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Antibiotics
Volume 10
Issue 9
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Antibiotics, Volume 10, Issue 9 (September 2021) – 116 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): The neonatal period is a vulnerable time in life. In some neonatal intensive care units, more than 70% of neonates have been prescribed antibiotics. Early use of antibiotics can have undesirable consequences in the clinical course of these babies, such as antibiotic resistance, altered microbiome, interference with mother–child interaction, and high healthcare costs. Our study aimed to describe the use of antibiotics and other aspects of early- and late-onset sepsis management by European Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Our findings could improve the treatment of neonatal sepsis by highlighting areas in need of further improvements, such as implementing new guidelines focused on establishing antibiotic termination and tuning antibiotic therapy for late-onset sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis. View this paper
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17 pages, 756 KiB  
Review
Antibiofilm Potential of Medicinal Plants against Candida spp. Oral Biofilms: A Review
by Rafaela Guimarães, Catarina Milho, Ângela Liberal, Jani Silva, Carmélia Fonseca, Ana Barbosa, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira, Maria José Alves and Lillian Barros
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1142; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091142 - 21 Sep 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5593
Abstract
The use of natural products to promote health is as old as human civilization. In recent years, the perception of natural products derived from plants as abundant sources of biologically active compounds has driven their exploitation towards the search for new chemical products [...] Read more.
The use of natural products to promote health is as old as human civilization. In recent years, the perception of natural products derived from plants as abundant sources of biologically active compounds has driven their exploitation towards the search for new chemical products that can lead to further pharmaceutical formulations. Candida fungi, being opportunistic pathogens, increase their virulence by acquiring resistance to conventional antimicrobials, triggering diseases, especially in immunosuppressed hosts. They are also pointed to as the main pathogens responsible for most fungal infections of the oral cavity. This increased resistance to conventional synthetic antimicrobials has driven the search for new molecules present in plant extracts, which have been widely explored as alternative agents in the prevention and treatment of infections. This review aims to provide a critical view and scope of the in vitro antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of several medicinal plants, revealing species with inhibition/reduction effects on the biofilm formed by Candida spp. in the oral cavity. The most promising plant extracts in fighting oral biofilm, given their high capacity to reduce it to low concentrations were the essential oils extracted from Allium sativum L., Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume. and Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts from Plant)
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11 pages, 1546 KiB  
Article
Antibacterial Effect of Sodium Hypochlorite and EDTA in Combination with High-Purity Nisin on an Endodontic-like Biofilm Model
by Ericka T. Pinheiro, Lamprini Karygianni, Thomas Attin and Thomas Thurnheer
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1141; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091141 - 21 Sep 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4074
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides have been proposed as antibiofilm agents. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of endodontic irrigants combined or not with the antimicrobial peptide nisin against an endodontic biofilm model composed of eleven bacterial species. Biofilms were grown on hydroxyapatite discs for 3, 15 [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial peptides have been proposed as antibiofilm agents. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of endodontic irrigants combined or not with the antimicrobial peptide nisin against an endodontic biofilm model composed of eleven bacterial species. Biofilms were grown on hydroxyapatite discs for 3, 15 and 21 days and treated with 1.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or 17% EDTA followed by high-purity nisin (nisin ZP) or saline for 5 min each. Differences between groups were tested by two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparisons test (p < 0.05). Treatment with 1.5% NaOCl completely eliminated 3-d and 15-d biofilms but did not eradicate 21-d biofilms. Treatment with 1.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA was equally effective against 21-d biofilms, showing 5-log and 4-log cell reduction, respectively, compared to the untreated control (9 log10, p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between 1.5% NaOCl + nisin ZP and 1.5% NaOCl in 21-d biofilms (p > 0.05). Likewise, no significant difference was found between 17% EDTA + nisin ZP and 17% EDTA treatments (p > 0.05). In conclusion, 1.5% NaOCl or 17% EDTA were effective strategies to combat mature biofilms. The additional use of nisin did not improve the activity of conventional irrigants against multispecies biofilms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Microorganisms and Inactivation of Oral Biofilms)
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27 pages, 2676 KiB  
Review
Detection of Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacterales—From ESBLs to Carbapenemases
by Janina Noster, Philipp Thelen and Axel Hamprecht
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1140; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091140 - 21 Sep 2021
Cited by 38 | Viewed by 16371
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales (MDRE) are an emerging threat to global health, leading to rising health care costs, morbidity and mortality. Multidrug-resistance is commonly caused by different β-lactamases (e.g., ESBLs and carbapenemases), sometimes in combination with other resistance mechanisms (e.g., porin loss, efflux). The continuous [...] Read more.
Multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales (MDRE) are an emerging threat to global health, leading to rising health care costs, morbidity and mortality. Multidrug-resistance is commonly caused by different β-lactamases (e.g., ESBLs and carbapenemases), sometimes in combination with other resistance mechanisms (e.g., porin loss, efflux). The continuous spread of MDRE among patients in hospital settings and the healthy population require adjustments in healthcare management and routine diagnostics. Rapid and reliable detection of MDRE infections as well as gastrointestinal colonization is key to guide therapy and infection control measures. However, proper implementation of these strategies requires diagnostic methods with short time-to-result, high sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, research on new techniques and improvement of already established protocols is inevitable. In this review, current methods for detection of MDRE are summarized with focus on culture based and molecular techniques, which are useful for the clinical microbiology laboratory. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carriage of Multiple Drug Resistant (MDR) Bacteria in Health)
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12 pages, 260 KiB  
Article
Delayed Rifampin Administration in the Antibiotic Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infections Significantly Reduces the Emergence of Rifampin Resistance
by Ali Darwich, Franz-Joseph Dally, Mohamad Bdeir, Katharina Kehr, Thomas Miethke, Svetlana Hetjens, Sascha Gravius, Elio Assaf and Elisabeth Mohs
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1139; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091139 - 21 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2639
Abstract
Rifampin is one of the most important biofilm-active antibiotics in the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), and antibiotic regimens not involving rifampin were shown to have higher failure rates. Therefore, an emerging rifampin resistance can have a devastating effect on the outcome [...] Read more.
Rifampin is one of the most important biofilm-active antibiotics in the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), and antibiotic regimens not involving rifampin were shown to have higher failure rates. Therefore, an emerging rifampin resistance can have a devastating effect on the outcome of PJI. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of rifampin resistance between two groups of patients with a PJI treated with antibiotic regimens involving either immediate or delayed additional rifampin administration and to evaluate the effect of this resistance on the outcome. In this retrospective analysis of routinely collected data, all patients who presented with an acute/chronic PJI between 2018 and 2020 were recorded in the context of a single-center comparative cohort study. Two groups were formed: Group 1 included 25 patients with a PJI presenting in 2018–2019. These patients received additional rifampin only after pathogen detection in the intraoperative specimens. Group 2 included 37 patients presenting in 2019–2020. These patients were treated directly postoperatively with an empiric antibiotic therapy including rifampin. In all, 62 patients (32 females) with a mean age of 68 years and 322 operations were included. We found a rifampin-resistant organism in 16% of cases. Rifampin resistance increased significantly from 12% in Group 1 to 19% in Group 2 (p < 0.05). The treatment failure rate was 16% in Group 1 and 16.2% in Group 2 (p = 0.83). The most commonly isolated rifampin-resistant pathogen was Staphylococcus epidermidis (86%) (p < 0.05). The present study shows a significant association between the immediate start of rifampin after surgical revision in the treatment of PJI and the emergence of rifampin resistance, however with no significant effect on outcome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotics in Orthopedic Infections)
26 pages, 7954 KiB  
Article
Iron Oxide–Silica Core–Shell Nanoparticles Functionalized with Essential Oils for Antimicrobial Therapies
by Cristina Chircov, Maria-Florentina Matei, Ionela Andreea Neacșu, Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Alexa-Maria Croitoru, Roxana-Doina Trușcă, Ecaterina Andronescu, Ionuț Sorescu and Florica Bărbuceanu
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1138; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091138 - 21 Sep 2021
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 4435
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed a tremendous interest in the use of essential oils in biomedical applications due to their intrinsic antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. However, their low aqueous solubility and high volatility compromise their maximum potential, thus requiring the development of efficient [...] Read more.
Recent years have witnessed a tremendous interest in the use of essential oils in biomedical applications due to their intrinsic antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. However, their low aqueous solubility and high volatility compromise their maximum potential, thus requiring the development of efficient supports for their delivery. Hence, this manuscript focuses on developing nanostructured systems based on Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles and three different types of essential oils, i.e., thyme, rosemary, and basil, to overcome these limitations. Specifically, this work represents a comparative study between co-precipitation and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods for the synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles. All magnetic samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) to study the impact of the synthesis method on the nanoparticle formation and properties, in terms of crystallinity, purity, size, morphology, stability, and magnetization. Moreover, the antimicrobial properties of the synthesized nanocomposites were assessed through in vitro tests on Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. In this manner, this study demonstrated the efficiency of the core–shell nanostructured systems as potential applications in antimicrobial therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial-Loaded Nanoparticles: Counteraction of Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance)
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12 pages, 708 KiB  
Article
Occurrence of Multi-Drug-Resistant Escherichia coli in Chickens, Humans, Rodents and Household Soil in Karatu, Northern Tanzania
by Valery S. Sonola, Abdul S. Katakweba, Gerald Misinzo and Mecky I. N. Matee
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1137; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091137 - 21 Sep 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3198
Abstract
We investigated antibiotic resistance profiles of Escherichia coli among 960 samples obtained from chickens (236), humans (243), rodents (101) and soil (290). E. coli was isolated from 650 (67.7%) samples. Isolation frequency varied significantly between chickens, humans, rodents and soil samples, being 81.6%, [...] Read more.
We investigated antibiotic resistance profiles of Escherichia coli among 960 samples obtained from chickens (236), humans (243), rodents (101) and soil (290). E. coli was isolated from 650 (67.7%) samples. Isolation frequency varied significantly between chickens, humans, rodents and soil samples, being 81.6%, 86.5%, 79.2% and 31.0%, respectively (p < 0.001). Resistance rates were particularly higher against imipenem (79.8%), cefotaxime (79.7%) and tetracycline (73.7%) and moderate against amoxicillin-clavulanate (49.4%). Overall, 78.8% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR) among which, 38.8%, 25.1%, 12.9% and 2.5% exhibited resistance to three, four, five and six different classes of antibiotics, respectively. Multidrug-resistant E. coli were observed in 27.7%, 30.3%, 10.8% and 10.0% of the isolates from chickens, humans, rodents and soil samples, respectively. Our results show high levels of antimicrobial resistance including MDR in E. coli isolated from chickens, humans, rodents and soil samples in Karatu, Northern Tanzania. Comprehensive interventions using a one-health approach are needed and should include improving (i) awareness of the community on judicious use of antimicrobial agents in humans and animals, (ii) house conditions and waste management and (iii) rodent control measures. Full article
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28 pages, 12535 KiB  
Article
LyeTx I-b Peptide Attenuates Tumor Burden and Metastasis in a Mouse 4T1 Breast Cancer Model
by Mostafa A. L. Abdel-Salam, Bárbara Pinto, Geovanni Cassali, Lilian Bueno, Gabriela Pêgas, Fabrício Oliveira, Irismara Silva, André Klein, Elaine Maria de Souza-Fagundes, Maria Elena de Lima and Juliana Carvalho-Tavares
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1136; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091136 - 21 Sep 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3512
Abstract
Cationic anticancer peptides have exhibited potent anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects in neoplastic illness conditions. LyeTx I-b is a synthetic peptide derived from Lycosa erythrognatha spider venom that previously showed antibiotic activity in vitro and in vivo. This study focused on the effects of [...] Read more.
Cationic anticancer peptides have exhibited potent anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects in neoplastic illness conditions. LyeTx I-b is a synthetic peptide derived from Lycosa erythrognatha spider venom that previously showed antibiotic activity in vitro and in vivo. This study focused on the effects of LyeTxI-b on a 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma model. Mice with a palpable tumor in the left flank were subcutaneously or intratumorally injected with LyeTx I-b (5 mg/kg), which significantly decreased the tumor volume and metastatic nodules. Histological analyses showed a large necrotic area in treated primary tumors compared to the control. LyeTxI-b reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis in the 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma model with no signs of toxicity in healthy or cancerous mice. The mechanism of action of LyeTx I-b on the 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma model was evaluated in vitro and is associated with induction of apoptosis and cell proliferation inhibition. Furthermore, LyeTx I-b seems to be an efficient regulator of the 4T1 tumor microenvironment by modulating several cytokines, such as TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10, in primary tumor and lung, spleen, and brain. LyeTx I-b also plays a role in leukocytes rolling and adhesion into spinal cord microcirculation and in the number of circulating leukocytes. These data suggest a potent antineoplastic efficacy ofLyeTx I-b. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drugs from Arthropods: Leveraging Antimicrobial Peptides from Arthropods)
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15 pages, 1561 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Bacterial Community Composition of Bivalve Mollusks Collected in Aquaculture Farms and Respective Susceptibility to Antibiotics
by Vanessa Salgueiro, Lígia Reis, Eugénia Ferreira, Maria João Botelho, Vera Manageiro and Manuela Caniça
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091135 - 20 Sep 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3544
Abstract
Aquaculture is a growing sector, providing several products for human consumption, and it is therefore important to guarantee its quality and safety. This study aimed to contribute to the knowledge of bacterial composition of Crassostrea gigas, Mytilus spp. and Ruditapes decussatus, [...] Read more.
Aquaculture is a growing sector, providing several products for human consumption, and it is therefore important to guarantee its quality and safety. This study aimed to contribute to the knowledge of bacterial composition of Crassostrea gigas, Mytilus spp. and Ruditapes decussatus, and the antibiotic resistances/resistance genes present in aquaculture environments. Two hundred and twenty-two bacterial strains were recovered from all bivalve mollusks samples belonging to the Aeromonadaceae, Bacillaceae, Comamonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, Micrococcaceae, Moraxellaceae, Morganellaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Shewanellaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Streptococcaceae, Vibrionaceae, and Yersiniaceae families. Decreased susceptibility to oxytetracycline prevails in all bivalve species, aquaculture farms and seasons. Decreased susceptibilities to amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, florfenicol, colistin, ciprofloxacin, flumequine, nalidixic acid and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were also found. This study detected six qnrA genes among Shewanella algae, ten qnrB genes among Citrobacter spp. and Escherichia coli, three oqxAB genes from Raoultella ornithinolytica and blaTEM-1 in eight E. coli strains harboring a qnrB19 gene. Our results suggest that the bacteria and antibiotic resistances/resistance genes present in bivalve mollusks depend on several factors, such as host species and respective life stage, bacterial family, farm’s location and season, and that is important to study each aquaculture farm individually to implement the most suitable measures to prevent outbreaks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Resistance: From Farm to Fork)
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16 pages, 369 KiB  
Article
No Correlation between Biofilm Formation, Virulence Factors, and Antibiotic Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Results from a Laboratory-Based In Vitro Study
by Márió Gajdács, Zoltán Baráth, Krisztina Kárpáti, Dóra Szabó, Donatella Usai, Stefania Zanetti and Matthew Gavino Donadu
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1134; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091134 - 20 Sep 2021
Cited by 63 | Viewed by 6724
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) possesses a plethora of virulence determinants, including the production of biofilm, pigments, exotoxins, proteases, flagella, and secretion systems. The aim of our present study was to establish the relationship between biofilm-forming capacity, the expression of some important [...] Read more.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) possesses a plethora of virulence determinants, including the production of biofilm, pigments, exotoxins, proteases, flagella, and secretion systems. The aim of our present study was to establish the relationship between biofilm-forming capacity, the expression of some important virulence factors, and the multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype in P. aeruginosa. A total of three hundred and two (n = 302) isolates were included in this study. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and phenotypic detection of resistance determinants were carried out; based on these results, isolates were grouped into distinct resistotypes and multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indices were calculated. The capacity of isolates to produce biofilm was assessed using a crystal violet microtiter-plate based method. Motility (swimming, swarming, and twitching) and pigment-production (pyoverdine and pyocyanin) were also measured. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to determine for antimicrobial resistance, biofilm-formation, and expression of other virulence factors. Resistance rates were the highest for ceftazidime (56.95%; n = 172), levofloxacin (54.97%; n = 166), and ciprofloxacin (54.64%; n = 159), while lowest for colistin (1.66%; n = 5); 44.04% (n = 133) of isolates were classified as MDR. 19.87% (n = 60), 20.86% (n = 63) and 59.27% (n = 179) were classified as weak, moderate, and strong biofilm producers, respectively. With the exception of pyocyanin production (0.371 ± 0.193 vs. non-MDR: 0.319 ± 0.191; p = 0.018), MDR and non-MDR isolates did not show significant differences in expression of virulence factors. Additionally, no relevant correlations were seen between the rate of biofilm formation, pigment production, or motility. Data on interplay between the presence and mechanisms of drug resistance with those of biofilm formation and virulence is crucial to address chronic bacterial infections and to provide strategies for their management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Treatment of Biofilm-Related Infections)
11 pages, 6138 KiB  
Article
Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Bacterial Pathogens in Aerobic Vaginitis: A Retrospective Study in Italy
by Enrica Serretiello, Biagio Santella, Veronica Folliero, Domenico Iervolino, Emanuela Santoro, Roberta Manente, Federica Dell’Annunziata, Rossella Sperlongano, Valeria Crudele, Anna De Filippis, Massimiliano Galdiero, Gianluigi Franci and Giovanni Boccia
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1133; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091133 - 20 Sep 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3489
Abstract
Aerobic vaginitis (AV) is a vaginal infectious condition, characterized by a high inflammatory response and/or signs of epithelial atrophy, a decrease in the amount of Lactobacillus spp. and an increase in enteric origin bacteria. AV, often misdiagnosed, is difficult to treat due to [...] Read more.
Aerobic vaginitis (AV) is a vaginal infectious condition, characterized by a high inflammatory response and/or signs of epithelial atrophy, a decrease in the amount of Lactobacillus spp. and an increase in enteric origin bacteria. AV, often misdiagnosed, is difficult to treat due to the emerging spread of multi-drug resistant bacterial strains. The present study aimed to define the prevalence of AV, to detect causative bacteria and their antimicrobial resistance pattern. Women 10–95 years old, admitted to San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona Hospital, Salerno, Italy (in the years 2015–2019) are included in the study. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility tests were carried out by VITEK® 2. Among 2069 patients, 1176 tested positive for microbial growth. A higher incidence of infection was found in the 55–64 age group. Among the pathogenic strains, 50.4% were Gram-negative, and 49.6% were Gram-positive. Escherichia coli (E. coli) (32.5%) was the most representative strain, followed by Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) (29.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) (7.8%) and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) (7.7%). E. coli showed high sensitivity to carbapenems and amikacin. K. pneumoniae carbapenems resistance was fluctuating over time. Alarming resistance to vancomycin was not recorded for Enterococci. Both strains were sensitive to teicoplanin, linezolid and tigecycline. Proper diagnosis and an effective therapeutic approach are needed to improve AV management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in Antibiotic Resistance in the Hospital Setting and Its Impact on Public Health)
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10 pages, 1888 KiB  
Article
Antifungal Nanoformulation for Biocontrol of Tomato Root and Crown Rot Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici
by Ricardo Aravena, Ximena Besoain, Natalia Riquelme, Aldo Salinas, Miryam Valenzuela, Eduardo Oyanedel, Wilson Barros, Yusser Olguin, Alejandro Madrid, Matias Alvear and Iván Montenegro
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091132 - 20 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3914
Abstract
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are the most cultivated and important vegetable crop in the world. These plants can wilt during crop growth due to fusarium wilt (fusariosis), a disease that damages tomato vascular systems. The Fusarium isolated and analyzed in this work [...] Read more.
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are the most cultivated and important vegetable crop in the world. These plants can wilt during crop growth due to fusarium wilt (fusariosis), a disease that damages tomato vascular systems. The Fusarium isolated and analyzed in this work correspond to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici. The isolates were molecularly identified, and analysis was done on the in vitro effects of the nanoemulsions (previously obtained from extracts of Chilean medicinal plants of the genera Psoralea and Escallonia) to inhibit mycelial and conidial germination of the isolates. Subsequently, the nanoemulsions were evaluated under greenhouse conditions for preventive control of fusariosis in the root and crown, with high levels of disease control observed using the highest concentrations of these nanoemulsions, at 250 and 500 ppm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Activity of Plant-Derived Products and Synthetic Derivatives)
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10 pages, 518 KiB  
Article
Management of Common Infections in German Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Knowledge and Confidence among General Practitioners and Outpatient Pediatricians
by Peter Konstantin Kurotschka, Elena Tiedemann, Dominik Wolf, Nicola Thier, Johannes Forster, Johannes G. Liese and Ildiko Gagyor
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091131 - 20 Sep 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2808
Abstract
Outpatient antibiotic use is closely related to antimicrobial resistance and in Germany, almost 70% of antibiotic prescriptions in human health are issued by primary care physicians (PCPs). The aim of this study was to explore PCPs, namely General Practitioners’ (GPs) and outpatient pediatricians’ [...] Read more.
Outpatient antibiotic use is closely related to antimicrobial resistance and in Germany, almost 70% of antibiotic prescriptions in human health are issued by primary care physicians (PCPs). The aim of this study was to explore PCPs, namely General Practitioners’ (GPs) and outpatient pediatricians’ (PDs) knowledge of guideline recommendations on rational antimicrobial treatment, the determinants of confidence in treatment decisions and the perceived need for training in this topic in a large sample of PCPs from southern Germany. Out of 3753 reachable PCPs, 1311 completed the survey (overall response rate = 34.9%). Knowledge of guideline recommendations and perceived confidence in making treatment decisions were high in both GPs and PDs. The two highest rated influencing factors on prescribing decisions were reported to be guideline recommendations and own clinical experiences, hence patients’ demands and expectations were judged as not influencing treatment decisions. The majority of physicians declared to have attended at least one specific training course on antibiotic use, yet almost all the participating PCPs declared to need more training on this topic. More studies are needed to explore how consultation-related and context-specific factors could influence antibiotic prescriptions in general and pediatric primary care in Germany beyond knowledge. Moreover, efforts should be undertaken to explore the training needs of PCPs in Germany, as this would serve the development of evidence-based educational interventions targeted to the improvement of antibiotic prescribing decisions rather than being focused solely on knowledge of guidelines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotics and Infectious Respiratory Diseases)
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14 pages, 1470 KiB  
Article
Predictors of Voriconazole Trough Concentrations in Patients with Child–Pugh Class C Cirrhosis: A Prospective Study
by Yichang Zhao, Jingjing Hou, Yiwen Xiao, Feng Wang, Bikui Zhang, Min Zhang, Yongfang Jiang, Jiakai Li, Guozhong Gong, Daxiong Xiang and Miao Yan
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091130 - 20 Sep 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2542
Abstract
This prospective observational study aimed to clinically describe voriconazole administrations and trough concentrations in patients with Child–Pugh class C and to investigate the variability of trough concentration. A total of 144 voriconazole trough concentrations from 43 Child–Pugh class C patients were analyzed. The [...] Read more.
This prospective observational study aimed to clinically describe voriconazole administrations and trough concentrations in patients with Child–Pugh class C and to investigate the variability of trough concentration. A total of 144 voriconazole trough concentrations from 43 Child–Pugh class C patients were analyzed. The majority of patients (62.8%) received adjustments. The repeated measured trough concentration was higher than the first and final ones generally (median, 4.33 vs. 2.99, 3.90 mg/L). Eight patients with ideal initial concentrations later got supratherapeutic with no adjusted daily dose, implying accumulation. There was a significant difference in concentrations among the six groups by daily dose (p = 0.006). The bivariate correlation analysis showed that sex, CYP2C19 genotyping, daily dose, prothrombin time activity, international normalized ratio, platelet, and Model for end-stage liver disease score were significant factors for concentration. Subsequently, the first four factors mentioned above entered into a stepwise multiple linear regression model (variance inflation factor <5), implying that CYP2C19 testing makes sense for precision medicine of Child–Pugh class C cirrhosis patients. The equation fits well and explains the 34.8% variety of concentrations (R2 = 0.348). In conclusion, it needs more cautious administration clinically due to no recommendation for Child–Pugh class C patients in the medication label. The adjustment of the administration regimen should be mainly based on the results of repeated therapeutic drug monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Appropriateness of Antibiotics in China)
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10 pages, 401 KiB  
Article
Use of Dalbavancin in Skin, Bone and Joint Infections: A Real-Life Experience in an Italian Center
by Lucia Brescini, Filippo Della Martera, Gianluca Morroni, Sara Mazzanti, Maria Di Pietrantonio, Paolo Mantini, Bianca Candelaresi, Francesco Pallotta, Silvia Olivieri, Valentina Iencinella, Sefora Castelletti, Emanuele Cocci, Rosaria G. Polo, Salvatore Veccia, Oscar Cirioni, Marcello Tavio and Andrea Giacometti
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1129; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091129 - 19 Sep 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2683
Abstract
Dalbavancin is a lipoglycopeptide approved for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety in all patients who received at least one administration of dalbavancin. Methods: We carried [...] Read more.
Dalbavancin is a lipoglycopeptide approved for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety in all patients who received at least one administration of dalbavancin. Methods: We carried out a retrospective study of the use of dalbavancin in 55 patients at the Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I (Ancona, Italy) from February 2017 to May 2020 and compared “on label” and “off label” use of dalbavancin in ABSSSI and non-ABSSSI. Results: A total of 55 patients were included in the study. The median age was 61 years; 51% had ABSSSI; 24% had prosthetic joint infections, and 14% had osteomyelitis. A total of 53% received a single 1500 mg infusion of dalbavancin, and 18% received a second dose 14 days later; 24% of patients received further doses at 14-day intervals. In 91% of cases, patients achieved clinical objectives with dalbavancin: 96% of patients with ABSSSI and 69% of those with prosthetic joint infections. Conclusions: Dalbavancin was shown to have an excellent tolerability profile and to be a highly successful therapeutic approach even in those cases treated “off-label”. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of New Molecules in Severe Infectious Diseases)
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14 pages, 2934 KiB  
Article
Iriflophenone-3-C-β-d Glucopyranoside from Dryopteris ramosa (Hope) C. Chr. with Promising Future as Natural Antibiotic for Gastrointestinal Tract Infections
by Muhammad Ishaque, Yamin Bibi, Samha Al Ayoubi, Saadia Masood, Sobia Nisa and Abdul Qayyum
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1128; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091128 - 18 Sep 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2748 | Correction
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological approaches provide clues for the search of bioactive compounds. Dryopteris ramosa (Hope) C. Chr. (plant family: Dryopteridaceae) is an ethnomedicinal plant of the Galliyat region of Pakistan. The aqueous fraction (AqF) of D. ramosa is being used by inhabitants of the Galliyat [...] Read more.
Ethnopharmacological approaches provide clues for the search of bioactive compounds. Dryopteris ramosa (Hope) C. Chr. (plant family: Dryopteridaceae) is an ethnomedicinal plant of the Galliyat region of Pakistan. The aqueous fraction (AqF) of D. ramosa is being used by inhabitants of the Galliyat region of Pakistan to treat their gastrointestinal tract ailments, especially those caused by bacteria. The aims of the present study were as follows: (i) to justify the ethnomedicinal uses of the AqF of D. ramosa; (ii) to isolate a bioactive compound from the AqF of D. ramosa; and (iii) to evaluate the antibacterial and cytotoxic potential of the isolated compound. Column chromatography (CC) techniques were used for the isolation studies. Spectroscopic techniques (UV–Vis, MS, 1&2D NMR) were used for structural elucidation. The agar-well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial potential of “i3CβDGP” against five bacterial strains, and compare it with the known antibiotic “Cefixime”. The brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT) was used for cytotoxic studies. The AqF of D. ramosa afforded “iriflophenone-3-C-β-D glucopyranoside (i3CβDGP)” when subjected to LH20 Sephadex, followed by MPLC silica gel60, and purified by preparative TLC. The “i3CβDGP” showed a strong potential (MIC = 31.1 ± 7.2, 62.5 ± 7.2, and 62.5 ± 7.2 µg/mL) against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, respectively. On the other hand, the least antibacterial potential was shown by “i3CβDGP” (MIC = 125 ± 7.2 µg/mL), against Bacillus subtilis, in comparison to Cefixime (MIC = 62.5 ± 7.2 µg/mL). The cytotoxicity of “i3CβDGP” was significantly low (LD50 = 10.037 ± 2.8 µg/mL) against Artemia salina nauplii. This study not only justified the ethnomedicinal use of D. ramosa, but also highlighted the importance of ethnomedicinal knowledge. Further studies on AqF and other fractions of D. ramosa are in progress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals, 2nd Volume)
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14 pages, 305 KiB  
Article
A Study in a Regional Hospital of a Mid-Sized Spanish City Indicates a Major Increase in Infection/Colonization by Carbapenem-Resistant Bacteria, Coinciding with the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Estefanía Cano-Martín, Inés Portillo-Calderón, Patricia Pérez-Palacios, José María Navarro-Marí, María Amelia Fernández-Sierra and José Gutiérrez-Fernández
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091127 - 18 Sep 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3412
Abstract
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has proven difficult to control over the past few decades. The large group of multidrug-resistant bacteria includes carbapenemase-producing bacteria (CPB), for which limited therapeutic options and infection control measures are available. Furthermore, carbapenemases associate with high-risk clones that are [...] Read more.
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has proven difficult to control over the past few decades. The large group of multidrug-resistant bacteria includes carbapenemase-producing bacteria (CPB), for which limited therapeutic options and infection control measures are available. Furthermore, carbapenemases associate with high-risk clones that are defined by the sequence type (ST) to which each bacterium belongs. The objectives of this cross-sectional and retrospective study were to describe the CPB population isolated in a third-level hospital in Southern Spain between 2015 and 2020 and to establish the relationship between the ST and the epidemiological situation defined by the hospital. CPB were microbiologically studied in all rectal and pharyngeal swabs and clinical samples received between January 2015 and December 2020, characterizing isolates using MicroScan and mass spectrometry. Carbapenemases were detected by PCR and Sanger sequencing, and STs were assigned by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Isolates were genetically related by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis using Xbal, Spel, or Apal enzymes. The episodes in which each CPB was isolated were recorded and classified as involved or non-involved in an outbreak. There were 320 episodes with CPB during the study period: 18 with K. pneumoniae, 14 with Klebisella oxytoca, 9 with Citrobacter freundii, 11 with Escherichia coli, 46 with Enterobacter cloacae, 70 with Acinetobacter baumannii, and 52 with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The carbapenemase groups detected were OXA, VIM, KPC, and NDM with various subgroups. Synchronous relationships were notified between episodes of K. pneumoniae and outbreaks for ST15, ST258, ST307, and ST45, but not for the other CPB. There was a major increase in infections with CPB over the years, most notably during 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. This study highlights the usefulness of gene sequencing techniques to control the spread of these microorganisms, especially in healthcare centers. These techniques offer faster results, and a reduction in their cost may make their real-time application more feasible. The combination of epidemiological data with real-time molecular sequencing techniques can provide a major advance in the transmission control of these CPB and in the management of infected patients. Real-time sequencing is essential to increase precision and thereby control outbreaks and target infection prevention measures in a more effective manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales)
24 pages, 400 KiB  
Review
Review of Ceftazidime-Avibactam for the Treatment of Infections Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
by George L. Daikos, Clóvis Arns da Cunha, Gian Maria Rossolini, Gregory G. Stone, Nathalie Baillon-Plot, Margaret Tawadrous and Paurus Irani
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1126; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091126 - 18 Sep 2021
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 9965
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen that causes a range of serious infections that are often challenging to treat, as this pathogen can express multiple resistance mechanisms, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) phenotypes. Ceftazidime–avibactam is a combination antimicrobial agent comprising [...] Read more.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen that causes a range of serious infections that are often challenging to treat, as this pathogen can express multiple resistance mechanisms, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) phenotypes. Ceftazidime–avibactam is a combination antimicrobial agent comprising ceftazidime, a third-generation semisynthetic cephalosporin, and avibactam, a novel non-β-lactam β-lactamase inhibitor. This review explores the potential role of ceftazidime–avibactam for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections. Ceftazidime–avibactam has good in vitro activity against P. aeruginosa relative to comparator β-lactam agents and fluoroquinolones, comparable to amikacin and ceftolozane–tazobactam. In Phase 3 clinical trials, ceftazidime–avibactam has generally demonstrated similar clinical and microbiological outcomes to comparators in patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections, complicated urinary tract infections or hospital-acquired/ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by P. aeruginosa. Although real-world data are limited, favourable outcomes with ceftazidime–avibactam treatment have been reported in some patients with MDR and XDR P. aeruginosa infections. Thus, ceftazidime–avibactam may have a potentially important role in the management of serious and complicated P. aeruginosa infections, including those caused by MDR and XDR strains. Full article
11 pages, 267 KiB  
Article
Periprosthetic Infections of the Shoulder Joint: Characteristics and 5-Year Outcome of a Single-Center Series of 19 Cases
by Mohamad Bdeir, Franz-Joseph Dally, Elio Assaf, Sascha Gravius, Elisabeth Mohs, Svetlana Hetjens and Ali Darwich
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091125 - 18 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2625
Abstract
Periprosthetic shoulder infection (PSI) remains a devastating complication after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Furthermore, there is a paucity in the literature regarding its diagnostic and therapeutic management, especially the absence of therapy concepts devised exclusively for PSI. The aim of the presenting study [...] Read more.
Periprosthetic shoulder infection (PSI) remains a devastating complication after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Furthermore, there is a paucity in the literature regarding its diagnostic and therapeutic management, especially the absence of therapy concepts devised exclusively for PSI. The aim of the presenting study is to examine the characteristics and outcome of patients with PSI who were treated according to well-established algorithms developed originally for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the hip and knee and determine if these algorithms can be applied to PSI. This single-center case series included all patients with a PSI presenting between 2010 and 2020. Recorded parameters included age, sex, affected side, BMI, ASA score, Charlson comorbidity index, preoperative anticoagulation, indication for TSA (fracture, osteoarthritis or cuff-arthropathy), and type of infection (acute or chronic PSI). The outcome was divided into treatment failure or infect resolution. Staphylococcus epidermidis and aureus were the commonest infecting pathogens. Acute PSI was mainly treated with debridement, irrigation, and retention of the prosthesis (DAIR) and chronic cases with two/multiple-stage exchange. The treatment failure rate was 10.5%. C-reactive protein was preoperatively elevated in 68.4% of cases. The mean number of operative revisions was 3.6 ± 2.6, and the mean total duration of antibiotic treatment was 72.4 ± 41.4 days. The most administered antibiotic was a combination of clindamycin and fluoroquinolone. In summary, the data of the current study suggest that therapeutical algorithms and recommendations developed for the treatment of PJI of the hip and knee are also applicable to PSI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotics in Orthopedic Infections)
13 pages, 1002 KiB  
Article
Understanding Antibiotic Usage on Small-Scale Dairy Farms in the Indian States of Assam and Haryana Using a Mixed-Methods Approach—Outcomes and Challenges
by Naresh Kumar, Garima Sharma, Eithne Leahy, Bibek R. Shome, Samiran Bandyopadhyay, Ram Pratim Deka, Rajeswari Shome, Tushar Kumar Dey and Johanna Frida Lindahl
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091124 - 18 Sep 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5247
Abstract
The use and misuse of antibiotics in both humans and animals contributes to the global emergence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria, a threat to public health and infection control. Currently, India is the world’s leading milk producer but antibiotic usage within the dairy [...] Read more.
The use and misuse of antibiotics in both humans and animals contributes to the global emergence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria, a threat to public health and infection control. Currently, India is the world’s leading milk producer but antibiotic usage within the dairy sector is poorly regulated. Little data exists reflecting how antibiotics are used on dairy farms, especially on small-scale dairy farms in India. To address this lack of data, a study was carried out on 491 small-scale dairy farms in two Indian states, Assam and Haryana, using a mixed method approach where farmers were interviewed, farms inspected for the presence of antibiotics and milk samples taken to determine antibiotic usage. Usage of antibiotics on farms appeared low only 10% (95% CI 8–13%) of farmers surveyed confirmed using antibiotics in their dairy herds during the last 12 months. Of the farms surveyed, only 8% (6–11%) had milk samples positive for antibiotic residues, namely from the novobiocin, macrolides, and sulphonamide classes of antibiotics. Of the farmers surveyed, only 2% (0.8–3%) had heard of the term “withdrawal period” and 53% (40–65%) failed to describe the term “antibiotic”. While this study clearly highlights a lack of understanding of antibiotics among small-scale dairy farmers, a potential factor in the emergence of AMR bacteria, it also shows that antibiotic usage on these farms is low and that the possible role these farmers play in AMR emergence may be overestimated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Dimensions of Antibiotic Resistance in Asia - a One Health Perspective)
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19 pages, 299 KiB  
Article
Over-the-Counter Sale of Antibiotics in India: A Qualitative Study of Providers’ Perspectives across Two States
by Anita Kotwani, Jyoti Joshi and Anjana Sankhil Lamkang
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091123 - 17 Sep 2021
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6845
Abstract
India has one of the highest rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide. Despite being prescription drugs, antibiotics are commonly available over-the-counter (OTC) at retail pharmacies. We aimed to gain insight into the OTC sale of antibiotics at retail pharmacies and to elucidate its [...] Read more.
India has one of the highest rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide. Despite being prescription drugs, antibiotics are commonly available over-the-counter (OTC) at retail pharmacies. We aimed to gain insight into the OTC sale of antibiotics at retail pharmacies and to elucidate its underlying drivers. We conducted face-to-face, in-depth interviews using convenience sampling with 22 pharmacists and 14 informal dispensers from 36 retail pharmacies across two Indian states (Haryana and Telangana). Thematic analysis revealed that antibiotics were often dispensed OTC for conditions e.g., fever, cough and cold, and acute diarrhea, which are typically viral and self-limiting. Both Access and Watch groups of antibiotics were dispensed for 1–2 days. Respondents had poor knowledge regarding AMR and shifted the blame for OTC practices for antibiotics onto the government, prescribers, informal providers, cross practice by alternative medicine practitioners, and consumer demand. Pharmacists suggested the main drivers for underlying OTC dispensing were commercial interests, poor access to public healthcare, economic and time constraints among consumers, lack of stringent regulations, and scanty inspections. Therefore, a comprehensive strategy which is well aligned with activities under the National Action Plan-AMR, including stewardship efforts targeting pharmacists and evidence-based targeted awareness campaigns for all stakeholders, is required to curb the inappropriate use of antibiotics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Antibiotics Use and Antimicrobial Stewardship)
15 pages, 986 KiB  
Article
Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns in Ghana, Uganda, Zambia and Tanzania Hospitals: Results from the Global Point Prevalence Survey (G-PPS) on Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship Interventions Implemented
by Nikki D’Arcy, Diane Ashiru-Oredope, Omotayo Olaoye, Daniel Afriyie, Zainab Akello, Daniel Ankrah, Derrick Mawuena Asima, David C. Banda, Scott Barrett, Claire Brandish, Joseph Brayson, Peter Benedict, Cornelius C. Dodoo, Frances Garraghan, Josephyn Hoyelah, Sr., Yogini Jani, Freddy Eric Kitutu, Ismail Musoke Kizito, Appiah-Korang Labi, Mariyam Mirfenderesky, Sudaxshina Murdan, Caoimhe Murray, Noah Obeng-Nkrumah, William J’Pathim Olum, Japheth Awuletey Opintan, Edwin Panford-Quainoo, Ines Pauwels, Israel Sefah, Jacqueline Sneddon, Anja St. Clair Jones and Ann Versportenadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091122 - 17 Sep 2021
Cited by 45 | Viewed by 8122
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains an important global public health issue with antimicrobial misuse and overuse being one of the main drivers. The Global Point Prevalence Survey (G-PPS) of Antimicrobial Consumption and Resistance assesses the prevalence and the quality of antimicrobial prescriptions across hospitals [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains an important global public health issue with antimicrobial misuse and overuse being one of the main drivers. The Global Point Prevalence Survey (G-PPS) of Antimicrobial Consumption and Resistance assesses the prevalence and the quality of antimicrobial prescriptions across hospitals globally. G-PPS was carried out at 17 hospitals across Ghana, Uganda, Zambia and Tanzania. The overall prevalence of antimicrobial use was 50% (30–57%), with most antibiotics prescribed belonging to the WHO ‘Access’ and ‘Watch’ categories. No ‘Reserve’ category of antibiotics was prescribed across the study sites while antimicrobials belonging to the ‘Not Recommended’ group were prescribed infrequently. Antimicrobials were most often prescribed for prophylaxis for obstetric or gynaecological surgery, making up between 12 and 18% of total prescriptions across all countries. The most prescribed therapeutic subgroup of antimicrobials was ‘Antibacterials for systemic use’. As a result of the programme, PPS data are now readily available for the first time in the hospitals, strengthening the global commitment to improved antimicrobial surveillance. Antimicrobial stewardship interventions developed included the formation of AMS committees, the provision of training and the preparation of new AMS guidelines. Other common interventions included the presentation of findings to clinicians for increased awareness, and the promotion of a multi-disciplinary approach to successful AMS programmes. Repeat PPS would be necessary to continually monitor the impact of interventions implemented. Broader participation is also encouraged to strengthen the evidence base. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Prescribing and Stewardship, 2nd Volume)
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14 pages, 2274 KiB  
Article
Genomic Investigation of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST113 Strains Isolated from Tertiary Care Hospitals in Pakistan
by Nimat Ullah, Hamza Arshad Dar, Kanwal Naz, Saadia Andleeb, Abdur Rahman, Muhammad Tariq Saeed, Fazal Hanan, Taeok Bae and Amjad Ali
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091121 - 17 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4047
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a multi-drug resistant and opportunistic pathogen. The emergence of new clones of MRSA in both healthcare settings and the community warrants serious attention and epidemiological surveillance. However, epidemiological data of MRSA isolates from Pakistan are limited. We performed [...] Read more.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a multi-drug resistant and opportunistic pathogen. The emergence of new clones of MRSA in both healthcare settings and the community warrants serious attention and epidemiological surveillance. However, epidemiological data of MRSA isolates from Pakistan are limited. We performed a whole-genome-based comparative analysis of two (P10 and R46) MRSA strains isolated from two provinces of Pakistan to understand the genetic diversity, sequence type (ST), and distribution of virulence and antibiotic-resistance genes. The strains belong to ST113 and harbor the SCCmec type IV encoding mecA gene. Both the strains contain two plasmids, and three and two complete prophage sequences are present in P10 and R46, respectively. The specific antibiotic resistance determinants in P10 include two aminoglycoside-resistance genes, aph(3’)-IIIa and aad(6), a streptothrin-resistance gene sat-4, a tetracycline-resistance gene tet(K), a mupirocin-resistance gene mupA, a point mutation in fusA conferring resistance to fusidic acid, and in strain R46 a specific plasmid associated gene ant(4’)-Ib. The strains harbor many virulence factors common to MRSA. However, no Panton-Valentine leucocidin (lukF-PV/lukS-PV) or toxic shock syndrome toxin (tsst) genes were detected in any of the genomes. The phylogenetic relationship of P10 and R46 with other prevailing MRSA strains suggests that ST113 strains are closely related to ST8 strains and ST113 strains are a single-locus variant of ST8. These findings provide important information concerning the emerging MRSA clone ST113 in Pakistan and the sequenced strains can be used as reference strains for the comparative genomic analysis of other MRSA strains in Pakistan and ST113 strains globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Evolution and Pathogenicity of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
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11 pages, 259 KiB  
Article
Local Trends of Antibiotic Prescriptions for Necrotizing Fasciitis Patients in Two Tertiary Care Hospitals in Central Malaysia
by Sanjiv Rampal, Thanusha Ganesan, Narresh Sisubalasingam, Vasantha Kumari Neela, Mehmet Ali Tokgöz, Arun Arunasalam, Mohd Asyraf Hafizuddin Ab Halim, Zulfahrizzat Bin Shamsudin, Suresh Kumar and Ajantha Sinniah
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1120; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091120 - 17 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3090
Abstract
Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressive inflammatory infection of the soft tissue (also known as the fascia) with a secondary necrosis of the subcutaneous tissues, leading to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), shock and eventually death despite the availability of [...] Read more.
Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressive inflammatory infection of the soft tissue (also known as the fascia) with a secondary necrosis of the subcutaneous tissues, leading to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), shock and eventually death despite the availability of current medical interventions. The clinical management of this condition is associated with a significant amount of morbidity with a high rate of mortality. The prognosis of the disease is affected by multiple factors, which include the virulence of the causative pathogen, local host immunity, local wound factors and empirical antibiotics used. The local trends in the prescription of empirical antibiotics are often based on clinical practice guidelines (CPG), the distribution of the causative microorganism and the cost-effectiveness of the drug. However, there appears to be a paucity of literature on the empirical antibiotic of choice when dealing with necrotizing fasciitis in the clinical setting. This paper will outline common causative microorganisms and current trends of prescription in two tertiary centres in Central Malaysia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using retrospective data of patients treated for NF collected from two tertiary care hospitals (Hospital Seremban and Hospital Ampang) in Central Malaysia. A total of 420 NF patients were identified from the five years of retrospective data obtained from the two hospitals. Results: The top three empirical antibiotics prescribed are ampicillin + sulbactam (n = 258; 61.4%), clindamycin (n = 55; 13.1%) and ceftazidime (n = 41; 9.8%). The selection of the antibiotic significantly impacts the outcome of NF. The top three causative pathogens for NF are Streptococcus spp. (n = 79; 18.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 61; 14.5%) and Staphylococcus spp. (n = 49; 11.7%). The patients who received antibiotics had 0.779 times lower chances of being amputated. Patients with a lower laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) score had 0.934 times lower chances of being amputated. Conclusions: In this study, the most common empirical antibiotic prescribed was ampicillin + sulbactam followed by clindamycin and ceftazidime. The antibiotics prescribed lower the risk of having an amputation and, hence, a better prognosis of the disease. Broad-spectrum empirical antibiotics following surgical debridement reduce the mortality rate of NF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Antibiotics — Recent Advances in Rational Antimicrobial Use)
8 pages, 574 KiB  
Brief Report
Procalcitonin to Guide Antibacterial Prescribing in Patients Hospitalised with COVID-19
by Stephen Hughes, Nabeela Mughal and Luke S. P. Moore
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1119; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091119 - 17 Sep 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4027
Abstract
Antibacterial prescribing in patients presenting with COVID-19 remains discordant to rates of bacterial co-infection. Implementing diagnostic tests to exclude bacterial infection may aid reduction in antibacterial prescribing. (1) Method: A retrospective observational analysis was undertaken of all hospitalised patients with COVID-19 across a [...] Read more.
Antibacterial prescribing in patients presenting with COVID-19 remains discordant to rates of bacterial co-infection. Implementing diagnostic tests to exclude bacterial infection may aid reduction in antibacterial prescribing. (1) Method: A retrospective observational analysis was undertaken of all hospitalised patients with COVID-19 across a single-site NHS acute Trust (London, UK) from 1 December 2020 to 28 February 2021. Electronic patient records were used to identify patients, clinical data, and outcomes. Procalcitonin (PCT) serum assays, where available on admission, were analysed against electronic prescribing records for antibacterial prescribing to determine relationships with a negative PCT result (<25 mg/L) and antibacterial course length. (2) Results: Antibacterial agents were initiated on admission in 310/624 (49.7%) of patients presenting with COVID-19. A total of 33/74 (44.5%) patients with a negative PCT on admission had their treatment stopped within 24 h. A total of 6/49 (12.2%) patients were started on antibacterials, but a positive PCT saw their treatment stopped. Microbiologically confirmed bacterial infection was low (19/594; 3.2%) and no correlation was seen between PCT and culture positivity (p = 1). Lower mortality (15.6% vs. 31.4%; p = 0.049), length of hospital stay (7.9 days vs. 10.1 days; p = 0.044), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission (13.9% vs. 40.8%; p = 0.001) was noted among patients with low PCT. (3) Conclusions: This retrospective analysis of community acquired COVID-19 patients demonstrates the potential role of PCT in excluding bacterial co-infection. A negative PCT on admission correlates with shorter antimicrobial courses, early cessation of therapy, and predicts lower frequency of ICU admission. Low PCT may support decision making in cessation of antibacterials at the 48–72 h review. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Antibiotics Use and Antimicrobial Stewardship)
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13 pages, 1194 KiB  
Article
Environmental and Pathogenic Carbapenem Resistant Bacteria Isolated from a Wastewater Treatment Plant Harbour Distinct Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms
by Micaela Oliveira, Inês Carvalho Leonardo, Mónica Nunes, Ana Filipa Silva and Maria Teresa Barreto Crespo
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1118; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091118 - 16 Sep 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3917
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants are important reservoirs and sources for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance into the environment. Here, two different groups of carbapenem resistant bacteria—the potentially environmental and the potentially pathogenic—were isolated from both the wastewater influent and discharged effluent of a full-scale [...] Read more.
Wastewater treatment plants are important reservoirs and sources for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance into the environment. Here, two different groups of carbapenem resistant bacteria—the potentially environmental and the potentially pathogenic—were isolated from both the wastewater influent and discharged effluent of a full-scale wastewater treatment plant and characterized by whole genome sequencing and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Among the potentially environmental isolates, there was no detection of any acquired antibiotic resistance genes, which supports the idea that their resistance mechanisms are mainly intrinsic. On the contrary, the potentially pathogenic isolates presented a broad diversity of acquired antibiotic resistance genes towards different antibiotic classes, especially β-lactams, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones. All these bacteria showed multiple β-lactamase-encoding genes, some with carbapenemase activity, such as the blaKPC-type genes found in the Enterobacteriaceae isolates. The antibiotic susceptibility testing assays performed on these isolates also revealed that all had a multi-resistance phenotype, which indicates that the acquired resistance is their major antibiotic resistance mechanism. In conclusion, the two bacterial groups have distinct resistance mechanisms, which suggest that the antibiotic resistance in the environment can be a more complex problematic than that generally assumed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotic Resistance in Wastewater and Its Treatment)
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23 pages, 584 KiB  
Review
Clinical Status of Efflux Resistance Mechanisms in Gram-Negative Bacteria
by Anne Davin-Regli, Jean-Marie Pages and Aurélie Ferrand
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091117 - 16 Sep 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5437
Abstract
Antibiotic efflux is a mechanism that is well-documented in the phenotype of multidrug resistance in bacteria. Efflux is considered as an early facilitating mechanism in the bacterial adaptation face to the concentration of antibiotics at the infectious site, which is involved in the [...] Read more.
Antibiotic efflux is a mechanism that is well-documented in the phenotype of multidrug resistance in bacteria. Efflux is considered as an early facilitating mechanism in the bacterial adaptation face to the concentration of antibiotics at the infectious site, which is involved in the acquirement of complementary efficient mechanisms, such as enzymatic resistance or target mutation. Various efflux pumps have been described in the Gram-negative bacteria most often encountered in infectious diseases and, in healthcare-associated infections. Some are more often involved than others and expel virtually all families of antibiotics and antibacterials. Numerous studies report the contribution of these pumps in resistant strains previously identified from their phenotypes. The authors characterize the pumps involved, the facilitating antibiotics and those mainly concerned by the efflux. However, today no study describes a process for the real-time quantification of efflux in resistant clinical strains. It is currently necessary to have at hospital level a reliable and easy method to quantify the efflux in routine and contribute to a rational choice of antibiotics. This review provides a recent overview of the prevalence of the main efflux pumps observed in clinical practice and provides an idea of the prevalence of this mechanism in the multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The development of a routine diagnostic tool is now an emergency need for the proper application of current recommendations regarding a rational use of antibiotics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Structural and Functional Study of Efflux Pumps Belonging to the RND Transporters Family from Gram-Negative Bacteria)
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21 pages, 911 KiB  
Review
Alternatives to Fight Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococci and Enterococci
by Benjamin Baëtz, Abdelhakim Boudrioua, Axel Hartke and Caroline Giraud
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1116; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091116 - 16 Sep 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4552
Abstract
Gram positive pathogens are a significant cause of healthcare-associated infections, with Staphylococci and Enterococci being the most prevalent ones. Vancomycin, a last resort glycopeptide, is used to fight these bacteria but the emergence of resistance against this drug leaves some patients with few [...] Read more.
Gram positive pathogens are a significant cause of healthcare-associated infections, with Staphylococci and Enterococci being the most prevalent ones. Vancomycin, a last resort glycopeptide, is used to fight these bacteria but the emergence of resistance against this drug leaves some patients with few therapeutic options. To counter this issue, new generations of antibiotics have been developed but resistance has already been reported. In this article, we review the strategies in place or in development to counter vancomycin-resistant pathogens. First, an overview of traditional antimicrobials already on the market or in the preclinical or clinical pipeline used individually or in combination is summarized. The second part focuses on the non-traditional antimicrobials, such as antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophages and nanoparticles. The conclusion is that there is hitherto no substitute equivalent to vancomycin. However, promising strategies based on drugs with multiple mechanisms of action and treatments based on bacteriophages possibly combined with conventional antibiotics are hoped to provide treatment options for vancomycin-resistant Gram-positive pathogens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotics and Antimicrobials Resistance: Mechanisms and New Strategies to Fight Resistant Bacteria)
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11 pages, 3640 KiB  
Article
Aerosolized Hypertonic Saline Hinders Biofilm Formation to Enhance Antibiotic Susceptibility of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
by Hui-Ling Lin, Chen-En Chiang, Mei-Chun Lin, Mei-Lan Kau, Yun-Tzu Lin and Chi-Shuo Chen
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091115 - 15 Sep 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2842
Abstract
Limited therapeutic options are available for multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB), and the development of effective treatments is urgently needed. The efficacy of four aerosolized antibiotics (gentamicin, amikacin, imipenem, and meropenem) on three different MDR-AB strains was evaluated using hypertonic saline (HS, 7 g/100 [...] Read more.
Limited therapeutic options are available for multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB), and the development of effective treatments is urgently needed. The efficacy of four aerosolized antibiotics (gentamicin, amikacin, imipenem, and meropenem) on three different MDR-AB strains was evaluated using hypertonic saline (HS, 7 g/100 mL) as the aerosol carrier. HS aerosol effectively hindered biofilm formation by specific MDR-AB strains. It could also interrupt the swarming dynamics of MDR-AB and the production of extracellular polymeric substances, which are essential for biofilm progression. Biofilms protect the microorganisms from antibiotics. The use of HS aerosol as a carrier resulted in a decreased tolerance to gentamicin and amikacin in the biofilm-rich MDR-AB. Moreover, we tested the aerosol characteristics of antibiotics mixed with HS and saline, and results showed that HS enhanced the inhaled delivery dose with a smaller particle size distribution of the four antibiotics. Our findings demonstrate the potential of using “old” antibiotics with our “new” aerosol carrier, and potentiate an alternative therapeutic strategy to eliminate MDR-AB infections from a biofilm-disruption perspective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Biomolecules and Drug Delivery Systems as Alternatives to Conventional Antibiotics)
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12 pages, 295 KiB  
Article
Supplementation of Live Yeast, Mannan Oligosaccharide, and Organic Selenium during the Adaptation Phase of Newly Arrived Beef Cattle: Effects on Health Status, Immune Functionality, and Growth Performance
by Silvia Grossi, Matteo Dell’Anno, Luciana Rossi, Riccardo Compiani and Carlo Angelo Sgoifo Rossi
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1114; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091114 - 15 Sep 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2680
Abstract
The effect of a nutraceutical mixture, based on live yeast (LY), mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) and organic selenium (Se) on health status, as well as immune functionality and growth performance in the fattening of newly received beef cattle, was evaluated. A total of 1036 [...] Read more.
The effect of a nutraceutical mixture, based on live yeast (LY), mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) and organic selenium (Se) on health status, as well as immune functionality and growth performance in the fattening of newly received beef cattle, was evaluated. A total of 1036 Charolaise heifers were allocated into two experimental groups: (i) control group, without any nutraceutical support (n = 487; initial weight = 325 ± 21 kg); and (ii) treatment group, supplementation during the first 30 days, with LY (5 g/head/day), organic Se (3 mg/head/day), and MOS (10 g/head/day) (n = 549; initial weight = 323 ± 23 kg). The incidence of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and other health issues was monitored, as well as the mortality rate. Blood samples were taken at d0 and d30 to evaluate the immune functionality and the inflammatory status. Growth performances, feces chemical composition, and carcass characteristics were recorded. The BRD occurrence tended to be reduced (p = 0.06) in the Treatment group. The BHV-1 antibody production after vaccination was significantly improved (p = 0.031), as well as the bactericidal activity (p = 0.0012) in the Treatment group. No differences were found in the inflammatory status parameters. The final weight (p = 0.006) and the average daily gain at d30 (p < 0.0001) were significantly improved by the treatment. No differences were found in terms of carcass characteristics, while the fecal content of NDF (p < 0.0001), ADF (p = 0.0003), and starch (p < 0.0001) were significantly reduced by the treatment. The result of the present study suggests that the nutraceutical mixture used can support the animal’s immune systems, improving its ability to react against pathogens, as well as feed efficiency and growth performances during the whole fattening period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotic Use in Veterinary)
16 pages, 788 KiB  
Article
Empowering Patients to Self-Manage Common Infections: Qualitative Study Informing the Development of an Evidence-Based Patient Information Leaflet
by Catherine V. Hayes, Bláthnaid Mahon, Eirwen Sides, Rosie Allison, Donna M. Lecky and Cliodna A. M. McNulty
Antibiotics 2021, 10(9), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10091113 - 15 Sep 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4548
Abstract
Common self-limiting infections can be self-managed by patients, potentially reducing consultations and unnecessary antibiotic use. This qualitative study informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) aimed to explore healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) and patients’ needs on provision of self-care and safety-netting advice for common [...] Read more.
Common self-limiting infections can be self-managed by patients, potentially reducing consultations and unnecessary antibiotic use. This qualitative study informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) aimed to explore healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) and patients’ needs on provision of self-care and safety-netting advice for common infections. Twenty-seven patients and seven HCPs participated in semi-structured focus groups (FGs) and interviews. An information leaflet was iteratively developed and reviewed by participants in interviews and FGs, and an additional 5 HCPs, and 25 patients (identifying from minority ethnic groups) via online questionnaires. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, double-coded, and mapped to the TDF. Participants required information on symptom duration, safety netting, self-care, and antibiotics. Patients felt confident to self-care and were averse to consulting with HCPs unnecessarily but struggled to assess symptom severity. Patients reported seeking help for children or elderly dependents earlier. HCPs’ concerns included patients’ attitudes and a lack of available monitoring of advice given to patients. Participants believed community pharmacy should be the first place that patients seek advice on common infections. The patient information leaflet on common infections should be used in primary care and community pharmacy to support patients to self-manage symptoms and determine when further help is required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Prescribing and Stewardship, 2nd Volume)
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