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BMC Microbiology Jun 2024In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, open ditches along innner roads in residential areas serve to convey domestic wastewater and rainwater away from residences. Contamination of...
BACKGROUND
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, open ditches along innner roads in residential areas serve to convey domestic wastewater and rainwater away from residences. Contamination of drinking water by wastewater through faulty distribution lines could expose households to waterborne illnesses. This prompted the study to assess the microbiological safety of wastewater and drinking water in Addis Ababa, identify the pathogens therein, and determine their antibiotic resistance patterns.
RESULTS VIBRIO CHOLERAE
O1, mainly Hikojima serotype, was isolated from 23 wastewater and 16 drinking water samples. Similarly, 19 wastewater and 10 drinking water samples yielded Escherichia coli O157:H7. V. cholerae O1 were 100% resistant to the penicillins (Amoxacillin and Ampicillin), and 51-82% were resistant to the cephalosporins. About 44% of the V. cholerae O1 isolates in this study were Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producers. Moreover, 26% were resistant to Meropenem. Peperacillin/Tazobactam was the only effective β-lactam antibiotic against V. cholerae O1. V. cholerae O1 isolates showed 37 different patterns of multiple resistance ranging from a minimum of three to a maximum of ten antimicrobials. Of the E. coli O157:H7 isolates, 71% were ESBL producers. About 96% were resistant to Ampicillin. Amikacin and Gentamicin were very effective against E. coli O157:H7 isolates. The isolates from wastewater and drinking water showed multiple antibiotic resistance against three to eight antibiotic drugs.
CONCLUSIONS
Open ditches for wastewater conveyance along innner roads in residence areas and underground faulty municipal water distribution lines could be possible sources for V. cholerae O1 and E. coli O157:H7 infections to surrounding households and for dissemination of multiple drug resistance in humans and, potentially, the environment.
Topics: Ethiopia; Vibrio cholerae O1; Wastewater; Escherichia coli O157; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drinking Water; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; beta-Lactamases; Humans; Water Microbiology
PubMed: 38902619
DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03302-8 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Novel therapeutic strategies against difficult-to-treat bacterial infections are desperately needed, and the faster and cheaper way to get them might be by repurposing...
Novel therapeutic strategies against difficult-to-treat bacterial infections are desperately needed, and the faster and cheaper way to get them might be by repurposing existing antibiotics. Nanodelivery systems enhance the efficacy of antibiotics by guiding them to their targets, increasing the local concentration at the site of infection. While recently described nanodelivery systems are promising, they are generally not easy to adapt to different targets, and lack biocompatibility or specificity. Here, nanodelivery systems are created that source their targeting proteins from bacteriophages. Bacteriophage receptor-binding proteins and cell-wall binding domains are conjugated to nanoparticles, for the targeted delivery of rifampicin, imipenem, and ampicillin against bacterial pathogens. They show excellent specificity against their targets, and accumulate at the site of infection to deliver their antibiotic payload. Moreover, the nanodelivery systems suppress pathogen infections more effectively than 16 to 32-fold higher doses of free antibiotics. This study demonstrates that bacteriophage sourced targeting proteins are promising candidates to guide nanodelivery systems. Their specificity, availability, and biocompatibility make them great options to guide the antibiotic nanodelivery systems that are desperately needed to combat difficult-to-treat infections.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteriophages; Nanoparticles; Drug Delivery Systems; Viral Proteins; Animals; Mice; Rifampin; Humans; Ampicillin; Bacterial Infections
PubMed: 38902231
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49603-4 -
Sexually Transmitted Infections Jun 2024This study aimed to describe the clinical features of neurosyphilis in Chinese patients in an attempt to find clinical features that are helpful for the early...
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to describe the clinical features of neurosyphilis in Chinese patients in an attempt to find clinical features that are helpful for the early identification of neurosyphilis.
METHODS
This retrospective study included people with syphilis who visited Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital between January 2010 and December 2020. Lumbar puncture was performed on those who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The diagnosis of neurosyphilis was based on clinical and laboratory findings. The parameters were analysed statistically.
RESULTS
Of the 3524 patients with neurosyphilis, 2111 (59.9%) and 1413 (40.1%) were asymptomatic and symptomatic neurosyphilis, respectively. General paresis was the most common type of symptomatic neurosyphilis (46.8%). The clinical manifestations of symptomatic neurosyphilis include psychiatric and neurotic symptoms, among which general paresis predominantly presented as psychiatric symptoms such as affective (66.7%) and memory disorder (72.9%). Tabes dorsalis is often presented as neurotic symptoms. One hundred fifty patients (10.6%) with symptomatic neurosyphilis presented candy signs, a rare and specific neurosyphilis symptom that is common in general paresis. Girdle sensation was presented in 13 patients, mainly with tabes dorsalis, which had not been reported in previous studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Notably, the candy sign is identified as a specific symptom of general paresis, while girdle sensations are highlighted as a particular symptom of tabes dorsalis. This is the largest study describing the clinical spectrum of neurosyphilis since the onset of the penicillin era and could help doctors learn more about the disease. A comprehensive description of the possible clinical manifestations of late symptomatic neurosyphilis, particularly highlighting rare symptoms, can identify suspicious patients and prevent diagnostic delays.
PubMed: 38902025
DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2024-056117 -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... Jun 2024Ten % of the population is labeled as allergic to penicillin(s), when in fact 90% of these labels are inappropriate. Recent studies have shown that inpatient...
BACKGROUND
Ten % of the population is labeled as allergic to penicillin(s), when in fact 90% of these labels are inappropriate. Recent studies have shown that inpatient de-labelling by a direct drug challenge (dDC) is safe in low-risk patients. However, there is a need for outpatient and non-allergist de-labelling.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the safety of de-labelling low-risk adults by means of dDC in primary care.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Conchrane Library databases, from inception to March 15, 2022 (updated June 5, 2023) for studies performing dDC in adults in primary care or other outpatient settings. Two researchers independently screened studies for eligibility. The data extraction and critical appraisal was performed by one reviewer and we pooled the results in a meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Out of 2,138 results, 12 studies (1070 participants) were eligible for inclusion. Three studies evaluated de-labelling in primary care and 9 studies in an outpatient hospital setting. There were no critical adverse events during dDC. No reaction occurred in 97.13% of the 1070 patients, who previously labeled as penicillin-allergic, and were safely de-labelled. Ten patients (<1%) developed an immediate reaction: three had self-limiting reactions, and seven needed antihistaminics, steroids, epinephrine and/or salbutamol.
CONCLUSION
No serious allergic reactions are observed during direct amoxicillin challenge in adults in an outpatient setting. However, with the exception of one recent report, these studies are of low to moderate quality. Non-specialist de-labelling is promising but further research is required on correct risk stratification and safety assessment in large cohort studies evaluating dDC in primary care.
PubMed: 38901618
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.06.017 -
Helicobacter 2024The amoxicillin dose used in dual therapy to eradicate Helicobacter pylori varies across studies and the optimal amoxicillin dose for vonoprazan-based dual therapies... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The amoxicillin dose used in dual therapy to eradicate Helicobacter pylori varies across studies and the optimal amoxicillin dose for vonoprazan-based dual therapies remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of low- and high-dose amoxicillin in vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A comprehensive systematic review was conducted by searching databases from inception to October 2023. All trials that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy for eradicating H. pylori were included. Pooled eradication rate, incidence of adverse events, relative risks, and 95% confidence intervals are presented.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies with 12 low-dose amoxicillin (VLA) and 13 high-dose amoxicillin (VHA) arms were included. The pooled eradication rates were 82.4% and 86.8% for VLA therapy, and 86.0% and 90.9% for VHA therapy by the intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses, respectively. In the subgroup analysis stratified by duration, the eradication rates achieved in 7 days, 10 days, and 14 days treatments with VLA and VHA dual therapies were 80.8%, 84.2%, 83.1%, and 67.3%, 88.8%, 87.5%, respectively. In the four randomized controlled trials that directly compared VLA and VHA dual therapies, the efficacy was not statistically different in the intention-to-treat (76.9% vs 81.4%, p = 0.337) and per-protocol (81.6% vs 84.0%, p = 0.166) analyses. Additionally, the incidence of adverse events (p = 0.965) and compliance (p = 0.994) were similar in both groups.
CONCLUSION
VLA therapy demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety to VHA therapy, along with regional differences. An appropriately extended treatment duration may be critical for therapeutic optimization of vonoprazan-amoxicillin treatment.
Topics: Amoxicillin; Humans; Helicobacter Infections; Sulfonamides; Pyrroles; Helicobacter pylori; Drug Therapy, Combination; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Treatment Outcome; Proton Pump Inhibitors
PubMed: 38900537
DOI: 10.1111/hel.13054 -
Virulence Dec 2024The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to human health, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their underlying mechanisms....
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to human health, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their underlying mechanisms. Uropathogenic (UPEC), the primary causative agent of urinary tract infections, is frequently associated with multidrug resistance and recurrent infections. To elucidate the mechanism of resistance of UPEC to beta-lactam antibiotics, we generated ampicillin-resistant UPEC strains through continuous exposure to low and high levels of ampicillin in the laboratory, referred to as Low Amp and High Amp, respectively. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that both Low and High Amp strains contained mutations in the , , and genes. The High Amp strain exhibited a single additional mutation in the gene. Using protein modeling and qRT-PCR analyses, we validated the contributions of each mutation in the identified genes to antibiotic resistance in the Amp strains, including a decrease in membrane permeability, increased expression of multidrug efflux pump, and inhibition of cell lysis. Furthermore, the Amp strain does not decrease the bacterial burden in the mouse bladder even after continuous antibiotic treatment , implicating the increasing difficulty in treating host infections caused by the Amp strain. Interestingly, ampicillin-induced mutations also result in multidrug resistance in UPEC, suggesting a common mechanism by which bacteria acquire cross-resistance to other classes of antibiotics.
Topics: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli; Animals; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Urinary Tract Infections; Escherichia coli Infections; Mice; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ampicillin; Mutation; Escherichia coli Proteins; Female; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Whole Genome Sequencing
PubMed: 38899601
DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2367648 -
World Journal of Clinical Cases Jun 2024() eradication rates have fallen globally, likely in large part due to increasing antibiotic resistance to traditional therapy. In areas of high clarithromycin and...
BACKGROUND
() eradication rates have fallen globally, likely in large part due to increasing antibiotic resistance to traditional therapy. In areas of high clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance such as ours, Maastricht VI guidelines suggest high dose amoxicillin dual therapy (HDADT) can be considered, subject to evidence for local efficacy. In this study we assess efficacy of HDADT therapy for eradication in an Irish cohort.
AIM
To assess the efficacy of HDADT therapy for eradication in an Irish cohort as both first line, and subsequent therapy for patients diagnosed with .
METHODS
All patients testing positive for in a tertiary centre were treated prospectively with HDADT (amoxicillin 1 g and esomeprazole 40 mg × 14 d) over a period of 8 months. Eradication was confirmed with Urea Breath Test at least 4 wk after cessation of therapy. A delta-over-baseline > 4% was considered positive. Patient demographics and treatment outcomes were recorded, analysed and controlled for basic demographics and prior treatment.
RESULTS
One hundred and ninety-eight patients were identified with infection, 10 patients were excluded due to penicillin allergy and 38 patients refused follow up testing. In all 139 were included in the analysis, 55% ( = 76) were female, mean age was 46.6 years. Overall, 93 (67%) of patients were treatment-naïve and 46 (33%) had received at least one previous course of treatment. The groups were statistically similar. Self-reported compliance with HDADT was 97%, mild side-effects occurred in 7%. There were no serious adverse drug reactions. Overall the eradication rate for our cohort was 56% (78/139). Eradication rates were worse for those with previous treatment [43% (20/46) 62% (58/93), = 0.0458, odds ratio = 2.15]. Age and Gender had no effect on eradication status.
CONCLUSION
Overall eradication rates with HDADT were disappointing. Despite being a simple and possibly better tolerated regime, these results do not support its routine use in a high dual resistance country. Further investigation of other regimens to achieve the > 90% eradication target is needed.
PubMed: 38899284
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i16.2773 -
World Journal of Clinical Cases Jun 2024This case series investigated the clinical manifestations, diagnoses, and treatment of cerebral abscesses caused by . We retrospectively analyzed the clinical...
BACKGROUND
This case series investigated the clinical manifestations, diagnoses, and treatment of cerebral abscesses caused by . We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of three cases of cerebral abscesses caused by and conducted a comprehensive review of relevant literature.
CASE SUMMARY
Case 1 presented with a history of left otitis media and exhibited high fever, confusion, and vomiting as primary symptoms. Postoperative pus culture indicated a brain abscess caused by infection. Case 2 experienced dizziness for two days as the primary symptom. Postoperative pus culture suggested an intermediate streptococcal brain abscess. Case 3: Enhanced head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging revealed occupancy of the left temporal lobe, initially suspected to be a metastatic tumor. However, a postoperative pus culture confirmed the presence of a brain abscess caused by infection. The three cases presented in this case series were all patients with community-acquired brain abscesses resulting from angina caused by Streptococcus group infection. All three patients demonstrated sensitivity to penicillin, ceftriaxone, vancomycin, linezolid, chloramphenicol, and levofloxacin. Successful treatment was achieved through stereotaxic puncture, drainage, and ceftriaxone administration with a six -week course of antibiotics.
CONCLUSION
Preoperative enhanced head MRI plays a critical role in distinguishing brain tumors from abscesses. Selecting the correct early diagnostic methods for brain abscesses and providing timely intervention are very important. This case series was in accordance with the CARE guidelines.
PubMed: 38898852
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i17.3243 -
Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology... Jun 2024Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global health challenge, particularly affecting older adults who are more susceptible to infections and their complications....
BACKGROUND
Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global health challenge, particularly affecting older adults who are more susceptible to infections and their complications. Accurate diagnosis and documentation of antibiotic allergies are essential for effective antimicrobial stewardship. Despite the recognized overdiagnosis of antibiotic allergies, comprehensive studies on this subject in long-term care (LTC) settings are limited.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to determine the point prevalence of antibiotic allergies and documentation quality in Massachusetts LTC facilities.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional, one-day point prevalence survey from July 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, across 20 participating LTC facilities in Massachusetts in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The survey assessed the prevalence and documentation of antibiotic allergies among 2,345 residents. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore associations between documented penicillin allergy and demographic factors, as well as non-penicillin antibiotic allergies.
RESULTS
The overall point prevalence of documented antibiotic allergies was 39.1%; with the most commonly reported classes being penicillins at 23.1%, sulfonamides at 15.4%, and cephalosporins at 5.2%. Significant documentation gaps were identified, with up to 92.8% of the allergy records found to be incomplete. Factors associated with documented penicillin allergies included female sex (adjusted odd ratio [aOR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16 to 1.94), White race (aOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.25 to 2.94), having allergies to non-penicillin antibiotics (aOR, 2.89; 95% CI, 2.33 to 3.59), and receipt of antibiotic (aOR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.68 to 2.71).
CONCLUSION
The high prevalence of documented antibiotic allergies and the notable deficiencies in their documentation underscore the urgent need for enhanced antibiotic evaluation, documentation practices, and penicillin delabeling in LTC facilities.
PubMed: 38897407
DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2024.06.019 -
Microbial Genomics Jun 2024Since the introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in Malawi in 2011, there has been persistent carriage of vaccine serotype (VT) , despite...
Expansion of pneumococcal serotype 23F and 14 lineages with genotypic changes in capsule polysaccharide locus and virulence gene profiles post introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Blantyre, Malawi.
Since the introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in Malawi in 2011, there has been persistent carriage of vaccine serotype (VT) , despite high vaccine coverage. To determine if there has been a genetic change within the VT capsule polysaccharide (cps) loci since the vaccine's introduction, we compared 1022 whole-genome-sequenced VT isolates from 1998 to 2019. We identified the clonal expansion of a multidrug-resistant, penicillin non-susceptible serotype 23F GPSC14-ST2059 lineage, a serotype 14 GPSC9-ST782 lineage and a novel serotype 14 sequence type GPSC9-ST18728 lineage. Serotype 23F GPSC14-ST2059 had an I253T mutation within the capsule oligosaccharide repeat unit polymerase Wzy protein, which is predicted to alter the protein pocket cavity. Moreover, serotype 23F GPSC14-ST2059 had SNPs in the DNA binding sites for the cps transcriptional repressors CspR and SpxR. Serotype 14 GPSC9-ST782 harbours a non-truncated version of the large repetitive protein (Lrp), containing a Cna protein B-type domain which is also present in proteins associated with infection and colonisation. These emergent lineages also harboured genes associated with antibiotic resistance, and the promotion of colonisation and infection which were absent in other lineages of the same serotype. Together these data suggest that in addition to serotype replacement, modifications of the capsule locus associated with changes in virulence factor expression and antibiotic resistance may promote vaccine escape. In summary, the study highlights that the persistence of vaccine serotype carriage despite high vaccine coverage in Malawi may be partly caused by expansion of VT lineages post-PCV13 rollout.
Topics: Streptococcus pneumoniae; Pneumococcal Vaccines; Humans; Serogroup; Malawi; Bacterial Capsules; Pneumococcal Infections; Vaccines, Conjugate; Polysaccharides, Bacterial; Virulence; Genotype; Whole Genome Sequencing; Bacterial Proteins; Virulence Factors; Child, Preschool; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Infant; Male
PubMed: 38896467
DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001264