Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profile of pathogens isolated from patients with urine tract infections admitted to a university hospital in a medium-sized Brazilian city

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the antibiotic profile of microorganisms isolated from urine samples of patients with community urine tract infections (UTI) admitted to the University Hospital of the Federal University of Sao Carlos to support an appropriate local empirical treatment. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2018 to October 2020. Data from 1,528 positive urine cultures for bacterial pathogens and antibiograms were tabulated. Bacterial species prevalence and their resistance profile were analyzed and compared by sex and age. For Gram-negative fermenting bacteria, resistance rates were compared between patients with previous hospitalization and the total of infections caused by this group. For comparisons, the Chi-square test was performed, using Fisher's exact test when necessary (BioEstat program, adopting p ≤ 0.05). A multivariate analysis was applied to assess the effect of the studied variables in predicting multidrug resistance. Infections were more prevalent in women and older adults. Gram-negative bacteria represented 90.44% of total cultures. In both sexes, E. coli prevalence was significantly higher in adults compared with older adults (p < 0.0001). For several antibiotics, resistance rates were higher in the older adults compared with other ages and in patients with Gram-negative fermenting infections and previous hospitalization compared with the total of infections by this group of bacteria. The closer to the hospitalization, the higher the number of antibiotics with superior resistance rates. Resistance rates for aminoglycosides, carbapenems, ceftazidime, nitrofurantoin, piperacillin+tazobactam, and fosfomycin were less than 20%, considered adequate for empirical treatment. Only hospitalization in the previous 90 days was statistically significant in predicting infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Microbial contamination status of swimming places for infants and young children in Shijia-zhuang City and comparison with other public places, 2021–2022 / 环境与职业医学

Background At present, China's Public places health management regulations list 7 categories and 28 sub-categories of public places, but infant and young child swimming places are not in the list yet. Objective To understand the microbial pollution status in commercial infant and young child swimming places in Shijiazhuang City, compare with the microbial pollution in other five types of public places, and find the potential safety hazards in infant and young child swimming places. Methods A total of 3438 microbial samples were collected from the environment of infant and young child swimming places and 5 types of public places (hotels, barber stores, waiting rooms, shopping malls and supermarkets, and conventional swimming places) in Shijiazhuang City from 2021 to 2022. Sampling and monitoring were carried out according to the requirements of Examination methods for public places—Part 6: Technical specifications of health monitoring (GB/T 18204.6-2013). Chi-square test was used to compare hygiene qualification by microbial indicators, and Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare overall distributions of total bacterial counts on the surface of public articles. Results From 2021 to 2022, the highest qualified rate of microbial indicators on the surface of public articles was Staphylococcus aureus (100%) for all tested public places in Shijiazhuang City, followed by coliforms (99.44%), and that of total bacterial count was relative low (92.83%). The qualified rate of total bacterial count on the surface of public articles in the swimming places for infants and young children was 87.76%, and the qualified rates in hotels, barber stores, waiting rooms, shopping malls and supermarkets were all above 92%, and the difference among the 5 types of places was statistically significant (P<0.001). The highest value of total bacterial count on the surface of public articles in the swimming places for infants and young children was 80000 CFU·(25 cm2)−1 [100 CFU·(25 cm2)−1=4 CFU·cm−2]; that in 4 types of public places such as hotels (except mouthwash cups), barber stores, waiting rooms, and shopping malls or supermarkets was 2500 CFU·(25 cm2)−1. The difference of total bacteria count on the surface of public articles was statistically significant in comparing infant and young child swimming places with hotels (except mouthwash cups) or barber stores (H=5.432, H=2.997, both Ps<0.05); but the difference was not significant in comparing with waiting rooms and shopping malls or supermarkets (P>0.05). The qualified rates of total bacteria count and coliforms in pool water of infant and young child swimming places were 45.99% and 74.69% respectively, and the two indicators in pool water of conventional swimming places were 94.57% and 98.91% respectively; both showed significant differences between the two types of public places (χ2=162.532, χ2=71.910, both Ps<0.001). Conclusion Compared to conventional swimming places, hotels, barber stores, waiting rooms, and shopping malls or supermarkets, the infant and young child swimming places are not optimistic in hygiene condition; therefore, there is an urgent need to formulate national health standards for infants and young child swimming places, and include them in standard management to further improve their hygiene condition.

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of curcumin and methylene blue associated with laser on bacterial and fungal strains

Objective:To analyze the effect of methylene blue and 10% curcumin in fungi and bacteria through an in vitrostudy using photodynamic therapy (PDT). Methods:Curcumin and methylene blue were photosensitized by a Photon Lase III laser applied for 90 s in a dark environment within a laminar flow chamber. Enterococcus faecalisand Candida albicans strains were cultured and standardized.Then, a minimum inhibitoryconcentration (MIC) assay was conducted for these photosensitizers, with concentration variations and incubation to evaluate their antimicrobial activity. Results:With PDT, Curcumin had significant antibacterial activity against E. faecalis (MIC = 250 µg/mL).In contrast, methylene blue had antibacterial activity against E. faecalis (MIC < 12.5 µg/mL with PDT) and antifungal activity against C. albicans (MIC <12.5 µg/mL with or without PDT).Both agents showed greater efficacy in the presence of the laser.The results suggest that curcumin and methylene blue associated with laser may effectively treat microbial infections. Conclusion:Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using these agents in animal and human models and theireffectiveness against different bacterial and fungal strains.

Actualización sobre la resistencia antimicrobiana en instituciones de salud de nivel III y IV en Colombia entre enero del 2018 y diciembre del 2021

Introducción. El comportamiento de la resistencia antimicrobiana es fundamental en el mejoramiento y ajuste de los programas de optimización de uso de antimicrobianos, la implementación de las guías terapéuticas y las precauciones que limitan la transmisión cruzada de bacterias resistentes entre pacientes. Desde el inicio del 2020, la pandemia del SARS-CoV-2 desafió profundamente al sistema de salud y, según algunos reportes, aumentó las tasas de resistencia antimicrobiana. Objetivo. Describir el comportamiento de la resistencia antimicrobiana en los microrganismos más frecuentes en veinte hospitales colombianos durante el periodo 2018-2021. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo basado en la información microbiológica reportada por veinte instituciones de salud de nivel III y IV, entre enero de 2018 y diciembre de 2021, en doce ciudades de Colombia, las cuales hacen parte del "Grupo para el estudio de la resistencia nosocomial en Colombia", liderado por la Universidad El Bosque. La identificación de género y especie de los microorganismos más frecuentes, junto con su perfil de resistencia frente a antibióticos marcadores, se determinaron mediante el análisis de los datos vía WHONET. Resultados. En general, los 10 microorganismos más frecuentes analizados a lo largo de los 4 años no presentaron cambios estadísticamente significativos en sus perfiles de resistencia durante los cuatro años del periodo evaluado, de 2018 a 2021. En contraste, Pseudomonas aeruginosa aumentó su resistencia frente a piperacilinatazobactam y carbapenémicos, lo cual fue estadísticamente significativo. Conclusiones. Los cambios en la resistencia antimicrobiana en estos años no han sido estadísticamente significativos, excepto para P. aeruginosa, bacteria que mostró un incremento en las tasas de resistencia a piperacilina-tazobactam y carbapenémicos.

Introduction. Antimicrobial resistance surveillance is a fundamental tool for the development, improvement, and adjustment of antimicrobial stewardship programs, therapeutic guidelines, and universal precautions to limit the cross-transmission of resistant bacteria between patients. Since the beginning of 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic profoundly challenged the health system and, according to some reports, increased the rates of antimicrobial resistance. Objective. To describe the behavior of antimicrobial resistance of the most frequent bacterial pathogens in twenty Colombian hospitals from January 2018 to December 2021. Materials and methods. We conducted a descriptive study based on the microbiological information recorded from January 2018 to December 2021 in twenty levels III and IV health institutions in twelve Colombian cities. We identified the species of the ten most frequent bacteria along with their resistance profile to the antibiotic markers after analyzing the data through WHONET. Results. We found no statistically significant changes in most pathogens' resistance profiles from January 2018 to December 2021. Only Pseudomonas aeruginosa had a statistically significant increase in its resistance profile, particularly to piperacillin/ tazobactam and carbapenems. Conclusions. The changes in antimicrobial resistance in these four years were not statistically significant except for P. aeruginosa to piperacillin/tazobactam and carbapenems.

Material genético do SARS-CoV-2 em superfícies de equipamentos utilizados na prática de atividades físicas / Genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 on the surface of equipment used in the practice of physical activities

A humanidade foi impactada por uma Pandemia que expôs a população ao contato com um vírus de elevado contágio e com o índice de letalidade alarmante. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a possibilidade da persistência de material genético do SARS-CoV-2 na superfície dos equipamentos de estabelecimentos de prática de atividades físicas indoor e outdoor. Foram coleta das amostras de equipamentos utilizados para a prática de exercícios físicos em cinco academias, cinco praças e entre os frequentadores desses ambientes. Aplicou-se a técnica RT-PCR para a detecção doRNA do SARS-CoV-2 e posterior análise dos resultadose foi detectada a existência de partículas de RNA viral do SARS-CoV-2 em 48,57% das amostras coletadas dos equipamentos das academias e 12,85% das amostras coletadas nas praças, evidenciando uma incidência menor em equipamentos utilizados em locais abertos em todas as áreas comparadas.Além disso, constatou-se que 35,7% dos participantes do estudo testaram positivo para COVID-19.Os casos positivos para COVID-19 detectados apresentaram sintomas classificados como levesa moderados e uma recuperação rápida.A presença de material genético nos equipamentos,por sua vez, leva-nos a perceber a importância da higienização adequada das superfícies, como forma de prevenção.

Humanity was impacted by a Pandemic that exposed the population to contact with a highly contagious virus with an alarming lethality rate. The present study aimed to evaluate the possibility of the persistence of genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 on the surface of equipment used to practice indoor and outdoor physical activities. A sample of equipment used for the practice of physical activity was collected in five gyms and five squares and among the regulars of these environments. The RT-PCR technique was applied to detect the RNA of SARS-CoV-2 and subsequent analysis of the results. The existence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA particles was detected in 48.57% of the samples collected from gym equipment and 12.85% of the samples collected in squares, evidencing a lower incidence in equipment used in open spaces in all areas compared and it was found that 35.7% of the study participants tested positive for COVID-19. The positive cases for COVID-19 detected, had symptoms classified as mild to moderate and a quick recovery. The presence of genetic material in the equipment, in turn, leads us to realize the importance of proper cleaning of surfaces, as a form of prevention.

In vitro sensitivity of Malassezia furfur isolates from HIV-positive and negative patients to antifungal agents / Sensibilidad in vitro a antifúngicos de aislamientos de Malassezia furfur de pacientes positivos y negativos para HIV

Introduction. Malassezia is a lipophilic and lipid-dependent yeast genus belonging to the skin microbiota of humans and other animals. However, due to dysbiosis processes or other factors in the host, this yeast can cause different pathologies, ranging from skin diseases, such as seborrheic dermatitis, to fungemia. Isolation of Malassezia furfur has been reported in HIV-positive patients with or without skin lesions. Due to its opportunistic nature and its variable resistance to antifungal compounds, it is relevant to know the Malassezia sensitivity profiles. Objective. To determine the sensitivity to different antifungal agents, of clinical isolates of M. furfur obtained from HIV-positive or negative patients, with or without seborrheic dermatitis. Materials and methods. Assessment of isolates sensitivity to itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, and amphotericin B was performed by two techniques: (1) Broth microdilution using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) protocol M27-A3 with modifications; and (2) agar tests using Etest®. Results. Isolates obtained from HIV patients showed an increase in the minimum inhibitory concentration of fluconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B, compared with those of non-HIV patients. Itraconazole was the antifungal with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in most isolates. Conclusion. We observed differences in the sensitivity profiles of M. furfur isolates according to the context of the patient. High MIC of antifungals like fluconazole, commonly used for treating pathologies caused by Malassezia, were identified.

Introducción. Malassezia es un género de levaduras lipofílicas que dependen de los lípidos y hacen parte de la microbiota de la piel de humanos y otros animales. No obstante, debido a procesos de disbiosis u otros factores en el huésped, esta levadura puede llegar a causar diferentes enfermedades: desde cutáneas (como dermatitis seborreica) hasta fungemias. Se han reportado aislamientos de Malassezia furfur en pacientes positivos para HIV, con lesiones cutáneas o sin ellas. Por su carácter oportunista y sensibilidad variable a los compuestos antifúngicos, es relevante conocer los perfiles de sensibilidad. Objetivo. Determinar la sensibilidad a diferentes antifúngicos de aislamientos clínicos de M. furfur obtenidos de pacientes positivos o negativos para HIV, con dermatitis seborreica o sin ella. Materiales y métodos. La sensibilidad de los aislamientos a itraconazol, voriconazol, fluconazol y anfotericina B, se determinó mediante dos técnicas: microdilución en caldo según el protocolo M27-A3 del Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), con modificaciones, y pruebas en agar mediante Etest®. Resultados. Los aislamientos obtenidos de pacientes con HIV mostraron aumento de la concentración inhibitoria mínima a fluconazol, voriconazol y anfotericina B, en comparación con los de pacientes sin HIV. Por otro lado, al evaluar la mayoría de los aislamientos, el itraconazol fue el antifúngico con la menor concentración inhibitoria mínima. Conclusión. Se evidencian diferencias en los perfiles de sensibilidad de los aislamientos de M. furfur, según el contexto del paciente, y elevadas concentraciones inhibitorias mínimas de antifúngicos como el fluconazol, usados comúnmente para el tratamiento de las enfermedades causadas por Malassezia spp.

The effect of social determinants of health on severity of microbial keratitis presentation at a tertiary eye care hospital in Southern India

Purpose: Understanding the association between social determinants of health (SDoHs) and microbial keratitis (MK) can inform underlying risk for patients and identify risk factors associated with worse disease, such as presenting visual acuity (VA) and time to initial presentation. Methods: This was a cross?sectional study was conducted with patients presenting with MK to the cornea clinic at a tertiary care hospital in Madurai, India. Patient demographics, SDoH survey responses, geographic pollution, and clinical features at presentation were collected. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, multi?variable linear regression models, and Poisson regression models were utilized. Results: There were 51 patients evaluated. The mean age was 51.2 years (SD = 13.3); 33.3% were female and 55% did not visit a vision center (VC) prior to presenting to the clinic. The median presenting logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA was 1.1 [Snellen 20/240, inter?quartile range (IQR) = 20/80 to 20/4000]. The median time to presentation was 7 days (IQR = 4.5 to 10). The average particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) concentration, a measure of air pollution, for the districts from which the patients traveled was 24.3 ?g/m3 (SD = 1.6). Age? and sex?adjusted linear regression and Poisson regression results showed that higher levels of PM2.5 were associated with 0.28 worse presenting logMAR VA (Snellen 2.8 lines, P = 0.002). Patients who did not visit a VC had a 100% longer time to presentation compared to those who did (incidence rate ratio = 2.0, 95% confidence interval = 1.3–3.0, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Patient SDoH and environmental exposures can impact MK presentation. Understanding SDoH is important for public health and policy implications to mitigate eye health disparities in India.

MICROBIAL PROFILE AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY OF BACTERIAL PATHOGENS ISOLATED FROM PAPER CURRENCIES CIRCULATING IN SOME RESTAURANTS AND BUTCHERIES IN HAWASSA, SIDAMA, ETHIOPIA, 2020-21

Currency notes could play a signicant role in transmitting pathogenic microorganisms amongst individuals in the society. This study was aimed to determine the microbial prole and Antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial pathogens isolated from Ethiopian paper notes in circulation. 64 currency paper notes of different denomination were tested for bacterial contamination using standard microbiological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility proles of the isolates were determined with approved methods. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Overall mean AMBC was 4.08 log units, with the highest 6.58 log units recorded from denomination 5 followed by 4.50, 3.03, 2.20 log units from denominations 10, 50 and 100 respectively. Total Coliforms (TC) displayed the same pattern with the highest mean counts of 6.52 log units, from denomination 5 and lowest counts of 2.19 log units from denomination 100. Out of 64 currency notes, 35 (54.7%) were contaminated with bacteria. The predominant bacteria isolates were E. coli (60.5%), Salmonella spp. (23.6%) and Shigella spp. (13.2%). Each isolate was resistant to four or more antibiotics tested. All isolates were resistant against Cefepime and Tetracycline and sensitive to Ceftriaxone. This study revealed that currency notes are contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and in most cases these bacterial isolates were resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics. Therefore, contaminated notes are identied as potential public health threat, because pathogens can be spread by circulating the notes and become source of infection. Awareness creation is important among public in this regard.

Reduction of Microbial Contamination of Chechin nchabe (Cooked Fermented Cassava) Produced in Noun (West Cameroon) by a Second Fermentation

The Chechim nchabe is a traditional food widely consumed in Foumban, Foumbot, Koutaba, Massangam, Kouoptamo, Malentouen and Magba, 07 Departments of Noun (West region of Cameroon). It is obtained by fermenting cassava sticks cooked on the surface of river or spring water. Unfortunately, the bad hygienic quality of the environment during production promotes its contamination by pathogenic germs. The objective of this study is to carry out a second fermentation in order to reduce contamination of Chechim nchabe by pathogens germs during production. To achieve this objective, a survey on the socio-economic data, profile of the producers, production protocol and characteristics of product have been realized. After microbiological analysis of Chechim nchabe, a second fermentation was performed in the laboratory. From the results, it appears that all the producers are women, aged between 51 and 58 years and 87% of them not attending school. The water used for soaking the cassava revealed that 54% of women use river water and 46% spring water. The Chechim nchabe samples collected after traditional production in the 07 Departments of Noun, show average contamination of Enterobacteriaceae, moulds, staphylococci, Escherichia coli and lactic acid bacteria with respective concentrations of 4.7; 4.1; 4.4; 4.7 and 4.8 Log10ufc/mL. However, Chechim nchabe produced in urban areas such as Foumbot and Foumban recorded low contamination compared to that produced in rural areas like Massangam, which were heavily contaminated with Escherichia coli and Enterobacteriaceae. It was also noted that the Chechim nchabe produced in spring water is more contaminated than that produced in river water. The second fermentation for 10 hours of Chechim nchabe in a basin, after 12 hours of traditional fermentation, eliminated all of pathogenic germs from Chechim nchabe. This second fermentation of 10 hours could be a solution to guarantee the sanitary quality of Chechim nchabe before its consumption.

Infecciones causadas por Staphylococcus aureus de la Comunidad. Estudio de sensibilidad y tendencias en población pediátrica. Años 2015 a 2020

Introducción: Staphylococcus aureus (SA) puede ocasionar cuadros infecciosos severos y muerte. La emergencia de cepas resistentes a meticilina constituye un desafío terapéutico. Objetivos: determinar el perfil de resistencia antimicrobiana de: Staphylococcus aureus adquirido en la comunidad (SA-CA), obtenidos de muestras biológicas de niños, entre 2015 a 2020. Material y Método: estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo. Las muestras para cultivos se extrajeron al ingreso hospitalario del paciente. Para determinación de resistencia y sensibilidad se utilizó normas de CSLI. Resultados: 244 aislamientos de SA-CA. Masculinos 99 (59%), menores de un año: 42 (25%), de 2 a 5 años: 34 (20%), de 6 a 11 años: 50 (30%) y entre 12 a 15 años: 42 (25%). De los aislados, 72% fueron SAMR (121/168) y 28% SAMS (47/168). Se observó un incremento de tasas anuales de aislamientos SAMR en infecciones de la comunidad desde el 2015 al 2020. Los aislamientos se originaron en piel y partes blandas 53,2 %; sangre 37,4%, orina 3,5%, LCR 2,4%, liquido articular 1,7%, abscesos profundos 1,2% y liquido pleural 0,6%. La prevalencia de SAMR-CA fue de 60,5 en el 2015, 59,6 %, 61,5%, 72,2 %, 67,3% y 75,5 % en los años sucesivos. No se aisló ninguna cepa resistente a la vancomicina. El 10,1% de las cepas estudiadas presentó resistencia inducida a la clindamicina. Conclusión: El SAMR se ha establecido como patógeno de la comunidad. La resistencia inducida por clindamicina fue del 10,1%. Un tercio de las infecciones fueron causadas por SAMS. Las prevalencias de SAMS muestran tendencia a la disminución.

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus (SA) can cause severe infectious conditions and death. The emergence of methicillin-resistant strains constitutes a therapeutic challenge. Objectives: to determine the antimicrobial resistance profile of: Staphylococcus aureus acquired in the community (SA-CA), obtained from biological samples of children, between 2015 and 2020. Material and Method: descriptive, observational and retrospective study. The samples for cultures were extracted upon hospital admission of the patient. To determine resistance and sensitivity, CSLI standards were used. Results: 244 isolates of SA-CA. Males 99 (59%), under one-year-old: 42 (25%), from 2 to 5 years old: 34 (20%), from 6 to 11 years old: 50 (30%) and between 12 and 15 years old: 42 (25%). Of the isolates, 72% were SAMR (121/168) and 28% SAMS (47/168). An increase in annual rates of MRSA isolates in community infections was observed from 2015 to 2020. The isolates originated in skin and soft parts 53.2 %; blood 37.4%, urine 3.5%, CSF 2.4%, joint fluid 1.7%, deep abscesses 1.2% and pleural fluid 0.6%. The prevalence of MRSA-CA was 60.5 in 2015, 59.6%, 61.5%, 72.2%, 67.3%, and 75.5% in subsequent years. No vancomycin resistant strain was isolated. 10.1% of the strains studied presented induced resistance to clindamycin. Conclusion: MRSA has been established as a community pathogen. The resistance induced by clindamycin was 10.1%. One third of the infections was caused by SAMS. The prevalence of SAMS shows a downward trend.

Características epidemiológicas de la Osteomielitis aguda en niños internados en un hospital infeccioso de referencia

Introducción: La osteomielitis aguda es una infección del hueso que afecta principalmente a los niños y tiene generalmente diseminación hematógena, a veces asociada a un trauma. En la etiología influyen factores, como la edad, el estado inmunológico y las enfermedades concomitantes. En la mayoría de los casos, el principal agente etiológico es Staphylococcus aureus. Es importante el diagnóstico oportuno para evitar secuelas a mediano o largo plazo. Objetivo: Describir las características epidemiológicas de un grupo de pacientes con osteomielitis aguda. Métodos: Se realizó la revisión retrospectiva de los expedientes clínicos de pacientes egresados del servicio de pediatría del Instituto de Medicina Tropical, entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2020, con diagnóstico de osteomielitis aguda. Resultados: Los varones con osteomielitis corresponden al 67,8% del total de 59 casos registrados, en cuanto a los signos y síntomas, el dolor, la tumefacción y la impotencia funcional fueron predominantes, la fiebre se documentó en 49 (83,1%) pacientes, se registró antecedentes de cirugía en 37 (62,7%) de los pacientes y complicaciones en 42 (71,2%) de los pacientes, la complicación más frecuente fue osteomielitis crónica El sitio anatómico más frecuente fueron los miembros inferiores. El tratamiento empírico fue realizado con cefalosporinas de 3G en 72,9% de los pacientes, ya sea solo o combinado con clindamicina o vancomicina, un paciente con aislamiento de M. tuberculosis recibió tratamiento HRZE. Se aisló algún germen 44 pacientes (74,5%), el microorganismo predominante fue Staphylococcus aureus en 81,8 %, la mitad (52,3%) correspondieron a SAMR Se encontró una alta resistencia a oxacilina del 55,8% y un solo paciente resistente a clindamicina (2,2%). Conclusión Los hallazgos fueron similares a los reportados en la literatura en cuanto a etiología, sitio anatómico afectado y cobertura antibiótica.

Introduction: Acute osteomyelitis is a bone infection that mainly affects children and generally has hematogenous spread, sometimes associated with trauma. The etiology is influenced by factors such as age, immune status, and comorbidities. In most cases, the main etiologic agent is Staphylococcus aureus. Timely diagnosis is important to avoid sequelae in the medium or long term. Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of a group of patients with acute osteomyelitis. Methods: A retrospective review of the clinical records of patients discharged from the pediatric service of the Institute of Tropical Medicine was carried out between January 2016 and December 2020, with a diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis. Results: Men with osteomyelitis correspond to 67.8% of the total of 59 registered cases, in terms of signs and symptoms, pain, swelling and functional impotence were predominant, fever was documented in 49 (83.1%) patients, a history of surgery was recorded in 37 (62.7%) of the patients and complications in 42 (71.2%) of the patients, the most frequent complication was chronic osteomyelitis The most frequent anatomical site was the lower limbs. Empirical treatment was performed with 3G cephalosporins in 72.9% of the patients, either alone or in combination with clindamycin or vancomycin. One patient with M. tuberculosis isolation received HRZE treatment. Some germ was isolated in 44 patients (74.5%), the predominant microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus in 81.8%, half (52.3%) corresponded to MRSA. A high resistance to oxacillin of 55.8% and a only patient resistant to clindamycin (2.2%). Conclusion The findings were similar to those reported in the literature in terms of etiology, affected anatomical site, and antibiotic coverage.

A study on the microbial spectrum of otitis externa in a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: Otitis externa is frequently seen illness by ENT practitioners predominantly in children and old age people. The severity sometimes varies from it ranges in severity from a trivial infection to dangerous malignant otitis externa. Furthermore, due to absurd consumption of antibiotics, though there is a fall in development of complications, there is a rise in resistance to various infectious organisms. Mostly, we start treating patients with empirical therapy where sometimes, it leads to occurrence of various antibiotic-resistant infections. For that reason, recent evidence about the organism which is mostly involved in infection and also most importantly the pattern of their response to various pharmacological agents is crucial for the sensible use of the medications for the management. Aim and Objectives: Our study was planned to evaluate and find out the causative organism which is most commonly seen in otitis externa, particularly focusing on drug sensitivity for those organisms, so that efficient management of otitis externa can be done. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective study conducted in acute otitis externa patients from Novemver 2019 to January 2020. Patients who all presented with ear discharge within 3 months of period, samples were collected with clinically diagnosed acute otitis externa and sent for culture in blood agar, chocolate agar, and Mcconkey medium in vitro and drug sensitivity pattern was identified for individual organisms. Inclusion criteria: Patients more than 18 years having ear discharge within 3 months were included in the study. Exclusion criteria: Chronically discharging ear >3 months were excluded from the study. Results: Pseudomonas organism was frequently encountered pathogen in our study, trailed by Staphylococcus aureus. The organisms identified were very much sensitive to drugs like fluoroquinolones particularly Ciprofloxacin, and Aminoglycosides like Amikacin and almost all were responding to treatment with Piperacillin-Tazobactam, these drugs have an cidal activity over pathogens and are suitable for any age and safety-wise better too. Conclusion: Intermittent assessment and awareness of the bacteriological summary and their drug response profile in a particular geographical area will only help in rational drug prescription. Furthermore, rational usage of drugs will help in reducing any morbidity due to infection which may sometimes develop when treated inappropriately, further decreasing development of dangerous drug resistance.

A Rapid Method to Screen for Multi Drug Resistance (MDR) Trait in Clinical Isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii-Acyl Homoserine Lactone (AHL) Screening in CRAB and CSAB Isolates

Aims: Our proposal aimed to evaluate Acyl Homoserine Lactones (AHL) as a functional marker for Multi drug resistant (MDR) potential in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii. We investigated the AHL production potential of clinical isolates using a biosensor assay directly on a commonly used agar media. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Biomarkers, Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Lakdikapul, Hyderabad-500004. Methodology: Antimicrobial drug sensitivity testing (AST) was performed on 72 clinical isolates of A. baumannii against two front-line antibiotics, Imipenem (10µg) and Meropenem (10µg), by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Production of long chain Acyl Homoserine lactone (AHLs) in the clinical isolates of A. baumannii was tested by cross streaking with the biosensor Chromobacterium violaceum mutant strain CV026 and Agrobacterium tumefaciens (NTL4pZLR4) by agar plate diffusion assay. Screening and identification of the quorum sensing mediator gene abaI was done by PCR to confirm its presence in all the 72 clinical isolates. Results: Out of the 72 clinical isolates, 58 were Carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and 14 were Carbapenem sensitive Acinetobacter baumannii (CSAB) for AST by agar disc diffusion method. None of our isolates produced short chain AHLs whereas all the isolates could produce varying amounts of long chain AHLs. Genotypic confirmation of AHL gene was obtained by abaI gene PCR. Conclusion: Carbapenems are the front-line antibiotics used to treat gram negative bacterial infections in emergencies and in the critical care units of hospitals. Clinical isolates A. baumannii has innate resistance to several antibiotics due to various mechanisms, biofilms forming the first line of defense against antibiotics for the bacterium. Our study used AST to carbapenem as the leading marker for MDR, assuming the innate resistance of A. baumannii to other beta lactam antibiotics. Our study brought out certain important observations namely: a) All clinical isolates of A. baumannii produced Quorum Sensing signal molecules, the AHLs b) the clinical isolates of A. baumannii did not produce any short chain AHLs b) All the clinical isolates of A. baumannii produced long chain AHLs c) AHL production is not specific to carbapenem drug resistance because even CSAB isolates produced AHL d) AHL production is inherent to all clinical isolates of A. baumannii and it apparently indicates an underlying biofilm potential and MDR trait in these A. baumannii isolates. e) AHLs could be a universal marker for revealing MDR trait and biofilm potential in clinical microbiology AST profiling protocols.

Resistencia antimicrobiana, una pandemia silenciosa / Antimicrobial resistance, a silent pandemic / Resistência antimicrobiana, uma pandemia silenciosa

Introducción: la resistencia a los antimicrobianos ha sido una problemática creciente a nivel global, la problemática afecta no solo la salud de personas, animales y el ambiente en general, sino que ha generado impactos de índole productivo y comercial. Una de las estrategias para abordar esta problemática es el enfoque de una salud. Este enfoque destaca la participación multidisciplinaria para combatir la resistencia antimicrobiana; y es así que cada profesión o actividad laboral genera unas responsabilidades innatas para la profesión veterinaria. Los veterinarios tienen un rol fundamental para este propósito, ya que son ellos quienes integran la aplicabilidad de estrategias de promoción y prevención a nivel agropecuario, y de consolidación e interlocución entre los diferentes componentes del enfoque (animal, humano, ambiente) desde el ámbito de la salud pública veterinaria. Materiales y Método: se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura en diferentes bases de datos, con el objetivo de realizar una revisión actualizada sobre la resistencia antimicrobiana. Resultados: dentro de las principales estrategias se debería fomentar un uso adecuado y bajo prescripción de antimicrobianos en la producción animal. Promover buenas prácticas de higiene, bioseguridad y vacunación, facilitando un correcto diagnóstico de enfermedades infecciosas en animales. Discusión: la adopción de normas internacionales para el uso responsable de los antibióticos y las directrices establecidas por la Organización Mundial de la Salud y Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y la Agricultura, a través del Codex Alimentarius y la Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal, son fundamentales para hacer frente al desafío que representa el problema de la resistencia a los antimicrobianos.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance has been a growing problem at a global level, affecting not only the health of people, animals and the environment in general, but it has also generated impacts of a productive and commercial nature. One of the strategies to address this problem is the one-health approach. This approach emphasizes multidisciplinary participation to combat antimicrobial resistance; and thus, each profession or work activity generates innate responsibilities for the veterinary profession. Veterinarians have a fundamental role for this purpose, since they are the ones who integrate the applicability of promotion and prevention strategies at the agricultural level, and of consolidation and interlocution between the different components of the approach (animal, human, environment) from the field of veterinary public health. Materials and Method: a literature search was carried out in different databases, with the aim of carrying out an updated review on antimicrobial resistance. Results: one of the main strategies should be to promote an adequate use and under prescription of antimicrobials in animal production. Promote good hygiene, biosecurity and vaccination practices, facilitating a correct diagnosis of infectious diseases in animals. Discussion: the adoption of international standards for the responsible use of antibiotics and the guidelines established by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, through Codex Alimentarius and the World Organization for Animal Health, are fundamental to face the challenge posed by the problem of antimicrobial resistance.

Introdução: A resistência antimicrobiana tem sido um problema crescente em todo o mundo, afetando não apenas a saúde dos seres humanos, dos animais e do meio ambiente em geral, mas também causando impactos na produção e no comércio. Uma das estratégias para lidar com esse problema é a abordagem One Health. Essa abordagem enfatiza o envolvimento multidisciplinar no combate à resistência antimicrobiana, com cada profissão ou atividade de trabalho gerando responsabilidades inatas à profissão veterinária. Os veterinários têm um papel fundamental nesse sentido, pois são eles que integram a aplicabilidade das estratégias de promoção e prevenção em nível agropecuário e de consolidação e interlocução entre os diferentes componentes da abordagem (animal, humano, ambiental) do campo da saúde pública veterinária. Materiais e Métodos: foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica em diferentes bases de dados, com o objetivo de realizar uma revisão atualizada sobre a resistência antimicrobiana. Resultados: uma das principais estratégias deve ser a promoção do uso adequado e com baixa prescrição de antimicrobianos na produção animal. Promover boas práticas de higiene, biossegurança e vacinação, facilitando o diagnóstico correto de doenças infecciosas em animais. Discussão: A adoção de padrões internacionais para o uso responsável de antibióticos e as diretrizes estabelecidas pela Organização Mundial da Saúde e pela Organização das Nações Unidas para Agricultura e Alimentação, por meio do Codex Alimentarius e da Organização Mundial de Saúde Animal, são essenciais para enfrentar o desafio representado pelo problema da resistência antimicrobiana.

Stability Study of Pashanbhedadi Churna Used in Treatment of Ashmari (Renal Calculi): with Respect to Baseline Microbial Diagnostic Modalities

Ashmari (Renal Calculi) is most common disease of urinary system. Ashmari or calculus looks like small gravels/stones hence they are termed as Ashmari. For the treatment of Ashmari Pashanbhedadi Churna was taken as a trial drug. As Pashanbhedadi Churna was trial drug it was necessary to check the stability. Stability of the drug is the time period from the drug production until the time it is intended to be consumed. So, present study was carried out to know the stability of Pashanbhedadi Churna and to check microbial contamination in the Pashanbhedadi Churna at different time interval. Pashanbhedadi Churna was stored in plastic bag. Microbial study of the drug was done at different climatic conditions, humidity and temperature set ups with regular intervals for a period of 11months to analyse mycological and bacteriological findings by wet mount preparation and Gram stain test respectively. Though in different climate, temperature and humidity conditions, at the end of microbial study, Churna has shown absence of microbes for approx.11 months of preparation of drug. So, it is showed that drug is stable in minimum 32°C temperature to maximum 38°C and minimum humidity 23% to maximum 74% humidity. That means stability duration of drug after preparation is approx. 11 months which showed that drug was in a standard condition. Hence it is concluded that stability test of Pashanbhedadi Churna with respect to microbiological findings was negative at room temperature, warm and cold, dry and humid conditions.

A study on childhood microbial keratitis in South India

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the predisposing risk factors, clinical characteristics, microbiological profile, and visual and functional treatment outcome of microbial keratitis including viral keratitis in children. Methods: A prospective study was carried out in a tertiary care institute over a period of 18 months on 73 pediatric patients. Data collected was analyzed for demographics of the patient population, causative organisms, and management outcome in terms of visual and functional outcome. Results: Patients in the age group from 1 month to 16 years were included, with a mean age of 10.81 years. Trauma was the commonest risk factor (40.9%), with unidentified foreign body fall being the most common (32.3%). No predisposing factors were identified in 50% of cases. Also, 36.8% of eyes were culture positive, with bacterial isolates in 17.9% and fungus in 82.1%. Moreover, 7.1% eyes were culture positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa each. Fusarium species (67.8%) was the commonest fungal pathogen, followed by Aspergillus species (10.7%). Also, 11.8% were clinically diagnosed as viral keratitis. No growth was found in 63.2% of patients. Treatment with broad?spectrum antibiotics/antifungals was administered in all cases. At the final follow?up, 87.8% achieved a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6/12 or better. Therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) was required by 2.6% of eyes. Conclusion: Trauma was the major cause for pediatric keratitis. Majority of the eyes responded well to medical treatment, with only two eyes needing TPK. Early diagnosis and prompt management helped majority of the eyes to achieve a good visual acuity after the resolution of keratitis.

Cytotoxic and microbial studies of mixed metal complexes

Breast cancer and its treatment have become a prominent and challenging problem today. The increasing multidrug resistance to microbial pathogens is the root cause of breast cancer. Women suffering from cancer showed high levels of E. coli and S. aureus. In the last few decades, there has been a considerable need in the medical field for the discovery of new compounds endowed with antimicrobial activity, despite the fact that several antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs are currently accessible. Substantial research was conducted, particularly on transition complexes as metal-based drugs in pharmacological applications to provide therapeutic options. The synthesis, characterization, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxic activity of copper complexes with specific ligands of amino acids such as tyrosine and arginine are discussed in this work.

Microbial Quality and Public Health Risks of Selected Herbal Remedies Sold in Open Markets in Owerri Metropolis, South Eastern, Nigeria

Herbal medicines are presently widely used in developed and developing countries for health care due to their affordability, accessibility and availability. Objective: The microbial quality of selected herbal remedies sold in open markets in Owerri, South Eastern, Nigeria was studied. Methods: The samples were bulked according to type and then serially diluted. The spread plate technique was used in inoculating the samples on the appropriate culture medium and then incubated. Standard laboratory protocols for microbiological studies and biochemical tests were employed for the identification of the microorganisms present in the samples. Results: The presence of bacterial species namely Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, Enterococcus and Staphylococcus spp was recorded. They were all gram positive and bacterial counts ranged from 1.0 x 106 to 7.8 x 107cfu/ml. Fungal isolates included Mucor, Saccharomyces and Penicillium spp. and fungal counts ranged from 3.0x103 to 1.3x108 cfu/ml respectively. Conclusion: The presence of these microorganisms in herbal remedies do not only make them hazardous, but might also change the physical, chemical and natural properties of the herbal remedies by altering the contents of active ingredients or converting them to toxic products. The production and consumption of herbal remedies should be properly supervised and monitored to ensure that only good quality products get to the consumers.

Antimicrobial resistance dissemination associated with intensive animal production practices in Argentina: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Resumen El abuso y mal uso de los antimicrobianos aceleró la propagación de bacterias resistentes. La asociación entre las infecciones que presentan resistencia a antimicrobianos (RAM) en humanos y el uso de antimicrobianos en la producción agropecuaria es compleja, pero está bien documentada. Proporcionamos una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis sobre la diseminación de la resistencia a antimicrobianos designados como críticamente importantes por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) en cerdos, aves y bovinos de producción intensiva y extensiva en Argentina. Se buscó información en bases de datos electrónicas (Medline-PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, Sistema Nacional de Repositorios Digitales de Argentina) y en la literatura gris. Se incluyeron estudios epidemiológicos sobre la RAM en las principales bacterias transmitidas por los alimentos - Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli y Enterococcus spp. - y bacterias causantes de mastitis aisladas de cerdos, pollos y bovinos. Los resultados de este estudio apoyan la hipótesis de que la RAM de las bacterias transmitidas por los alimentos alcanza niveles alarmantes. Los metaanálisis seguidos de análisis por subgrupos mostraron asociación entre la RAM y (a) el animal (p<0,01) para estreptomicina, ampicilina y tetraciclina o (b) el sistema productivo (p<0,05) para estreptomicina, cefotaxima, ampicilina, ácido nalidíxico y tetraciclina. La mayor prevalencia conjunta de multirresistencia se detectó en cerdos (0,47 [0,29; 0,66]) y producción intensiva (0,62 [0,34; 0,83]), mientras que la menor correspondió a bovinos de leche (0,056 [0,003; 0,524]) y producción extensiva (0,107 [0,043; 0,240]). Se observó un vacío de información respecto de los bovinos de feedlot. Es urgente adoptar medidas políticas para coordinar y armonizar la vigilancia de la RAM y regular el uso de antimicrobianos en animales.

Abstract Abuse and misuse of antimicrobial agents has accelerated the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. The association between antimicrobial-resistant infections in humans and antimicrobial use in agriculture is complex, but well-documented. This study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to antimicrobials defined as critically important by the WHO, in swine, chicken, and cattle from intensive and extensive production systems in Argentina. We conducted searches in electronic databases (MEDLINE-PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, the National System of Digital Repositories from Argentina) as well as in the gray literature. Inclusion criteria were epidemiological studies on AMR in the main food-transmitted bacteria, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp., and mastitis-causing bacteria, isolated from swine, chicken, dairy and beef cattle from Argentina. This study gives evidence for supporting the hypothesis that AMR of common food-transmitted bacteria in Argentina is reaching alarming levels. Meta-analyses followed by subgroup analyses confirmed the association between the prevalence of AMR and (a) animal species (p<0.01) for streptomycin, ampicillin and tetracycline or (b) the animal production system (p<0.05) for streptomycin, cefotaxime, nalidixic acid, ampicillin and tetracycline. Moreover, swine (0.47 [0.29; 0.66]) and intensive production (0.62 [0.34; 0.83]) showed the highest pooled prevalence of multidrug resistance while dairy (0.056 [0.003; 0.524]) and extensive production (0.107 [0.043; 0.240]) showed the lowest. A research gap regarding beef-cattle from feedlot was identified. Finally, there is an urgent need for political measures meant to coordinate and harmonize AMR surveillance and regulate antimicrobial use in animal production.

Study on awareness, knowledge, and practices towards antibiotic use among the educated and uneducated people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance developed through the inadequate use of antibiotics; is an overriding task for global public health. OBJECTIVE: To explore awareness, knowledge, and practices, and compare the elements associated with antibiotic misuse in different University students and uneducated people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2020 using a validated questionnaire. Data were collected from eleven different university students and uneducated people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. RESULTS: 3,600 questionnaires were completed, consisting of 56.9% Male and 43.0% Female. 1,999 (55.5%) of the antibiotic users reported through the survey used non-prescription antibiotics within a one-month study period. Out of the participants, 230 (6.3%) were uneducated or their education level was below matric rest were university students. 1999 (55.5%) reported buying Antibiotics with Medical Prescription. Most self-medicated participants (56.9%) stop taking antibiotics when they feel better. More than 90% of the respondents answered that doctors and pharmacist staff do not guide them well that how to use antibiotics. 2,171 (60.03%) respondents mistakenly believed that antibiotics improve restoration from coughs and colds. Only 720 (20%) respondents knew that antibiotics also disturb normal flora and 547 participants (15.9%) agree that unnecessary use of antibiotics causes bacterial resistance. CONCLUSION: Finding from this study may have important implications for public health policy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan given the growing global resistance to antibiotics and the reported health issues related to their improper use.