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Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024Dermatophytic pseudomycetoma (DPM), which is a deeper dermal and/or subcutaneous infection of dermatophytes, has been rarely reported in Domestic Korean Short Hair Cats....
Dermatophytic pseudomycetoma (DPM), which is a deeper dermal and/or subcutaneous infection of dermatophytes, has been rarely reported in Domestic Korean Short Hair Cats. A 3-year-old, spayed female, domestic Korean Short Hair Cat presented with a history of crusts, nodules, and pruritus for 1 year. At the initial presentation, multifocal ulcerative nodules covered with yellowish grains were noted on her ventral thorax, abdomen, flank, and left hindlimb. Cytology of ulcerative nodules revealed degenerative neutrophils, macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, and hyphae. Histological examination of nodules revealed pyogranulomatous dermatitis with fungal plaques, and and were identified in the culture. Therefore, the cat was diagnosed with DPM with secondary pyoderma. Oral itraconazole (10 mg/kg, once a day) was administered, but no significant improvement was observed. Therefore, intralesional (IL) injection of amphotericin B (0.6 mg/nodule) and oral administration of terbinafine (30 mg/kg, twice a day) were administered to the cat. With these medications, ulceration and the number and size of nodules decreased significantly, although large dome-shaped nodules remained. Skin lesions were treated with oral terbinafine and itraconazole administration for 5 months. However, after 6 months, recurrence of multifocal ulcerative nodules was observed, and the cat died 10 months after initial presentation. In this case, IL amphotericin B and oral terbinafine administration were partially effective in DPM treatment, suggesting that this may be an option for DPM treatment. Further studies to determine dose and frequency of IL amphotericin B in the management of DPM are warranted.
PubMed: 38938913
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1402691 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024Accurate identification of the etiology of orthopedic infection is very important for correct and timely clinical management, but it has been poorly studied. In the...
INTRODUCTION
Accurate identification of the etiology of orthopedic infection is very important for correct and timely clinical management, but it has been poorly studied. In the current study we explored the association of multiple bacterial pathogens with orthopedic infection.
METHODS
Hospitalized orthopedic patients were enrolled in a rural hospital in Qingdao, China. Wound or exudate swab samples were collected and tested for twelve bacterial pathogens with both culture and multiplex real time PCR.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
A total of 349 hospitalized orthopedic patients were enrolled including 193 cases presenting infection manifestations upon admission and 156 with no sign of infection. Orthopedic infection patients were mainly male (72.5%) with more lengthy hospital stay (median 15 days). At least one pathogen was detected in 42.5% (82/193) of patients with infection while 7.1% (11/156) in the patients without infection ( < 0.001). was the most prevalent causative pathogen (15.5%). Quantity dependent pathogen association with infection was observed, particularly for and , possibly indicating subclinical infection. Most of the patients with detected pathogens had a previous history of orthopedic surgery (odds ratio 2.8, = 0.038). Pathogen specific clinical manifestations were characterized. Multiplex qPCR, because of its high sensitivity, superior specificity, and powerful quantification could be utilized in combination with culture to guide antimicrobial therapy and track the progression of orthopedic infection during treatment.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Aged; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; China; Adult; Bacteria; Bacterial Infections; Hospitalization; Aged, 80 and over; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Hospitals, Rural
PubMed: 38938882
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1394352 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is associated with immune complications and endothelial dysfunction due to intricate donor-recipient interactions,...
INTRODUCTION
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is associated with immune complications and endothelial dysfunction due to intricate donor-recipient interactions, conditioning regimens, and inflammatory responses.
METHODS
This study investigated the role of the complement system during HSCT and its interaction with the cytokine network. Seventeen acute myeloid leukemia patients undergoing HSCT were monitored, including blood sampling from the start of the conditioning regimen until four weeks post-transplant. Clinical follow-up was 200 days.
RESULTS
Total complement functional activity was measured by WIELISA and the degree of complement activation by ELISA measurement of sC5b-9. Cytokine release was measured using a 27-multiplex immuno-assay. At all time-points during HSCT complement functional activity remained comparable to healthy controls. Complement activation was continuously stable except for two patients demonstrating increased activation, consistent with severe endotheliopathy and infections. experiments with post-HSCT whole blood challenged with , revealed a hyperinflammatory cytokine response with increased TNF, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 formation. Complement C3 inhibition markedly reduced the cytokine response induced by , , and cholesterol crystals.
DISCUSSION
In conclusion, HSCT patients generally retained a fully functional complement system, whereas activation occurred in patients with severe complications. The complement-cytokine interaction indicates the potential for new complement-targeting therapeutic strategies in HSCT.
Topics: Humans; Male; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Female; Middle Aged; Complement Activation; Adult; Cytokines; Transplantation, Homologous; Aged; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Complement System Proteins; Transplantation Conditioning; Young Adult
PubMed: 38938578
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1422370 -
Scientifica 2024This study provides the design of a microencapsulation formula, physicochemical characterization, and antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiplasmodial activities of...
This study provides the design of a microencapsulation formula, physicochemical characterization, and antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiplasmodial activities of microcapsules. The ethanolic extract of was microencapsulated with chitosan (CHI) and sodium tripolyphosphate (Na-TPP) with various stirring times: 60 minutes (CHI60), 90 minutes (CHI90), and 120 minutes (CHI120). The microcapsules were then observed for physicochemical properties using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The microcapsules were tested for antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity against and using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method. Antiplasmodial bioactivity was assessed through in silico molecular docking. The CHI60 and CHI120 microcapsules exhibited a smaller size and an irregular spherical shape, while the same FTIR profile was observed in CHI90 and CHI120. The bioactivity tests demonstrated that CHI90 exhibited high antibacterial activity against and , while CHI120 exhibited high antioxidant performance. Calcigeroside B and Echinoside B exhibited antiplasmodial activity against the dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHODH) protein, along with an artemisinin inhibition mechanism. In conclusion, the microcapsules with the CHI90 formula demonstrated the best antibacterial activity, while the CHI120 formula exhibited high antioxidant activity. Two terpenoids, Calcigeroside B and Echinoside B, exhibited the best antiplasmodial activity.
PubMed: 38938546
DOI: 10.1155/2024/5559133 -
Stem Cell Research & Therapy Jun 2024Due to the advanced studies on stem cells in developmental biology, the roles of stem cells in the body and their phenotypes in related diseases have not been covered... (Review)
Review
Due to the advanced studies on stem cells in developmental biology, the roles of stem cells in the body and their phenotypes in related diseases have not been covered clearly. Meanwhile, with the intensive research on the mechanisms of stem cells in regulating various diseases, stem cell therapy is increasingly being attention because of its effectiveness and safety. As one of the most widely used stem cell in stem cell therapies, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation shows huge advantage in treatment of leukemia and other blood-malignant diseases. Besides, due to the effect of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory, mesenchymal stem cells could be a potential therapeutic strategy for variety infectious diseases. In this review, we summarized the effects of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and its components on different types of adult stem cells and their downstream signaling pathways. Also, we reviewed the roles of different kinds of stem cells in various disease models caused by S. aureus, providing new insights for applying stem cell therapy to treat infectious diseases.
Topics: Humans; Staphylococcus aureus; Animals; Inflammation; Staphylococcal Infections; Signal Transduction; Mesenchymal Stem Cells
PubMed: 38937829
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03781-6 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Jun 2024Tuberculosis (TB), one of the leading causes of death worldwide, has a higher incidence among indigenous people. Albeit uncommon, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) has...
BACKGROUND
Tuberculosis (TB), one of the leading causes of death worldwide, has a higher incidence among indigenous people. Albeit uncommon, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) has been deemed a risk condition to develop mycobacterial infection, as a result of the immunosuppressive treatments. TB, in turn, can be a predisposing factor for secondary infections.
CASE PRESENTATION
Here we present a case of a 28-year-old indigenous woman from Colombia, previously diagnosed with AIHA and pulmonary TB. Despite various treatments, therapies and medical interventions, the patient died after severe medullary aplasia of multiple causes, including secondary myelotoxicity by immunosuppressive therapy and secondary disseminated infections, underlining infection by Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida glabrata, which were identified as drug-resistant microorganisms. Together, this led to significant clinical complications. Invasive aspergillosis was diagnosed at autopsy.
CONCLUSIONS
This report presents a rarely finding of AIHA followed by TB, and highlights the great challenges of dealing with co-infections, particularly by drug resistant pathogens. It also aims to spur governments and public health authorities to focus attention in the prevention, screening and management of TB, especially among vulnerable communities, such as indigenous people.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Coinfection; Fatal Outcome; Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune; Colombia; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Staphylococcus aureus; Candida glabrata; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Staphylococcal Infections; Indigenous Peoples; Candidiasis
PubMed: 38937714
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09557-w -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Nasally colonized staphylococci carry antibiotic resistance genes and may lead to serious opportunistic infections. We are investigating nasal carriage of Staphylococcus...
Nasally colonized staphylococci carry antibiotic resistance genes and may lead to serious opportunistic infections. We are investigating nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococci other than S. aureus (SOSA) among young volunteers in Egypt to determine their risk potential. Nasal swabs collected over 1 week in June 2019 from 196 volunteers were cultured for staphylococcus isolation. The participants were interviewed to assess sex, age, general health, hospitalization and personal hygiene habits. Identification was carried out using biochemical tests and VITEK 2 automated system. Disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration tests were performed to determine antibiotic susceptibility. Screening for macrolide resistance genes (ermA, ermB, ermC, ermT and msrA) was performed using polymerase chain reaction. Thirty four S. aureus and 69 SOSA were obtained. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was detected among most staphylococcal species, ranging from 30.77% among S. hominis to 50% among S. epidermidis. Phenotypic resistance to all tested antibiotics, except for linezolid, was observed. Susceptibility to rifampicin, vancomycin and teicoplanin was highest. ermB showed the highest prevalence among all species (79.41% and 94.2% among S. aureus and SOSA, respectively), and constitutive macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLS) resistance was equally observed in S. aureus and SOSA (11.11% and 16.22%, respectively), whereas inducible MLS resistance was more often found in S. aureus (77.78% and 43.24%, respectively). The species or resistance level of the carried isolates were not significantly associated with previous hospitalization or underlying diseases. Although over all colonization and carriage of resistance genes are within normal ranges, the increased carriage of MDR S. aureus is alarming. Also, the fact that many macrolide resitance genes were detected should be a warning sign, particularly in case of MLS inducible phenotype. More in depth analysis using whole genome sequencing would give a better insight into the MDR staphylococci in the community in Egypt.
Topics: Humans; Egypt; Female; Male; Staphylococcus; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Staphylococcal Infections; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Adult; Phenotype; Young Adult; Genotype; Staphylococcus aureus; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Adolescent
PubMed: 38937465
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60924-8 -
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment Dec 2024Cutaneous infection in epidermolysis bullosa (EB) can cause significant morbidity, mortality, and dangerous sequelae. This review article aims to delve into the known... (Review)
Review
Cutaneous infection in epidermolysis bullosa (EB) can cause significant morbidity, mortality, and dangerous sequelae. This review article aims to delve into the known epidemiology of EB, highlight the disease's primary causative agents and their antimicrobial resistance spectrum. A thorough literature search was conducted using Medline, EMBASE, JBI and PubMed to gather data on the microbial landscape of EB wounds. The focus was on identifying the most common bacteria associated with EB infections and assessing their antimicrobial resistance profiles. The analysis revealed that is the most frequently identified bacterium in EB wounds, with a notable prevalence of methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA). Specific studies on mupirocin resistance further indicated rising rates of mupirocin-resistant , with one study reporting rates as high as 16.07%. Additionally, high resistance to other antibiotics, such as levofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, was observed in MRSA isolates. The findings highlight the critical need for regular resistance surveillance and the prudent use of mupirocin to manage infections effectively in EB. The multi-drug resistant nature of pathogens in EB presents a significant challenge in treatment, highlighting the importance of antimicrobial stewardship. Ultimately, given the sparse literature and the rarity of large-scale studies, further longitudinal research on the antimicrobial resistance profile of bacteria isolated from EB wounds is essential.
Topics: Humans; Epidermolysis Bullosa; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Wound Infection; Mupirocin; Drug Resistance, Bacterial
PubMed: 38936964
DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2024.2370424 -
In Vivo (Athens, Greece) 2024Bloodstream infections in patients with COVID-19 are linked to higher mortality rates, whilst data on epidemiology and resistance patterns remains scarce to guide...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Bloodstream infections in patients with COVID-19 are linked to higher mortality rates, whilst data on epidemiology and resistance patterns remains scarce to guide management and prevent antibiotic resistance. This research focuses on the prevalence, clinical features, causative microorganisms, and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial and fungal secondary bloodstream co-infections in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
In this retrospective study analysis of 230 patients with COVID-19 from Central Taiwan (June 2021 to June 2022), pathogens were identified via MALDI-TOF MS and Vitek 2 system with Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standards.
RESULTS
In the cohort, 17.8% experienced bloodstream infections, resulting in a total of 45 isolates from the 41 bloodstream infection patients: predominantly gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus and Enterococcus) at 69%, gram-negative at 29% (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae), and fungi at 2%. Infected patients showed significantly elevated levels of white blood count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT). Of note, resistance to common antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, and oxacillin was significant, especially in K. pneumoniae, Acinetobacter species, and S. aureus infections.
CONCLUSION
Our study highlights the influence of bacterial infections in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The bacterial infections were discovered to impact the clinical trajectory of COVID-19, potentially exacerbating or mitigating its symptoms, severity and fatality. These insights are pivotal to addressing clinical challenges in COVID-19 management and underscoring the need for tailored medical interventions. Understanding these co-infections is thus essential for optimizing patient care and improving overall outcomes in the post COVID-19 pandemic era.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Retrospective Studies; Coinfection; Male; Female; Aged; Middle Aged; SARS-CoV-2; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Taiwan; Hospitalization; Bacteremia; Aged, 80 and over; Adult; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Drug Resistance, Bacterial
PubMed: 38936952
DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13653 -
Metallomics : Integrated Biometal... Jun 2024Bacterial biofilms are associated with antibiotic resistance and account for approximately 80% of all bacterial infections. In this study, we explored novel...
Bacterial biofilms are associated with antibiotic resistance and account for approximately 80% of all bacterial infections. In this study, we explored novel nanomaterials for combating bacteria and their biofilms. Artemisinin nano-copper (ANC) was synthesised using a green synthesis strategy, and its shape, size, structure, elemental composition, chemical valence, zeta potential, and conductivity were characterised using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, zeta potential, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The results showed that ANC was successfully synthesised utilizing a liquid-phase chemical reduction method using chitosan as a modified protectant and l-ascorbic acid as a green reducing agent. The stability of ANC was evaluated using DLS. The results showed that the particle size of the ANC at different concentrations was comparable to that of the original solution after 7 days of storage, and there was no significant change in PDI (P > 0.05). The antibacterial effects of ANC on Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were determined by Disk diffusion and broth dilution methods. The results demonstrated that ANC inhibited and killed E. coli and S. aureus. The effect of ANC on bacterial biofilms was investigated using Crystal Violet staining, scanning electron microscopy, laser confocal microscope, and quantitative PCR. The results showed that ANC treatment was able to destroy bacterial biofilms and downregulate biofilm- and virulence-related genes in E. coli (HlyA, gyrA, and F17) and S. aureus (cna, PVL, ClfA, and femB). Green-synthesised ANC possesses excellent anti-biofilm properties and is expected to exhibit antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties.
PubMed: 38936831
DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfae030