Gram-negative bacterial colonization in the gut: Isolation, characterization, and identification of resistance mechanisms. - Related Documents




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570001.0000Gram-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.202439216133
157210.9999Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of AmpC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae From Korea. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria has continuously increased over the past few years; bacterial strains producing AmpC β-lactamases and/or extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are of particular concern. We combined high-resolution whole genome sequencing and phenotypic data to elucidate the mechanisms of resistance to cephamycin and β-lactamase in Korean Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, in which no AmpC-encoding genes were detected by PCR. We identified several genes that alone or in combination can potentially explain the resistance phenotype. We showed that different mechanisms could explain the resistance phenotype, emphasizing the limitations of the PCR and the importance of distinguishing closely-related gene variants.201829611388
191920.9999Combining Functional Genomics and Whole-Genome Sequencing to Detect Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Bacterial Strains Co-Occurring Simultaneously in a Brazilian Hospital. (1) Background: The rise of multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria represents an emergent threat to human health. Here, we investigate antibiotic resistance mechanisms in bacteria of several species isolated from an intensive care unit in Brazil. (2) Methods: We used whole-genome analysis to identify antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and plasmids in 34 strains of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, providing the first genomic description of Morganella morganii and Ralstonia mannitolilytica clinical isolates from South America. (3) Results: We identified a high abundance of beta-lactamase genes in resistant organisms, including seven extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (OXA-1, OXA-10, CTX-M-1, KPC, TEM, HYDRO, BLP) shared between organisms from different species. Additionally, we identified several ARG-carrying plasmids indicating the potential for a fast transmission of resistance mechanism between bacterial strains. Furthermore, we uncovered two pairs of (near) identical plasmids exhibiting multi-drug resistance. Finally, since many highly resistant strains carry several different ARGs, we used functional genomics to investigate which of them were indeed functional. In this sense, for three bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and M. morganii), we identified six beta-lactamase genes out of 15 predicted in silico as those mainly responsible for the resistance mechanisms observed, corroborating the existence of redundant resistance mechanisms in these organisms. (4) Conclusions: Systematic studies similar to the one presented here should help to prevent outbreaks of novel multidrug-resistant bacteria in healthcare facilities.202133920372
159330.9999Epidemiological Description and Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance in Various Aquatic Sites in Marseille, France. Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide public health concern and has been associated with reports of elevated mortality. According to the One Health concept, antibiotic resistance genes are transferrable to organisms, and organisms are shared among humans, animals, and the environment. Consequently, aquatic environments are a possible reservoir of bacteria harboring antibiotic resistance genes. In our study, we screened water and wastewater samples for antibiotic resistance genes by culturing samples on different types of agar media. Then, we performed real-time PCR to detect the presence of genes conferring resistance to beta lactams and colistin, followed by standard PCR and gene sequencing for verification. We mainly isolated Enterobacteriaceae from all samples. In water samples, 36 Gram-negative bacterial strains were isolated and identified. We found three extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria-Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae strains-harboring the CTX-M and TEM groups. In wastewater samples, we isolated 114 Gram-negative bacterial strains, mainly E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii and Proteus mirabilis strains. Forty-two bacterial strains were ESBL-producing bacteria, and they harbored at least one gene belonging to the CTX-M, SHV, and TEM groups. We also detected carbapenem-resistant genes, including NDM, KPC, and OXA-48, in four isolates of E. coli. This short epidemiological study allowed us to identify new antibiotic resistance genes present in bacterial strains isolated from water in Marseille. This type of surveillance shows the importance of tracking bacterial resistance in aquatic environments. IMPORTANCE Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are involved in serious infections in humans. The dissemination of these bacteria in water, which is in close contact with human activities, is a serious problem, especially under the concept of One Health. This study was done to survey and localize the circulation of bacterial strains, along with their antibiotic resistance genes, in the aquatic environment in Marseille, France. The importance of this study is to monitor the frequency of these circulating bacteria by creating and surveying water treatments.202336976002
190840.9999Hospital sewage in Brazil: a reservoir of multidrug-resistant carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. The One Health concept recognizes that human health is clearly linked to the health of animals and the environment. Infections caused by bacteria resistant to carbapenem antibiotics have become a major challenge in hospitals due to limited therapeutic options and consequent increase in mortality. In this study, we investigated the presence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in 84 effluent samples (42 from hospital and 42 from non-hospital) from Campo Grande, midwest Brazil. First, sewage samples were inoculated in a selective culture medium. Bacteria with reduced susceptibility to meropenem and ertapenem were then identified and their antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the Vitek-2 system. The blaKPC genes were detected using PCR and further confirmed by sequencing. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) were identified in both hospital (n=32) and non-hospital effluent (n=16), with the most common being Klebsiella pneumoniae and of the Enterobacter cloacae complex species. This is the first study to indicate the presence of the blaKPC-2 gene in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, classified as a critical priority by the WHO, in hospital sewage in this region. The dissemination of carbapenem antibiotic-resistant genes may be associated with clinical pathogens. Under favorable conditions and microbial loads, resistant bacteria and antimicrobial-resistance genes found in hospital sewage can disseminate into the environment, causing health problems. Therefore, sewage treatment regulations should be implemented to minimize the transfer of antimicrobial resistance from hospitals.202438985067
568050.9999Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Genetic Characterization and Spread in Lithuania in 2014, 2016, and 2018. Bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents plays an important role in the treatment of bacterial infections in healthcare institutions. The spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria can occur during inter- and intra-hospital transmissions among patients and hospital personnel. For this reason, more studies must be conducted to understand how resistance occurs in bacteria and how it moves between hospitals by comparing data from different years and looking out for any patterns that might emerge. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter spp. was studied at 14 healthcare institutions in Lithuania during 2014, 2016, and 2018 using samples from human bloodstream infections. In total, 194 isolates were collected and identified using MALDI-TOF and VITEK2 analyzers as Acinetobacter baumannii group bacteria. After that, the isolates were analyzed for the presence of different resistance genes (20 genes were analyzed) and characterized by using the Rep-PCR and MLVA (multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis) genotyping methods. The results of the study showed the relatedness of the different Acinetobacter spp. isolates and a possible circulation of resistance genes or profiles during the different years of the study. This study provides essential information, such as variability and diversity of resistance genes, genetic profiling, and clustering of isolates, to better understand the antimicrobial resistance patterns of Acinetobacter spp. These results can be used to strengthen the control of multidrug-resistant infections in healthcare institutions and to prevent potential outbreaks of this pathogen in the future.202133669401
225460.9999Hospitalized 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.201830574124
551370.9999The genetic background of antibiotic resistance among clinical uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains. The spreading mechanisms of antibiotic resistance are related to many bacterial and environment factors. The overuse of antibiotics is leading to an unceasing emergence of new multidrug resistant strains. This problem also concerns uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains, which is the most common pathogen causing urinary tract infections. The aim of this study was the genetic analysis of antibiotic resistance in comparison to the phenotypic background of E. coli strains. The characterized collection of E. coli strains isolated 10 years ago from the urine samples of patients with urinary tract infections was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (the disc diffusion method) and analysis of antibiotic resistance genes (PCR reaction, sequencing). Additionally, the presence of ESBL strains was analyzed. Fourteen genes were associated with resistance to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides and quinolones. The genetic analysis revealed that bla(TEM-1) and sul2 were present in almost all of the studied strains. Other drug-resistance genes were very rare or non-existent. Otherwise, the phenotypic resistance to fluoroquinolones was well correlated with the genotypic background of the studied bacteria. The presence of particular genes and specific mutations indicate a high bacterial potential to multidrug resistance. On the other hand, it needs to be emphasized that the standard disk diffusion test for the routine antimicrobial susceptibility analysis is still the best way to estimate the current situation of bacterial drug-resistance.201830008141
569780.9999In Silico Analysis of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases in Bacteria. The growing bacterial resistance to available β-lactam antibiotics is a very serious public health problem, especially due to the production of a wide range of β-lactamases. At present, clinically important bacteria are increasingly acquiring new elements of resistance to carbapenems and polymyxins, including extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), carbapenemases and phosphoethanolamine transferases of the MCR type. These bacterial enzymes limit therapeutic options in human and veterinary medicine. It must be emphasized that there is a real risk of losing the ability to treat serious and life-threatening infections. The present study aimed to design specific oligonucleotides for rapid PCR detection of ESBL-encoding genes and in silico analysis of selected ESBL enzymes. A total of 58 primers were designed to detect 49 types of different ESBL genes. After comparing the amino acid sequences of ESBLs (CTX-M, SHV and TEM), phylogenetic trees were created based on the presence of conserved amino acids and homologous motifs. This study indicates that the proposed primers should be able to specifically detect more than 99.8% of all described ESBL enzymes. The results suggest that the in silico tested primers could be used for PCR to detect the presence of ESBL genes in various bacteria, as well as to monitor their spread.202134356733
155190.9999Mechanisms of Resistance in Gram-Negative Urinary Pathogens: From Country-Specific Molecular Insights to Global Clinical Relevance. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most frequent hospital infections and among the most commonly observed community acquired infections. Alongside their clinical importance, they are notorious because the pathogens that cause them are prone to acquiring various resistance determinants, including extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL); plasmid-encoded AmpC β-lactamases (p-AmpC); carbapenemases belonging to class A, B, and D; qnr genes encoding reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones; as well as genes encoding enzymes that hydrolyse aminoglycosides. In Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, the dominant resistance mechanisms are ESBLs belonging to the CTX-M, TEM, and SHV families; p-AmpC; and (more recently) carbapenemases belonging to classes A, B, and D. Urinary Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates harbour metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) and ESBLs belonging to PER and GES families, while carbapenemases of class D are found in urinary Acinetobacter baumannii isolates. The identification of resistance mechanisms in routine diagnostic practice is primarily based on phenotypic tests for the detection of beta-lactamases, such as the double-disk synergy test or Hodge test, while polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of resistance genes is mostly pursued in reference laboratories for research purposes. As the emergence of drug-resistant bacterial strains poses serious challenges in the management of UTIs, this review aimed to appraise mechanisms of resistance in relevant Gram-negative urinary pathogens, to provide a detailed map of resistance determinants in Croatia and the world, and to discuss the implications of these resistance traits on diagnostic approaches. We summarized a sundry of different resistance mechanisms among urinary isolates and showed how their prevalence highly depends on the local epidemiological context, highlighting the need for tailored interventions in the field of antimicrobial stewardship.202133925181
5699100.9999Presence of β-Lactamase Encoding Genes in Burkholderia cepacia Complex Isolated from Soil. Burkholderia cepacia complex has emerged as an important opportunistic bacteria group for immunocompromised patients, and it has a high level of intrinsic resistance for different antibiotic classes. Hydrolysis of β-lactam antibiotics by β-lactamases is the most common resistance mechanism in Gram-negative bacteria, and the presence of such enzymes complicates the selection of appropriate therapy. This study aimed at investigating the antimicrobial resistance profile and the presence of β-lactamase encoding genes in B. cepacia complex isolated from Brazilian soils. High-level ceftazidime resistance and several β-lactamase encoding genes were found, including the first report of bla(KPC) genes in bacteria isolated from soil.201828915359
1920110.9999Exploring the resistome, virulome, and mobilome of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates: deciphering the molecular basis of carbapenem resistance. BACKGROUND: Klebsiella pneumoniae, a notorious pathogen for causing nosocomial infections has become a major cause of neonatal septicemia, leading to high morbidity and mortality worldwide. This opportunistic bacterium has become highly resistant to antibiotics due to the widespread acquisition of genes encoding a variety of enzymes such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases. We collected Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from a local tertiary care hospital from February 2019-February 2021. To gain molecular insight into the resistome, virulome, and genetic environment of significant genes of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates, we performed the short-read whole-genome sequencing of 10 K. pneumoniae isolates recovered from adult patients, neonates, and hospital tap water samples. RESULTS: The draft genomes of the isolates varied in size, ranging from 5.48 to 5.96 Mbp suggesting the genome plasticity of this pathogen. Various genes conferring resistance to different classes of antibiotics e.g., aminoglycosides, quinolones, sulfonamides, tetracycline, and trimethoprim were identified in all sequenced isolates. The highest resistance was observed towards carbapenems, which has been putatively linked to the presence of both class B and class D carbapenemases, bla(NDM,) and bla(OXA), respectively. Moreover, the biocide resistance gene qacEdelta1 was found in 6/10 of the sequenced strains. The sequenced isolates exhibited a broad range of sequence types and capsular types. The significant antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were bracketed by a variety of mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Various spontaneous mutations in genes other than the acquired antibiotic-resistance genes were observed, which play an indirect role in making these bugs resistant to antibiotics. Loss or deficiency of outer membrane porins, combined with ESBL production, played a significant role in carbapenem resistance in our sequenced isolates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the study isolates exhibited evolutionary relationships with strains from China, India, and the USA suggesting a shared evolutionary history and potential dissemination of similar genes amongst the isolates of different origins. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable insight into the presence of multiple mechanisms of carbapenem resistance in K. pneumoniae strains including the acquisition of multiple antibiotic-resistance genes through mobile genetic elements. Identification of rich mobilome yielded insightful information regarding the crucial role of insertion sequences, transposons, and integrons in shaping the genome of bacteria for the transmission of various resistance-associated genes. Multi-drug resistant isolates that had the fewest resistance genes exhibited a significant number of mutations. K. pneumoniae isolate from water source displayed comparable antibiotic resistance determinants to clinical isolates and the highest number of virulence-associated genes suggesting the possible interplay of ARGs amongst bacteria from different sources.202438664636
2253120.9999Biofilm 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.202439199988
1599130.9999Colistin Resistance Genes in Broiler Chickens in Tunisia. Colistin is a polymyxin antibiotic that has been used in veterinary medicine for decades, as a treatment for enterobacterial digestive infections as well as a prophylactic treatment and growth promoter in livestock animals, leading to the emergence and spread of colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and to a great public health concern, considering that colistin is one of the last-resort antibiotics against multidrug-resistant deadly infections in clinical practice. Previous studies performed on livestock animals in Tunisia using culture-dependent methods highlighted the presence of colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. In the present survey, DNA extracted from cloacal swabs from 195 broiler chickens from six farms in Tunisia was tested via molecular methods for the ten mobilized colistin resistance (mcr) genes known so far. Of the 195 animals tested, 81 (41.5%) were mcr-1 positive. All the farms tested were positive, with a prevalence ranging from 13% to 93%. These results confirm the spread of colistin resistance in livestock animals in Tunisia and suggest that the investigation of antibiotic resistance genes by culture-independent methods could be a useful means of conducting epidemiological studies on the spread of antimicrobial resistance.202337106971
1715140.9999Transcriptome analysis of beta-lactamase genes in diarrheagenic Escherichia coli. Beta (β)-lactamases are the most important agents that confer drug resistance among gram-negative bacteria. Continuous mutations in β-lactamases make them remarkably diverse. We carried out the transcriptome analysis of 10 β-lactamase genes of Extended-Spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL), Metallo β-lactamases (MBL), and AmpC β-lactamases (ABL) in drug-resistant and sensitive diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) isolates obtained from children up to 5 years of age. Out of the 10 β-lactamase genes, four belonged to ESBL (TEM, SHV, CTX, and OXA); three to MBL (NDM-1, IMP, and VIM); and three to ABL (ACT, DHA and CMY) class of genes. The different categories of DEC were estimated for β-lactamases production using a set of conventional phenotypic tests, followed by detection of their messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. The study revealed a direct correlation between mRNA expression of these genes and the presence of antibiotic resistance; also corroborated by mutation analysis of the AmpC promoter region. All the 10 β-lactamase genes showed a significant increase in their expression levels in resistant isolates, compared to those of the sensitive isolates, indicating their possible role in the disease pathogenesis. Increase in mRNA expression of β-lactamase genes, and thereby virulence, may be due to multifactorial parameters causing phenotypic as well as genotypic changes. Our study highlights the necessity of instantaneous detection of β-lactamase gene expression to curb the overwhelming threat posed by emergence of drug resistance amongst the commensal E. coli strains in children from developing countries for larger public health interest.201930842518
2315150.9999The Profile of Bacterial Infections in a Burn Unit during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic Period. Infections represent a major complication for burn-injured patients. The aim of this study was to highlight the changes in the incidence and antimicrobial resistance of bacterial strains isolated from burn patients, at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, in relation to the antibiotics used during the pandemic. A comparative analysis of the demographic data and the microorganisms identified in the clinical samples of two groups of burn patients admitted to a university hospital in Romania was carried out. The first group consisted of 48 patients and the second of 69 patients, hospitalized in January-August 2020 and 2023, respectively. The bacterial species with the highest incidence were S. aureus, A. baumannii, Pseudomonas spp. The significant changes between 2023 and 2020 are reflected in the increase in the frequency of non-fermentative Gram-negative bacteria, especially S. maltophilia, and the increase in antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas and Klebsiella spp. Klebsiella spp. did not change in frequency (7%), but there was a significant increase in the incidence of K. pneumoniae strains with pan-drug resistant behaviour to antibiotics (40%), including colistin. The phenomenon can be explained by the selection of specimens carrying multiple resistance genes, as a result of antibiotic treatment during the COVID-19 period. The post-pandemic antimicrobial resistance detected in burn patients indicates the need for permanent surveillance of the resistance trends, primarily due to the limited therapeutic options available for these patients.202439334997
1907160.9999Nationwide surveillance of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens in the Lebanese environment. Gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens with carbapenem resistance pose a significant health threat. Despite extensive research on the spread of these pathogens within Lebanese hospital settings, their emergence in environmental settings remains understudied. This study aimed to explore the environmental spread of carbapenem resistance among Gram-negative bacteria isolated from environmental samples in nine districts across Lebanon. A total of 250 samples were collected from wild animals, sewage, water, and soil between June 2022 and September 2023. Samples were streaked on MacConkey agar plates supplemented with 2 mg/L meropenem. Bacterial species were identified primarily using API20E. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were determined by the disk diffusion method and the Vitek 2 compact system. Meropenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria were further characterized by whole-genome sequencing, and each of the bacterial species, sequence types, resistance genes, and plasmids was detected by sequence data analysis. We successfully isolated 130 carbapenem-resistant isolates from various samples, 67 of which belonged to the ESKAPE pathogens list and showed a multidrug-resistant (MDR) profile. The distribution of the latter was as follows: Escherichia coli (65.67%), Acinetobacter baumannii (16.42%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.94%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.97%). Several carbapenem resistance genes were detected, with a prevalence of blaNDM-5 in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, blaIMP-1 and mexAB-OprM efflux pumps in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and blaOXA-23 in Acinetobacter baumannii. Our findings revealed a widespread distribution of carbapenem-resistant ESKAPE bacteria in Lebanon, underscoring the significant public health risk posed by these pathogens. This highlights the urgent need to address the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in Lebanese environmental settings. IMPORTANCE: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) extremely burdens public health and increases morbid and mortal threats in Lebanon. While the majority of the studies in our country target antimicrobial resistance in clinical settings, fewer studies focus on antimicrobial resistance dissemination in the environment. The significance of our research is that it sheds light on the environment as a less explored yet equally crucial sector in the spread of AMR. Here, we isolated carbapenemase-producing bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii) that were categorized as multidrug resistant (MDR) from diverse environmental sources in multiple provinces across Lebanon. The finding of carbapenem-resistant bacteria carrying plasmids represents a potential risk due to the possible spread of resistance genes via horizontal gene transfer across the environment and hospital settings. This highly recommends the implementation of regular surveillance to monitor the spread of antimicrobial resistance among environmental bacteria, which consequently leads to its spread within communities and thus poses a great threat to human health.202540492734
1703170.9999Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates from outbreaks in Erbil hospitals after the COVID-19 pandemic. INTRODUCTION: Acinetobacter baumannii is endemic in hospital environments, and since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, multidrug-resistant A. baumannii has become more potent. This potential evolution is driven by the undetectable numbers of gene resistances it has acquired. We evaluated the antibiotic-resistance genes in isolates from patients in Erbil hospitals. METHODOLOGY: This is the first study to demonstrate the antimicrobial resistance epidemic in Erbil, Iraq. A total of 570 patients, including 100 COVID-19 patients were tested. Isolate identification, characterization, antibiotics susceptibility test, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the antibiotic resistance genes in both bacterial chromosome and plasmid, 16S-23S rRNA gene intergenic spacer (ITS) sequencing using the Sanger DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis were used in this study. RESULTS: Only 13% of A. baumannii isolates were from COVID-19 patients. All isolates were multi-drug resistant due because of 24 resistance genes located in both the bacterial chromosome or the plasmid. blaTEM gene was detected in the isolates; however, aadB was not detected in the isolated bacteria. New carbapenemase genes were identified by Sanger sequencing and resistance genes were acquired by plasmids. CONCLUSIONS: The study identified metabolic differences in the isolates; although all the strains used the coumarate pathway to survive. Several resistance genes were present in the isolates' plasmids and chromosome. There were no strong biofilm producers. The role of the plasmid in A. baumannii resistance development was described based on the results.202439499748
1683180.9999Colonization of a hand washing sink in a veterinary hospital by an Enterobacter hormaechei strain carrying multiple resistances to high importance antimicrobials. BACKGROUND: Hospital intensive care units (ICUs) are known reservoirs of multidrug resistant nosocomial bacteria. Targeted environmental monitoring of these organisms in health care facilities can strengthen infection control procedures. A routine surveillance of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers in a large Australian veterinary teaching hospital detected the opportunistic pathogen Enterobacter hormaechei in a hand washing sink of the ICU. The organism persisted for several weeks, despite two disinfection attempts. Four isolates were characterized in this study. METHODS: Brilliance-ESBL selective plates were inoculated from environmental swabs collected throughout the hospital. Presumptive identification was done by conventional biochemistry. Genomes of multidrug resistant Enterobacter were entirely sequenced with Illumina and Nanopore platforms. Phylogenetic markers, mobile genetic elements and antimicrobial resistance genes were identified in silico. Antibiograms of isolates and transconjugants were established with Sensititre microdilution plates. RESULTS: The isolates possessed a chromosomal Tn7-associated silver/copper resistance locus and a large IncH12 conjugative plasmid encoding resistance against tellurium, arsenic, mercury and nine classes of antimicrobials. Clusters of antimicrobial resistance genes were associated with class 1 integrons and IS26, IS903 and ISCR transposable elements. The blaSHV-12, qnrB2 and mcr-9.1 genes, respectively conferring resistance to cephalosporins, quinolones and colistin, were present in a locus flanked by two IS903 copies. ESBL production and enrofloxacin resistance were confirmed phenotypically. The isolates appeared susceptible to colistin, possibly reflecting the inducible nature of mcr-9.1. CONCLUSIONS: The persistence of this strain in the veterinary hospital represented a risk of further accumulation and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance, prompting a thorough disinfection of the ICU. The organism was not recovered from subsequent environmental swabs, and nosocomial Enterobacter infections were not observed in the hospital during that period. This study shows that targeted routine environmental surveillance programs to track organisms with major resistance phenotypes, coupled with disinfection procedures and follow-up microbiological cultures are useful to control these risks in sensitive areas of large veterinary hospitals.202033087168
2303190.9999Patterns of Drug-Resistant Bacteria in a General Hospital, China, 2011-2016. Drug-resistant bacteria has been a threat to public life and property. We described the trends and changes in antibiotic resistance of important pathogens in a general hospital in Zhengzhou, China from 2011 to 2016, to control antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in hospital and provide support to clinicians and decision-making departments. Five dominant bacteria were enrolled based on the data from the general hospital during 6 years. The results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing were interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). From 2011 to 2016, a total of 19,260 strains of bacteria were isolated, of which Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii accounted for 51.98%. The resistance rate of K. pneumoniae and E. coli to carbapenem was less than 15%, but resistance of K. pneumoniae to carbapenems increased with time and resistance of E. coli to meropenem increased. The rate of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production among K. pneumoniae and E. coli was decreasing. For most antibiotics, the resistance rate of ESBL-positive isolates was higher than that of ESBL-negative isolates, excluding carbapenems and cefoxitin. For S. aureus, the rate of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was stable. Resistance of S. aureus to mostly antibiotics decreased with time. Besides polymyxin B, P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii showed high resistance to other antibiotics. For A. baumannii, the resistance rate to mostly antibiotics was increasing. The bacteria showed high levels of resistance and multiple drug resistance. Continuous surveillance and optimizing the use of antibiotics are essential. Drug-resistant bacteria has been a threat to public life and property. We described the trends and changes in antibiotic resistance of important pathogens in a general hospital in Zhengzhou, China from 2011 to 2016, to control antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in hospital and provide support to clinicians and decision-making departments. Five dominant bacteria were enrolled based on the data from the general hospital during 6 years. The results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing were interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). From 2011 to 2016, a total of 19,260 strains of bacteria were isolated, of which Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii accounted for 51.98%. The resistance rate of K. pneumoniae and E. coli to carbapenem was less than 15%, but resistance of K. pneumoniae to carbapenems increased with time and resistance of E. coli to meropenem increased. The rate of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production among K. pneumoniae and E. coli was decreasing. For most antibiotics, the resistance rate of ESBL-positive isolates was higher than that of ESBL-negative isolates, excluding carbapenems and cefoxitin. For S. aureus, the rate of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was stable. Resistance of S. aureus to mostly antibiotics decreased with time. Besides polymyxin B, P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii showed high resistance to other antibiotics. For A. baumannii, the resistance rate to mostly antibiotics was increasing. The bacteria showed high levels of resistance and multiple drug resistance. Continuous surveillance and optimizing the use of antibiotics are essential.201931250593