genes(ARG)from wastewater treatment.Bacteriophages are viruses that infect within bacteria,are recognized for bacterial control.The influence of some parameters in quantification and performance influencing of pathogen demobilization could be considered in disinfection of wastewater.The comparison of Polyvalent phage(NE1)versus Coliphage(NE4)in suppressing a bacterium Escherichia coli(NDM-1:b-lactam-resistant)with UV irradiation was observed the efficacy in reduction of cells in the disinfection and parameter process.The results with the effect of UV-C irradiation on NDM-1 infected with 1%of NE4 showed a decrease of cells from 8×10^(6)to 2×10^(5)in 60 min with UV-C dose.The NDM1(E.coli)was infected with 1%of NE4(Polyvalent Phage)under magnetic stirring for 1 h,the cells count was 8×10^(6).After 1 h in UV-C e×posure,the cells number reached 3×10^(5).The NDM1 that was e×posed in 1 h of UV-C irradiation and then was infected with 1%of NE4.Cells counting were done 24 h after this procedure.These cells were e×posed in UV-C and showed a reduction in the number of cells from 1×10^(8)to 4×10^(5)after 60 min.The results indicate that bacteriophages can mitigate bacteria species,and combined the conventional water disinfection technologies that can support the microbial safety control strategies.

Antimicrobial activity of green tea extract against isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Objective:To evaluate antibacterial activity of the Indonesian water soluble green tea extract,Camellia sinensis,against clinical isolates of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus (S.aureus)(MRSA)and multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa(MDR-P.aeruginosa).Methods:Antimicrobial activity of green tea extract was determined by the disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)was determined by the twofold serial broth dilutions method.The tested bacteria using in this study were the standard strains and multi-drug resistant clinical isolates of S.aureus and P.aeruginosa,obtained from Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology,Faculty of Medicine,University of Indonesia.Results:The results showed that the inhibition zone diameter of green tea extracts forS.aureus ATCC 25923 and MRSA were(18.970依0.287)mm,and(19.130依0.250)mm respectively.While the inhibition zone diameter forP.aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and MDR-P.aeruginosawere(17.550依0.393)mm and(17.670依0.398)mm respectively.The MIC of green tea extracts againstS.aureus ATCC 25923 and MRSA were 400μg/mL and 400μg/mL,respectively,whereas the MIC for P.aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and MDR-P.aeruginosawere 800μg/mL,and 800μg/mL,respectively.Conclusions:Camellia sinensisleaves extract could be useful in combating emerging drug-resistance caused by MRSA andP.aeruginosa.

Cytotoxic and antibacterial substances against multi-drug resistant pathogens from marine sponge symbiont:Citrinin,a secondary metabolite of Penicillium sp.

Objective:To Isolate,purify,characterize,and evaluate the bioaclive compounds from the sponge-derived fungus Penicillium sp.FF001 and to elucidate its structure.Methods:The fungal strain FF001 with an interesting bioactivity profile was isolated from a marine Fijian sponge Melophlus sp.Based on conidiophores aggregation,conidia development and mycelia morphological characteristics,the isolate FF001 was classically identified as a Penicillium sp.The bioactive compound was identified using various spectral analysis of UV,high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectra,1H and 13C NMR spectral data.Further minimum inhibitory concentrations(MICs)assay and brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay were also carried out to evaluate the biological properties of the purified compound.Results:Bioassay guided fractionation of the EtOAc extract of a static culture of this Penicillium sp.by different chromatographic methods led the isolation of an antibacterial,anticryptococcal and cytotoxic active compound,which was identified as citrinin(1).Further,citrinin(1)is reported for its potent antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus),rifampicin-resistant 5.aureus,wild type S.aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium showed MICs of 3.90,0.97,1.95 and7.81μg/mL,respectively.Further citrinin(1)displayed significant activity against the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans(MIC 3.90μg/mL),and exhibited cytotoxicity against brine shrimp larvae LD_(50)of 96μg/mL.Conclusions:Citrinin(1)is reported from sponge associated Penicillium sp.from this study and for its strong antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant human pathogens including cytotoxicity against brine shrimp larvae,which indicated that sponge associated Penicillium spp.are promising sources of natural bioactive metabolites.

Detection of Multi-drug Resistant Acinetobacter Lwoffii Isolated from Soil of Mink Farm

There were 4 Acinetobacter lwoffii obtained from soil samples.The antimicrobial susceptibility of the strains to 16 antimicrobial agents was investigated using K-B method.Three isolates showed the multi-drug resistance.The presence of resistance genes and integrons was determined using PCR.The aadA 1,aac（3＇）-IIc,aph（3＇）-VII,aac（6＇）-Ib,sul2,cat2,floR,and tet（K）genes were detected,respectively.

<i>In Vitro</i>Antibacterial Activity of Flavonoid Extracts of Two Selected Libyan Algae against Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria Isolated from Food Products

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of flavonoids extracted from two Libyan brown algae namely Cystoseira compressa and Padina pavonica using microwave-assisted extraction method against pathogenic bacteria isolated from meat, meat products, milk and dairy products (Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus (5 isolates), Bacillus cereus (3 isolates), Bacillus pumilus (1 isolate), Salmonella enterica subsp. enteric (4 isolates) and Enterohaemor-rhagic Escherichia coli O157 (EHEC O157) (4 isolates)). All of these isolates were muti-drug resistant with high MAR index. The results showed that C. compressa extract exhibited better and stronger antibacterial activities against the seventeen tested isolates with inhibition zones diameter ranged from 14 - 22 mm compared to P. pavonica extract which showed positive effect against 9 isolates with low inhibition zone ranged from 11 - 16.5 mm. Flavonoids extracted from C. compressa also displayed the best spectrum of bactericidal effect with a ratio MBC/MIC ≤ 4 obtained on all susceptible tested bacterial strains. Flavonoids and proanthocyanidins significantly contributed to the antibacterial properties. The mode of action of these active extracts is under investigation.

Natural Remedies against Multi-Drug Resistant <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i>

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an infectious deadly disease and the treatment of which is one of the most severe challenges at the global level. Currently more than 20 chemical medications are described for the treatment of TB. Regardless of availability of several drugs to treat TB, the causative agent, M. tuberculosis is nowadays getting resistant toward the conventional drugs and leading to conditions known as Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). This situation has terrified the global health community and raised a demand for new anti-tuberculosis drugs. Medicinal plants have been used to cure different common as well as lethal diseases by ancient civilizations due to its virtue of variety of chemical compounds which may have some important remedial properties. The aim of the present review is to focus the anti-tubercular medicinal plants native to India as well as the plants effective against MDR or XDR-TB across the globe. In the present review, we have addressed 25 medicinal plants for TB and 16 plants effective against MDR-TB testified from India and 23 herbal plants described for MDR-TB across the world during 2011-2015. These herbal plants can serve as promising candidates for developing novel medications to combat multidrug resistant M. tuberculosis.

Inhibitory Activities of Lactic Acid Bacteria against Multi-Drug Resistant Uropathogenic <i>Staphylococcus saprophyticus</i>Isolated from Symptomatic Women in Lagos, Nigeria

The uropathogenic Staphylococcus saprophyticus is reported severally to be resistant to the drugs often used empirically for treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Their ability to exhibit resistance to multiple drugs is a great deal of threat to successes recorded in the management of UTIs caused by this pathogen. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been demonstrated to exhibit antimicrobial activities but studies about their prospect against multi-drug resistant S. saprophyticus are quite few. This study therefore investigated activities of LAB against the multi-drug resistant S. saprophyticus recovered from urine samples of symptomatic women. The three different species of LAB (Lactobacillus fermentum BTA 62, Lactobacillus johnsonii BTA 86 and Weissella confusa BTA 40) previously isolated and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing were selected based on their history of antimicrobial activities. Their metabolites were employed in the antagonistic assays against six (6) multi-drug resistant test pathogens recovered from urine samples of symptomatic, non-pregnant women attending clinics in Lagos, Nigeria and the control (S. saprophyticus subs bovis strain DSM 18669) following standard procedures. The pathogens showed resistances to almost all the antibiotics except levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, imipenem while the control showed resistance to three. The LAB, L. fermentum inhibited five (83.3%) of the pathogens with zone diameter of 12 - 17 mm, followed by W. confusa inhibiting three (50%) with 15 - 17 mm. Lactobacillus johnsonii on the other hand, inhibited a pathogen and the control with zones of 13 mm and 14 mm respectively. In conclusion, the extracted metabolites of LAB inhibited the growth of multi-drug resistant clinical isolates of uropathogenic S. saprophyticus and may therefore be potent alternatives to antibiotics.

Isolation and Identification of Multi-Drug Resistant Strains of Non-Lactose Fermenting Bacteria from Clinical Refuses in Major Hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Purpose: The present studied was performed in order to investigate the drug resistance of different non-lactose fermenting gram negative bacteria from clinical isolates. The bacteria were morphologically characterized through culturing and gram staining techniques were used for the identification of different bacterial strains. Methods: A total of 324 samples were collected from patients, after they were diagnosed by physicians at different hospitals at district Peshawar. Samples were morphologically identified by blood agar, MacConkey agar and Eosine Methylene Blue, identified by gram staining techniques. Modified Kirby-Bauer Disc diffusion method was used to test the in-vitro susceptibility of the identified isolates to different antibiotics. Results: The non-lactose fermenting gram negative bacteria were isolated from samples of blood (33.30%), pus/ wound (33.30%), urine (23.30%) and from ascetic/pleural fluids (10.20%). The study revealed that Pseudomonas aeroginosa showed high resistance against Gentamicin (74%) and Aztreonam (74%), followed by Ciprofloxacin (59.20%) and Amikacin (33.30). Tazocin was active as low resistance (18.50%) is shown. More resistance was seen in Morganella morganii against Aztreonam (77.7%) followed by Gentamicin (62.90%), Ciprofloxacin (40.70%). Tazocin show low resistance (3.70%). Multidrug resistant Proteus mirabillis was highly resistance to Gentamicin (66.60%), followed by Aztreonam (62.90%), Amikacin (55.50%), Ciprofloxacin (40.20%) and low resistance to Tazocin was (22.20%). Salmonella typhi demonstrated high resistance against Amikacin (62.90%), followed by Aztreonam (48.10%), Tazocin (40.70%). Gentamicin showed low resistance (29.60%), and hence it is more active against S. typhi. Conclusions: It can be concluded from the present study that different species of non-lactose fermenting gram negative bacteria have shown a different resistivity pattern. This study is a gate way for better and suitable management strategy for the infections caused by non-Lactose fermenting bacteria in the sampling region.

Production and purification of a bioactive substance against multi-drug resistant human pathogens from the marine-sponge-derived Salinispora sp.

Objective:To isolate,purify,characterize,elucidate structure and evaluate bioactive compounds from the sponge-derived Salinispora sp.FS-0034.Methods:The symbiotic actinomycete strain FS-0034 with an interesting bioactivity profile was isolated from the Fijian marine sponge Theonella sp.Based on colony morphology and obligatory requirement of seawater for growth,and mycelia morphological characteristics the isolate FS-0034 was identified as a Salinispora sp.The bioactive compound was identified by using various spectral analysis of ultraviolet,high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy,H nuclear magnetic resonance,correlated spectroscopy and heteronuclear multiple bond coherence spectral data.A minimum inhibitory concentration assay were performed to evaluate the biological properties of the pure compound against multi-drug resistant pathogens.Results:Bioassay guided fractionation of the ethyl acetate extract of the culture of Salinispora sp.FS-0034 by different chromatographic methods yielded the isolation of an antibacterial compound,which was identified as rifamycin W(compound 1).Rifamycin W was reported for its potent antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,wild type Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and displayed minimum inhibitory concentrations of 15.62,7.80 and 250.00 μg/mL,respectively.Conclusions:The present study reported the rifamycin W from sponge-associated Salinispora sp.and it exhibited appreciable antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant human pathogens which indicated that sponge-associated Actinobacteria are significant sources of bioactive metabolites.

Prevalence of multi-drug resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli in Potohar region of Pakistan

Objective:To scrutinize patterns of multi-drug-resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli(UPEC) strains and particularly of fluoroquinolone-resistance this is an alternative choice for the treatment of urinary tract infections.Methods:Bacterial samples(n = 250) were collected from out-patients from August 2012 to August 2014 Islamabad.Antibiotic susceptibility profiling and determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations(MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations were performed according to the guidelines of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI,2012).Genes,qnrA,qnrB and qnrS were identified by DNA amplification and sequencing.Results:The highest percentage of UPEC isolates were resistant to co-trimoxazole(82%) followed by cephalothin(80%),2nd Gen,3rd Gen and 4th Gen cephalosporins,respectively.Resistance against gentamicin,amikacin remained 29% and 4%.For other drugs including nitrofurantoin,tetracycline,carbapenem and beta-lactam inhibitors remained below 10%.Altogether,59% of the isolates were resistant to at least three antibiotics including one fluoroquinolone.Overall,MICs for ciprofloxacin remained(MIC≥256 μg/mL) and for levofloxacin(MIC≥16 μg/mL and 32 μg/mL).No significant differences were observed regarding MIC values of extended spectrumβ-lactamase(ESBL) and non-ESBL producers.For qnrS and qnrB positive isolates MICs remained above 32 μg/mL.Prevalence of UPEC was significantly higher among females and 40% of the isolates were ESBL producers.Conclusions:Higher percentages of ESBL producing UPEC were associated with urinary tract infections.Moreover,the majority of these isolates were multi-drug resistant and fluoroquinolone-resistant.

Bacterial contamination of orally-consumed crude herbal remedies:A potential source for multi-drug resistant pathogens in man

Objective:The acceptability of herbal remedies for alleviating discomforts and ill-health has become very popular, on the account of the increasing cost of allopathic medicine for personal health maintenance.The observable non-adherence of herbalists to the established World Health Organization(WHO) / National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control(NAFDAC) regulations for the quality control of herbal medicines is an issue for concern.In view of this,34 popular and widely consumed crude herbal remedies in southwestern,Nigeria were screened for compliance with standard limits for bacterial contamination,bacteria flora and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern.Methods:Isolates recovered from samples were identified using the cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics.They were also tested for drug sensitivity using standard procedures. Results:A heavy bacteria load ranging from 3.00×10~3-9.58×10~5 CFU/ML and 1.20×10~5- 5.41×10~5 CFU/ML was observed for water and spirit extracted preparations respectively.The bacteria flora cum contaminants were:Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus cereus,Bacillus subtilis,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Micrococcus luteus,Lactobacillus plantarum,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Escherichia coli,streptococcus,Shigella, Neisseria,Arthrobacter,Kurthia and Clostridium species.All the isolates were multi-drug resistant(MDR) strains.Conclusion:The crude herbal preparations consumed in Nigeria failed to comply with the internationally recognized standards regarding bacteria load and flora.The presence of MDR pathogens is of greatest concern. It poses a great risk to consumers health and could be a source of introducing MDR organisms into the human population.There is the need for the enforcement of established guidelines to ensure the safety of these preparations.

Isolation of Multi-Drug Resistant Paenibacillus sp. from Fertile Soil： An Imminent Menace of Spreading Resistance

There are a good number of reports in the literature stating spread of resistance from normal soil flora to nosocomial microorganism through various ways. Similarly during the study of antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in the microflora, a multidrug resistant bacterium has been isolated from soil collected in Maharashtra state （India）. The bacterium exhibited a resistance to various classes of antibiotics namely glycopeptide, beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, macrolides and lincosomides. The bacterial strain showed its resemblance to the genus Paenibacillus. This constitutes the first report of its kind as to the multi-drug resistance trait in the genus Paenibacillus phenotype, especially in close phylogenetic neighbour of Paenibacillus daejeonensis. The resistance pattern displayed by this strain particularly highlights the possible presence of multiple resistant determinants in microflora of the soil rhizosphere. In view of the recent reports about the Paenibacillus spp. in clinical derived strains, such multi-drug resistance factors in this genus adds to menace of transmission of resistance to common soil originating pathogen. The data also supports the fact that the resistances to certain antibiotics need not always be due to exposure to particular antibiotic or similar substance.