Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates in Egypt: phenotypic, genotypic, and antibiofilm assessment of Pluronic F-127. - Related Documents




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565901.0000Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates in Egypt: phenotypic, genotypic, and antibiofilm assessment of Pluronic F-127. BACKGROUND: Virulence factors play an important role in developing bacterial resistance leading to the increased severity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Several genes encoding for virulence factors is coordinated by the quorum sensing (QS) system. In the present study, the prevalence of virulence genes, particularly those involved in controlling biofilm formation, and their correlation with antibiotic resistance patterns was investigated. The ability of the pathogens to form biofilm and the impact of Pluronic F-127 as a potential biofilm inhibitor was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 118 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates were collected. The highest resistance rates were observed against ceftazidime (94%), while colistin was the most effective followed by polymyxin B with sensitivity rate 72% and 59%, respectively. Out of 118 isolates: 111 (94%) were biofilm producers, 24.6% of them were strong. The QS genes; lasR and rhlR, were detected in 85% and 89% of the isolates, respectively, toxA gene in 95% and ampC gene in 69% of the isolates. Pluronic F-127 was confirmed as a biofilm inhibitor in lowest concentration used 1.25 mg/ml which inhibits 78% of strong biofilm forming isolates and has better effect on detachment of established biofilm by 90% of biofilm forming isolates. CONCLUSION: The ability of bacteria to form biofilms contributes greatly to the development of antibiotic resistance, which leads to the occurrence of persistent and chronic bacterial illnesses. Many isolates exhibited moderate to strong biofilm forming ability, which showed a high resistance pattern. The results demonstrated that Pluronic F-127 has a promising level of biofilm inhibition and detachment in most isolates. It has a chance to serve as a substitute means for combating biofilm formation.202540281406
565810.9998Molecular identification and biofilm formation of aerobic and anaerobic coinfection bacterial isolated from cystic fibrosis patients in southwest Iran from 2014 to 2022. BACKGROUND: Coinfections and resistant bacterial infections are more likely to occur in cystic fibrosis patients because their immune systems are weak. The purpose of this study was to identify by molecular means as well as the formation of biofilm of aerobic and anaerobic coinfection bacteria isolated from cystic fibrosis patients in southwest Iran from 2014 to 2022. METHODS: In this investigation, 130 clinical specimens were collected from 130 CF patients by universal primer. Biofilm formation was investigated using the microtiter plate method. Antibiotic resistance was measured using Vitec 2 device. In addition, identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using genes mecA was performed. MAIN FINDINGS: In aerobic bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in (32%) of samples. In anaerobic bacteria (16%) Prevotella spp. was the most frequently isolated anaerobe bacteria found in of the CF patients. In this study, 75% of the bacteria could form biofilms, while 23% were unable to biofilm formation. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, P. aeruginosa was found to be the most frequently isolated bacterium from patients with CF, and many of these bacteria could form biofilms. Additionally, the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance indicates the urgent need for increased attention to antibiotic preparation and patient screening concerning bacterial coinfections and the virulence and adhesion factors of these bacteria. Furthermore, the present study demonstrates that the coinfection of bacteria with high antibiotic resistance and a high capacity for biofilm formation can pose a life-threatening risk to CF patients, mainly due to their weakened immune systems.202337566205
567220.9998Antibiotic Resistance, Biofilm Formation, and Presence of Genes Encoding Virulence Factors in Strains Isolated from the Pharmaceutical Production Environment. The spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics affects various areas of life. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other bacteria mainly from orders Enterobacterales and Staphylococcus in the pharmaceutical production sites, and to characterize isolated strains in the aspects of antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and presence of genes encoding virulence factors. Genes encoding selected virulence factors were detected using PCR techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was applied in accordance with the EUCAST recommendations. A total of 46 P. aeruginosa strains were isolated and 85% strains showed a strong biofilm-forming ability. The qualitative identification of genes taking part in Quorum Sensing system demonstrated that over 89% of strains contained lasR and rhlI genes. An antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed nine strains resistant to at least one antibiotic, and two isolates were the metallo-β-lactamase producers. Moreover, the majority of P. aeruginosa strains contained genes encoding various virulence factors. Presence of even low level of pathogenic microorganisms or higher level of opportunistic pathogens and their toxic metabolites might result in the production inefficiency. Therefore, the prevention of microbial contamination, effectiveness of sanitary and hygienic applied protocols, and constant microbiological monitoring of the environment are of great importance.202133513933
578530.9998Molecular characterization of resistance and biofilm genes of ESKAPE pathogens isolated from clinical samples: examination of the effect of boric acid on biofilm ability by cell culture method. Biofilm formation ranks first among the resistance and virulence factors crucial in forming ESKAPE pathogens. Once biofilm is formed, treating the infection with existing drugs is often futile. Therefore, in this study, resistant ESKAPE pathogens were isolated from intensive care units and sent to Atatürk University Yakutiye Research Hospital Microbiology Laboratory. This study investigated the biofilm formation and molecular characterization of resistant ESKAPE pathogens isolated from intensive care units. The bacteria's biofilm formation abilities, genes responsible for biofilm formation, and resistance characteristics were identified. The effect of boric acid (BA) on resistance and bacterial genes was evaluated by a bacterial infection cell culture model. The highest biofilm formation was observed in Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Enterococcus spp. isolates showed the vanA gene in 14.6% and the vanC gene in 61% of the samples. Among Staphylococcus spp. isolates, 48.3% were MSSA, 34.5% were MRCNS, and 17.2% were MRSA. The KPC gene was detected in 50%, the OXA-48 gene in 40%, and the NDM gene in 15% of the isolates. In P. aeruginosa, the LasI and LasR quorum sensing system genes were found in 38.5% and 30.8% of the isolates, respectively. In E. coli isolates, OXA-48 was present in 35%, KPC in 31.7%, and TEM in 12.5%. BA demonstrated significant activity against ESKAPE pathogens. The combined antimicrobial activity of boron compounds showed a decrease in the expression level of the resistance gene. It will be promising for preventing hospital-associated infections.202540025436
578040.9998Antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and virulence genes of Streptococcus agalactiae serotypes of Indian origin. BACKGROUND: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a causative agent of various infections in newborns, immunocompromised (especially diabetic) non-pregnant adults, and pregnant women. Antibiotic resistance profiling can provide insights into the use of antibiotic prophylaxis against potential GBS infections. Virulence factors are responsible for host-bacteria interactions, pathogenesis, and biofilm development strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the biofilm formation capacity, presence of virulence genes, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of clinical GBS isolates. RESULTS: The resistance rate was highest for penicillin (27%; n = 8 strains) among all the tested antibiotics, which indicates the emergence of penicillin resistance among GBS strains. The susceptibility rate was highest for ofloxacin (93%; n = 28), followed by azithromycin (90%; n = 27). Most GBS strains (70%; n = 21) were strong biofilm producers and the rest (30%; n = 9) were moderate biofilm producers. The most common virulence genes were cylE (97%), pavA (97%), cfb (93%), and lmb (90%). There was a negative association between having a strong biofilm formation phenotype and penicillin susceptibility, according to Spearman's rank correlation analysis. CONCLUSION: About a third of GBS strains exhibited penicillin resistance and there was a negative association between having a strong biofilm formation phenotype and penicillin susceptibility. Further, both the strong and moderate biofilm producers carried most of the virulence genes tested for, and the strong biofilm formation phenotype was not associated with the presence of any virulence genes.202337407919
578150.9997Antibiotic susceptibility of human-associated Staphylococcus aureus and its relation to agr typing, virulence genes, and biofilm formation. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Carriage of virulence factors confers some evolutionary benefit to bacteria, which favors the resistant strains. We aimed to analyze whether antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus strains is affected by agr typing, biofilm formation ability, and virulence profiles. METHODS: A total of 123 S. aureus clinical isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disk diffusion method, biofilm formation by microtiter plate method, as well as polymerase chain reaction screening to identify virulence genes and the accessory gene regulator (agr) types I-IV. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The most prevalent virulence gene was staphyloxanthin crtN, followed by hemolysin genes, capsular cap8H, toxic shock toxin tst, and enterotoxin sea, respectively. Resistant isolates were more commonly found in the agr-negative group than in the agr-positive group. Isolates of agr type III were more virulent than agr I isolates. Strong biofilm producers showed more antibiotic susceptibility and carried more virulence genes than non-strong biofilm producers. Associations were found between the presence of virulence genes and susceptibility to antibiotics. Carriage of the virulence genes and agr was higher in the inpatients; while, resistance and strong biofilms were more prevalent in the outpatients. CONCLUSION: These findings indicated the presence of several virulence factors, biofilm production capacity, agr types and resistance to antibiotics in clinical S. aureus isolates. Considering the importance of S. aureus for human medicine, an understanding of virulence and resistance relationships would help to reduce the impact of S. aureus infections.202134210263
575960.9997The Relationship between Antibiotic Susceptibility and pH in the Case of Uropathogenic Bacteria. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections caused mainly by enteric bacteria. Numerous virulence factors assist bacteria in the colonization of the bladder. Bacterial efflux pumps also contribute to bacterial communication and to biofilm formation. In this study, the phenotypic and genetic antibiotic resistance of clinical UTI pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis were determined by disk diffusion method and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Following this, different classes of antibiotics were evaluated for their antibacterial activity at pH 5, 6, 7 and 8 by a microdilution method. Gentamicin (GEN) was the most potent antibacterial agent against E. coli strains. The effect of GEN on the relative expression of marR and sdiA genes was evaluated by quantitative PCR. The slightly acidic pH (pH 6) and GEN treatment induced the upregulation of marR antibiotic resistance and sdiA QS activator genes in both E. coli strains. Consequently, bacteria had become more susceptible to GEN. It can be concluded that antibiotic activity is pH dependent and so the artificial manipulation of urinary pH can contribute to a more effective therapy of multidrug resistant bacterial infections.202134943643
565770.9997Biofilm and Antibiotic Resistance Study of Bacteria Involved in Nosocomial Infections. Nosocomial infections are increasingly problematic due to growing bacterial resistance. Biofilms play a key role in the persistence of these infections, leading to treatment failures and poor patient outcomes. Addressing antibiotic resistance within biofilms is especially critical in hospitals, making it essential to develop new strategies to manage biofilm-related infections and curb bacterial resistance. The study, conducted at the regional hospital center in Agadir, Morocco, analyzed 75 bacteria (37 antibiotic-sensitive and 38 resistant). Seven bacteria were isolated from catheters, and others from preserved samples. Biofilm formation was assessed using the tissue culture plate (TCP) method, involving strain recovery; culture on cystine, lactose, electrolyte-deficient (CLED) medium; microplate inoculation; staining with crystal violet; and optical density (OD) measurement. The results showed that 77.33% of the bacteria formed biofilms. All catheter-isolated bacteria showed biofilm formation. Strong biofilm production was observed in 66.67% of Acinetobacter baumannii and in most Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Enterobacteriaceae also demonstrated significant biofilm formation. Notably, 70% of carbapenem-resistant bacteria showed strong biofilm production. Most nosocomial bacteria form biofilms, with a higher prevalence in antibiotic-resistant strains. Sensitive bacteria also form biofilms but less frequently. Bacterial conjugation may facilitate the acquisition of carbapenem resistance within biofilms.202539926624
567180.9997Biofilms and antibiotic susceptibility of multidrug-resistant bacteria from wild animals. BACKGROUND: The "One Health" concept recognizes that human health and animal health are interdependent and bound to the health of the ecosystem in which they (co)exist. This interconnection favors the transmission of bacteria and other infectious agents as well as the flow of genetic elements containing antibiotic resistance genes. This problem is worsened when pathogenic bacteria have the ability to establish as biofilms. Therefore, it is important to understand the characteristics and behaviour of microorganisms in both planktonic and biofilms states from the most diverse environmental niches to mitigate the emergence and dissemination of resistance. METHODS: The purpose of this work was to assess the antibiotic susceptibility of four bacteria (Acinetobacter spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Shewanella putrefaciens) isolated from wild animals and their ability to form biofilms. The effect of two antibiotics, imipenem (IPM) and ciprofloxacin (CIP), on biofilm removal was also assessed. Screening of resistance genetic determinants was performed by PCR. Biofilm tests were performed by a modified microtiter plate method. Bacterial surface hydrophobicity was determined by sessile drop contact angles. RESULTS: The susceptibility profile classified the bacteria as multidrug-resistant. Three genes coding for β-lactamases were detected in K. pneumoniae (TEM, SHV, OXA-aer) and one in P. fluorescens (OXA-aer). K. pneumoniae was the microorganism that carried more β-lactamase genes and it was the most proficient biofilm producer, while P. fluorescens demonstrated the highest adhesion ability. Antibiotics at their MIC, 5 × MIC and 10 × MIC were ineffective in total biofilm removal. The highest biomass reductions were found with IPM (54% at 10 × MIC) against K. pneumoniae biofilms and with CIP (40% at 10 × MIC) against P. fluorescens biofilms. DISCUSSION: The results highlight wildlife as important host reservoirs and vectors for the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria and genetic determinants of resistance. The ability of these bacteria to form biofilms should increase their persistence.201829910986
279090.9997The characteristics of genetically related Pseudomonas aeruginosa from diverse sources and their interaction with human cell lines. We investigated a collection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from hospitalised patients (n = 20) and various environmental sources (n = 214) for their genetic relatedness; virulence properties; antibiotic resistance; and interaction with intestinal (Caco-2), renal (A-498), and lung (Calu-3) cell lines. Using RAPD-PCR, we found high diversity among the strains irrespective of their sources, with only 6 common (C) types containing strains from both a clinical and environmental source. Environmental strains belonging to these C-types showed greater adhesion to A-498 cells than did clinical strains (17 ± 13 bacteria/cell versus 13 ± 11 bacteria/cell; p < 0.001), whereas clinical strains showed significantly greater adhesion to Calu-3 and Caco-2 cells than did environmental strains (p < 0.001 for both). The virulence genes and antibiotic resistance profiles of the strains were similar; however, the prevalence of environmental strains carrying both exoS and exoU was significantly (p < 0.0368) higher than clinical strains. While all strains were resistant to ticarcillin and ticarcillin-clavulanic acid, resistance against aztreonam, gentamicin, amikacin, piperacillin, and ceftazidime varied among environmental and clinical strains. These results suggest that environmental strains of P. aeruginosa carry virulence properties similar to clinical strains, including adhesion to various human cell lines, with some strains showing a higher adhesion to specific cell lines, indicating they may have a better ability to cause infection in those sites under predisposing conditions of the host.201626854365
5655100.9997Study of Disinfectant Resistance Genes in Ocular Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BACKGROUND: The prevalence of disinfectant resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is on the rise. P. aeruginosa is the most common bacteria isolated from cases of microbial keratitis. Many multi-purpose contact lens disinfectant solutions are available to decontaminate contact lenses before use and to help reduce the incidence of infections. However, with increasing disinfectant resistance, the effect of multi-purpose disinfectant solutions may diminish. The goal of this study was to examine genes associated with disinfectant resistance in ocular isolates of P. aeruginosa and understand the strain's susceptibility to different multipurpose disinfectant solutions. METHODS: Seven potential disinfectant resistance genes were used in BLASTn searches against the whole genomes of 13 eye isolates of P. aeruginosa. A microdilution broth method was used to examine susceptibility to four different multipurpose disinfectant solutions. RESULTS: All strains possessed the sugE2, sugE3 and emrE (qacE) genes. The sugE1 and qacEdelta1 genes were present in 6/13 isolates. No strains contained the qacF or qacG genes. All tested disinfectant solutions had the ability to kill all test strains at 100% concentration, with some strains being susceptible at 1:8 dilutions of the disinfecting solutions. However, the presence of disinfectant resistance genes was not associated with susceptibility to multi-purpose disinfectants. CONCLUSION: All four tested contact lens disinfectant preparations are effective against P. aeruginosa isolates regardless of the presence of disinfectant resistance genes.201830326554
5673110.9997Antimicrobial Resistance, Genetic Lineages, and Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Human Infections: An Emerging One Health Concern. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a leading nosocomial pathogen and has great versatility due to a complex interplay between antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors. PA has also turned into one the most relevant model organisms for the study of biofilm-associated infections. The objective of the study focused on analyzing the antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance genes, virulence factors, and biofilm formation ability of thirty-two isolates of PA. PA isolates were characterized by the following analyses: susceptibility to 12 antimicrobial agents, the presence of resistance genes and virulence factors in PCR assays, and the quantification of biofilm production as evaluated by two distinct assays. Selected PA isolates were analyzed through multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Thirty PA isolates have a multi-resistant phenotype, and most of the isolates showed high levels of resistance to the tested antibiotics. Carbapenems showed the highest prevalence of resistance. Various virulence factors were detected and, for the quantification of biofilm production, the effectiveness of different methods was assessed. The microtiter plate method showed the highest accuracy and reproducibility for detecting biofilm-producing bacteria. MLST revealed four distinct sequence types (STs) in clinical PA, with three of them considered high-risk clones of PA, namely ST175, ST235, and ST244. These clones are associated with multidrug resistance and are prevalent in hospitals worldwide. Overall, the study highlights the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance, the presence of carbapenemase genes, the diversity of virulence factors, and the importance of biofilm formation in PA clinical isolates. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective infection control measures and the development of targeted treatment strategies.202337627668
5783120.9997Molecular Investigation and Virulence Determination of Methicillin and Vancomycin Resistant Clinical Staphylococcus Aureus Isolates. Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that provides conditions for host invasion due to various virulence factors and plays a role in causing various infections. The pathogenicity of these bacteria may vary depending on the host's susceptibility. This study investigates the sensitivity of S. aureus strains isolated from clinical samples to methicillin and vancomycin, and it evaluates the presence of resistance, virulence and toxin-producing genes, and their expression level in the methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA), and vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) isolates. A cross-sectional study was conducted, encompassing 502 S. aureus isolates obtained from diverse infections over the course of a year. The methicillin and vancomycin sensitivities of the isolates were ascertained by disk diffusion and microdilution broth methods, respectively. The presence of genes associated with resistance, adhesion, and toxin production was subsequently investigated through the implementation of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology. The expression levels of virulence and resistance genes were detected in resistant and sensitive isolates using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Among the 502 S. aureus isolates, 168 (33.6%) were identified as MRSA. Furthermore, a total of six isolates (1.2%) were identified as VRSA, and two isolates (0.4%) were identified as VISA. The distribution of virulence and resistance-related genes varied among the isolates. The results of the gene expression study demonstrated that the expression levels of the majority of the studied genes were significantly higher in resistant isolates (MRSA and VRSA) compared to sensitive isolates. It is imperative to acknowledge that VRSA and MRSA are regarded as grave hazards to human health. The present study underscores the necessity for enhanced sanitary measures to more effectively control this hospital pathogen, particularly in light of the presence and expression of genes encoding virulence factors in S. aureus isolates.202540980455
2786130.9997Frequency distribution of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes in uropathogenic Proteus species isolated from clinical samples. One of the most common causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is Proteus species. Because there is little information on the pathogenicity of Proteus species isolated from Iran, we assessed their virulence characteristics and antibiotic resistance in this study. In Shahrekord, Iran, 260 isolates of Proteus causing UTIs were identified from patients. Polymerase chain reaction for gene amplification was used to determine virulence features and antibiotic resistance gene distribution in uropathogenic Proteus spp. After biochemical and molecular analysis, 72 (27.69%) of the 260 collected samples were recognized as Proteus mirabilis, and 127 (48.84%) specimens were Pr. vulgaris in both male and female forms. A significant interaction effect between Pr. mirabilis and Pr. vulgaris infections and the sex of patients was seen in both the male and female groups. No statistically significant difference was observed between Pr. mirabilis infection and season in different year seasons. However, in different seasons of the year, a statistically significant difference was observed between infection with Pr. vulgaris in autumn and other seasons. There was a considerable difference between Pr. mirabilis and Pr. vulgaris infections at different ages in various age groups. As people aged, infections occurred more frequently. Fim,pap,kspMT, and set1 genes had the highest expression in both Pr. vulgaris and Pr. mirabilis. Also, the highest rate of antibiotic resistance of Pr. vulgaris and Pr. mirabilis is attributed to the high expression of aac(3)-IV,tet(A), and blaSHV genes. In conclusion, identifying these genes as the key controllers of Proteus virulence factors might help with better infection management.202336715324
4745140.9997Determination of Antimicrobial Resistance and the Impact of Imipenem + Cilastatin Synergy with Tetracycline in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Sepsis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is among the most ubiquitous bacteria in the natural world, exhibiting metabolic and physiological versatility, which makes it highly adaptable. Imipenem + cilastatin and tetracycline are antibiotic combinations commonly used to treat infections caused by P. aeruginosa, including serious infections such as sepsis. In the context of bacterial infections, biofilm, formed by bacterial cells surrounded by extracellular substances forming a matrix, plays a pivotal role in the resistance of P. aeruginosa to antibiotics. This study aimed to characterize a representative panel of P. aeruginosa isolates from septicemias, assessing their susceptibility to various antibiotics, specifically, imipenem + cilastatin and tetracycline, and the impact of these treatments on biofilm formation. Results from antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed sensitivity in most isolates to six antibiotics, with four showing near or equal to 100% sensitivity. However, resistance was observed in some antibiotics, albeit at minimal levels. Notably, tetracycline showed a 100% resistance phenotype, while imipenem + cilastatin predominantly displayed an intermediate phenotype (85.72%), with some resistance (38.1%). Microdilution susceptibility testing identified effective combinations against different isolates. Regarding biofilm formation, P. aeruginosa demonstrated the ability to produce biofilms. The staining of microtiter plates confirmed that specific concentrations of imipenem + cilastatin and tetracycline could inhibit biofilm production. A significant proportion of isolates exhibited resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics because of the presence of modifying genes (aac(3)-II and aac(3)-III), reducing their effectiveness. This study also explored various resistance genes, unveiling diverse resistance mechanisms among P. aeruginosa isolates. Several virulence genes were detected, including the las quorum-sensing system genes (lasI and lasR) in a significant proportion of isolates, contributing to virulence factor activation. However, genes related to the type IV pili (T4P) system (pilB and pilA) were found in limited isolates. In conclusion, this comprehensive study sheds light on the intricate dynamics of P. aeruginosa, a remarkably adaptable bacterium with a widespread presence in the natural world. Our findings provide valuable insights into the ongoing battle against P. aeruginosa infections, highlighting the need for tailored antibiotic therapies and innovative approaches to combat biofilm-related resistance.202338004699
5674150.9997Evaluation of Resistance by Clinically Pathogenic Bacteria to Antimicrobials and Common Disinfectants in Beijing, China. BACKGROUND: Antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria is well recognized among clinicians; however, studies that directly evaluate the bacterial resistance to commonly used disinfectants in clinical settings are lacking. Currently available reports focus on the resistance of single strains to single disinfectants and do not adequately examine the degree of resistance and cross-resistance to antimicrobials in the large-scale clinical use of disinfectants. METHODS: We investigated the resistance capacity to 11 antibiotics and 7 chemical disinfectants by bacterial strains collected from body fluids of patients in 10 hospitals in Beijing, China over a 1-year period. Bacterial resistance to disinfectants was tested using minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration using agar dilution methods based on commercially available reference strains. RESULTS: A total of 1,104 pathogenic strains were identified, of which 23% were Gram-positive bacteria, 74% were Gram-negative bacteria, and 3% were fungi. Overall, resistance to antibiotics for the most common strains was significantly higher than their resistance to disinfectants. The least effective antibiotics and disinfectants were aztreonam and glutaral, respectively, exhibiting the highest overall resistance rates; while amikacin and alcohol had the lowest resistance rates. Consistently, Acinetobacter baumannii exhibited the most resistance, while Escherichia coli had the least resistance for both antibiotics and disinfectants. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the pathogen spectrum for bacterial infective pathogens evaluated in this study, as well as the status quo of their resistance to antimicrobial agents and common clinical disinfectants, it is essential for healthcare professionals to pay attention not only to the standardized use of antimicrobial agents but also to the rational application of disinfectants.201830568055
5661160.9997Detection of β-Lactamase Resistance and Biofilm Genes in Pseudomonas Species Isolated from Chickens. Bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas are pathogens in both humans and animals. The most prevalent nosocomial pathogen is P. aeruginosa, particularly strains with elevated antibiotic resistance. In this study, a total of eighteen previously identified Pseudomonas species strains, were isolated from chicken. These strains were screened for biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. In addition, we evaluated clove oil’s effectiveness against Pseudomonas isolates as an antibiofilm agent. The results showed that Pseudomonas species isolates were resistant to most antibiotics tested, particularly those from the β-lactamase family. A significant correlation (p < 0.05) between the development of multidrug-resistant isolates and biofilms is too informal. After amplifying the AmpC-plasmid-mediated genes (blaCMY, blaMIR, DHA, and FOX) and biofilm-related genes (psld, rhlA, and pelA) in most of our isolates, PCR confirmed this relationship. Clove oil has a potent antibiofilm effect against Pseudomonas isolates, and may provide a treatment for bacteria that form biofilms and are resistant to antimicrobials.202236296251
1960170.9996Phenotypic 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.202438787042
5786180.9996Characterisation of Bacterial Isolates from Infected Post-Operative Patients in a Malaysian Tertiary Heart Care Centre. Several bacterial species cause post-operative infections, which has been a critical health concern among hospital patients. Our study in this direction is a much-needed exploratory study that was carried out at the National Heart Institute (IJN) of Malaysia to examine the virulence properties of causative bacteria obtained from postoperative patients. The bacterial isolates and data were provided by the IJN. Antibiotic resistance gene patterns, and the ability to form biofilm were investigated for 127 isolates. Klebsiella pneumoniae (36.2%) was the most common isolate collected, which was followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26%), Staphylococcus aureus (23.6%), Streptococcus spp. (8.7%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (5.5%). There were 49 isolates that showed the presence of multidrug resistance genes. The mecA gene was surprisingly found in methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), which also carried the ermA gene from those erythromycin-susceptible strains. The phenotypic antibiotic resistance profiles varied greatly between isolates. Findings from the biofilm assay revealed that 44 of the 127 isolates demonstrated the ability to produce biofilms. Our findings provide insights into the possibility of some of these bacteria surviving under antibiotic stress, and some antibiotic resistance genes being silenced.202134574752
5687190.9996The effect of short-course antibiotics on the resistance profile of colonizing gut bacteria in the ICU: a prospective cohort study. BACKGROUND: The need for early antibiotics in the intensive care unit (ICU) is often balanced against the goal of antibiotic stewardship. Long-course antibiotics increase the burden of antimicrobial resistance within colonizing gut bacteria, but the dynamics of this process are not fully understood. We sought to determine how short-course antibiotics affect the antimicrobial resistance phenotype and genotype of colonizing gut bacteria in the ICU by performing a prospective cohort study with assessments of resistance at ICU admission and exactly 72 h later. METHODS: Deep rectal swabs were performed on 48 adults at the time of ICU admission and exactly 72 h later, including patients who did and did not receive antibiotics. To determine resistance phenotype, rectal swabs were cultured for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). In addition, Gram-negative bacterial isolates were cultured against relevant antibiotics. To determine resistance genotype, quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed from rectal swabs for 87 established resistance genes. Within-individual changes in antimicrobial resistance were calculated based on culture and qPCR results and correlated with exposure to relevant antibiotics (e.g., did β-lactam antibiotic exposure associate with a detectable change in β-lactam resistance over this 72-h period?). RESULTS: Of 48 ICU patients, 41 (85%) received antibiotics. Overall, there was no increase in the antimicrobial resistance profile of colonizing gut bacteria during the 72-h study period. There was also no increase in antimicrobial resistance after stratification by receipt of antibiotics (i.e., no detectable increase in β-lactam, vancomycin, or macrolide resistance regardless of whether patients received those same antibiotics). This was true for both culture and PCR. Antimicrobial resistance pattern at ICU admission strongly predicted resistance pattern after 72 h. CONCLUSIONS: Short-course ICU antibiotics made little detectable difference in the antimicrobial resistance pattern of colonizing gut bacteria over 72 h in the ICU. This provides an improved understanding of the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance in the ICU and some reassurance that short-course antibiotics may not adversely impact the stewardship goal of reducing antimicrobial resistance.202032646458