Hygiene practices and antibiotic resistance among dental and medical students: a comparative study. - Related Documents




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272501.0000Hygiene practices and antibiotic resistance among dental and medical students: a comparative study. PURPOSE: Healthcare students' hand and smartphone hygiene is critical due to potential pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria transmission. This study evaluates hygiene practices in medical and dental students at Kuwait University, exploring antibiotic resistance gene prevalence. METHODS: Swab samples were collected from the hands and smartphones of 32 medical and 30 dental students. These samples were cultured on Columbia Blood Agar and McConkey Agar plates to quantify bacterial colony-forming units (CFUs). The extracted DNA from these colonies underwent RT-PCR to identify antibiotic resistance genes, including tem-1, shv, blaZ, and mecA. Additionally, a questionnaire addressing hygiene practices was distributed post-sample collection. RESULTS: Medical students exhibited more frequent hand hygiene compared to dental students (P ≤ 0.0001). Although significantly fewer bacterial CFUs were found on medical students' smartphones (mean = 35 ± 53) than dental students' (mean = 89 ± 129) (P ≤ 0.05), no significant differences were observed in CFU counts on their hands (medical: mean = 17 ± 37; dental: mean = 96 ± 229). Detection of at least one of the targeted antibiotic resistance genes on medical (89% hands, 52% smartphones) and dental students' (79% hands, 63% smartphones) was not statistically significant. However, the prevalence of two genes, tem-1 and shv, was significantly higher on medical students' hands (78% and 65%, respectively) than on dental students' hands (32% and 28%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Clinically significant prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes were found on medical and dental students' hands and smartphones, emphasizing the importance of ongoing education regarding hand hygiene and smartphone disinfection. This continuous reinforcement in the curriculum is crucial to minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.202438514584
558410.9995Prevalence of Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Sweets from Local Markets in Iran. BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the prevalences of some important antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) and foodborne bacterial pathogens in sweet samples collected from local markets in Iran. METHODS: Forty sweet samples were collected. Foodborne pathogens and ARGs were detected in the sweet samples by conventional and multiplex PCR assays using species-specific primers. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus, Cronobacter sakazakii, Shigella spp., Campylobacter jejuni, and Campylobacter coli were detected and identified in 47.5%, 20%, 45%, 5%, and 30% of the sweet samples, respectively. We found S. aureus and Shigella spp. were the most prevalent bacterial pathogens. S. aureus was found to be the most frequent pathogenic bacteria profiled in these samples. We also found a significant correlation between the presence of C. coli and Cr. sakazakii. We detected the bla(SHV) resistance gene in 97.5% of the sweet samples; however, bla(TEM) was detected in only one sample (2.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding these results, we suggest preventive strategies such as implementing automation of food processing; monitoring the personal hygiene and health of food handlers, and testing regularly for antibiotic resistance in raw materials and products.202337835299
526720.9995Diversity and antibiotic resistance of cultivable bacteria in bulk tank milk from dairy farms in Shandong Province, China. INTRODUCTION: This study systematically analyzed bacterial diversity and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles in bulk tank milk from five dairy farms (n = 30) in Shandong Province, China, to assess public health risks associated with microbial contamination and provide critical data for regional quality control and AMR risk assessment in dairy production systems. METHODS: Total bacterial counts were quantified, revealing significant inter-farm variation (P < 0.05) with a range of 3.94-6.68 log CFU/mL. Among 129 bacterial isolates, genus-level dominance and species prevalence were identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) against 10 agents was performed using integrated resistance criteria combining Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standards and epidemiological cutoff values (ECOFFs). Nine resistance genes targeting seven antibiotic classes were detected via PCR. RESULTS: The highest resistance rate was observed for sulfadiazine (53.2%) and the lowest for levofloxacin (6.0%). Multidrug resistance was detected in 23% (20/87) of isolates, with 14 strains meeting ECOFFs-based resistance criteria. PCR analysis showed sul1 (70.5%) and ant(4')-Ia (54.3%) as the most prevalent resistance genes, while mcr-1, lnu (B), and bla (NDM-1) were absent in all isolates. Regional resistance variations correlated significantly with farm management practices. DISCUSSION: These findings underscore the impact of historical antibiotic use on AMR dissemination. Enhanced AMR surveillance in raw milk, improved antibiotic stewardship, and targeted interventions are crucial to mitigate public health risks from microbial contamination and horizontal gene transfer of resistance determinants.202540771950
278730.9995Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction/Pooled Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing Was Not Associated with Increased Antibiotic Resistance in Management of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections. OBJECTIVE: To compare antibiotic resistance results at different time points in patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs), who were either treated based upon a combined multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) and pooled antibiotic susceptibility test (P-AST) or were not treated. METHODS: The M-PCR/P-AST test utilized here detects 30 UTI pathogens or group of pathogens, 32 antibiotic resistance (ABR) genes, and phenotypic susceptibility to 19 antibiotics. We compared the presence or absence of ABR genes and the number of resistant antibiotics, at baseline (Day 0) and 5-28 days (Day 5-28) after clinical management in the antibiotic-treated (n = 52) and untreated groups (n = 12). RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that higher percentage of patients had a reduction in ABR gene detection in the treated compared to the untreated group (38.5% reduction vs 0%, p = 0.01). Similarly, significantly more patients had reduced numbers of resistant antibiotics, as measured by the phenotypic P-AST component of the test, in the treated than in the untreated group (42.3% reduction vs 8.3%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Our results with both resistance gene and phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility results demonstrated that treatment based upon rapid and sensitive M-PCR/P-AST resulted in reduction rather than induction of antibiotic resistance in symptomatic patients with suspected complicated UTI (cUTI) in an urology setting, indicating this type of test is valuable in the management of these types of patients. Further studies of the causes of gene reduction, including elimination of ABR gene-carrying bacteria and loss of ABR gene(s), are warranted.202337193300
195340.9995Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Resistance Genes in Isolates from Ghanaian Drinking Water Sources. The control of infectious diseases is seriously threatened by the increase in the number of microorganisms resistant to antimicrobial agents. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have also been identified in the water environment. A field study was performed sampling drinking water sources in seven districts of southern Ghana targeting boreholes, dams, hand-dug wells, and streams during baseflow conditions. Bacteria were isolated (N = 110) from a total of 67 water samples to investigate their antimicrobial susceptibility and to determine their carriage of select antibiotic resistance genes. Bacterial identification was performed using conventional selective media methods and the analytical profile index (API) method. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were carried out using the Kirby-Bauer method. Results indicated that all water sources tested were of poor quality based on the presence of fecal indicator organisms. The most commonly occurring bacterium isolated from water was Klebsiella spp. (N = 24, 21.8%), followed by E. coli (N = 23, 20.9%). Gram-negative bacteria isolates were most commonly resistant to cefuroxime (24.5%), while the Gram-positives were most commonly resistant to meropenem (21.3%). The highest rates of bacterial resistances to more than one antibiotic were observed in Klebsiella spp. (30.0%) followed by E. coli (27.8%). PCR was used to detect the presence of a select antibiotic resistance genes in the Gram-negative isolates. The presence of bla (NDM-1), sull, tet(O), and tet(W) were observed in isolates from all water sources. In contrast, ermF was not detected in any of the Gram-negative isolates from any water source. Most (28.7%) of the resistance genes were observed in E. coli isolates. Reducing microbial contamination of the various water sources is needed to protect public health and to ensure the sustainability of this resource. This further calls for education of the citizenry.202236246472
272750.9995Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Neisseria meningitidis and Enterobacteriaceae in Two Reference Hospitals of Yaoundé: An Overview before and during COVID-19 Pandemic Era. The COVID-19 pandemic led to tremendously use of antimicrobial due to the lack of proper treatment strategies, raising concerns about emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed at determining the prevalence and antibiotic resistance pattern of selected bacteria isolates in 02 referral health facilities in Yaoundé before and during the COVID-19 pandemic era. We conducted a retrospective study over a period of 03 years (from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021) in the bacteriology units of the Central and General Hospitals of Yaoundé, Cameroon. Data on bacteria genera (Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Neisseria meningitidis and Enterobacteriaceae) as well as their corresponding specifics antibiotics: Cefixime, azythromycin and erythromycin were obtained from laboratory records. The global resistance rate of bacteria as well as their correlation with antibiotics according to COVID-19 pandemic era was determined and compared. For p < 0.05, the difference was statistically significant. In all, 426 bacterial strains were included. It appeared that the highest number of bacteria isolates and lowest rate of bacterial resistance were recorded during the pre-COVID-19 period in 2019 (160 isolates vs. 58.8% resistance rate). Conversely, lower bacteria strains but greater resistance burden were recorded during the pandemic era (2020 and 2021) with the lowest bacteria amount and peak of bacteria resistance registered in 2020, the year of COVID-19 onset (120 isolates vs. 70% resistance in 2020 and 146 isolates vs. 58.9% resistance in 2021). In contrast to almost all others groups of bacteria where the resistance burden was quite constant or decreasing over years, the Enterobacteriaceae exhibited greater resistance rate during the pandemic period [60% (48/80) in 2019 to 86.9% (60/69) in 2020 and 64.5% (61/95) in 2021)]. Concerning antibiotics, unlike erythromycin, azythromycin related resitance increased during the pandemic period and the resistance to Cefixim tends to decrease the year of the pandemic onset (2020) and re-increase one year therafter. A significant association was found between resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains and cefixime (R = 0.7; p = 0.0001) and also, between resistant Staphylococcus strains and erythromycin (R = 0.8; p = 0.0001). These retrospective data showed a herogeneous MDR bacteria rate and antibiotic resistance pattern over time before and during the COVID-19 pandemic era suggesting that antimicrobial resistance needs to be more closely monitored.202337237832
221060.9995Beyond Culture: Real-Time PCR Performance in Detecting Causative Pathogens and Key Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia. Introduction: The rise in hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria is increasing morbidity, mortality, and inappropriate empirical antibiotic use. This prospective research aimed to evaluate the performance of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detecting causative microorganisms and antibiotic-resistance genes from respiratory specimens compared to traditional methods. Additionally, we aimed to determine the molecular epidemiology of antibiotic resistance genes among HAP patients at The University of Jordan hospital. Methods: Lower respiratory tract samples were collected from HAP patients, including those with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), between May 2024 and October 2024. Clinical data from the medical files were used to collect and analyze demographic and clinical information, including clinical outcomes. Real-time PCR was run to detect causative microbes and antibiotic resistance genes. Results: Among 83 HAP patients (median age 63, 61.45% male), 48.15% died. Culture identified Klebsiella (25.53%), Acinetobacter (22.34%), and Candida (24.47%) as the most common pathogens, while qPCR showed higher detection rates, including for A. baumannii (62.20%, p = 0.02) and K. pneumoniae (45.12%, p < 0.001). Carbapenem resistance was high; A. baumannii showed 100% resistance to most antibiotics except colistin (92.31%). The resistance genes ndm (60%) and oxa-48 (58.46%) were frequently detected and significantly associated with phenotypic resistance (p < 0.001). The qPCR identified resistance genes in all carbapenem-resistant cases. No gene significantly predicted mortality. Conclusions: Real-time PCR diagnostic technique combined with epidemiology of antibiotic resistance genes data may be a rapid and effective tool to improve HAP management. Large, multicenter studies are needed in the future to validate the performance of real-time PCR in HAP diagnosis, and appropriate management is also required.202541009915
225170.9994Direct-PCR from rectal swabs and environmental reservoirs: A fast and efficient alternative to detect bla(OXA-48) carbapenemase genes in an Enterobacter cloacae outbreak setting. Carbapenemase-producing bacteria are a risk factor in clinical settings worldwide. The aim of the study was to accelerate the time to results during an outbreak situation with bla(OXA-48)-positive Enterobacter cloacae by using a real-time multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) directly on rectal swab specimens and on wastewater samples to detect carbapenemase-producing bacteria. Thus, we analyzed 681 rectal swabs and 947 environmental samples during a five-month period by qPCR and compared the results to culture screening. The qPCR showed a sensitivity of 100% by testing directly from rectal swabs and was in ten cases more sensitive than the culture-based methods. Environmental screening for bla(OXA-48)-carbapenemase genes by qPCR revealed reservoirs of different carbapenemase genes that are potential sources of transmission and might lead to new outbreaks. The rapid identification of patients colonized with those isolates and screening of the hospital environment is essential for earlier patient treatment and eliminating potential sources of nosocomial infections.202234343553
225080.9994Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogenic Bacteria and Level of Antibiotic Residues in Hospital Effluents in Selangor, Malaysia: Protocol for a Cross-sectional Study. BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a major global public health challenge due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics for humans and animals. Hospitals are among the major users of antibiotics, thereby having a large contribution to AMR. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria and the level of antibiotic residues in the hospital effluents in Selangor, Malaysia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study will be performed in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. Tertiary hospitals will be identified based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methods are divided into three phases: sample collection, microbiological analysis, and chemical analysis. Microbiological analyses will include the isolation of bacteria from hospital effluents by culturing on selective media. Antibiotic sensitivity testing will be performed on the isolated bacteria against ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, meropenem, vancomycin, colistin, and piperacillin/tazobactam. The identification of bacteria will be confirmed using 16S RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multiplex PCR will be performed to detect resistance genes (ermB, mecA, bla(NDM-L), bla(CTX-M), bla(OXA-48), bla(SHV), VanA, VanB, VanC1, mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, Intl1, Intl2, and qnrA). Finally, the level of antibiotic residues will be measured using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The expected outcomes will be the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter (ESKAPE) bacterial species from the hospital effluents, the occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from the isolated ESKAPE bacteria, and the level of antibiotic residues that may be detected from the effluent. Sampling has been conducted in three hospitals. Data analysis from one hospital showed that as of July 2022, 80% (8/10) of E. faecium isolates were resistant to vancomycin and 10% (1/10) were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Further analysis will be conducted to determine if the isolates harbor any ARGs and effluent samples are being analyzed to detect antibiotic residues. Sampling activities will be resumed after being suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are scheduled to end by December 2022. CONCLUSIONS: This study will provide the first baseline information to elucidate the current status of AMR of highly pathogenic bacteria present in hospital effluents in Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/39022.202337247207
195990.9994Prevalence of Multiple Drug-Resistant Bacteria in the Main Campus Wastewater Treatment Plant of Wolaita Sodo University, Southern Ethiopia. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are important reservoirs for the development of drug resistance and a potential route for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. One of the most serious challenges in Ethiopia is the widespread emergence of antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens. The bacteria were isolated between September 2018 and May 2019 from the main campus of Wolaita Sodo University in Southern Ethiopia. Using an enrichment process and selective media isolation, 380 wastewater treatment plant samples were collected and screened for the presence of various bacterial isolates. Of a total of 380 wastewater treatment samples, 136 were isolated. Positive prevalence was documented in 136 sample isolates of bacteria from six genera. Escherichia coli 34 (8.94%), Salmonella spp. 15 (3.94%), Shigella spp. 32 (8.42%), Staphylococcus aureus 23 (6.05%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 21 (5.52%), and Proteus spp. 11 (2.89%). The general prevalence of bacterial isolates was assessed, and 136 (37.58%) samples tested positive for culture. Furthermore, isolates were used to determine sensitivity/resistance patterns using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and the agar well diffusion technique, respectively. Multiple drug resistance isolates and multiple values of the antibiotic resistance index were evaluated and recorded according to the resistant pattern. Some organisms were sensitive to sparfloxacin and tobramycin, while Staphylococcus aureus was sensitive to methicillin and others showed the highest resistance. At least four of the seven antibiotic classes were found to be resistant to multiple drug resistance isolates, and some classes of antibiotics were found to be highly sensitive to these isolates. Multiple antibiotic resistance index values ranged from 0.37 to 0.75, with Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus having the highest score values. The current study has shown that some of the bacterial isolates were resistant to common antibiotics. Therefore, it is recommended that the emergence of multiple drug resistance increased rapidly, pathogenic bacteria inappropriate treated wastewater treatment plant systems were continuously contaminated, and bacterial resistance increased day by day as a result of environmental factors. As a result, due to the serious challenges facing the community's health, multiple drug-resistant prevention and control strategies must be implemented.202236466967
1831100.9994Antibiotic 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.202235927336
2611110.9994Prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in conventional vs. organic livestock farms in Egypt: a cross-sectional comparative study. The silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance (AR) has been on the rise for the past decades. It is essential to determine the burden of AR in animal farms that spreads leading to human exposure. A total of 100 samples including soil, litter, animal excreta, and wastewater were collected from seven conventional and one organic farm in Egypt. The prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-producing E. coli), fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli, fluoroquinolone-resistant Salmonella, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) was determined in studied farms. Conventional farms had a higher prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria than the organic farm (73.81% vs. 18.75%, P < .001). In conventional farms 21.43% of samples yielded mixed isolates; however, in the organic farm, only single isolates of ESBL-producing E. coli were detected. The most prevalent ESBL-production gene was blaTEM (82.14%), followed by blaCTX-M (48.22%), and blaSHV (19.64%), either alone or in combination with another gene. The most prevalent fluoroquinolone-resistance genes were qnrS (82.69%) and qnrB (42.30%), either alone or in combination with another gene(s). A total of five VRE isolates harbored vanA gene (83.33%), none carried vanB gene, and one isolate was negative for both genes. The studied conventional livestock farms had significantly higher rates of serious AR threats than the organic farm.202336688777
2209120.9994Concordance Between Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Susceptibility in Symptomatic Urinary Tract Infections. PURPOSE: Studies have shown that multiple genes influence antibiotic susceptibility, but the relationship between genotypic and phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility is unclear. We sought to analyze the concordance between the presence of antibiotic resistance (ABR) genes and antibiotic susceptibility results in urine samples collected from patients with symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Urine samples were collected from patients presenting to 37 geographically disparate urology clinics across the United States from July 2018 to February 2019. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction was used to detect 27 ABR genes. In samples containing at least one culturable organism at a concentration of ≥ 10(4) cells per mL, pooled antibiotic susceptibility testing (P-AST), which involves simultaneous growing all detected bacteria together in the presence of antibiotic and then measure susceptibility, was performed against 14 antibiotics. The concordance rate between the ABR genes and the P-AST results was generated for the overall group. The concordance rates for each antibiotic between monomicrobial and polymicrobial infection were compared using chi-square test. RESULTS: Results from ABR gene detection and P-AST of urine samples from 1155 patients were included in the concordance analysis. Overall, there was a 60% concordance between the presence or absence of ABR genes and corresponding antimicrobial susceptibility with a range of 49-78% across antibiotic classes. Vancomycin, meropenem, and piperacillin/tazobactam showed significantly lower concordance rates in polymicrobial infections than in monomicrobial infections. CONCLUSION: Given the 40% discordance rate, the detection of ABR genes alone may not provide reliable data to make informed clinical decisions in UTI management. However, when used in conjunction with susceptibility testing, ABR gene data can offer valuable clinical information for antibiotic stewardship.202134447256
2723130.9994Hospital air: A potential route for transmission of infections caused by β-lactam-resistant bacteria. BACKGROUND: The emergence of bacterial resistance to β-lactam antibiotics seriously challenges the treatment of various nosocomial infections. This study was designed to investigate the presence of β-lactam-resistant bacteria (BLRB) in hospital air. METHODS: A total of 64 air samples were collected in 4 hospital wards. Detection of airborne bacteria was carried out using culture plates with and without β-lactams. BLRB isolates were screened for the presence of 5 common β-lactamase-encoding genes. Sequence analysis of predominant BLRB was also performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of BLRB ranged between 3% and 34%. Oxacillin-resistant bacteria had the highest prevalence, followed by ceftazidime- and cefazolin-resistant bacteria. The frequency of β-lactamase-encoding genes in isolated BLRB ranged between 0% and 47%, with the highest and lowest detection for OXA-23 and CTX-m-32, respectively. MecA had a relatively high frequency in surgery wards and operating theaters, whereas the frequency of blaTEM was higher in intensive care units and internal medicine wards. OXA-51 was detected in 4 wards. Acinetobacter spp, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Staphylococcus spp were the most predominant BLRB. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that hospital air is a potential route of transmission of BLRB, such as Acinetobacter and Staphylococcus, 2 important causative agents of nosocomial infections. Therefore, improvement of control measures against the spreading of airborne bacteria in hospital environments is warranted.201627021512
2610140.9994Antimicrobial Resistant Salmonella in Canal Water in Bangkok, Thailand: Survey Results Between 2016 and 2019. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in environmental reservoirs is an emerging global health concern, particularly in urban settings with inadequate wastewater management. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and resistance profiles of Salmonella spp. in canal water in Bangkok and assess the distribution of key antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Between 2016 and 2019, a total of 1381 water samples were collected from 29 canals. Salmonella spp. were isolated using standard microbiological methods and tested for susceptibility to 13 antibiotics. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes and class 1 integron. Salmonella was found in 89.7% of samples. Among these, 62.1% showed resistance to at least one antimicrobial, and 54.8% were multidrug-resistant (MDR). The highest resistance was observed against streptomycin (41.4%). ESBL genes, predominantly blaCTX-M, were detected in 72.2% of tested isolates, while class 1 integrons were found in 67.8%, indicating a strong potential for gene dissemination. The results highlight urban canals as critical environment reservoirs of AMR Salmonella serovars, posing significant public health risks, particularly where canal water is used for agriculture, household, or recreational purposes. Strengthened environmental surveillance and effective wastewater regulation are urgently needed to mitigate AMR bacteria transmission at the human-environment-animal interface.202541007477
2706150.9994Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profile of bacterial foodborne pathogens in Nile tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) at points of retail sale in Nairobi, Kenya. Proteus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Pseudeomonas spp., and pathogenic Vibrios are among the major foodborne pathogens associated with the consumption of contaminated fish. The increasing occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in these pathogens is a serious public health concern globally and therefore continuous monitoring of antimicrobial resistance of these bacteria along the food chain is crucial for for control of foodborne illnesses. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance patterns, antibiotic resistance genes, and genetic diversity of bacterial foodborne pathogens recovered from fresh Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) obtained from retail markets in Nairobi, Kenya. A total of 68 O. niloticus fish with an average weight of 300.12 ± 25.66 g and body length of 23.00 ± 0.82 cm were randomly sampled from retail markets and tested for the presence of Proteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholerae, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Standard culture-based microbiological and Kirby-Bauer agar disk diffusion methods were used to isolate and determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns of the isolates to 11 selected antibiotics. Statistical analysis was performed using Minitab v17.1, with p < 0.05 considered significant. The genetic diversity of the multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacteria was determined using 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for detection of antibiotic resistance genes in MDR bacterial isolates. High levels of bacterial contamination were detected in fresh O. niloticus fish (44/68, 64.71%). The most prevalent bacteria were Proteus spp. (44.12%), with the rest of the bacterial species registering a prevalence of 10.29%, 4.41%, 2.94%, and 2.94% (for S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, V. cholerae, and V. parahaemolyticus, respectively). Antimicrobial resistance was detected in all the bacteria species and all the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic except cefepime (30 µg). Additionally, 86.36% of the isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, with higher multiple antibiotic resistance indices (MAR index >0.3) indicating that fresh O. niloticus fish were highly contaminated with MDR bacteria. Results of 16S rRNA sequences, BLASTn analysis, and phylogenetic trees confirmed the identified MDR bacterial isolates as Proteus mirabilis and other Proteus spp., S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, V. cholerae, and V. parahaemolyticus. PCR analysis confirmed the presence of multiple antibiotic resistance genes blaTEM-1, blaCMY-2, tetA, tetC, Sul2, dfrA7, strA, and aadA belonging to β-lactamases, tetracycline, sulfonamide, trimethoprim, and aminoglycosides in all the MDR bacterial isolates. There was strong correlation between antibiotic- resistant genes and phenotypic resistance to antibiotics of MDR bacteria. This study showed high prevalence of multidrug resistance among foodborne bacterial isolates from fresh O. niloticus fish obtained from retail markets. From this study, we conclude that fresh O. niloticus fish are a potential source of MDR bacteria, which could be a major risk to public health as a consequence of their dissemination along the human food chain. These results highlight the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant foodborne pathogens in fish purchased from retail markets and underscore the risk associated with improper handling of fish.202339816642
2712160.9994Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Bacteria Isolated from Hotspot Environments in Bahir Dar City, Northwestern Ethiopia. BACKGROUND: Wastes generated from hotspot environments contain a wide range of antibiotics and pathogens that play a significant role in the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment. This study was carried out to isolate bacteria from hotspot environments and determine their resistance profiles to commonly used antibiotics in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2020 to June 2021 in Bahir Dar City. A total of 126 waste and wastewater samples were aseptically collected, transported, and processed for bacteriological isolation and susceptibility testing following standard procedures. RESULTS: A total of 411 bacterial isolates were recovered and the highest value of 122 (29.7%) bacterial isolates were obtained from medical wastewater samples, and the most frequently isolated bacteria were assigned to the species Escherichia coli with 82 strains (19.5%). The results revealed that the highest resistance profile of 69 (95.8%) was obtained in Staphylococcus aureus against ampicillin and 46 (86.8%) Citrobacter spp. against tetracycline. Two hundred and sixteen (52.6%) of bacteria showed multi-drug resistance and the highest multi-drug resistance was observed in Pseudomonas spp. 47 (65.3%), followed by Escherichia coli 51 (62.2%). The highest resistance profile of 12 (85.7%) and 60 (74.1%) for tetracycline were obtained from beef waste and wastewater and medical wastewater samples. The highest multi-drug resistance was recorded in isolates isolated from beef waste and wastewater samples 11 (64.7%), followed by medical wastewater samples 84 (64.1%). Even though a higher (>0.2) multi-antibiotic resistance index was found in all hotspot environments, the highest multi-antibiotic resistance index (0.477) was recorded in bacteria isolated from medical wastewater. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that wastes generated from hotspot environments and released in the environment contain large numbers of antibiotic-resistant, multidrug, extensively, and pan-drug-resistant bacteria. Proper waste management strategies should be established.202235785260
2104170.9994A systematic review and meta-analysis on antibiotic resistance genes in Ghana. BACKGROUND: Addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a complex challenge, primarily because of the limited understanding of bacterial antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the spread of these genes across different domains. To bridge this knowledge gap in Ghana, we undertook a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify and estimate the prevalence of circulating ARGs in bacteria isolated from human, animal, and environmental sources. METHODS: A thorough literature search was conducted across three major databases-Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus-to retrieve all relevant articles related to ARGs in Ghana from the inception of the databases to February 25, 2024. A risk-of-bias evaluation was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and the data analysis involved descriptive statistics and proportional meta-analysis. RESULTS: Of the 371 articles initially obtained, 38 met the inclusion criteria. These studies adequately covered Ghana geographically. The most prevalent ESBL gene identified was bla(CTX-M), with a prevalence of 31.6% (95% CI: 17.6-45.7), followed by bla(TEM) (19.5% [95% CI: 9.7-29.3]), and bla(SHV) (3.5% [95% CI: 0.3-6.6]). The pooled prevalence of carbapenemase genes ranged from 17.2% (95% CI: 6.9-27.6) for bla(NDM) to 10.3% (95% CI: 1.9-18.7) for bla(OXA). Additionally, other ARGs, including sul1, qnrS, gyrA, erm(B), and mecA, were detected, with prevalence ranging from 3.9% (95% CI: 0.0-8.5) to 16.4% (95% CI: 3.1-29.8). Several ARGs were shared across human, animal, and environmental sources. CONCLUSION: This review revealed that bacteria obtained from human, animal, and environmental samples in Ghana shared genes associated with AMR. This finding provides evidence on the interconnection of AMR across these three domains. Horizontal gene transfer, which enables the dissemination of ARGs between genetically diverse bacteria, can occur, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to addressing antimicrobial resistance in Ghana.202540075357
1004180.9994Hospital Wastes as Potential Sources for Multi-Drug-Resistant ESBL-Producing Bacteria at a Tertiary Hospital in Ethiopia. The hospital environment is increasingly becoming an important reservoir for multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria, posing serious challenges to efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed to investigate the role of hospital waste as a potential source of MDR ESBL-producing bacteria. Samples were collected from multiple sources within a hospital and its vicinity, including surface swabs, houseflies, and sewage samples. The samples were subsequently processed in a microbiology laboratory to identify potential pathogenic bacteria and confirmed using MALDI-TOF MS. Bacteria were isolated from 87% of samples, with the predominant isolates being E. coli (30.5%), Klebsiella spp. (12.4%), Providencia spp. (12.4%), and Proteus spp. (11.9%). According to the double disc synergy test (DDST) analysis, nearly half (49.2%) of the bacteria were identified as ESBL producers. However, despite exhibiting complete resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, 11.8% of them did not test positive for ESBL production. The characterization of E. coli revealed that 30.6% and 5.6% of them carried blaCTX-M group 1 type-15 and blaNDM genes, respectively. This finding emphasizes the importance of proper hospital sanitation and waste management practices to mitigate the spread of AMR within the healthcare setting and safeguard the health of both patients and the wider community.202438667050
2924190.9994Molecular characterization of selected multidrug resistant Pseudomonas from water distribution systems in southwestern Nigeria. BACKGROUND: Persistence of antibiotic resistant bacteria, including multidrug resistant (MDR) pseudomonads, is an important environmental health problem associated with drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) worldwide. There is paucity of data on the molecular characteristics of antibiotic resistance genes and their mode of transfer among pseudomonads from DWDS located in resource-challenged areas such as southwestern Nigeria. METHODS: MDR pseudomonads (n = 22) were selected from a panel of 296 different strains that were isolated from treated and untreated water in six DWDS located across southwest Nigeria. Primarily, the isolated pseudomonads strains were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing and antibiotic-resistance testing was completed using agar breakpoints assays. The final panel of strains of resistant to more than three classes of antibiotics (i.e. MDR), were further characterized by PCR genotyping, Sanger sequencing, and plasmid profiling. RESULTS: Pseudomonad resistance to gentamicin and streptomycin ranged from 22.7 to 54.6 % while resistance to tetracycline, ceftiofur and sulphamethoxazole ranged from 40.9 to 77.3 %. The most commonly detected antibiotic resistance genes were tet(A) (31.8 % of isolates), sul1 (31.8 %), bla TEM (40.9 %) and aph(3″) (c) (36.4 %). Class 1 integron sequences were evident in 27.3 % of isolates and they harbored genes encoding resistance to aminoglycosides (aadA2, aadA1), trimethoprim (dfrA15, dfr7) and sulphonamide (sul1) while the plasmid ranged between 22 and 130 kb. CONCLUSIONS: Pseudomonas spp, isolated from these DWDS possess resistance genes and factors that are of public and environmental health significance. Therefore, has the potential of contributing to the global scourge of resistance genes transfer in human, animals and environments, thereby, useful in the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance.201526328550