# | Rank | Similarity | Title + Abs. | Year | PMID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 1672 | 0 | 1.0000 | Colonization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing bacteria in healthy pregnant women and its impact on perinatal care: A cross-sectional study. BackgroundColonization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms is increasing becoming more frequent not only in hospitalized patients but also in healthy individuals. Although these bacteria are thought to be transmitted to newborns on their way through the birth canal, molecular evidence for this is scarce. In this study, we aimed to survey the current prevalence of resistant bacterial colonization in this area by examining the colonization carriage of this organism before and after delivery.MethodsWe examined the colonization rate of ESBL-producing bacteria in healthy pregnant women, the colonization rate in newborns, and the transmission rate from pregnant women who are carriers of the bacteria to their newborns. We also performed resistance gene and similarity analyses for each strain in pairs of mother-child carriers.ResultsOf 494 pregnant women, 33 carried ESBL-producing bacteria, all of whom were identified as Escherichia coli. The colonization carriage rate among pregnant women was 6.7%. Among newborns, the rate rose from 1.0% immediately after birth to 6.9% at the one-month checkup. Furthermore, of the 13 strains detected among mothers and children, 10 pairs had matching resistance genes.ConclusionsSome ESBL-producing bacterial carriers exist even among healthy pregnant women, and about half of them go on to infect their newborns. However, routes of transmission beyond vertical transmission cannot be ruled out. Therefore, it is important to promote infection control in the healthcare environment and in the families of newborns, as well as antimicrobial stewardship among pregnant women. | 2025 | 40152933 |
| 1830 | 1 | 0.9997 | Shifts in bla genes and Class 1 integron prevalence in beta-lactamase-producing bacteria before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Mendoza, Argentina. This study analyzes the molecular epidemiology of bla genes and Class 1 integron in broad-spectrum beta-lactamase (BSBL) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing strains of bacteria isolated from clinical samples of hospitalized and ambulatory patients before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolates obtained in two periods were compared: the first corresponding to the years November 2019-March 2020, and the second to the years November 2021-April 2022. We evaluate changes in resistance patterns of antibiotics associated with pressures on the healthcare system and social lockdowns. A total of 156 isolates were analyzed: 78 from the first period (61 hospitalized, 17 ambulatory) and 78 from the second period (47 hospitalized, 31 ambulatory). Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the predominant bacterial species, representing 85% of the isolates in both periods. The frequency of ambulatory ESBL-producing isolates increased significantly, from 22% (17/78) to 40% (31/78; P < 0.01) in the second period. The prevalence of bla(SHV) increased from 24% (19/78) to 72% (56/78; P < 0.01) in the second period, while the bla(CTX-M-2) group, absent in the first period, was detected in 43% (34/78) of isolates from the second period. Strains from the second period exhibited greater genetic complexity, with an increased prevalence of combinations involving three or more bla genes, including isolates carrying up to five of such genes. Class 1 integron showed a strong correlation with resistance to ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The gene bla(OXA-1), previously associated with resistance to beta-lactamase inhibitors, did not show a clear pattern in the second period.IMPORTANCEAntimicrobial resistance associated with the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) represents a critical global health challenge, particularly due to the limited development of new antibiotics. This is the first report from Argentina's central-west region examining the prevalence of beta-lactamase-encoding genes, providing a framework for future research. Our findings reveal a significant increase in bacteria with the ESBL phenotype, particularly among ambulatory populations post-pandemic, suggesting a concerning spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria outside hospital environments. This could compromise empirical antibiotic treatments for ambulatory patients, increasing the risk of severe complications. Our results highlight the urgent need for ongoing surveillance to detect virulent strains before clonal spread or horizontal gene transfer occurs in the community. They also emphasize the importance of strategies to ensure the prudent use of antimicrobials and mitigate the increasing prevalence of resistance genes, which threatens the effectiveness of current therapeutic options. | 2025 | 40662585 |
| 1610 | 2 | 0.9997 | Antimicrobial resistance and metallo-beta-lactamase producing among commensal Escherichia coli isolates from healthy children of Khuzestan and Fars provinces; Iran. BACKGROUND: The emergence of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing isolates is alarming since they carry mobile genetic elements with great ability to spread; therefore, early detection of these isolates, particularly their reservoir, is crucial to prevent their inter- and intra-care setting dissemination and establish suitable antimicrobial therapies. The current study was designed to evaluate the frequency of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), MBL producers and identification of MBL resistance genes in Escherichia coli strains isolated from fecal samples of the healthy children under 3 years old. A total of 412 fecal E. coli isolates were collected from October 2017 to December 2018. The study population included healthy infants and children aged < 3 years who did not exhibit symptoms of any diseases, especially gastrointestinal diseases. E. coli isolates were assessed to determine the pattern of AMR. E. coli isolates were assessed to determine the pattern of AMR, the production of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and MBL by phenotypic methods. Carbapenem-resistant isolates were investigated for the presence of MBL and carbapenemase genes, plasmid profiling, and the ability of conjugation. RESULTS: In sum, AMR, multi-drug resistance (MDR) and ESBL production were observed in more than 54.9, 36.2 and 11.7% of commensal E. coli isolates, respectively. Out of six isolates resistant to imipenem and meropenem, four isolates were phenotypically detected as MBL producers. Two and one E. coli strains carried the bla(NDM-1) and bla(VIM-2) genes, respectively and were able to transmit imipenem resistance through conjugation. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that children not exposed to antibiotics can be colonized by E. coli isolates resistant to the commonly used antimicrobial compounds and can be a good indicator for the occurrence and prevalence of AMR in the community. These bacteria can act as a potential reservoir of AMR genes including MBL genes of pathogenic bacteria and lead to the dissemination of resistance mechanisms to other bacteria. | 2020 | 33256594 |
| 2253 | 3 | 0.9997 | Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles in Carbapenemase-Producing Gram-Negative Rods-A Comparative Analysis between Screening and Pathological Isolates. (1) Background: Carbapenem-resistant (CR) bacteria pose a significant global public health challenge due to their ability to evade treatment with beta-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems. This study investigates the biofilm-forming capabilities of CR clinical bacterial isolates and examines the impact of serum on biofilm formation. Additionally, the study evaluates the resistance profiles and genetic markers for carbapenemase production. (2) Methods: Bacterial isolates were collected from the microbiology laboratory of Mures County Clinical Hospital between October 2022 and September 2023. Pharyngeal and rectal swabs were screened for carbapenem-resistant bacteria using selective media. Lower respiratory tract samples were also analyzed for CR Gram-negative bacteria. The isolates were tested for their ability to form biofilms in the presence and absence of fetal bovine serum at 24 and 48 h. Carbapenemase production was detected phenotypically and confirmed via PCR for relevant genes. (3) Results: Out of 846 screened samples, 4.25% from pharyngeal swabs and 6.38% from rectal swabs tested positive for CR bacteria. Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most common species isolated. Biofilm formation varied significantly between clinical isolates and standard strains, with clinical isolates generally showing higher biofilm production. The presence of serum had no significant effect on biofilm formation in Klebsiella spp., but stimulated biofilm formation for Acinetobacter spp. Carbapenemase genes bla(KPC), bla(OXA-48-like), and bla(NDM) were detected in various isolates, predominantly in Klebsiella spp., but were not the main determinants of carbapenem resistance, at least in screening isolates. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights the variability in biofilm formation among CR clinical isolates and underscores the differences between the bacteria found as carriage versus infection. Both bacterial species and environmental factors variably influence biofilm formation. These insights are crucial for the development of effective treatment and infection control strategies in clinical settings. | 2024 | 39199988 |
| 5700 | 4 | 0.9997 | Gram-negative bacterial colonization in the gut: Isolation, characterization, and identification of resistance mechanisms. BACKGROUND: The gut microbiome is made up of a diverse range of bacteria, especially gram-negative bacteria, and is crucial for human health and illness. There is a great deal of interest in the dynamic interactions between gram-negative bacteria and their host environment, especially considering antibiotic resistance. This work aims to isolate gram-negative bacteria that exist in the gut, identify their species, and use resistance-associated gene analysis to define their resistance mechanisms. METHODS: Samples were collected from all patients who had a stool culture at a tertiary care center in Lebanon. Each type of bacteria that was identified from the stool samples was subjected to critical evaluations, and all discovered strains underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Polymerase chain reaction was used to profile the genes for Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), and that of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. RESULTS: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa turned out to be the predominant microbiota members. Escherichia coli strains had a high frequency of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes, with the most discovered gene being bla CTX-M. Additionally, a considerable percentage of isolates had carbapenemase-resistant Enterobacteriaceae genes, suggesting the rise of multidrug-resistant strains. Multidrug resistance genes, such as bla mexR, bla mexB, and bla mexA, were found in strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, highlighting the possible difficulties in treating infections brought on by these bacteria. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the critical importance of effective surveillance and response measures to maintain the effectiveness of antibiotics considering the introduction of multidrug resistance genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and ESBL and CRE genes in Escherichia coli. | 2024 | 39216133 |
| 1675 | 5 | 0.9997 | Phenotypic and genetic extended spectrum beta lactamase profiles of bacterial isolates from ICU in tertiary level hospital in Kenya. BACKGROUND: Bacterial infections in the Intensive Care Units are a threat to the lives of critically ill patients. Their vulnerable immunity predisposes them to developing bacteria-associated sepsis, deteriorating their already fragile health. In the face of increasing antibiotics resistance, the problem of bacterial infection in ICU is worsening. Surveillance of bacterial infections in ICUs and drug resistance will help to understand the magnitude of the problem it poses and inform response strategies. We assessed bacterial infections in ICU setting by identifying prevalent Gram-negative bacterial species and characterized their antibiotic susceptibility patterns. METHODS: Cross-sectional samples collected from Kenyatta National Hospital ICU between January and June 2021 were cultured and phenotypic identification of culture-positive samples performed using VITEK 2. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns were determined based on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) results. Cephalosporin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria were assessed by PCR to detect the presence of ESBL genes including ( (bla) CTX-M, (bla) SHV, (bla) TEM, (bla) OXA). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Out of the 168 Gram-negative isolates, Acinetobacter baumanii was the most abundant (35%). Other isolates that were present at frequencies more than 15% are Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia. coli. A. baumaniii is known to be a notorious bacterium in ICU due to its multidrug resistance nature. Indeed, A. baumanii isolates from Kenyatta National Hospital showed significantly high level of phenotypic resistance. Concordant with the high level of phenotypic resistance, we found high carriage of the ESBL genes among the isolates analysed in this study. Moreover, majority of isolates harboured all the four ESBL genes. CONCLUSION: A high rate of phenotypic and genetic resistance was detected among the tested isolates. Resistance to cephalosporins was primarily driven by acquisition of the ESBL genes. The high prevalence rate of ESBL genes in ICU bacterial isolates shown in this study has a important implication for ICU patient management and general antibiotics use. | 2023 | 39850338 |
| 1699 | 6 | 0.9997 | Association between the presence of CRISPR-Cas system genes and antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from patients admitted in Ahvaz teaching hospitals. BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the frequency of cas1 and cas3 and CRISPR1,2,3 genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, as well as their connection with antibiotic resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 106 K. pneumoniae isolates were identified by biochemical assays and PCR. The susceptibility to antibiotics was determined by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Screening of ESBLs was undertaken by using double disk diffusion and standard disk diffusion methods. The E-test and mCIM techniques was used to confirm the disc diffusion-based carbapenem resistance profiles. CRISPR-Cas system genes were identified using PCR. RESULTS: ESBL production was found in 19% of isolates. Carbapenemase production was found in 46% of the isolates. Furthermore, the bacteria were classified as multidrug (76%), extensively drug-resistant (4%), or pan-drug-resistant (2%). When CRISPR/Cas systems were present, antibiotic resistance was lower; conversely, when they were absent, resistance was higher. CONCLUSIONS: If the CRISPR/Cas modules aren't present, the bacteria can still acquire foreign DNA, including antibiotic resistance genes. K. pneumoniae isolates with a CRISPR-Cas system were less likely to carry antibiotic-resistance genes than those lacking this defense system. | 2024 | 39375619 |
| 1702 | 7 | 0.9997 | Molecular Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance of Outbreaks of Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Mastitis in Chinese Dairy Farms. Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that causes serious infections in humans and animals. However, the availability of epidemiological information on clinical mastitis due to K. pneumoniae is limited. To acquire new information regarding K. pneumoniae mastitis, data were mined about K. pneumoniae strains on dairy cattle farms (farms A to H) in 7 Chinese provinces in 2021. Hypermucoviscous strains of K. pneumoniae were obtained by the string test. MICs of antimicrobial agents were determined via the broth microdilution method. Ten antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence genes were identified by PCR. The prevalence of K. pneumoniae was 35.91% (65/181), and 100% of the bacteria were sensitive to enrofloxacin. Nine antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence genes were identified and compared among farms. The hypermucoviscous phenotype was present in 94.44% of isolates from farm B, which may be a function of the rmpA virulence gene. Based on these data, the multidrug-resistant strains SD-14 and HB-21 were chosen and sequenced. Genotypes were assayed for K. pneumoniae isolates from different countries and different hosts using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Ninety-four sequence types (STs) were found, and 6 STs present a risk for spreading in specific regions. Interestingly, ST43 was observed in bovine isolates for the first time. Our study partially reveals the current distribution characteristics of bovine K. pneumoniae in China and may provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of bovine K. pneumoniae mastitis. IMPORTANCE K. pneumonia is ubiquitous in nature and infects a wide range of hosts, including animals, and humans. It is one of the leading inducements of clinical mastitis (CM) in dairy cows, a prevalent and costly disease that is predominantly associated with bacterial infection. In general, CM caused by Gram-negative bacteria is more difficult to cure than that associated with Gram-positive pathogens, with an average cost per case of 211.03 U.S. dollars (USD) for Gram-negative bacterial infections compared with 133.73 USD for Gram-positive bacterial CM cases. After Escherichia coli, K. pneumoniae is the second most common Gram-negative cause of bovine CM, but it is the most detrimental in terms of decreased milk yield, discarded milk, treatment costs, death, and culling. In view of the economic implications of K. pneumoniae infection in dairy farming, research into population structure and antibiotic resistance is particularly important. | 2022 | 36374018 |
| 1822 | 8 | 0.9997 | Carriage of two carbapenem-resistance genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from hospital-acquired infections in children from Costa Rica: the importance of local epidemiology. BACKGROUND: The assessment of Hospital-acquired infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria involves the use of a variety of commercial and laboratory-developed tests to detect antimicrobial resistance genes in bacterial pathogens; however, few are evaluated for use in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: We used whole-genome sequencing, rapid commercial molecular tests, laboratory-developed tests and routine culture testing. RESULTS: We identified the carriage of the metallo-β-lactamase bla(VIM-2) and bla(IMP-18) alleles in Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections among children in Costa Rica. CONCLUSIONS: The bla(IMP-18) allele is not present in the most frequently used commercial tests; thus, it is possible that the circulation of this resistance gene may be underdiagnosed in Costa Rica. | 2021 | 33910633 |
| 1700 | 9 | 0.9997 | The Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae among Neonates in Kuwait. Increasing numbers of neonates with serious bacterial infections, due to resistant bacteria, are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of drug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in the neonatal population and their mothers in Farwaniya Hospital in Kuwait and to determine the basis of resistance. Rectal screening swabs were taken from 242 mothers and 242 neonates in labor rooms and wards. Identification and sensitivity testing were performed using the VITEK(®) 2 system. Each isolate flagged with any resistance was subjected to the E-test susceptibility method. The detection of resistance genes was performed by PCR, and the Sanger sequencing method was used to identify mutations. Among 168 samples tested by the E-test method, no MDR Enterobacteriaceae were detected among the neonates, while 12 (13.6%) isolates from the mothers' samples were MDR. ESBL, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and folate pathway inhibitor resistance genes were detected, while beta-lactam-beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations, carbapenems, and tigecycline resistance genes were not. Our results showed that the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Enterobacteriaceae obtained from neonates in Kuwait is low, and this is encouraging. Furthermore, it is possible to conclude that neonates are acquiring resistance mostly from the environment and after birth but not from their mothers. | 2023 | 37189605 |
| 1831 | 10 | 0.9997 | Antibiotic resistance genes in the gut microbiota of mothers and linked neonates with or without sepsis from low- and middle-income countries. Early development of the microbiome has been shown to affect general health and physical development of the infant and, although some studies have been undertaken in high-income countries, there are few studies from low- and middle-income countries. As part of the BARNARDS study, we examined the rectal microbiota of 2,931 neonates (term used up to 60 d) with clinical signs of sepsis and of 15,217 mothers screening for bla(CTX-M-15), bla(NDM), bla(KPC) and bla(OXA-48)-like genes, which were detected in 56.1%, 18.5%, 0% and 4.1% of neonates' rectal swabs and 47.1%, 4.6%, 0% and 1.6% of mothers' rectal swabs, respectively. Carbapenemase-positive bacteria were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and showed a high diversity of bacterial species (57 distinct species/genera) which exhibited resistance to most of the antibiotics tested. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae/E. cloacae complex, the most commonly found isolates, were subjected to whole-genome sequencing analysis and revealed close relationships between isolates from different samples, suggesting transmission of bacteria between neonates, and between neonates and mothers. Associations between the carriage of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and healthcare/environmental factors were identified, and the presence of ARGs was a predictor of neonatal sepsis and adverse birth outcomes. | 2022 | 35927336 |
| 2254 | 11 | 0.9997 | Hospitalized Pets as a Source of Carbapenem-Resistance. The massive and irrational use of antibiotics in livestock productions has fostered the occurrence and spread of resistance to "old class antimicrobials." To cope with that phenomenon, some regulations have been already enforced in the member states of the European Union. However, a role of livestock animals in the relatively recent alerts on the rapid worldwide increase of resistance to last-choice antimicrobials as carbapenems is very unlikely. Conversely, these antimicrobials are increasingly administered in veterinary hospitals whose role in spreading bacteria or mobile genetic elements has not adequately been addressed so far. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 105 hospitalized and 100 non-hospitalized pets with the aim of measuring the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) colonizing dogs and cats, either hospitalized or not hospitalized and estimating the relative odds. Stool samples were inoculated on MacConkey agar plates containing 1 mg/L imipenem which were then incubated aerobically at 37°C ± 1 for 48 h. Isolated bacteria were identified first by Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and were confirmed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The genetic basis of resistance was investigated using PCR methods, gene or whole genome sequencing (WGS). The prevalence of pets harboring carbapenem-resistant bacteria was 11.4 and 1.0% in hospitalized and not-hospitalized animals, respectively, with an odds ratio of 12.8 (p < 0.01). One pet carried two diverse isolates. Overall, 14 gram-negative non-fermenting bacteria, specifically, one Acinetobacter radioresistens, five Acinetobacter baumannii, six Pseudomonas aeruginosa and two Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were isolated. The Acinetobacter species carried acquired carbapenemases genes encoded by bla (NDM-1) and bla (OXA-23). In contrast, Pseudomonas phenotypic resistance was associated with the presence of mutations in the oprD gene. Notably, inherent carbapenem-resistant isolates of S. maltophilia were also resistant to the first-line recommended chemotherapeutic trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. This study estimates the risk of colonization by carbapenem-resistant non-fermenting GNB in pets hospitalized in veterinary tertiary care centers and highlights their potential role in spreading resistance genes among the animal and human community. Public health authorities should consider extending surveillance systems and putting the release of critical antibiotics under more strict control in order to manage the infection/colonization of pets in veterinary settings. | 2018 | 30574124 |
| 1827 | 12 | 0.9997 | Multinational comparison of the detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes in healthy resident feces. The spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, especially in developing countries, is a critical healthcare issue. Among these, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria are particularly concerning due to their resistance to third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins. Traditional methods for assessing bacterial resistance involve culturing bacteria on selective media from fecal samples, which may lead to selection bias. Alternatively, real-time PCR allows for detecting resistance genes directly from fecal DNA, providing a broader view of resistant bacteria. In this study, we evaluated the utility of a real-time PCR assay targeting ESBL-producing genes as a comprehensive detection method for ESBL-producing resistant bacteria in fecal samples. Additionally, we conducted a multinational comparative analysis of the colonization status of residents using this approach. The study analyzed ESBL genes in fecal samples from 161 residents in four countries: Ecuador, Ghana, Vietnam, and Japan. Samples from Ecuador, Ghana, and Vietnam, where ESBL carriage was notably high, revealed gene variations by country, with blaTEM genes being most common except in Ghana, where blaSHV genes predominated. These variations suggest that different bacterial hosts carry ESBL genes across countries. Quantitative PCR results further highlight that blaTEM is the most abundant ESBL gene. Although gene presence does not confirm antibiotic resistance, these findings underline significant ESBL carriage in low- and middle-income countries. The study emphasizes that gene detection in fecal samples is valuable for understanding resistant bacteria spread in communities.IMPORTANCEThe rise of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, particularly extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains, poses a serious threat to healthcare in developing countries. This study utilized real-time PCR to detect ESBL genes directly from fecal DNA of 161 participants across four countries, offering a comprehensive analysis without the biases of traditional culture-based methods. High ESBL gene carriage rates were found in Ecuador, Ghana, and Vietnam, with regional differences in gene prevalence: blaTEM dominated in most countries, while blaSHV was most frequent in Ghana. These results highlight the widespread community-level dissemination of ESBL genes in low- and middle-income countries, underscoring the importance of using gene detection as a tool for assessing the spread of resistant bacteria. | 2025 | 40304472 |
| 1962 | 13 | 0.9997 | European multicenter study on antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from companion animal urinary tract infections. BACKGROUND: There is a growing concern regarding the increase of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in companion animals. Yet, there are no studies comparing the resistance levels of these organisms in European countries. The aim of this study was to investigate geographical and temporal trends of antimicrobial resistant bacteria causing urinary tract infection (UTI) in companion animals in Europe. The antimicrobial susceptibility of 22 256 bacteria isolated from dogs and cats with UTI was determined. Samples were collected between 2008 and 2013 from 16 laboratories of 14 European countries. The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance of the most common bacteria was determined for each country individually in the years 2012-2013 and temporal trends of bacteria resistance were established by logistic regression. RESULTS: The aetiology of uropathogenic bacteria differed between dogs and cats. For all bacterial species, Southern countries generally presented higher levels of antimicrobial resistance compared to Northern countries. Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli were found to be more prevalent in Southern countries. During the study period, the level of fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli isolated in Belgium, Denmark, France and the Netherlands decreased significantly. A temporal increase in resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate and gentamicin was observed among E. coli isolates from the Netherlands and Switzerland, respectively. Other country-specific temporal increases were observed for fluoroquinolone-resistant Proteus spp. isolated from companion animals from Belgium. CONCLUSIONS: This work brings new insights into the current status of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from companion animals with UTI in Europe and reinforces the need for strategies aiming to reduce resistance. | 2016 | 27658466 |
| 2040 | 14 | 0.9997 | Multidrug-resistant bacteria as intestinal colonizers and evolution of intestinal colonization in healthy university students in Portugal. Multidrug-resistant bacteria have been increasingly described in healthcare institutions, however community resistance also seems to be emerging. Escherichia coli an intestinal commensal bacteria, is also a pathogen and represents an important intestinal reservoir of resistance. Our aim was the study of the intestinal colonization and of the persistence of antibiotic resistant intestinal bacteria in healthy university students of Porto, in the north of Portugal. Samples from 30 university students were collected and analysed. Two E. coli isolates were randomly obtained from each student and Gram-negative bacilli resistant to antibiotics were studied. In addition, we evaluated changes in the Gram-negative intestinal colonization of ten university students in a short period of time. Molecular characterization showed a high presence of bla (TEM) in commensal E. coli . Gram-negative bacteria with intrinsic and extrinsic resistance were isolated, namely Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacter spp. and Pantoea spp. We isolated three ESBL-producing E. coli from two students. These isolates showed bla (CTX-M) group 1 (n=1), bla (CTX-M) group 9 (n=2), bla (TEM) (n=2), bla (SHV) (n=1) and tetA (n=2) genes. Additionally, they showed specific virulence factors and conjugational transfer of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. One Pseudomonas spp. isolate resistant to carbapenems was detected colonizing one student. Our results confirm that healthy young adults may be colonized with commensals showing clinically relevant antibiotic resistance mechanisms, creating a risk of silent spread of these bacteria in the community. | 2021 | 33997613 |
| 1960 | 15 | 0.9997 | Phenotypic Investigation and Detection of Biofilm-Associated Genes in Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates, Obtained from Companion Animals. Bacteria of the genus Acinetobacter, especially Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab), have emerged as pathogens of companion animals during the last two decades and are commonly associated with hospitalization and multidrug resistance. A critical factor for the distribution of relevant strains in healthcare facilities, including veterinary facilities, is their adherence to both biotic and abiotic surfaces and the production of biofilms. A group of 41 A. baumannii isolates obtained from canine and feline clinical samples in Greece was subjected to phenotypic investigation of their ability to produce biofilms using the tissue culture plate (TCP) method. All of them (100%) produced biofilms, while 23 isolates (56.1%) were classified as strong producers, 11 (26.8%) as moderate producers, and 7 (17.1%) as weak producers. A correlation between the MDR and XDR phenotypes and weak or moderate biofilm production was identified. Moreover, the presence of four biofilm-associated genes bap, bla(PER), ompA, and csuE was examined by PCR, and they were detected in 100%, 65.9%, 97.6%, and 95.1% of the strains respectively. All isolates carried at least two of the investigated genes, whereas most of the strong biofilm producers carried all four genes. In conclusion, the spread and persistence of biofilm-producing Ab strains in veterinary facilities is a matter of concern, since they are regularly obtained from infected animals, indicating their potential as challenging pathogens for veterinarians due to multidrug resistance and tolerance in conventional eradication measures. Furthermore, considering that companion animals can act as reservoirs of relevant strains, public health concerns emerge. | 2024 | 38787042 |
| 1828 | 16 | 0.9997 | Monitoring of hospital sewage shows both promise and limitations as an early-warning system for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in a low-prevalence setting. Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) constitute a significant threat to healthcare systems. Continuous surveillance is important for the management and early warning of these bacteria. Sewage monitoring has been suggested as a possible resource-efficient complement to traditional clinical surveillance. It should not least be suitable for rare forms of resistance since a single sewage sample contains bacteria from a large number of individuals. Here, the value of sewage monitoring in early warning of CPE was assessed at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden, a setting with low prevalence of CPE. Twenty composite hospital sewage samples were collected during a two-year period. Carbapenemase genes in the complex samples were analyzed by quantitative PCR and the CPE loads were assessed through cultures on CPE-selective agar followed by species determination as well as phenotypic and genotypic tests targeting carbapenemases of presumed CPE. The findings were related to CPE detected in hospitalized patients. A subset of CPE isolates from sewage and patients were subjected to whole genome sequencing. For three of the investigated carbapenemase genes, bla(NDM), bla(OXA-48-like) and bla(KPC), there was concordance between gene levels and abundance of corresponding CPE in sewage. For the other two analyzed genes, bla(VIM) and bla(IMP), there was no such concordance, most likely due to the presence of those genes in non-Enterobacterales populating the sewage samples. In line with the detection of OXA-48-like- and NDM-producing CPE in sewage, these were also the most commonly detected CPE in patients. NDM-producing CPE were detected on a single occasion in sewage and isolated strains were shown to match strains detected in a patient. A marked peak in CPE producing OXA-48-like enzymes was observed in sewage during a few months. When levels started to increase there were no known cases of such CPE at the hospital but soon after a few cases were detected in samples from patients. The OXA-48-like-producing CPE from sewage and patients represented different strains, but they carried similar bla(OXA-48-like)-harbouring mobile genetic elements. In conclusion, sewage analyses show both promise and limitations as a complement to traditional clinical resistance surveillance for early warning of rare forms of resistance. Further evaluation and careful interpretation are needed to fully assess the value of such a sewage monitoring system. | 2021 | 34082263 |
| 2245 | 17 | 0.9996 | Biofilm Formation Status in ESBL-Producing Bacteria Recovered from Clinical Specimens of Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. BACKGROUND: Recently, the emergence and spread of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) bacteria have become a global health concern. In addition, the ability to form biofilm due to less impermeability to antibiotics and the horizontal transformation (conjugation) of genes involved in antibiotic resistance have exacerbated the concerns. With a comprehensive meta-analysis, this study evaluated the potential relationship between ESBL and biofilm formation. METHODS: A literature search was performed using global databases, such as PubMed and Scopus, up to November 2021. We retrieved all relevant documents and selected eligible articles based on inclusion criteria. Finally, the potential association between the biofilm formation capacity and resistance of ESBL-producing bacteria was measured with an odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: In the present study, 17 articles, including 2,069 Gram-negative isolates, were considered as eligible. The prevalence of biofilm formation in all clinical isolates of ESBL and non-ESBL pathogens was 72.4% (95% CI: 60.7-81.6) and 40.5% (95% CI: 30.2-51.8), respectively. Our results showed a positive relationship between the ability for biofilm formation and conferring antibiotic resistance in ESBL-producing bacteria (OR: 3.35; 95% CI: 1.67-6.74; p-value: 0.001). CONCLUSION: In general, we showed the rate of biofilm formation to be significantly higher in ESBLproducing strains. Given the current results, the updated therapeutic guidelines should consider the role of biofilm production for optimal therapy, treatment course, and clinical outcomes rather than the recommendation of antimicrobial agents by focusing on the results of the antibiotic susceptibility test. | 2023 | 36125823 |
| 2534 | 18 | 0.9996 | Prevalence, antibiotic resistance, and virulence gene profile of Escherichia coli strains shared between food and other sources in Africa: A systematic review. BACKGROUND AND AIM: Foodborne diseases caused by Escherichia coli are prevalent globally. Treatment is challenging due to antibiotic resistance in bacteria, except for foodborne infections due to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, for which treatment is symptomatic. Several studies have been conducted in Africa on antibiotic resistance of E. coli isolated from several sources. The prevalence and distribution of resistant pathogenic E. coli isolated from food, human, and animal sources and environmental samples and their virulence gene profiles were systematically reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bibliographic searches were performed using four databases. Research articles published between 2000 and 2022 on antibiotic susceptibility and virulence gene profile of E. coli isolated from food and other sources were selected. RESULTS: In total, 64 articles were selected from 14 African countries: 45% of the studies were conducted on food, 34% on animal samples, 21% on human disease surveillance, and 13% on environmental samples. According to these studies, E. coli is resistant to ~50 antimicrobial agents, multidrug-resistant, and can transmit at least 37 types of virulence genes. Polymerase chain reaction was used to characterize E. coli and determine virulence genes. CONCLUSION: A significant variation in epidemiological data was noticed within countries, authors, and sources (settings). These results can be used as an updated database for monitoring E. coli resistance in Africa. More studies using state-of-the-art equipment are needed to determine all resistance and virulence genes in pathogenic E. coli isolated in Africa. | 2023 | 38023276 |
| 2252 | 19 | 0.9996 | Antimicrobial resistance of 3 types of gram-negative bacteria isolated from hospital surfaces and the hands of health care workers. BACKGROUND: There has been an increased focus in recent years on antimicrobial resistance of bacteria isolated from clinical samples. However, resistance of bacteria from hospital environments has been less frequently investigated. METHODS: According to hygienic standard for disinfection in hospitals, samples were collected from hospital inanimate surfaces and the hands of health care workers after daily cleaning. An automatic microorganism analyzer was used to identify bacteria and test for antimicrobial susceptibility. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect antimicrobial resistance genes. RESULTS: The detection rate of bacteria in general wards was significantly higher than that in intensive care units. The isolates were predominantly gram-negative (GN) bacteria, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae being the most common. P aeruginosa isolates from other surfaces were much higher than those from medical instruments. E cloacae was isolated more frequently from the hands of other staff than medical staff. Most P aeruginosa and K pneumoniae were resistant to sulfonamides and β-lactam antimicrobials. Only 1 strain of P aeruginosa and 1 strain of K pneumoniae showed multiple antimicrobials resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The GN bacteria isolated from hospital environments demonstrate variable resistance to antimicrobials. | 2017 | 28780198 |