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EFSA Journal. European Food Safety... Oct 2021The specific concentrations of amoxicillin and penicillin V in non-target feed for food-producing animals, below which there would not be an effect on the emergence of,...
The specific concentrations of amoxicillin and penicillin V in non-target feed for food-producing animals, below which there would not be an effect on the emergence of, and/or selection for, resistance in bacteria relevant for human and animal health, as well as the specific antimicrobial concentrations in feed which have an effect in terms of growth promotion/increased yield were assessed by EFSA in collaboration with EMA. Details of the methodology used for this assessment, associated data gaps and uncertainties, are presented in a separate document. To address antimicrobial resistance, the Feed Antimicrobial Resistance Selection Concentration (FARSC) model developed specifically for the assessment was applied. However, due to the lack of data on the parameters required to calculate the FARSC, it was not possible to conclude the assessment until further experimental data become available. To address growth promotion, data from scientific publications obtained from an extensive literature review were used. Levels in feed that showed to have an effect on growth promotion/increased yield were reported for amoxicillin, whilst for penicillin V no suitable data for the assessment were available. It was recommended to carry out studies to generate the data that are required to fill the gaps which prevented the calculation of the FARSC for these two antimicrobials.
PubMed: 34729084
DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6855 -
Journal of Chromatography. A Nov 2021The presence of antibiotics in the aquatic environment is becoming one of the main research focus of scientists and policy makers. Proof of that is the inclusion of four...
The presence of antibiotics in the aquatic environment is becoming one of the main research focus of scientists and policy makers. Proof of that is the inclusion of four antibiotics, amongst which is amoxicillin, in the EU Watch List (WL) (Decision 2020/1161/EU)) of substances for water monitoring. The accurate quantification of amoxicillin in water at the sub-ppb levels required by the WL is troublesome due to its physicochemical properties. In this work, the analytical challenges related to the determination of amoxicillin, and six related penicillins (ampicillin, cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, penicillin G, penicillin V and oxacillin), have been carefully addressed, including sample treatment, sample stability, chromatographic analysis and mass spectrometric detection by triple quadrupole. Given the low recoveries obtained using different solid-phase extraction cartridges, we applied the direct injection of water samples using a reversed-phase chromatographic column that allowed working with 100% aqueous mobile phase. Matrix effects were evaluated and corrected using the isotopically labelled internal standard or correction factors based on signal suppression observed in the analysis of spiked samples. The methodology developed was satisfactorily validated at 50 and 500 ng L for the seven penicillins studied, and it was applied to different types of water matrices, revealing the presence of ampicillin in one surface water sample and cloxacillin in three effluent wastewater samples.
Topics: Amoxicillin; Ampicillin; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; European Union; Penicillins; Solid Phase Extraction; Water
PubMed: 34662823
DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2021.462605 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2021Many intercellular communication processes, known as quorum sensing (QS), are regulated by the autoinducers -acyl-l-homoserine lactones (AHLs) in Gram-negative bacteria....
Many intercellular communication processes, known as quorum sensing (QS), are regulated by the autoinducers -acyl-l-homoserine lactones (AHLs) in Gram-negative bacteria. The inactivation of these QS processes using different quorum quenching (QQ) strategies, such as enzymatic degradation of the autoinducers or the receptor blocking with non-active analogs, could be the basis for the development of new antimicrobials. This study details the heterologous expression, purification, and characterization of a novel -acylhomoserine lactone acylase from NRRL 12052 (AHLA), which can hydrolyze different natural penicillins and -acyl-homoserine lactones (with or without 3-oxo substitution), as well as synthesize them. Kinetic parameters for the hydrolysis of a broad range of substrates have shown that AHLA prefers penicillin V, followed by C-HSL. In addition, AHLA inhibits the production of violacein by CV026, confirming its potential use as a QQ agent. Noteworthy, AHLA is also able to efficiently synthesize penicillin V, besides natural AHLs and phenoxyacetyl-homoserine lactone (POHL), a non-natural analog of AHLs that could be used to block QS receptors and inhibit signal of autoinducers, being the first reported AHL acylase capable of synthesizing AHLs.
PubMed: 34438972
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10080922 -
CEN Case Reports Feb 2022Glomerulonephritis in tuberculosis may be a direct manifestation of renal infection or a result of immune-complex deposition complicating extra-renal infection, such as...
Glomerulonephritis in tuberculosis may be a direct manifestation of renal infection or a result of immune-complex deposition complicating extra-renal infection, such as in pulmonary tuberculosis. A 17-year-old adolescent boy from Somalia was found to have pulmonary tuberculosis during routine health screening performed on entering Malta, with computed tomography of the chest showing scarring and calcification of the left upper lobe, left lower lobe consolidation, and a small left-sided pleural effusion. Five days after starting anti-tuberculous therapy, he developed lower limb and sacral oedema: urinary albumin: creatinine ratio was > 400 µg albumin/mg creatinine, and 24-h urinary protein showed nephrotic-range proteinuria of 4.963 g/day. In view of worsening lower limb, sacral and periorbital oedema and ascites, he was started on oral prednisolone, omeprazole and penicillin V prophylaxis. As heavy proteinuria persisted, a renal biopsy was performed after 8 days of prednisolone treatment, which confirmed the presence of mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis (MCGN), with electron microscopy showing effacement of the podocytes, with hypercellularity and subendothelial immune deposits, confirming an immune-mediated pathophysiology. Ziehl-Neelsen staining did not reveal acid-fast organisms. The patient received a total of 3 weeks of oral prednisolone with subsequent tailing doses, 2 months of pyrazinamide and ethambutol and 6 months of rifampicin and isoniazid with complete resolution of his clinical and radiological signs, though heavy proteinuria persisted, so he was commenced on oral enalapril. This case highlights the potential association of MCGN with tuberculosis in adolescence. Timely recognition and treatment can prevent progression to chronic kidney disease.
Topics: Adolescent; Albumins; Creatinine; Female; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Humans; Male; Prednisolone; Proteinuria; Tuberculosis; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
PubMed: 34260011
DOI: 10.1007/s13730-021-00626-6 -
PloS One 2021To assess effects of treatment against a hypothesized neuroinflammation in children with symptoms corresponding to the research condition Pediatric Acute-onset...
Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immunomodulatory treatment in children with symptoms corresponding to the research condition PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome): A systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To assess effects of treatment against a hypothesized neuroinflammation in children with symptoms corresponding to the research condition Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) which is not included in current diagnostic systems.
METHODS
Systematic literature searches were performed (1998 to June 2020) in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and HTA databases. Inclusion criteria: patients (P) were children (<18 years) with PANS; intervention (I)/comparison (C) was use of, versus no use of, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial or immunomodulating treatments; outcomes (O) were health-related quality of life (HRQL), level of functioning, symptom change, and complications.
RESULTS
Four randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and three non-RCTs, including 23 to 98 patients, fulfilled the PICO. HRQL was not investigated in any study. Regarding level of functioning, two RCTs investigated antibiotics (penicillin V, azithromycin) and one RCT investigated immunomodulating treatments (intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), plasma exchange). Regarding symptoms, two non-RCTs investigated anti-inflammatory treatment (cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, corticosteroids), two RCTs and one non-RCT investigated antibiotics (penicillin V, azithromycin), and two RCTs investigated immunomodulating treatments (IVIG, plasma exchange). Complications, reported in five studies, were consistent with those listed in the summary of products characteristics (SPC). All studies were assessed to have some or major problems regarding directness, the absence of an established diagnosis contributing to clinical diversity in the studied populations. All studies were assessed to have major risk of bias, including selection and detection biases. Due to clinical and methodological diversity, meta-analyses were not performed.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review reveals very low certainty of evidence of beneficial effects, and moderate certainty of evidence of adverse effects, of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial or immunomodulating treatments in patients with symptoms corresponding to the research condition PANS. Available evidence neither supports nor excludes potential beneficial effects, but supports that such treatment can result in adverse effects.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (CRD42020155714).
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Autoimmune Diseases; Child; Combined Modality Therapy; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Immunologic Factors; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Plasma Exchange; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34197525
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253844 -
Microbial Cell Factories Jun 2021Biodegradation of antibiotics is a promising method for the large-scale removal of antibiotic residues in the environment. However, the enzyme that is involved in the...
BACKGROUND
Biodegradation of antibiotics is a promising method for the large-scale removal of antibiotic residues in the environment. However, the enzyme that is involved in the biodegradation process is the key information to be revealed.
RESULTS
In this study, the beta-lactamase from Ochrobactrum tritici that mediates the biodegradation of penicillin V was identified and characterized. When searching the proteins of Ochrobactrum tritici, the β-lactamase (OtLac) was identified. OtLac consists of 347 amino acids, and predicted isoelectric point is 7.0. It is a class C β-lactamase according to BLAST analysis. The coding gene of OtLac was amplified from the genomic DNA of Ochrobactrum tritici. The OtLac was overexpressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) and purified with Ni column affinity chromatography. The biodegradation ability of penicillin V by OtLac was identified in an in vitro study and analyzed by HPLC. The optimal temperature for OtLac is 32 ℃ and the optimal pH is 7.0. Steady-state kinetics showed that OtLac was highly active against penicillin V with a Km value of 17.86 μM and a kcat value of 25.28 s respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
OtLac demonstrated biodegradation activity towards penicillin V potassium, indicating that OtLac is expected to degrade penicillin V in the future.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biodegradation, Environmental; Catalysis; Cloning, Molecular; DNA, Bacterial; Fermentation; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kinetics; Ochrobactrum; Penicillins; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Temperature; beta-Lactamases
PubMed: 34120587
DOI: 10.1186/s12934-021-01606-2 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) May 2021The increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a worldwide concern. Essential oils are known to possess remarkable antibacterial properties, but their high...
The increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a worldwide concern. Essential oils are known to possess remarkable antibacterial properties, but their high chemical variability complicates their development into new antibacterial agents. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to standardize their chemical composition. Several commercial essential oils of ajowan ( L.) and thyme (chemotype thymol) ( L.) were bought on the market. GC-MS analysis revealed that thyme essential oils have a chemical composition far more consistent than ajowan essential oils. Sometimes thymol was not even the major compound. The most abundant compounds and the homemade mixtures were tested against two strains. The antibacterial property of -caryophyllene presented no direct activity against LMG 15975, but in association with thymol or carvacrol at equal percentages an MIC of 125 μg/mL was observed. The mixture of those three compounds at equivalent percentages also decreased by 16-fold the MIC of the penicillin V. Against LMG 21674, -caryophyllene presented an MIC of 31.3 μg/mL and decreased by 267-fold the MIC of the penicillin V. These observations led us to question the benefits of using a complex chemical mixture instead of one active compound to fight bacterial resistance.
PubMed: 34069154
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10050584 -
Microorganisms Mar 2021Bile salt hydrolase (BSH) and penicillin V acylase (PVA) are related enzymes that are classified as choloylglycine hydrolases (CGH). BSH enzymes have attracted... (Review)
Review
Bile salt hydrolase (BSH) and penicillin V acylase (PVA) are related enzymes that are classified as choloylglycine hydrolases (CGH). BSH enzymes have attracted significant interest for their ability to modulate the composition of the bile acid pool, alter bile acid signaling events mediated by the host bile acid receptors FXR and TGR5 and influence cholesterol homeostasis in the host, while PVA enzymes have been widely utilised in an industrial capacity in the production of semi-synthetic antibiotics. The similarities between BSH and PVA enzymes suggest common evolution of these enzymes and shared mechanisms for substrate binding and catalysis. Here, we compare BSH and PVA through analysis of the distribution, phylogeny and biochemistry of these microbial enzymes. The development of new annotation approaches based upon functional enzyme analyses and the potential implications of BSH enzymes for host health are discussed.
PubMed: 33807488
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040732 -
IDCases 2021Numerous post-Streptococcal syndromes (PSS) have been described in the literature. The role of antibiotic therapy in the management of PSS is best established with acute...
Numerous post-Streptococcal syndromes (PSS) have been described in the literature. The role of antibiotic therapy in the management of PSS is best established with acute rheumatic fever. We present a patient with streptococcus-associated medium vessel vasculitis with multiple flares despite immunosuppressive therapy that achieved a sustained remission with long term oral penicillin V 250 mg twice daily.
PubMed: 33777696
DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2021.e01071 -
Case Reports in Dentistry 2021Actinomycosis can be one of the causes of persistent periradicular lesions. This is the report of a patient who was first referred with complaint of pain in maxillary...
Actinomycosis can be one of the causes of persistent periradicular lesions. This is the report of a patient who was first referred with complaint of pain in maxillary right incisors. A standard root canal therapy was carried out. Unluckily, the patient returned with recurrent symptoms; therefore, surgical endodontic retreatment was decided. While the large periradicular lesion was curetted, a whitish yellow granule-like material came out from the periapical area that was submitted for histopathological examination. The apices of both maxillary right incisors were resected. Root-end cavities were sealed with calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement. Finally, the remaining large defect was filled with natural bone substitutes. Since the histopathological diagnosis revealed actinomycotic infection, oral penicillin V was prescribed for four weeks. At two-year recall, the bone healing process was completed. Apical actinomycosis can cause therapy-resistant lesions. Root-end surgery employing CEM and bone substitutes might be an effective method to help bone healing in large periradicular lesions.
PubMed: 33708448
DOI: 10.1155/2021/6619731