The Relationship between microbial population adenosine triphosphate and quantitative polymerase chain reaction bioburdens in diesel fuel microcosms
Historically fuel microbiology studies have relied on culture data. Potentially relevant but unculturable were not detected. Although adenosine triphosphate (ATP) can quantify total microbial bioburdens in fuels it cannot differentiate among the taxa present. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) testing promises to fill this gap by quantifying targeted amplicon sequences and thereby detecting both culturable and non-culturable taxa and quantifying specifically targeted taxa. In this study fluid samples drawn from the fuel interface and water phases of fuel over water microcosms were tested for cellular ATP concentration ([cATP]) and qPCR bioburdens. Additionally surface swab samples from steel corrosion coupon surfaces exposed to each of these three phases were collected and tested for total ATP concentration ([tATP]) and qPCR bioburdens. Statistical relationships between ATP and qPCR bioburdens were examined. Correlation coefficients between the two variables were matrix dependent and ranged from negligible (|r| = 0.2) to strong (|r| = 0.7). When results were categorized into negligible moderate and heavy bioburdens parameter agreement was again matrix dependent. Percent agreement between [ATP] and qPCR gene copies ranged from 11 % to 89 % – with qPCR-bioburden ratings typically being greater than ATP-bioburden ratings.
Antibiotic Use and Antimicrobial Resistance: KAP survey of medical students to evaluate undergraduate training curriculum
Introduction: A better understanding of knowledge attitude and practices of undergraduate medical students towards antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is necessary to identify gaps in current training curriculum.
Methods: A 20-point Likert scale-based questionnaire divided three parts on knowledge attitude and practices relating to antibiotic use and resistance was devised. Students attending each year of undergraduate medical program were approached to participate in the study over a one-week-period. KAP scores of each year were compared through logistic ordinal regression and Kruskal-Wallis (KW) test.
Results: Two hundred and eight students participated in the study. Overall knowledge of about intended use of antibiotics fixed drug combinations and awareness about AMR was good (average score of 73.75%). Steady improvement in knowledge scores was observed from first year (-0.441) to final year (0.00). The medical students had favorable attitude towards rational antimicrobial use (Likert score ³4) including the need to spread awareness about AMR amongst students and public and following doctor’s prescription. Self-medication was reported by 28.4% of students and hoarding of leftover doses by 49.1%. Attitude score had a direct correlation with the knowledge score on KW test (χ2 =29.6 p≤0.5) but had no significant correlation with antimicrobial practices (χ2 =3.9 p≥0.5). The gaps identified in students’ practices included self-medication skipping of dosing hoarding of leftover medication.
Conclusion: As improvement in knowledge did not correlate with better personal behaviours regarding antibiotics current curriculum needs to include AMR as a focus area to ensure good antibiotic prescribing practices in future practitioners.
Hollow-fibre infection model: adaptations for the culture and assessment of fastidious organisms
The Hollow-fibre Infection Model (HFIM) is a valuable in vitro platform for emulating antimicrobial drug (AMD) pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles. Despite its potential standardized protocols for HFIM operation especially concerning fastidious organisms are lacking. This study addresses this gap by examining challenges in culturing Pasteurella multocida and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae two fastidious organisms in the HFIM. Our findings reveal effective strategies to prevent system clogging involving multiple freeze-thaw cycles of horse blood centrifugation and cell straining to enhance the clarity of the Mueller-Hinton fastidious (MH-F) medium defined by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Additionally we propose that the provision of a CO2 atmosphere along with the utilization of gas-permeable tubing and gas vent filters significantly facilitates the growth of fastidious organisms. Remarkably both P. multocida and A. pleuropneumoniae were sustained for a period of up to 10 days under these optimized conditions. This study provides crucial insights into the modifications necessary to successfully culture fastidious organisms in the HFIM paving the way for more accurate and representative in vitro models for antimicrobial drug testing. These advancements hold promise for advancing research in the field of antimicrobial pharmacokinetics and efficacy against challenging pathogens.
Phenotypic antibiotics susceptibility profile of clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates from Kaduna State, North-west Nigeria
Background: The increasing resistance of clinical Enterobacteriaceae infection to commonly prescribed antibiotics have been reported around the world. Data is generally lacking on the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility profile of clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates from Kaduna northwest Nigeria. This study thus aimed to determine the diversity of clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates recovered from clinical specimens of patients admitted into two selected healthcare institutions in Kaduna Nigeria.
Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted between September and December 2021. Non-duplicate clinical bacterial isolates recovered from various specimens were collected and identified using rapid biochemical identification kits. The susceptibility of identified Enterobacteriaceae to various antibiotics and phenotypic detection of carbapenemase enzymes were thereafter determined. The data were analyzed and visualized using the R software version 4.3.1.
Results: Of the 500 collected bacterial isolates 108 (21.6 %) were identified as Enterobacteriaceae with Pantoea agglomerans (52 48.1%) Klebsiella oxytoca (19 17.6%) as the most prevalent. The isolates exhibited high resistance to azithromycin (69%) and ceftazidime (42%) while exhibiting low resistance to amikacin (7%) and imipenem (10%). Among the carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) isolates a significant proportion (66.6 %) tested positive for carbapenemase activity.
Conclusion: This study reports a high prevalence of multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Kaduna northwest Nigeria. The emergence of pathogenic P. agglomerans and an alarmingly high prevalence of carbapenemase-producing CRE are also observed. The presence of carbapenemase producers in an area with low carbapenem usage and resistance rates raises significant concerns. Continuous surveillance and robust antibiotic stewardship policies are imperative to preserve the efficacy of carbapenems in this region.
Mycotic Aneurysms: Uncommon Pathogens and Treatment Conundrums
Introduction: Mycotic aneurysms characterized by vessel wall dilation resulting from infections including bacteria fungi and viruses are a rare yet severe consequence of systemic infections.These aneurysms accounting for 0.6% of Western countries' aneurysms carry a higher risk of rupture compared to uninfected conditions. While the femoral artery aorta and intracranial visceral arteries are commonly affected pathogens causing mycotic aneurysms vary across regions. Diagnostic challenges arise from nonspecific symptoms such as fever and discomfort. To prevent the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with mycotic aneurysms timely identification and treatment are paramount. We present a case series highlighting mycotic aneurysms caused by some rare pathogens - Salmonella Paratyphi A Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Materials & Methods: The case series involves three patients diagnosed with mycotic aneurysms due to unusual pathogens. We describe each patient's clinical presentation medical history physical examination findings laboratory results imaging studies and the diagnostic process leading to the identification of the causative pathogens.
Results: The first case depicts a 70-year-old male with a ruptured infra-renal abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm caused by Salmonella Paratyphi A. The second case involves a 66-year-old male with a Streptococcus pneumoniae-associated descending thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm. The third case pertains to a 70-year-old male with a ruptured descending thoracic aortic aneurysm into the esophagus due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Each case highlights unique clinical features laboratory findings imaging results and the management approaches undertaken.
Conclusion: Mycotic aneurysms stemming from infections involving diverse pathogens pose diagnostic challenges due to their nonspecific symptoms. Early identification and intervention are essential to mitigate the severe complications associated with these aneurysms. The presented cases underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management ensuring optimal outcomes for patients affected by mycotic aneurysms.
Evaluation of optimal agar medium for detecting hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae using string test
1. Abstract The string test is a screening method for detecting hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp). Agar media are typically used for string test; however the effect of media type on the test results remains unclear. We aimed to determine the optimal agar medium and cutoff value for the string test. We tested the string test for 99 Klebsiella strains using different agar media: sheep blood chocolate Drigalski's and MacConkey. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated in concordance with the rmpA rmpA2 or iuc gene levels. The diagnostic accuracy rates for sheep blood chocolate Drigalski's and MacConkey agar were 0.79 0.75 0.73 and 0.64 respectively. When the cutoff was changed from 5 mm to 10 mm the diagnostic accuracy rate for sheep blood agar decreased from 0.79 to 0.65. Our findings suggest that agar medium type affect the string test results and sheep blood agar with a cutoff of 5 mm is the optimal condition for detecting hvKp.
Staphylococcus aureus associated with post-operative wound infections in Western Kenya reveals genomic hotspots for pathogen evolution
Objectives. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common pathogens attributed to hospital infections. Although S. aureus infections have been well studied in developed countries far less is known about the biology of the pathogen in sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods. Here we report on the isolation antibiotic resistance profiling whole genome sequencing and genome comparison of six multi-drug resistant isolates of S. aureus obtained from a referral hospital in Kakamega Western Kenya.
Results. Five of the six isolates contained a 20.7-kb circular plasmid carrying blaZ (associated with resistance to b-lactam antibiotics). These five strains all belonged to the same sequence type ST152. Despite the similarity of the plasmid these isolates whole genome sequencing revealed that the strains differed depending on whether they were associated with hospital-acquired or community-acquired infections.
Conclusion. The intriguing finding is that the hospital acquired and the community acquired isolates of S. aureus belonging to the same genotype ST152 formed two separate sub-clusters in the phylogenetic tree and differed by the repertoire of accessory virulence genes suggesting an ongoing adaptive evolution and significant genomic plasticity.
Group A Streptococcus isolated in Guyana with reduced susceptibility toβ-lactam antibiotics
Introduction: Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococci [GAS]) is the causative agent of pharyngitis and various other syndromes involving cellulitis streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) and necrotising fasciitis. Although the prevalence of GAS infections globally remains high necessitating the widespread use of b-lactam antibiotics GAS has remained largely susceptible to these agents. However there have been several reports of GAS with reduced susceptibility harbouring mutations in genes for penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). The objectives of this study were to examine the in vitro b-lactam susceptibility patterns of Group A streptococci determine the prevalence of drug resistance and ascertain whether such resistance could be attributed to mutations in specific PBP genes.
Methods: In this study we sought to use Sanger sequencing to identify mutations in PBP genes of Streptococcus pyogenes isolated from patients that required inpatient and outpatient care that could confer reduced PBP affinity for penicillin and/or cephalosporin antibiotics. All isolates were screened for susceptibility to penicillin amoxicillin and cefazolin using E-test strips.
Results: While there were no documented cases of reduced susceptibility to penicillin or amoxicillin. Thirteen isolates had reduced susceptibility against cefazolin. Examination of pbp1a by Sanger sequencing revealed several isolates with single amino acid substitutions which could potentially reduce the affinity of PBP 1A for cefazolin and possibly other first-generation cephalosporins.
Conclusion: Penicillin and penicillin-derived antibiotics remain effective treatment options for GAS infections but active surveillance is needed to monitor for changes to susceptibility patterns against these and other antibiotics and understand the genetic mechanisms contributing to them.
Trend of Vancomycin resistance among Enterococcal meningitis patients in North India – an observational analysis
Introduction: Among bacterial meningitis enterococcal meningitis is extremely uncommon and typically nosocomial in origin.
Aim: This study was done to estimate the prevalence of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcal meningitis and to assess the risk factors amongst these patients. Also resistance pattern of these Vancomycin resistant Enterococcal isolates towards other antibiotics were also assessed.
Materials and methods: This observational analysis was done in the Microbiology department of a tertiary care referral center from January 2021 to July 2023. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of all cases of suspected meningitis were included in the study and sent to Microbiology lab for culture and sensitivity. Culture was done on chocolate agar 5% blood agar and MacConkey agar and incubated aerobically for 72 hours. After incubation the isolate was identified by MALDI-ToF MS. Sensitivity was done using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method and interpreted using CLSI 2023 M-100 clinical breakpoints. The patients’ demographic details associated risk factors type of surgery done and the clinical outcome of the patients were analyzed.
Statistical analysis: Clinical data and values were entered in Excel sheet. Univariate analysis of the risk factors was done and p-values <0.05 were considered significant.
Results: A total of 2352 CSF samples were cultured of which 292 (12.4%) samples showed growth on culture. Enterococcus species were isolated in 30 (10.3%) samples. The predominant species was Enterococcus faecalis (n=17; 56.7%). Majority of the patients presented with fever (50%) and headache (33.3%). The risk factors in these patients were hypertension (40%) and diabetes mellitus (33.3%). All the patients had an extra-ventricular drain (EVD) present in them. Intracranial surgery was done in 15 patients. Only 1 (3.3%) patient died due to enterococcal meningitis. Of these 6 (20%) isolates were Vancomycin resistant. Statistically significant risk factors in these patients were hypertension prolonged hospital stay of >21 days. Majority of the isolates were resistant to Levofloxacin high level gentamicin doxycycline and ampicillin. Removal of the EVD helped in better prognosis of the patients
Conclusion: Early detection is crucial for a positive clinical result since vancomycin resistant enterococcal meningitis is associated with a high morbidity rate.
Interaction with refuse piles drives co-occurrence of core gut microbiota in workers of the ant Aphaenogaster picea
Comparing the diversity of gut microbiota between and within social insect colonies can illustrate interactions between bacterial community composition and host behavior. In many eusocial insect species different workers exhibit different task behaviors. Thus these workers may benefit from symbiotic relationships with certain bacteria that augment the metabolic processes underlying their specific behaviors. Evidence of compositional differences between core microbiota in different worker types could suggest a microbial association with division of labor among workers. Here we present the core microbiota of Aphaenogaster picea ant workers with different task behaviors. The genus Aphaenogaster is abundant worldwide yet the associated microbiota of this group is unstudied. Bacterial communities from A. picea gut samples in this study consist of 19 phyla dominated by Proteobacteria Cyanobacteria and Firmicutes. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences reveals distinct similarity clustering of A. picea gut bacterial communities in workers that have more interactions with the refuse piles. Though gut bacterial communities of nurse and foraging ants are similar in overall composition and structure the worker groups differ in relative abundances of dominant taxa. Interaction with fecal matter via refuse piles seems to have the greatest impact on taxa distribution and this effect appears to be independent of worker type. This is the first report surveying the gut microbiome community composition of Aphaenogaster ants.
An atypical case of esophageal actinobacillosis in a cow
Present case report describes an unusual instance of esophageal actinobacillosis in an adult cow presented to the university hospital with a history of inability to drink and swallow. Clinical evaluation revealed a noticeable five-inch swelling in the Juglar groove while radiographic imaging indicated the presence of a small round and mildly radio-opaque lesion. In response an exploratory surgical excision was performed as a palliative measure and the excised tissue was subsequently preserved in 10% buffered formalin for histopathological examination. Histopathology revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation characterized by radiating eosinophilic club shaped bodies surrounding small colonies of coccobacilli. Grams and Zeil Neelson stains confirmed the presence of gram negative and non-acid fast coccobacilli. Additionally following a thorough review of relevant literature on atypical actinobacillosis the authors assert the rarity of esophageal involvement with this case representing only the second documented instance globally.
Comparative analysis of virulence gene profiles of Escherichia coli from clinical and non-clinical sources in Rivers State, Nigeria
Traditionally the presence of virulence features have been thought to be a key factor in differentiating pathogenic from commensal strains. An understanding of virulence potential of Escherichia coli isolates from various sources is essential to help shed light on potential contamination/transmission rates between the various sources. This study was therefore aimed at exploring the occurrence of specific virulence genes and gene profiles associated with Escherichia coli from clinical and non-clinical sources in Rivers State Nigeria.
Two hundred samples from clinical (urine and feces) and non-clinical (soil and poultry droppings) sources (50 each) were analyzed using standard microbiological procedures. DNA was extracted from isolates presumptively identified as Escherichia coli using PrestoTM Mini gDNA Bacteria-Kit Quick protocol following the manufacturer’s instructions. Isolate identities were confirmed using E. coli specific 16S rRNA primers and confirmed isolates screened for the presence of six virulence genes (Afimbriae binding adhesin (afa) type 1 fimbriae (fimH) P-fimbrial Usher Protein (papC)) iron acquisition systems: aerobactin (aer) Cytotoxic necrotizing factor I (cnf1) and alpha hemolysin (hly).
Results showed that all isolates haboured at least one of the tested virulence genes with fimH (97%) as the most prevalent virulence gene and papC the least commonly occurring (35%). A higher occurrence of virulence genes was noted in non-clinical isolates though hly and cnf were not detected at all in any of the isolates studied (0%). Ten different profiles were observed with the afaCc-aer-fimH profile the most commonly occurring virulence gene profile in general (33.3%). For non-clinical isolates however the aer-afaCc-fimH-papC was the most commonly occurring profile (42.9%).
This study shows that the test Escherichia coli from clinical and non-clinical sources do not carry distinct virulence gene profiles. Studies on a larger subset of isolates would however be necessary to determine if indeed the virulence genes tested for in this study really cannot be used to tell whether an isolate is from a clinical source or not in the South-South of Nigeria.
Variability of pMGA/vlhA sequences among Mycoplasma gallisepticum field strains isolated from laying hens and their deformed eggs.
Mycoplasmosis attributed to Mycoplasma gallisepticum poses a significant challenge to poultry farming leading to substantial economic losses and persistent infections within flocks. This bacterium harbors various surface proteins that are crucial for the adhesion transporter activity and evasion of the host immune response facilitating its pathogenicity. One such key surface lipoprotein referred to as pMGA or vlhA hemagglutinin plays a pivotal role in adhesion processes. In this study the clonal regions pMGA1.2 and pMGA1.3 as reported by Markham (M83178.1) were investigated to elucidate differences or similarities in the whole DNA sequences of Myc. gallisepticum field strains. The aim was to analyze sequence diversity within this region. Six internal primers were designed to amplify the target sequence and isolates were obtained from both eggs and chickens sourced from laying hen flocks. Identification revealed 17 strains of Myc. gallisepticum and four strains of Myc. synoviae which were confirmed through the mgc2 and 16S rRNA genes respectively. Positive and negative controls were established using the MGS6 and MSWUV1853 strains. Amplification results indicated a higher frequency of amplification proximal to the C-terminal region with segments 4 (33.3%) and 6 (27.8%) being the most prevalent. Notably none of the field strains exhibited the same amplification pattern as MGS6 and none of the strains characterized as Myc. synoviae amplified any primer set.
Upon translation the amino acid sequences from segments 4 and 6 were found to be compatible with conserved sequences within the Myco_haema protein domains of the genus Mycoplasma specifically corresponding to Q7NAP3_MYCGA VlhA.3.04. The observed homology suggests a potential genetic transfer while the variability identified in the pMGA or vlhA gene region of the field strains may have significant implications for protection against Myc. gallisepticum infection in chickens.
Exceptional association of two species of bacteria causing acute appendicitis: Haemophilus influenzae and Enterobacter cloacae
Appendicitis typically caused by appendiceal lumen obstruction is a prevalent abdominal surgical emergency worldwide. While most cases involve Enterobacterales Haemophilus influenzae primarily known for upper respiratory infections is infrequently associated with gastrointestinal infections. This article presents an exceptional case of acute appendicitis caused by both Haemophilus influenza and Enterobacter cloacae in a 15-year-old child highlighting the significance of recognizing uncommon pathogens in appendicitis and emphasizing the necessity for thorough microbiological investigations to refine diagnostic approaches.
Exploration and characterization of a newly isolated bacterium, Enterobacter quasihormaechei strain BDIFST24001, capable of producing rhamnolipids biosurfactant for oil remediation
Biosurfactants are naturally occurring compounds synthesized by microorganisms that increasingly attract attention due to both their living area and application in various industries. In this study we explore and characterize a novel bacterium Enterobacter quasihormaechei strain BDIFST24001 isolated for its ability to produce rhamnolipids biosurfactants with the aim of facilitating oil remediation processes. The isolation of this bacterium was carried out using Luria-Bertani broth (LB) media from environmental samples collected from oil-contaminated sites in Dhaka city. Screening tests including the oil spreading method and drop collapse assay were conducted to identify potential biosurfactant-producing strains leading to the selection of E. quasihormaechei strain BDIFST24001 based on its favorable performance. Subsequent molecular identification revealed a high similarity of the strain's 16S rRNA gene to E. quasihormaechei which was corroborated through phylogenetic analysis. Further analysis of the biosurfactant produced by this strain indicated its rhamnolipids nature as confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The rhamnolipids exhibited promising surface-active properties including a significant reduction in surface tension and emulsification activity as evidenced by surface tension measurements and emulsification index assays. Optimization studies revealed that the optimal conditions for rhamnolipids production by E. quasihormaechei strain BDIFST24001 were a temperature of 37°C pH 10.0 and salinity of 4%. The rhamnolipids produced by this strain demonstrated effective oil remediation capabilities as observed through controlled experiments using petrol oil. The rhamnolipids effectively reduced the surface tension of the oil-water interface facilitating the dispersion and emulsification of the oil phase in water. Overall our findings highlight the potential of E. quasihormaechei strain BDIFST24001 as a promising candidate for biosurfactant-mediated oil spill cleanup and environmental remediation efforts.
Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV): An associated etiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection in Children of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India.
Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a serious public health concern across the world causing considerable morbidity and mortality. Every year around 13 million children under the age of five die. Approximately 95% of them are from developing nations and ARIs are responsible for one-third of all deaths. Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is one of the causative agents associated with respiratory tract infections. There is lack of information about hMPV from the eastern region of Uttar Pradesh. In our centre Indian Council of Medical Research- Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR‐RMRC Gorakhpur) at Gorakhpur Uttar Pradesh India; we tested for respiratory pathogens in under-five patients presenting with ARI and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) through semi nested PCR. A total of 100 nasal and throat specimens were collected from the OPD and IPD of Department of Paediatrics BRD Medical College Gorakhpur during from February 2022 to April 2022. Out of 100 enrolled pediatric patients 4 (4%) were found to be positive. Among the patients who tested positive for hMPV 25% (1/4) patient unfortunately died. The phylogenetic analysis of hMPV showed the close resemblance with the clade of Singapore and USA hMPV isolates. Our work underlines the importance of hMPV as the cause of acute respiratory infections in children and the need for routine testing for this virus in laboratories. Further comprehensive information regarding the incidence of hMPV in this area is needed.
Genome sequencing and analysis of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Enteritidis PT4 578
Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis is a generalist serotype that adapts to different hosts and transmission niches. It has significant epidemiological relevance and is among the most prevalent serotypes distributed in several countries. Salmonella Enteritidis causes self-limited gastroenteritis in humans which can progress to systemic infection in immunocompromised individuals. Poultry products are considered significant reservoirs of many Salmonella serotypes and Salmonella Enteritidis infections are often related to the consumption of chicken meat and eggs. This study reports the whole-genome sequence of Salmonella Enteritidis PT4 strain 578. A total of 165 genes (3.66%) of the 4506 coding sequences (CDS) predicted in its genome are virulence factors associated with cell invasion intestinal colonization and intracellular survival. The genome harbors twelve Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs) with the SPI-1 and SPI-2 genes encoding type III secretion systems (T3SS) showing high conservation. Six prophage-related sequences were found with regions of intact prophages corresponding to Salmon_118970_sal3 and Gifsy-2. The genome also contains two CRISPR systems. Comparative genome analysis with three other serotypes of Salmonella demonstrates that most unshared genes are related to metabolism membrane and hypothetical proteins. Finally the phenotypic characterization evidenced differences among Salmonella Enteritidis PT4 578 and the other three serotypes regarding the expression of the red dry and rough (rdar) morphotype and biofilm formation. Overall the genomic characterization and phenotypic properties expand knowledge of the mechanisms of pathogenicity in Salmonella Enteritidis PT4 578.
HIV combined with skin infection of Nocardia brasiliensis: A rare case report
Introduction. The HIV virus can attack and gradually damage the human immune system causing the host to be unprotected when infected. Nocardia is a type of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria that can easily cause infections in patients with chronic wasting diseases immune dysfunction and the use of immunosuppressants. Nocardia can invade various tissues and parts of the body causing corresponding clinical symptoms. There are few reports of HIV patients being infected with Brazilian Nocardia.
Case presentation. This article reports a case of an HIV patient with concurrent infection with Brazilian Nocardia. A patient with HIV developed a lump on the surface of their left skin without any obvious cause. Due to improper disinfection and treatment methods the condition worsened and they subsequently sought medical attention at our hospital. A series of laboratory related tests are conducted clinically based on the patient's medical history symptoms and signs. Based on the test results a reasonable treatment plan was adopted clinically ultimately achieving satisfactory treatment outcomes for patients.
Conclusion. HIV patients are prone to various types of infections even rare bacteria as their immune function decreases. With the popularity of new identification methods such as mass spectrometry laboratories should pay attention to traditional staining methods and use microscopes to detect pathogens.
Brief Report: Nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus among community-dwelling older adults with comorbidities seeking follow-up medical care in Central Sri Lanka.
Older adults are more severely affected by infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria including Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We aimed to identify the MRSA colonization rates and associated factors among older adults aged more than 65-years-old. Among the 309 recruited 152 (49.2%) were males. Self-collected nasal swabs were used to isolate Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA with routine microbiological methods. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 36 (11.7%) participants while 11 (3.6%) were colonized with MRSA. We identified a significant association between the male sex and MRSA colonization (p=0.028 Chi-square test). However this needs careful interpretation given the smaller number of outcome events. Other factors studied had no statistically significant association with MRSA colonization.
Title of Manuscript: Prevalence of SARS- CoV-2 virus in saliva, stool, and urine samples of COVID-19 patients in Bihar, India
Introduction: The coronavirus illness caused by SARS- CoV-2 can cause multiple organ involvement with varying degrees of severity. Besides inhalation as a route for transmission feco-oral has also been proposed. Its transmission to sewage systems is a growing public health issue.
Objective: To detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in non-respiratory samples (saliva urine and stool) collected from COVID-19 cases in Bihar.
Materials and methods: This Cross-Sectional observational study was conducted from January 2021 to March 2022 on human non-respiratory samples. A total of 345 samples including saliva (116) stool (97) and urine (132) were collected from 143 covid-19 cases. Samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 by multiplex RT-PCR targeted against E ORF 1ab and RdRp gene.
Results: In this study out of 143 cases a total of 107(74.8%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in at least one of the non-respiratory samples.
Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in non-respiratory samples.