ABSTRACT
Background: The study was conducted with the aim to investigate the VRSA isolates in terms of their susceptibility to routinely used biocides influenced by the co-occurrence of biocide resistant gene (BRGs) and efflux pumps genes. Methodology: Frequently touched surfaces within intensive care unit (ICU) of cardiac hospital were classified into three primary sites i.e., structure, machines and miscellaneous. Over a period of six months (January 2021 to July 2021) twenty three swabs samples were collected from these sites. Subsequently, these samples underwent both phenotypic and molecular methods for VRSA isolation and identification. Susceptibility and efficacy testing of biocides (benzalkonium chloride (BAC), cetrimide (CET) and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)) were evaluated using microdilution broth and suspension method. Furthermore, specific primers were used for singleplex PCR targeting BRGs (cepA, qacA, and qacE) and efflux pump (norA, norB, norC, sepA, mepA and mdeA) associated genes. Results: We found that 72.2 % S. aureus demonstrate the presence of vanA or vanB genes with no significant difference among three sites (p > 0.05). cepA is the most dominant BRGs followed by qacA and qacE from structure site as compared to other sites (p < 0.05). BAC showed reduced biocide susceptibility and MIC50. There was no significant difference between presence or absence of BRGs and high MIC values of VRSA isolates from all three sites. However, efflux pump genes (EFPGs) particularly norA and norA + sepA had a significant association with BRGs and reduced biocide. Conclusion: BAC is the most effective disinfectant against VRSA. Proper and controlled use of BAC is required to overcome the VRSA contamination. We recommend continuous monitoring of the BRGs prevalence for better prevention of microorganism dissemination and infection control in hospitals.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) coinfection generate sustained inflammation with bulk production of reactive oxygen species. They have the potency to cause hepatocellular carcinoma, vaginal apoptosis, disturb pregnancy, and influence drug treatment and follow-up. This case-control study aimed to compare the redox status in HCV and BV coinfection with respect to BV mono-infection among pregnant females (PFs). Methods: Blood samples and vaginal secretions were drawn from 75 PFs divided into three groups: coinfection (n = 25), monoinfection (n = 25), and control PFs (n = 25) who are presumed healthy subjects. Blood samples were analyzed for HCV detection based on conserved 5' untranslated region via real-time polymerase chain reaction and hematological parameters. Markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and peroxidase) and antioxidants (catalase and superoxide dismutase) were checked in plasma as well as vaginal secretions of patients among all three groups. Results: Hematological analysis reveals that hemoglobin levels, platelets, and lymphocytes decreased significantly (p < 0.050) among the coinfection followed by mono-infection group compared to the control group. Moreover, the higher isolation frequency of pathogenic bacteria (Acinetobacter spp.) and Nugent score trend was observed among the coinfection group. Antioxidant levels were significantly lower (p < 0.050) among the vaginal secretions and blood plasma of patients having coinfection with respect to the mono-infection and control groups. While oxidative stress marker was significantly highest (p < 0.050) among vaginal secretions and blood plasma of coinfection followed by mono-infection and control group. These results validate that overall redox severity was more among the coinfection compared to the mono-infection and control groups. Conclusions: Redox indexes should be considered in early diagnosis and treatment of HCV and BV coinfection which may also facilitate the better treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and vaginal apoptosis.
