High mortality associated with gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infection in liver transplant recipients undergoing immunosuppression reduction

BACKGROUND Immunosuppression is an important factor in the incidence of infections in transplant recipient.Few studies are available on the management of immunosuppression(IS)treatment in the liver transplant(LT)recipients complicated with infection.The aim of this study is to describe our experience in the management of IS treatment during bacterial bloodstream infection(BSI)in LT recipients and assess the effect of temporary IS withdrawal on 30 d mortality of recipients presenting with severe infection.AIM To assess the effect of temporary IS withdrawal on 30 d mortality of LT recipients presenting with severe infection.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted with patients diagnosed with BSI after LT in the Department of Liver Surgery,Renji Hospital from January 1,2016 through December 31,2017.All recipients diagnosed with BSI after LT were included.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis of risk factors for 30 d mortality was conducted in the LT recipients with Gram-negative bacterial(GNB)infection.RESULTS Seventy-four episodes of BSI were identified in 70 LT recipients,including 45 episodes of Gram-positive bacterial(GPB)infections in 42 patients and 29 episodes of GNB infections in 28 patients.Overall,IS reduction(at least 50%dose reduction or cessation of one or more immunosuppressive agent)was made in 28(41.2%)cases,specifically,in 5(11.9%)cases with GPB infections and 23(82.1%)cases with GNB infections.The 180 d all-cause mortality rate was 18.5%(13/70).The mortality rate in GNB group(39.3%,11/28)was significantly higher than that in GPB group(4.8%,2/42)(P=0.001).All the deaths in GNB group were attributed to worsening infection secondary to IS withdrawal,but the deaths in GPB group were all due to graft-versus-host disease.GNB group was associated with significantly higher incidence of intra-abdominal infection,IS reduction,and complete IS withdrawal than GPB group(P<0.05).Cox regression showed that rejection(adjusted hazard ratio 7.021,P=0.001)and complete IS withdrawal(adjusted hazard ratio 12.65,P=0.019)were independent risk factors for 30 d mortality in patients with GNB infections after LT.CONCLUSION IS reduction is more frequently associated with GNB infection than GPB infection in LT recipients.Complete IS withdrawal should be cautious due to increased risk of mortality in LT recipients complicated with BSI.

Epidemiological Characteristics, Resistance Patterns and Spread of Gram-Negative Bacteria Related to Colonization of Patients in Intensive Care Units

Our aim was to determine the epidemiological characteristics, the resistance patterns and the spread of Gram negative bacteria related to colonization of patients in adult Intensive Care Units. Methods: A prospective cohort of patients colonized and/or infected with Gram negative bacteria was conducted at two adult ICUs from hospitals in Brazil (April 2012 to February 2013). Nasal, groin and perineum swabs were performed. Samples were incubated on MacConkey and cetrimide agar (48 h at 37℃) and identification tests (Vitek-BioMérieux), antibiogram (Bauer-Kirby method), Carba NP test, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing were performed. The patterns of resistant microorganisms were compared by rep-PCR (Diversilab). Results: There were 53 cases of colonization. In these cases, we identified imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (51%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (32%), Klebsiella pneumoniae ESBL (38%) or imipenem resistant (5.6%). The use of antimicrobials and medical devices were related to colonization (p The resistance patterns expressed by Klebsiella pneumoniae were ESBL (CTX-M, SHV e TEM) and KPC2. A verified profile of Acinetobacter baumannii was related to OXA-23 and OXA-253 (OXA-143 variant). The profiles ESBL and KPC2 expressed by Klebsiella pneumoniae were distributed between the both ICUs. The distribution of OXA-23 and OXA-253 was verified only in one ICU. The similarity of strains ranged from 80% to 95%, highlighting the horizontal transference of these microorganisms.

Extensively drug-resistant bacteria are an independent predictive factor of mortality in 130 patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis or spontaneous bacteremia

AIM: To evaluate the epidemiology and outcomes of culture-positive spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and spontaneous bacteremia (SB) in decompensated cirrhosis.METHODS: We prospectively collected clinical, laboratory characteristics, type of administered antibiotic, susceptibility and resistance of bacteria to antibiotics in one hundred thirty cases (68.5% males) with positive ascitic fluid and/or blood cultures during the period from January 1, 2012 to May 30, 2014. All patients with SBP had polymorphonuclear cell count in ascitic fluid > 250/mm3. In patients with SB a thorough study did not reveal any other cause of bacteremia. The patients were followed-up for a 30-d period following diagnosis of the infection. The final outcome of the patients was recorded in the end of follow-up and comparison among 3 groups of patients according to the pattern of drug resistance was performed.RESULTS: Gram-positive-cocci (GPC) were found in half of the cases. The most prevalent organisms in a descending order were Escherichia coli (33), Enterococcus spp (30), Streptococcus spp (25), Klebsiella pneumonia (16), S. aureus (8), Pseudomanas aeruginosa (5), other Gram-negative-bacteria (GNB) (11) and anaerobes (2). Overall, 20.8% of isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and 10% extensively drug-resistant (XDR). Health-care-associated (HCA) and/or nosocomial infections were present in 100% of MDR/XDR and in 65.5% of non-DR cases. Meropenem was the empirically prescribed antibiotic in HCA/nosocomial infections showing a drug-resistance rate of 30.7% while third generation cephalosporins of 43.8%. Meropenem was ineffective on both XDR bacteria and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium). All but one XDR were susceptible to colistin while all GPC (including E. faecium) and the 86% of GNB to tigecycline. Overall 30-d mortality was 37.7% (69.2% for XDR and 34.2% for the rest of the patients) (log rank, P = 0.015). In multivariate analysis, factors adversely affecting outcome included XDR infection (HR = 2.263, 95%CI: 1.005-5.095, P = 0.049), creatinine (HR = 1.125, 95%CI: 1.024-1.236, P = 0.015) and INR (HR =1.553, 95%CI: 1.106-2.180, P = 0.011).CONCLUSION: XDR bacteria are an independent life-threatening factor in SBP/SB. Strategies aiming at restricting antibiotic overuse and rapid identification of the responsible bacteria could help improve survival.

Selective intestinal decontamination for the prevention of early bacterial infections after liver transplantation

Bacterial infection in the first month after liver transplantation is a frequent complication that poses a serious risk for liver transplant recipients as contributes substantially to increased length of hospitalization and hospital costs being a leading cause of death in this period. Most of these infections are caused by gramnegative bacilli, although gram-positive infections, especially Enterococcus sp. constitute an emerging infectious problem. This high rate of early postoperative infections after liver transplant has generated interest in exploring various prophylactic approaches to surmount this problem. One of these approaches is selective intestinal decontamination(SID). SID is a prophylactic strategy that consists of the administration of antimicrobials with limited anaerobicidal activity in order to reduce the burden of aerobic gram-negative bacteria and/or yeast in the intestinal tract and so prevent infections caused by these organisms. The majority of studies carried out to date have found SID to be effective in the reduction of gram-negative infection, but the effect on overall infection is limited due to a higher number of infection episodes by pathogenic enterococci and coagulase-negative staphylococci. However, difficulties in general extrapolation of the favorable results obtained in specific studies together with the potential risk of selection of multirresistant microorganisms has conditioned controversy about the routinely application of these strategies in liver transplant recipients.

Impact of multidrug resistance on the management of bacterial infections in cirrhosis

Patients with cirrhosis have an increased risk of infection and differently from other complications,that over the years are improving in their outcomes,infections in cirrhotic patients are still a major cause of hospitalization and death(up to 50%in-hospital mortality).Infections by multidrug-resistant organisms(MDRO)have become a major challenge in the management of cirrhotic patients with significant prognostic and cost-related impact.About one third of cirrhotic patients with bacterial infections is infected with MDR bacteria and their prevalence has increased in recent years.MDR infections have a worse prognosis compared to infections by non-resistant bacteria because they are associated with lower rate of infection resolution.An adequate management of cirrhotic patients with infections caused by MDR bacteria depends on the knowledge of some epidemiological aspects,such as the type of infection(spontaneous bacterial peritonitis,pneumonia,urinary tract infection and spontaneous bacteremia),bacteriological profile of antibiotic resistance at each health care unit and site of infection acquisition(community acquired,healthcare associated or nosocomial).Furthermore,regional variations in the prevalence of MDR infections determine that the choice of empirical antibiotic therapy must be adapted to the local microbiological epidemiology.Antibiotic treatment is the most effective measure to treat infections caused by MDRO.Therefore,optimizing antibiotic prescribing is critical to effectively treat these infections.Identification of risk factors for multidrug resistance is essential to define the best antibiotic treatment strategy in each case and the choice of an effective empirical antibiotic therapy and its early administration is cardinal to reduce mortality.On the other hand,the supply of new agents to treat these infections is very limited.Thus,specific protocols that include preventive measures must be implemented in order to limit the negative impact of this severe complication in cirrhotic patients.

Detection of the Production of Klebsiella Pneumoniae Carbapenemase, New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase and Oxacillinase-48-Type Carbapenemases by Gram-Negative Bacilli in Resource-Limited Setting

Background: The increasing resistance of bacteria to various antibiotics is a worldwide public health issue. Carbapenems that have elicited great hope in treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant germs have seen their efficacy narrowed over time with the emergence of other novel resistance mechanisms, notably the production of Carbapenemases. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2017 to May 2018 in Douala (Cameroon) to detect carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacilli. Isolated strains were identified using the Vitek2TM system. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on agar plates with 20 selected commercially available antibiotic discs. The bacterial strains were tested for the production of three Carbapenemases (OXA-48, NDM, KPC), using an immuno-chromatographic technique, with the “RESIST-3 O.K.N. K-SeT” rapid detection kit. Results: During the study period, 1687 strains of Gram-negative bacilli were isolated in selected laboratories with a total of 200 multi-resistant strains identified (11.9%). Among the multi-resistant strains, E. coli was the species most represented in Enterobacteriaceae (27.5%) followed by K. pneumoniae (15.5%) and the non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli were predominantly P. aeruginosa (20.5%). These strains mainly came from urine and pus, i.e. 41% and 32% respectively. Thirty-two (16%) strains produced one of the Carbapenemases with a higher frequency at the General Hospital (84%). NDM-type carbapenemase was the most frequently identified (8.5%), OXA-48 type 7.5%, and no KPC production was observed. Among the Enterobacteriaceae 22.9% produced Carbapenemases and only 5.1% of the non-fermenting bacilli produced these enzymes. The isolates strains were completely resistant to all antibiotics except Amikacin and Fosfomycin. The strains producing the NDM-type carbapenemase showed higher rates of resistance to almost all of the antibiotics tested. Conclusion: Multidrug-resistant strains are experiencing an increase in evolution. The apparition of strains producing Carbapenemases prominently, the NDM and OXA-48 favor this increase. The activities of antibiotics with high efficacies on these strains are low.

A photoactivatable and phenylboronic acid-functionalized nanoassembly for combating multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria and their biofilms

Background:Multidrug-resistant(MDR)gram-negative bacteria-related infectious diseases have caused an increase in the public health burden and mortality.Moreover,the formation of biofilms makes these bacteria difficult to control.Therefore,developing novel interventions to combat MDR gram-negative bacteria and their biofilms-related infections are urgently needed.The purpose of this study was to develop a multifunctional nanoassembly(IRNB)based on IR-780 and N,N-di-sec-butyl-N,N-dinitroso-1,4-phenylenediamine(BNN6)for synergistic effect on the infected wounds and subcutaneous abscesses caused by gram-negative bacteria.Methods:The characterization and bacteria-targeting ability of IRNB were investigated.The bac-tericidal efficacy of IRNB against gram-negative bacteria and their biofilms was demonstrated by crystal violet staining assay,plate counting method and live/dead staining in vitro.The antibacterial efficiency of IRNB was examined on a subcutaneous abscess and cutaneous infected wound model in vivo.A cell counting kit-8 assay,Calcein/PI cytotoxicity assay,hemolysis assay and intravenous injection assay were performed to detect the biocompatibility of IRNB in vitro and in vivo.Results:Herein,we successfully developed a multifunctional nanoassembly IRNB based on IR-780 and BNN6 for synergistic photothermal therapy(PTT),photodynamic therapy(PDT)and nitric oxide(NO)effect triggered by an 808 nm laser.This nanoassembly could accumulate specifically at the infected sites of MDR gram-negative bacteria and their biofilms via the covalent coupling effect.Upon irradiation with an 808 nm laser,IRNB was activated and produced both reactive oxygen species(ROS)and hyperthermia.The local hyperthermia could induce NO generation,which further reacted with ROS to generate ONOO−,leading to the enhancement of bactericidal efficacy.Furthermore,NO and ONOO−could disrupt the cell membrane,which converts bacteria to an extremely susceptible state and further enhances the photothermal effect.In this study,IRNB showed a superior photothermal-photodynamic-chemo(NO)synergistic therapeutic effect on the infected wounds and subcutaneous abscesses caused by gram-negative bacteria.This resulted in effective control of associated infections,relief of inflammation,promotion of re-epithelization and collagen deposition,and regulation of angiogenesis during wound healing.Moreover,IRNB exhibited excellent biocompatibility,both in vitro and in vivo.Conclusions:The present research suggests that IRNB can be considered a promising alternative for treating infections caused by MDR gram-negative bacteria and their biofilms.

Virus-inspired nanoparticles as versatile antibacterial carriers for antibiotic delivery against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria

Infectious diseases become one of the leading causes of human death. Traditional treatment based on classical antibiotics could not provide enough antibacterial activity to combat bacterial infections due to low bioavailability, even leading to antibiotic resistance. In recent years, biomimetic delivery systems have been developed to improve drug therapy for various diseases, such as malignant tumor and cardiovascular disease. In this work, we designed virus-inspired nanodrugs(VNDs) through co-assembly of amphiphilic lipopeptide dendrons and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymers for high-efficiency antibiotic delivery. These VNDs had well-defined and stable nanostructures for tetracycline encapsulation and delivery. The VNDs were capable of promoting antibiotic internalization and enhancing their antibacterial effects against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, no obvious cytotoxicity of VNDs was observed to human cell lines. This work successfully demonstrated the virus-mimetic nanoparticles served as promising and applicable antibiotic delivery platform for antibacterial treatment.

Unveiling the impact:COVID-19's influence on bacterial resistance in the Kingdom of Bahrain

BACKGROUND Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat,and understanding local trends in bacterial isolates and their susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective infection control and antimicrobial stewardship.The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has introduced additional complexities,potentially influencing these patterns.AIM To analyze trends in bacterial isolates and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns at Salmaniya Medical Complex from 2018 to 2023,with a specific focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these trends.METHODS A retrospective analysis of microbiological data was conducted,covering the period from 2018 to 2023.The study included key bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli(E.coli),Klebsiella pneumoniae,Acinetobacter baumannii,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Staphylococcus aureus,among others.The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of these isolates were assessed using standard laboratory methods.To contextualize the findings,the findings were compared with similar studies from other regions,including China,India,Romania,Saudi Arabia,the United Arab Emirates,Malaysia,and United States.RESULTS The study revealed fluctuating trends in the prevalence of bacterial isolates,with notable changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.For example,a significant increase in the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus was observed during the pandemic years,while the prevalence of E.coli showed a more variable pattern.Antibiotic resistance rates varied among the different pathogens,with a concerning rise in resistance to commonly used antibiotics,particularly among Klebsiella pneumoniae and E.coli.Additionally,the study identified an alarming increase in the prevalence of multidrug-resistant(MDR)strains,especially within Klebsiella pneumoniae and E.coli isolates.The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these trends was evident,with shifts in the frequency,resistance patterns,and the emergence of MDR bacteria among several key pathogens.CONCLUSION This study highlights the dynamic nature of bacterial isolates and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns at Salmaniya Medical Complex,particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.The findings underscore the need for continuous monitoring and effective anti-microbial stewardship programs to combat the evolving threat of antibiotic resistance.Further research and policy initiatives are required to address the identified challenges and improve patient outcomes in the face of these ongoing challenges.

A nanoplatform with oxygen self-supplying and heat-sensitizing capabilities enhances the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in eradicating multidrug-resistant biofilms

Bacterial biofilms,especially those caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria,have emerged as one of the greatest dangers to global public health.The acceleration of antimicrobial resistance to conventional an-tibiotics and the severe lack of new drugs necessitates the development of novel agents for biofilm eradication.Photodynamic therapy(PDT)is a promising non-antibiotic method for treating bacterial infections.However,its application in biofilm eradication is hampered by the hypoxic microenvironment of biofilms and the physical protection of extracellular polymeric substances.In this study,we develop a composite nanoplatform with oxygen(O_(2))self-supplying and heat-sensitizing capabilities to improve the PDT efficacy against biofilms.CaO_(2)/ICG@PDA nanoparticles(CIP NPs)are fabricated by combining calcium peroxide(CaO_(2))with the photosensitizer indocyanine green(ICG)via electrostatic interactions,followed by coating with polydopamine(PDA).The CIP NPs can gradually generate O_(2)in response to the acidic microenvironment of the biofilm,thereby alleviating its hypoxic state.Under near-infrared(NIR)irradiation,the nanoplatform converts O_(2)into a significant amount of singlet oxygen(^(1)O_(2))and heat to eradicate biofilm.The generated heat enhances the release of O_(2),accelerates the generation of^(1)O_(2)in PDT,increases cell membrane permeability,and increases bacterial sensitivity to^(1)O_(2).This nanoplatform significantly improves the efficacy of PDT in eradicating biofilm-dwelling bacteria without fostering drug resistance.Experiments on biofilm eradication demonstrate that this nanoplatform can eradicate over 99.9999%of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)biofilms under 5-min NIR irradiation.Notably,these integrated advantages enable the system to promote the healing of MRSA biofilm-infected wounds with negligible toxicity in vivo,indicating great promise for overcoming the obstacles associated with bacterial biofilm eradication.

Acute suppurative terminal cholangitis:Clinical characteristics of a new subtype of acute cholangitis

Background:Acute suppurative terminal cholangitis(ASTC)is rarer than acute obstructive cholangitis and is not well studied.To explore this subtype of acute cholangitis,we described our clinical experience with ASTC.Methods:We performed a retrospective review of patients with ASTC admitted to our center from September 2014 to August 2020.We analyzed their clinical characteristics,including etiology,clinical manifestations,imaging features,treatment and prognosis.Results:A total of 32 ASTC patients were included in the analysis.The majority of the patients had a history of biliary operations,and clinical manifestations were occult and atypical.The positive rate of bacterial culture was 46.9%.All the patients had typical imaging features on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.Treatment with effective antibiotics was provided as soon as diagnosis was established.After treatment,most patients had a good outcome.Elevated levels of total bilirubin,aspartate aminotransferase,procalcitonin and gamma-glutamyltransferase were the characteristics of critically ill patients and were associated with relatively poor prognosis.Conclusions:Our results demonstrated that ASTC should be recognized as a new subtype of acute cholangitis,and that earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatments are needed.

Bacterial Infections in Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure:Epidemiology,Diagnosis,Pathogenesis,and Management

Acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF)is a distinct condition characterized by the abrupt exacerbation of pre-existing chronic liver disease,often leading to multi-organ failures and significant short-term mortalities.Bacterial infection is one of the most frequent triggers for ACLF and a common complication following its onset.The impact of bacterial infections on the clinical course and outcome of ACLF underscores their critical role in the pathogenesis of systemic inflammation and organ failures.In addition,the evolving epidemiology and increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in cirrhosis and ACLF highlight the importance of appropriate empirical antibiotic use,as well as accurate and prompt microbiological diagnosis.This review provided an update on recent advances in the epidemiology,diagnosis,pathogenesis,and management of bacterial infections in ACLF.

Etiological analysis on bacterial ocular disease in northern China (1989-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To review the distribution and trends of bacterial culture specimens in Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the bacterial culture-positive rate, the distribution of gram' s stain, and the distribution and change of isolates was performed on 4705 specimens during a 10-year period (1989- 1998). RESULTS: Positive cultures numbered 1339 of the 4705 specimens, with a positive rate of 28.6%. Gram-positive cocci constituted 55.6% of the total isolates, followed by gram-positive bacilli 13.1% . Gram-negative cocci accounted for 2.8%, and gram-negative bacilli 28.5% . In the positive bacteria cultures, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (mainly Staphylococcous epidermidis) was the most common isolate (25.3%), and followed by Pseudomonas 18.8%, Micrococcus 11.7%, Cotynbaccterium 10.1%, and Staphylococcus aureus 8.2% . During the 10-year period, the overall frequency of gram-positive cocci appeared to increase with time while the frequency of gram-negative bacilli decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Gram-positive cocci and gram-negative bacilli are still the predominant pathogens of ocular infection in northern China. The frequency of the former increases annually whereas that of the latter decreases. It is important to comprehend the distribution and trends of ocular pathogenic bacteria for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of bacterial infectious ocular disease.

Wrapping collagen-based nanoparticle with macrophage membrane for treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infection

Nowadays,multidrug-resistant(MDR)bacterial infectious diseases has become a thorny issue in the healthcare field.Owning to its intrinsic merits,photodynamic therapy(PDT)shows tremendous strengths in fighting against MDR bacterial infections.However,most photodynamic nanoplatforms exhibit unsatisfactory targeting efficiency towards bacteria and infection site,which may compromise the bactericidal effect of PDT.Herein,we firstly reported a bacteria-targeted collagen-based nanoparticle,named Ce6/Col/MM,for treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococ-cus aureus(MRSA)-infected wound.Ce6/Col/MM was fabricated by wrapping chlorin e6(Ce6)-loaded collagen-based nanoparticles with macrophage membrane(MM),showing excellent photodynamic activity and good biocompat-ibility.In vitro studies demonstrated that Ce6/Col/MM could target to bacteria and then exhibit prominent antibacterial capacity against planktonic MRSA under light irradiation.Furthermore,the treatment of MRSA-infected wound in mice with Ce6/Col/MM plus light illumination resulted in potent bacterial inactivation and accelerated wound healing,accompanied by favorable histological compatibility.Collectively,Ce6/Col/MM with superior targeting ability towards bacteria,effective photodynamic antibacterial potency and minimal safety concerns,might be a powerful bactericidal nanoagent for treating infections caused by MDR bacteria。

Norvancomycin-capped silver nanoparticles: Synthesis and antibacterial activities against E. coli

The synthesis of norvancomycin (NVan)-capped silver nanoparticles (Ag@NVan) and their notable in vitro antibacterial activities against E. coli, a Gram-negative bacterial strain (GNB), are reported here. Mercaptoacetic acid-stabilized spherical silver nanoparticles with a diameter of 16±4 nm are prepared by a simple chemical reaction. The formation process of the silver nanoparticles is investigated by UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). NVan is then grafted to the terminal carboxyl of the mercaptoacetic acid in the presence of N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC). The TEM images of single bacteria treated with Ag@NVan show that plenty of Ag@NVan aggregate in the cell wall of E. coli. A possible antibacterial mechanism is proposed that silver nanoparticles may help destroy the stability of the outer membrane of E. coli, which makes NVan easier to bind to the nether part of the peptidoglycan structure. The antibacterial activities of silver nanoparticles on their own, together with the rigid polyvalent interaction between Ag@NVan and cell wall, enables Ag@NVan to be an effective inhibitor of GNB. This kind of bionanocomposites might be used as novel bactericidal materials and we also provide an effective synthesis method for preparing functional bioconjugated nanoparticles here.

Antimicrobial activity of some essential oils against oral multidrugresistant Enterococcus faecalis in both planktonic and biofilm state

Objective:To evaluate some essential oils in treatment of intractable oral infections,principally caused by hiofilm of multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecalit(E.faecalis),such as persistent endodontic infections in which their treatment exhibits a real challenge for dentists.Methods:Ten chemically analyzed essential oils by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against sensitive and resistant clinical strains of E.faecalit in both planktonic and hiofilm state using two methods,disk diffusion and broth microdilution.Results:Studied essential oils showed a good antimicrobial activity and high ability in E.faecalit biofilm eradication,whether for sensitive or multidrug-resistant strains,especially those of Origanum glandulosum and Thymbra capitata with interesting minimum inhibitory concentration,biofilm inhibitory concentration,and biofilm eradication concent ration values which doesn't exceed 0.063%,0.75%,and 1.5%,respectively.Conclusions:Findings of this study indicate that essential oils extracted from aromatic plants can be used in treatment of intractable oral infections,especially caused by biofilm of multidrugresistant E.faecalis.

A Pseudopaline Fluorescent Probe for the Selective Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The rise of resistance to all known antibiotics is a global crisis.In addition to novel treatment options,there is an urgent need to develop rapid,specific,sensitive,and reliable diagnostic methods to detect pathogenic bacteria in clinical samples and reduce the overuse and misuse antibiotics.Pseudopaline,a metallophore produced by the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa,transports divalent metal ions via a dedicated active transport system,making it an ideal carrier for a second functional moiety.