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Vascular Specialist International Jun 2024Lemierre syndrome is a rare complication of oropharyngeal infection that causes septic thrombophlebitis in the internal jugular vein. Since the onset of the COVID-19...
Lemierre syndrome is a rare complication of oropharyngeal infection that causes septic thrombophlebitis in the internal jugular vein. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this condition has been dangerously overlooked and poses an even greater threat when complicated by vascular pathologies. A case is presented where the patient required emergency endovascular exclusion of a right internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm due to Lemierre syndrome. The treatment included stent graft placement and drainage of a neck abscess, along with appropriate antibiotic treatment during hospitalization. Recognizing this diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The complexity of the disease necessitates extensive multidisciplinary collaboration for effective treatment.
PubMed: 38915225
DOI: 10.5758/vsi.240025 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Mastitis is considered one of the most widespread infectious disease of cattle and buffaloes, affecting dairy herds. The current study aimed to characterize the...
Mastitis is considered one of the most widespread infectious disease of cattle and buffaloes, affecting dairy herds. The current study aimed to characterize the Staphylococcus aureus isolates recovered from subclinical mastitis animals in Pothohar region of the country. A total of 278 milk samples from 17 different dairy farms around two districts of the Pothohar region, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, were collected and screened for sub clinical mastitis using California Mastitis Test. Positive milk samples were processed for isolation of Staphylococcus aureus using mannitol salt agar. The recovered isolates were analyzed for their antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence genes using disc diffusion and PCR respectively. 62.2% samples were positive for subclinical mastitis and in total 70 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were recovered. 21% of these isolates were determined to be methicillin resistant, carrying the mecA gene. S. aureus isolates recovered during the study were resistant to all first line therapeutic antibiotics and in total 52% isolates were multidrug resistant. SCCmec typing revealed MRSA SCCmec types IV and V, indicating potential community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) transmission. Virulence profiling revealed high prevalence of key genes associated with adhesion, toxin production, and immune evasion, such as hla, hlb, clfA, clfB and cap5. Furthermore, the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) toxin, that is often associated with recurrent skin and soft tissue infections, was present in 5.7% of isolates. In conclusion, the increased prevalence of MRSA in bovine mastitis is highlighted by this study, which also reveals a variety of virulence factors in S. aureus and emphasizes the significance of appropriate antibiotic therapy in combating this economically burdensome disease.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Mastitis, Bovine; Female; Staphylococcal Infections; Pakistan; Virulence; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Staphylococcus aureus; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Virulence Factors; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Milk; Bacterial Proteins
PubMed: 38914650
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65448-9 -
Microbiology Spectrum Jun 2024Over 2.5 million prosthetic joint implantation surgeries occur annually in the United States. Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), though occurring in only 1-2% of...
UNLABELLED
Over 2.5 million prosthetic joint implantation surgeries occur annually in the United States. Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), though occurring in only 1-2% of patients receiving replacement joints, are challenging to diagnose and treat and are associated with significant morbidity. The Gram-positive bacterium , which can be highly antibiotic-resistant and is a robust biofilm producer on indwelling medical devices, accounts for 2-11% of PJIs. PJIs are understudied compared to those caused by other pathogens, such as . This motivates the need to generate a comprehensive understanding of PJIs to guide future treatments for these infections. To address this, we describe a panel of strains isolated from the surface of prosthetic joints in a cohort of individuals treated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Here, we present the first complete genome assemblage of PJI isolates. Comparative genomics shows differences in genome size, virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance genes, plasmids, and prophages, underscoring the genetic diversity of these strains. These isolates have strain-specific differences in biofilm biomass, biofilm burden, and biofilm morphology. We measured robust changes in biofilm architecture and aggregation for all isolates when grown in simulated synovial fluid (SSF). Finally, we evaluated the antibiotic efficacy of these isolates and found strain-specific changes across all strains when grown in SSF. Results of this study highlight the existence of genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity among PJI isolates which will provide valuable insight and resources for future PJI research.
IMPORTANCE
Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) affect ~1-2% of those who undergo joint replacement surgery. is a Gram-positive opportunistic pathogen that causes ~10% of PJIs in the United States each year, but our understanding of how and why causes PJIs is limited. infections are typically biofilm-associated and can be difficult to clear with antibiotic therapy. Here, we provide complete genomes for four PJI isolates from the Mayo Clinic. These isolates have strain-specific differences in biofilm formation, aggregation, and antibiotic susceptibility in simulated synovial fluid. These results provide important insight into the genomic and phenotypic features of isolates from PJI.
PubMed: 38912797
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00565-24 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024Widespread opportunistic pathogens pose a serious threat to global health, particularly in susceptible hospital populations. The escalating crisis of antibiotic...
INTRODUCTION
Widespread opportunistic pathogens pose a serious threat to global health, particularly in susceptible hospital populations. The escalating crisis of antibiotic resistance highlights the urgent need for novel antibacterial agents and alternative treatment approaches. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its compounds have deep roots in the treatment of infectious diseases. It has a variety of active ingredients and multi-target properties, opening up new avenues for the discovery and development of antimicrobial drugs.
METHODS
This study focuses on assessing the efficacy of the Shensheng-Piwen changed medicinal powder (SPC) extracts against opportunistic pathogen infections by broth microdilution and agar disc diffusion methods. Additionally, biofilm inhibition and eradication assays were performed to evaluate the antibiofilm effects of SPC extracts.
RESULTS
Metabolite profiles were analyzed by LC-MS. Furthermore, the potential synergistic effect between SPC and Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) was investigated by bacterial growth curve analysis. The results indicated that the SPC extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against , with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 7.8 mg/mL (crude drug concentration). Notably, at 1/2 MIC, the SPC extracts significantly inhibited biofilm formation, with over 80% inhibition, which was critical in tackling chronic and hospital-acquired infections. Metabolomic analysis of revealed that SPC extracts induced a notable reduction in the levels of various metabolites, including L-proline, L-asparagine. This suggested that the SPC extracts could interfere with the metabolism of . Meanwhile, the growth curve experiment proved that SPC extracts and MOFs had a synergistic antibacterial effect.
DISCUSSION
In conclusion, the present study highlights the potential of SPC extracts as a novel antibacterial agent against infections, with promising biofilm inhibition properties. The observed synergistic effect between SPC extracts and MOFs further supports the exploration of this combination as an alternative treatment approach.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biofilms; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Metal-Organic Frameworks; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Staphylococcus aureus; Drug Synergism; Powders; Humans; Chromatography, Liquid
PubMed: 38912207
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1376312 -
RSC Advances Jun 2024In this study, nickel selenide (NiSe), Ag/CN-NiSe, and CN/Ag-NiSe nanowires (NWs) were synthesized coprecipitation. The prepared NWs were employed for the degradation...
In this study, nickel selenide (NiSe), Ag/CN-NiSe, and CN/Ag-NiSe nanowires (NWs) were synthesized coprecipitation. The prepared NWs were employed for the degradation of the rhodamine B (RhB) dye in the absence of light using sodium borohydride (NaBH), bactericidal activity against pathogenic () and docking study to investigate the d-alanine ligase (DDl) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) gyrase of . NWs demonstrate a catalytic degradation efficiency of 69.58% toward RhB in a basic medium. The percentage efficacy of the synthesized materials was evaluated as 19.12-42.62% at low and 36.61-49.72% at high concentrations against pathogenic . Molecular docking results suggest that both CN/Ag-doped NiSe and Ag/CN-doped NiSe possess inhibitory activities toward DDl and DNA gyrase of , which coincides with the bactericidal activity. Based on the research outcomes, the synthesized NWs show potential as an effective agent for water purification and resistance to microbial contaminants.
PubMed: 38911830
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra01437e -
RSC Medicinal Chemistry Jun 2024Bacteria subjected to antiseptic or antibiotic stress often develop tolerance, a trait that can lead to permanent resistance. To determine whether photodynamic agents...
Bacteria subjected to antiseptic or antibiotic stress often develop tolerance, a trait that can lead to permanent resistance. To determine whether photodynamic agents could be used to counter tolerance, we evaluated three non-iron hemin analogs (M-PpIX; M = Al, Ga, In) as targeted photosensitizers for antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) following exposure to sublethal HO. Al-PpIX is an active producer of ROS whereas Ga- and In-PpIX are more efficient at generating singlet oxygen. Al- and Ga-PpIX are highly potent aPDI agents against and methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA) with antimicrobial activity (3 log reduction in colony-forming units) at nanomolar concentrations. The aPDI activities of Al- and Ga-PpIX against were tested in the presence of 1 mM HO added at different stages of growth. Bacteria exposed to HO during log-phase growth were less susceptible to aPDI but bacteria treated with HO in their postgrowth phase exhibited aPDI hypersensitivity, with no detectable colony growth after treatment with 15 nM Ga-PpIX.
PubMed: 38911164
DOI: 10.1039/d4md00148f -
Veterinary World May 2024In-feed antibiotics have been used as antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) to enhance the genetic potential of poultry. However, the long-term use of AGPs is known to lead...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
In-feed antibiotics have been used as antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) to enhance the genetic potential of poultry. However, the long-term use of AGPs is known to lead to bacterial resistance and antibiotic residues in poultry meat and eggs. To address these concerns, alternatives to AGPs are needed, one of which is probiotics, which can promote the health of livestock without having any negative effects. probiotic screening was performed to determine the ability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from soymilk waste to be used as a probiotic for livestock.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Four LAB isolates (designated F4, F6, F9, and F11) isolated from soymilk waste were used in this study. testing was performed on LAB isolates to determine their resistance to temperatures of 42°C, acidic pH, bile salts, hydrophobicity to the intestine, and ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria. A promising isolate was identified using the 16S rRNA gene.
RESULT
All LAB isolates used in this study have the potential to be used as probiotics. On the basis of the results of testing, all isolates showed resistance to temperatures of 42°C and low pH (2.5) for 3 h (79.87%-94.44%) and 6 h (76.29%-83.39%), respectively. The survival rate at a bile salt concentration of 0.3% ranged from 73.24% to 90.39%, whereas the survival rate at a bile salt concentration of 0.5% ranged from 56.28% to 81.96%. All isolates showed the ability to attach and colonize the digestive tract with a hydrophobicity of 87.58%-91.88%. Inhibitory zones of LAB against pathogens ranged from 4.80-15.15 mm against , 8.85-14.50 mm against , and 6.75-22.25 mm against . Although all isolates showed good ability as probiotics, isolate F4 showed the best probiotic ability. This isolate was identified as Lactobacillus casei strain T22 (JQ412731.1) using the 16S rRNA gene.
CONCLUSION
All isolates in this study have the potential to be used as probiotics. However, isolate F4 has the best probiotic properties and is considered to be the most promising novel probiotic for poultry.
PubMed: 38911076
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.1001-1011 -
Cureus May 2024The association of s with vasculitis remains relatively rare and poorly understood. In this report, we present a case of Methicillin-sensitive (MSSA)-associated...
The association of s with vasculitis remains relatively rare and poorly understood. In this report, we present a case of Methicillin-sensitive (MSSA)-associated leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) following a surgical site infection, adding to the limited body of knowledge on this intriguing clinical entity. A 52-year-old male with a medical history significant for type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease presented with progressively worsening generalized petechial rash and migratory joint pains with associated joint swelling. The patient's symptoms began following surgical repair for a rectus abdominis incisional hernia with mesh placement that was complicated by an abdominal wall abscess at the surgical site, prompting drain placement. Cultures from the abscess aspirate revealed Methicillin-sensitive infection. A punch biopsy of the petechial lesions revealed findings consistent with leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The rash and joint pains resolved approximately one week after initiation of treatment with antibiotics and steroids. This case sheds light on the rare but clinically significant association between Methicillin-sensitive infection and leukocytoclastic vasculitis, particularly following surgical site infections. The prompt recognition and treatment of underlying MSSA infection, along with the targeted management of LCV, resulted in the resolution of symptoms in our patient. This case emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach and highlights the efficacy of antibiotic therapy in mitigating MSSA-associated vasculitic manifestations.
PubMed: 38910712
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60867 -
ELife Jun 2024Examination of bacteria/host cell interactions is important for understanding the aetiology of many infectious diseases. The colony forming unit (CFU) has been the...
Examination of bacteria/host cell interactions is important for understanding the aetiology of many infectious diseases. The colony forming unit (CFU) has been the standard for quantifying bacterial burden for the past century, however, this suffers from low sensitivity and is dependent on bacterial culturability in vitro. Our data demonstrate the discrepancy between the CFU and bacterial genome copy number in an osteomyelitis-relevant co-culture system and we confirm diagnosis and quantify bacterial load in clinical bone specimens. This study provides an improved workflow for the quantification of bacterial burden in such cases.
Topics: Osteomyelitis; Humans; Bacterial Load; Coculture Techniques; Colony Count, Microbial; Bacteria
PubMed: 38910553
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.93698 -
Chinese Medicine Jun 2024Rising resistance to antimicrobials, particularly in the case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), represents a formidable global health challenge....
BACKGROUND
Rising resistance to antimicrobials, particularly in the case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), represents a formidable global health challenge. Consequently, it is imperative to develop new antimicrobial solutions. This study evaluated 68 Chinese medicinal plants renowned for their historical applications in treating infectious diseases.
METHODS
The antimicrobial efficacy of medicinal plants were evaluated by determining their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against MRSA. Safety profiles were assessed on human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. Mechanistic insights were obtained through fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (FM and TEM). Synergistic effects with vancomycin were investigated using the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI).
RESULTS
Rheum palmatum L., Arctium lappa L. and Paeonia suffructicosaas Andr. have emerged as potential candidates with potent anti-MRSA properties, with an impressive low MIC of 7.8 µg/mL, comparable to the 2 µg/mL MIC of vancomycin served as the antibiotic control. Crucially, these candidates demonstrated significant safety profiles when evaluated on Caco-2 and HepG2 cells. Even at 16 times the MIC, the cell viability ranged from 83.3% to 95.7%, highlighting their potential safety. FM and TEM revealed a diverse array of actions against MRSA, such as disrupting the cell wall and membrane, interference with nucleoids, and inducing morphological alterations resembling pseudo-multicellular structures in MRSA. Additionally, the synergy between vancomycin and these three plant extracts was evident against MRSA (FICI < 0.5). Notably, aqueous extract of R. palmatum at 1/4 MIC significantly reduced the vancomycin MIC from 2 µg/mL to 0.03 µg/mL, making a remarkable 67-fold decrease.
CONCLUSIONS
This study unveil new insights into the mechanistic actions and pleiotropic antibacterial effectiveness of these medicinal plants against resistant bacteria, providing robust evidence for their potential use as standalone or in conjunction with antibiotics, to effectively combat antimicrobial resistance, particularly against MRSA.
PubMed: 38909250
DOI: 10.1186/s13020-024-00960-8