-
Osong Public Health and Research... Feb 2022Yersinia pestis, the cause of plague and a potential biological weapon, has always been a threatening pathogen. Some strains of Y. pestis have varying degrees of...
Yersinia pestis, the cause of plague and a potential biological weapon, has always been a threatening pathogen. Some strains of Y. pestis have varying degrees of antibiotic resistance. Thus, this systematic review was conducted to alert clinicians to this pathogen's potential antimicrobial resistance. A review of the literature was conducted for experimental reports and systematic reviews on the topics of plague, Y. pestis, and antibiotic resistance. From 1995 to 2021, 7 Y. pestis isolates with 4 antibiotic resistance mechanisms were reported. In Y. pestis 17/95, 16/95, and 2180H, resistance was mediated by transferable plasmids. Each plasmid contained resistance genes encoded within specific transposons. Strain 17/95 presented multiple drug resistance, since plasmid 1202 contained 10 resistance determinants. Strains 16/95 and 2180H showed single antibiotic resistance because both additional plasmids in these strains carried only 1 antimicrobial determinant. Strains 12/87, S19960127, 56/13, and 59/13 exhibited streptomycin resistance due to an rpsl gene mutation, a novel mechanism that was discovered recently. Y. pestis can acquire antibiotic resistance in nature not only via conjugative transfer of antimicrobial-resistant plasmids from other bacteria, but also by gene point mutations. Global surveillance should be strengthened to identify antibiotic-resistant Y. pestis strains by whole-genome sequencing and drug susceptibility testing.
PubMed: 35255676
DOI: 10.24171/j.phrp.2021.0288 -
Nutrients Apr 2020For millennia, naturopaths and physicians have used (reishi mushroom) for its diverse therapeutic properties, as recorded in the oldest Chinese herbal encyclopedia.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
For millennia, naturopaths and physicians have used (reishi mushroom) for its diverse therapeutic properties, as recorded in the oldest Chinese herbal encyclopedia. Indeed, a radioprotective effect has been reported in the isolated components of its extracts. A systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) was conducted in March 2020, searching databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar, along with Clinical Trials. The inclusion criteria were ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo studies, with full texts in English, conducted to determine the radioprotective benefits of , or reports in which ionizing radiation was used. From a total number of 1109 records identified, 15 full text articles were eligible, none of them were clinical trials. In vivo studies reveal the efficiency of aqueous extracts of polysaccharides and triterpenes in mice exposed to -rays. In plasmid, they can reduce radiation damage as an increment of the open circular form, as well as increase the DNA extension, as shown in vitro studies. Ex vivo studies conducted in human blood cells show the radioprotective effect of β-glucan of aqueous extract of , nevertheless, its implementation as radioprotector to humans is in need of further clinical research studies.
Topics: Animals; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Fungal Polysaccharides; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Mice; Phytotherapy; Radiation Injuries; Radiation-Protective Agents; Reishi; Triterpenes
PubMed: 32325828
DOI: 10.3390/nu12041143 -
MicrobiologyOpen Apr 2019Resistance to colistin, mediated by chromosomal mutations and more recently, by plasmid-borne mcr genes, is increasingly being reported in bacterial isolates taken from...
Resistance to colistin, mediated by chromosomal mutations and more recently, by plasmid-borne mcr genes, is increasingly being reported in bacterial isolates taken from humans, animals, farms, foods, and the environment. To easily identify and contain this quickly spreading menace, efficient diagnostics that are cheaper, faster, simpler, sensitive, and specific have become indispensable and urgently necessary. A thorough and systematic review of the literature available at Pubmed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science was thus undertaken to identify articles describing novel and efficient colistin resistance- and mcr gene-detecting methods. From the final 23 studies included in this review, both phenotypic and molecular tests were found. The phenotypic tests consisted of novel culture media viz., SuperPolymyxin™, CHROMagar COL-APSE and LBJMR media, commercial automated MIC-determining instruments such as MICRONAUT-S, Vitek 2, BD Phoenix, Sensititre and MicroScan, and novel assays such as Colistin MAC test, Colispot, rapid polymxin NP test (RPNP), alteration of Zeta potential, modified RPNP test, MICRONAUT-MIC Strip, MIC Test Strip, UMIC System, and Sensitest™ Colistin. Molecular diagnostics consisted of the CT103XL microarray, eazyplex SuperBug kit, and Taqman /SYBR Green real-time PCR assays, with 100% sensitivity and specificity plus a shorter turnaround time (<3 hr). Based on the sensitivity, specificity, cost, required skill and turnaround time, the RPNP test and/or novel culture media is recommended for under-resourced laboratories while the Multiplex PCR or Taqman /SYBR Green real-time PCR assay alongside the RPNP or novel culture media is suggested for well-resourced ones.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Bacterial Infections; Bacterial Proteins; Colistin; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Genetic Techniques; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 29974640
DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.682 -
MSystems Nov 2020Antibiotic resistance (AR) remains a major threat to public and animal health globally. However, AR ramifications in developing countries are worsened by limited...
Antibiotic resistance (AR) remains a major threat to public and animal health globally. However, AR ramifications in developing countries are worsened by limited molecular diagnostics, expensive therapeutics, inadequate numbers of skilled clinicians and scientists, and unsanitary environments. The epidemiology of Gram-negative bacteria, their AR genes, and geographical distribution in Africa are described here. Data were extracted and analyzed from English-language articles published between 2015 and December 2019. The genomes and AR genes of the various species, obtained from the Pathosystems Resource Integration Center (PATRIC) and NCBI were analyzed phylogenetically using Randomized Axelerated Maximum Likelihood (RAxML) and annotated with Figtree. The geographic location of resistant clones/clades was mapped manually. Thirty species from 31 countries and 24 genera from 41 countries were analyzed from 146 articles and 3,028 genomes, respectively. Genes mediating resistance to β-lactams (including , , , , , and ), fluoroquinolones (, , , and mutations, etc.), aminoglycosides (including and ), sulfonamides (), trimethoprim (), tetracycline [(A/B/C/D/G/O/M/39)], colistin (), phenicols (, ), and fosfomycin () were mostly found in spp. and , and also in , , , , , etc., on mostly IncF-type, IncX, ColRNAI, and IncR plasmids, within 1 gene cassettes, insertion sequences, and transposons. Clonal and multiclonal outbreaks and dissemination of resistance genes across species and countries and between humans, animals, plants, and the environment were observed; ST103, ST101, ST1/2, and ST69/515 were common strains. Most pathogens were of human origin, and zoonotic transmissions were relatively limited. Antibiotic resistance (AR) is one of the major public health threats and challenges to effective containment and treatment of infectious bacterial diseases worldwide. Here, we used different methods to map out the geographical hot spots, sources, and evolutionary epidemiology of AR. , , , , , spp., , , , etc., were common pathogens shuttling AR genes in Africa. Transmission of the same clones/strains across countries and between animals, humans, plants, and the environment was observed. We recommend spp. or as better sentinel species for AR surveillance.
PubMed: 33234606
DOI: 10.1128/mSystems.00897-20 -
JAMA Internal Medicine Apr 2020Acid suppressants inhibit gastric acid secretion and disrupt the intestinal microbiome. Whether acid suppression increases the risk of colonization with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Evaluation of the Association Between Gastric Acid Suppression and Risk of Intestinal Colonization With Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
IMPORTANCE
Acid suppressants inhibit gastric acid secretion and disrupt the intestinal microbiome. Whether acid suppression increases the risk of colonization with multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDROs) is unclear.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically examine the association of use of acid suppressants with the risk of colonization with MDROs and to perform a meta-analysis of current evidence.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Embase, the Web of Science Core Collection, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from database inception through July 8, 2019.
STUDY SELECTION
Study selection was performed independently by 2 authors (R.P.J.W. and C.M.J.E.V.-G.) on the basis of predefined selection criteria; conflicts were resolved by consensus or by an adjudicator (K.v.D.). Human observational studies (case control, cohort, and cross-sectional) and clinical trial designs were selected if they quantified the risk of MDRO colonization in users of acid suppressants in comparison with nonusers.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) recommendations were followed. Data were extracted independently by the same 2 authors, and adjudication was conducted when necessary. Risk of bias was assessed according to a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using random-effects models; heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 method.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome measure was intestinal colonization with MDROs of the Enterobacterales order (producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases, carbapenemases, or plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases), vancomycin-resistant enterococci, methicillin-resistant or vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas or Acinetobacter species.
RESULTS
A total of 26 observational studies including 29 382 patients (11 439 [38.9%] acid suppressant users) met the selection criteria. Primary meta-analysis of 12 studies including 22 305 patients that provided adjusted ORs showed that acid suppression increased the odds of intestinal carriage of MDROs of the Enterobacterales order and of vancomycin-resistant enterococci by roughly 75% (OR = 1.74; 95% CI, 1.40-2.16; I2 = 68%). The odds were concordant with the secondary pooled analysis of all 26 studies (OR = 1.70; 95% CI, 1.44-1.99; I2 = 54%). Heterogeneity was partially explained by variations in study setting and the type of acid suppression.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Acid suppression is associated with increased odds of MDRO colonization. Notwithstanding the limitations of observational studies, the association is plausible and is strengthened by controlling for confounders. In view of the global increase in antimicrobial resistance, stewardship to reduce unnecessary use of acid suppressants may help to prevent MDRO colonization.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Enterobacteriaceae; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Histamine H2 Antagonists; Humans; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Risk; Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci
PubMed: 32091544
DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.0009 -
VASA. Zeitschrift Fur Gefasskrankheiten Sep 2013Beyond pharmacological, endovascular and surgical treatment strategies for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), therapeutic angiogenesis has been advocated to relieve... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Beyond pharmacological, endovascular and surgical treatment strategies for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), therapeutic angiogenesis has been advocated to relieve symptoms and support limb salvage, in particular in patients with critical limb ischemia. We aimed to systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of gene therapy in PAD.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A systematic search of electronic databases was performed to identify RCTs studying local administration of pro-angiogenic growth factors (VEGF, FGF, HGF, Del-1, HIF-1alpha) using plasmid or viral gene transfer by intra-arterial or intra-muscular injections. Outcomes of interest comprised all-cause mortality, amputations, ulcer healing, walking distance and ankle-brachial index. If feasible, standard meta-analysis should be performed with subgroup analysis for claudicants and patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI).
RESULTS
The systematic search yielded 12 RCTs for analysis from 1163 citations. In total, 1494 patients (29 % females) were included with the majority suffering from CLI (64 %). Various endpoints were improved by single studies, but none by a majority of studies. Meta-analysis showed neither a significant benefit nor harm for gene therapy when synthesizing data for all-cause mortality (OR 0.88, 95 % CI 0.62 - 1.26) amputations (OR 0.64, 95 % CI 0.31 - 1.31) or ulcer healing (OR 1.79, 95 % CI 0.8 - 4.01). No differences were seen between patients with intermittent claudication or CLI.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite promising results in single studies, no clear benefit could be identified for gene therapy in PAD patients, irrespective of disease severity.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Chi-Square Distribution; Critical Illness; Female; Genetic Therapy; Humans; Ischemia; Limb Salvage; Male; Middle Aged; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Odds Ratio; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 23989068
DOI: 10.1024/0301-1526/a000298 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Mar 2022Antibiotic resistance is considered one of the biggest threats to public health and has become a major concern for governments and international organizations. Combating...
Antibiotic resistance is considered one of the biggest threats to public health and has become a major concern for governments and international organizations. Combating this problem starts with improving global surveillance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and applying standardized protocols, both in a clinical and environmental context, in agreement with the One Health approach. Exceptional efforts should be directed to controlling ARGs conferring resistance to Critically Important Antimicrobials (CIA). In this study, a systematic literature review to synthesize data on the identification of mcr genes using a PCR technique was performed. Additionally, a novel set of PCR primers for mcr-1 - mcr-9 genes detection was proposed. The developed primers were in silico and experimentally validated by comparison with mcr-specific PCR primers reported in the literature. This validation, besides being a proof-of-concept for primers' usefulness, provided insight into the distribution of mcr genes in municipal wastewater, clay and river sediments, glacier moraine, manure, seagulls and auks feces and daphnids from four countries. This analysis proved that commonly used primers may deliver false results, and some mcr genes may be overlooked in tested samples. Newly-developed PCR primers turned out to be relevant for the screening of mcr genes in various environments.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Colistin; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Plasmids; Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 34883371
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127936 -
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 2020Vaccines are one of the most powerful technologies supporting public health. The adaptive immune response induced by immunization arises following appropriate activation...
Vaccines are one of the most powerful technologies supporting public health. The adaptive immune response induced by immunization arises following appropriate activation and differentiation of T and B cells in lymph nodes. Among many parameters impacting the resulting immune response, the presence of antigen and inflammatory cues for an appropriate temporal duration within the lymph nodes, and further within appropriate subcompartments of the lymph nodes- the right timing and location- play a critical role in shaping cellular and humoral immunity. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of how vaccine kinetics and biodistribution impact adaptive immunity, and the underlying immunological mechanisms that govern these responses. We discuss emerging approaches to engineer these properties for future vaccines, with a focus on subunit vaccines.
Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; B-Lymphocytes; Drug Carriers; Humans; Immunity, Humoral; Inflammation Mediators; Liposomes; Lymph Nodes; Nanoparticles; Plasmids; RNA, Messenger; T-Lymphocytes; Tissue Distribution; Vaccines
PubMed: 32598970
DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.06.019 -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2024The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified carbapenem-resistant (), and () as high-priority pathogens, and carbapenem-resistant bacteria (CRB) have been... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified carbapenem-resistant (), and () as high-priority pathogens, and carbapenem-resistant bacteria (CRB) have been reported to spread between humans, animals, and the environment.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of carbapenem resistance in animals, foods, and the environment on the African continent and to provide recommendations and perspectives for better prevention and control of carbapenem resistance in Africa.
RESULTS
A total of 137 research articles collected from 2009 to 2023 were selected for this review, including articles reporting carbapenem-resistant bacteria in animals (81/137; 59.1%), the environment (66/137; 48.2%), and foods (26/137; 19%). Carbapenem-resistant bacterial species belonged to 31 genera and 17 families, including mainly spp. (68/127; 53.5%); spp. (45/127; 35.4%); spp. (20/127; 15.7%), spp. (19/127; 15%) and spp. (15/127; 11.8%). The prevalence of CRBs by country ranged from 1.1% to 48.5%, and the pooled prevalence of CRBs isolated from animal-environment-food in Africa was 19.1% (2804/14,684; Standard Deviation = 15). Twenty carbapenemase families belonging to A, B, C, and D Ambler classes were reported, including mainly carbapenemase genes from (44/84; 52.4%), (34/84; 40.5%), (23/84; 27.4%), (22/84; 26.2%), (19/84; 22.6%), and (12/84; 14.3%) families. The reported mobile genetic elements (MGE) carrying carbapenemase-encoding genes included plasmids (16/19; 84.2%), integrons (3/19; 15.8%), transposons (3/19; 15.8%), and insertion sequences (2/19; 10.5%). was often carried by (60kb-65kb) IncL/M-type pOXA-48 plasmids, while was often carried by (45-50kb) IncX-type plasmids. Moreover, 25 articles investigated and reported virulent and hypervirulent CRBs that carried multiple virulence factors.
CONCLUSION
Animal-environment-food ecosystems would constitute reservoirs of CRBs involved in human infections. The One Health approach and constant collaboration between governments are necessary to drastically reduce the mortality rates linked to antimicrobial resistance.
PubMed: 38715963
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S458317 -
West African Journal of Medicine Mar 2024According to the World Health Organization, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a silent global pandemic that plagues everyone. It makes therapy of infectious diseases...
INTRODUCTION
According to the World Health Organization, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a silent global pandemic that plagues everyone. It makes therapy of infectious diseases more difficult and eventually increases morbidity and mortality.
AIM
The purpose of this work is to examine existing data on plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR), to assess the prevalence of PMQR genes in Enterobacterales, and to determine any knowledge gaps from sub-Saharan Africa.
METHODOLOGY
The Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) standard was followed when conducting this systematic review. The main internet databases examined for pertinent publications were PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ajol. A set of qualifying criteria were used to evaluate the qualified articles. Using the eligibility criteria, 56 full-text articles were chosen for screening.
RESULT
Thirty-two (32) articles with the majority originating from West and North Africa and only one article reporting a study carried out in Central Africa were selected for this review. Escherichia coli and Ciprofloxacin were the most reported Enterobacterales and Quinolone respectively. The PMQR genes include qnr (qnrA,qnrB, qnrC, qnrD, and qnrS), aac (6') Ib, aac (6') Ib-cr, oqxAB and qepA gene. The most prevalent PMQR gene is the aac (6') Ib-cr gene (32%) followed by qnrS (26%).
CONCLUSION
This study highlighted the requirement for an efficient antimicrobial resistance surveillance system in the continent and revealed a significant incidence of PMQR genes.
Topics: Humans; Fluoroquinolones; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Plasmids; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Enterobacteriaceae; Enterobacteriaceae Infections; Africa
PubMed: 38788127
DOI: No ID Found