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Microorganisms
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State-of-the-Art Parasitic and Bacterial Infections in Romania: 2nd Edition
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State-of-the-Art Parasitic and Bacterial Infections in Romania: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Public Health Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 7862

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Zsuzsa Kalmár

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Guest Editor
Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: parasites infection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ioana Adriana Matei

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Microbiology, Immunology, Epidemiology, Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole si Medicina Veterinara, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: antimicrobial resistance; natural products with antimicrobial potential; antimicrobial compounds identification and testing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Lupșe Mihaela

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Infection Diseases, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: infectious diseases;bacteria; pathogens

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is a continuation of our 2023 Special Issue, "State-of-the-Art Parasitic and Bacterial Infections in Romania".

Parasitic infections, caused by several organisms (protozoa, helminths) transmitted by vectors or involved intermediate hosts and bacterial infections caused by diverse microorganisms, are both associated with ani-mal and human diseases that have a great social, economic and environmental impacts.

This Special Issue aims to provide new insights into the relationship between parasites, bacteria and the host, with a focus on the pathogenicity, epidemiology, infection process and diagnosis of pathogenic microorganisms associated with animal and human diseases in Romania. Studies on the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic bacteria are also within the scope of this Special Issue.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Short communications are welcomed as well. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following: parasites, bacterial infection, tick–pathogen relationships, host–parasite interactions and antimicrobial resistance in the context of medical, veterinary and biological sciences.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Zsuzsa Kalmár
Dr. Ioana Adriana Matei
Dr. Lupșe Mihaela
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • parasitic and bacterial infections
  • host–parasite interactions
  • bacterial pathogens
  • antimicrobial resistance

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 629 KiB  
Article
Bacterial Resistances and Sensibilities in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Romania—A Retrospective Analysis
by Lazar Chisavu, Flavia Chisavu, Luciana Marc, Adelina Mihaescu, Flaviu Bob, Monica Licker, Viviana Ivan and Adalbert Schiller
Microorganisms 2024, 12(8), 1517; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081517 - 24 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1007
Abstract
The increase in bacterial resistance is currently a global burden for the health care system. In order to evaluate the resistance rates of several bacteria from the most encountered cultures in clinical practice, we performed a retrospective analysis of all of the positive [...] Read more.
The increase in bacterial resistance is currently a global burden for the health care system. In order to evaluate the resistance rates of several bacteria from the most encountered cultures in clinical practice, we performed a retrospective analysis of all of the positive cultures from the year 2021 in a tertiary care hospital in Romania. Our analysis captured 3299 positive cultures. The median age of the patients was 62 years (IQR: 41–71 years old) with a slight predominance among females (53.1%). Overall, the most common cultures were urocultures, wound secretion cultures and blood cultures, and the most common identified bacteria were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella spp. Positive cultures with the highest resistance rates were found in the bronchial aspirate cultures, catheter tip cultures, urocultures and blood cultures. Escherichia coli (n = 996) had the highest resistance to ampicillin (19.8%) and trimetoprim-sulfametoxazole (16.4%), while Staphylococcus aureus (n = 698) presented the highest resistance rates to clindamycin (27.4%) and oxaciline (19.7%). Klebsiella (n = 481) presented the highest resistance rates to piperaciline-tazobactam (25.2%) and ampicillin (20.4%), whereas Acinetobacter baumanii (n = 123) presented a resistance rate of more than 50% to carbapenems, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime. The aim of our study was to identify bacterial resistance rates in order to provide updated clinical data to guide physicians in choosing the best empirical antibiotic treatment, especially in the west part of Romania. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Parasitic and Bacterial Infections in Romania: 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 1469 KiB  
Article
Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Strains from Romania: A Whole Genome-Based Description
by Codruța-Romanița Usein, Mihaela Oprea, Sorin Dinu, Laura-Ioana Popa, Daniela Cristea, Cornelia-Mădălina Militaru, Andreea Ghiță, Mariana Costin, Ionela-Loredana Popa, Anca Croitoru, Cristina Bologa and Lavinia-Cipriana Rusu
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1469; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071469 - 19 Jul 2024
Viewed by 862
Abstract
The zoonotic Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) group is unanimously regarded as exceptionally hazardous for humans. This study aimed to provide a genomic perspective on the STEC recovered sporadically from humans and have a foundation of internationally comparable data. Fifty clinical STEC isolates, [...] Read more.
The zoonotic Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) group is unanimously regarded as exceptionally hazardous for humans. This study aimed to provide a genomic perspective on the STEC recovered sporadically from humans and have a foundation of internationally comparable data. Fifty clinical STEC isolates, representing the culture-confirmed infections reported by the STEC Reference Laboratory between 2016 and 2023, were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis and sequences were interpreted using both commercial and public free bioinformatics tools. The WGS analysis revealed a genetically diverse population of STEC dominated by non-O157 serogroups commonly reported in human STEC infections in the European Union. The O26:H11 strains of ST21 lineage played a major role in the clinical disease resulting in hospitalisation and cases of paediatric HUS in Romania surpassing the O157:H7 strains. The latter were all clade 7 and mostly ST1804. Notably, among the Romanian isolates was a stx2a-harbouring cryptic clade I strain associated with a HUS case, stx2f- and stx2e-positive strains, and hybrid strains displaying a mixture of intestinal and extraintestinal virulence genes were found. As a clearer picture emerges of the STEC strains responsible for infections in Romania, further surveillance efforts are needed to uncover their prevalence, sources, and reservoirs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Parasitic and Bacterial Infections in Romania: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 680 KiB  
Article
Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: A Retrospective Cohort Study Conducted at “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital in Bucharest
by Corina-Ioana Anton, Cosmin Alexandru Buzilă, Silviu Marcel Stanciu, Săndica Bucurică, Daniela Anghel, Alexia Teodora Ștefan, Ion Ștefan and Adrian Streinu-Cercel
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1442; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071442 - 16 Jul 2024
Viewed by 893
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate patients with prosthetic valves who developed infective endocarditis by comparing treatment outcomes in both early- and late-onset IE episodes following prosthetic valve replacement surgery. This study sought to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the efficacy of these methodologies. The insights [...] Read more.
Objective: To evaluate patients with prosthetic valves who developed infective endocarditis by comparing treatment outcomes in both early- and late-onset IE episodes following prosthetic valve replacement surgery. This study sought to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the efficacy of these methodologies. The insights derived from this assessment can be utilized to enhance the quality of care for individuals with infective endocarditis who have undergone prosthetic valve replacement surgery. Results: During the period of investigation (January 2017–December 2022), 78 patients diagnosed with infective endocarditis (IE) on a prosthetic valve were admitted to the Infectious Diseases Department of the “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital in Bucharest. In 28 patients (35.8%), the onset of PVE occurred within 12 months of surgery (early onset), whereas in 50 patients (64.2%), the onset occurred more than 12 months after surgery (late onset). The mortality rate was 35.9% (53.6% among the early onset patients and 26% among the late-onset patients). Among patients who received surgical and medical therapy, the mortality rate was 29.6%, whereas among those who received only medical therapy, a 39.2% mortality rate was reported. According to the extracted data, antibiotic therapy was successful in 72.6% of the patients. In contrast, a combination of surgical and drug-based approaches resulted in a cure in 76.1% of patients. The most common etiological agent was Staphylococcus aureus (38.5%), followed by Enterococcus faecalis (26.9%) and Streptococcus mitis (10.3%). The mortality rate of patients infected with S. aureus was 29.2%, indicating the severity of this infectious agent. Conclusions: Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a serious condition associated with a high mortality rate both in the short and long term. Regardless of the therapy used, the risk of death remains high. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Parasitic and Bacterial Infections in Romania: 2nd Edition)
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10 pages, 660 KiB  
Article
The Prevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the North-Western Region of Romania Using Serological Diagnosis: A Preliminary Study
by Anca-Alexandra Doboși, Anamaria Ioana Paștiu, Lucia-Victoria Bel and Dana Liana Pusta
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1440; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071440 - 16 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1128
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian, domestic rabbits being the main host. The disease can be acute or subclinical, but treatment options are limited and usually with unrewarding results; therefore, diagnosis and prevention of encephalitozoonosis in rabbits are of the utmost importance. This study [...] Read more.
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian, domestic rabbits being the main host. The disease can be acute or subclinical, but treatment options are limited and usually with unrewarding results; therefore, diagnosis and prevention of encephalitozoonosis in rabbits are of the utmost importance. This study aims to obtain the first preliminary information of the prevalence of E. cuniculi in the north-western region of Romania. A total of 176 rabbits were clinically examined and 2 mL of blood was sampled from each. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit by Medicago (Medicago, Uppsala, Sweden) on the resulted blood serum was utilized. Statistical analysis of the results was conducted using the EpiInfo 2000 software (CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA). A total prevalence of 39.2% (69/176) was identified, with statistically significant differences in relation to the rabbits’ clinical status, age, season of sampling, breeding system, body condition score and county of origin; the different family farms tested also had a statistically significant difference. This study gives the first preliminary information on this pathogen distribution on Romania’s territory, but further studies need to be performed on larger regions to declare the prevalence in the country. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Parasitic and Bacterial Infections in Romania: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 491 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Aetiological Agents in Infectious Endocarditis in the Central Military Emergency University Hospital “Dr. Carol Davila” Bucharest
by Corina-Ioana Anton, Ion Ștefan, Simona Mihaela Dumitrache, Alexia-Teodora Ștefan, Diana Răduț, Claudiu-Eduard Nistor, Aurelian-Emil Ranetti, Carmen Adella-Sîrbu and Florentina Ioniță-Radu
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050910 - 30 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 982
Abstract
Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a pathological condition caused by various microbial agents that can lead to severe complications affecting the heart. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for the effective management of patients with IE. Blood culture is the gold standard for identifying the [...] Read more.
Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a pathological condition caused by various microbial agents that can lead to severe complications affecting the heart. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for the effective management of patients with IE. Blood culture is the gold standard for identifying the primary infectious agents, which is a key factor in diagnosing IE using the modified Duke criteria. Objective: The main objective of this study was to investigate the distribution of the etiological agents of IE and the most common secondary diagnoses associated with it. Method: A total of 152 patients aged 23–95 years with a diagnosis of IE and proven etiology (through blood cultures or serological tests) were included in this study. Results: The most common etiological agent identified through blood tests was Enterococcus faecalis, which was detected in 39 patients (23.5%). Staphylococcus aureus was the second most common agent and was identified in 33 patients (19.9%), followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis, which was identified in 12 patients (13.1%). Nine patients (5.8%) had high levels of anti-Coxiella burnetti IgG phase I and II antibodies. Conclusions: IE is a leading cause of death in the Department of Infectious Diseases. Early and accurate diagnosis, along with interdisciplinary treatment, can significantly increase the chances of patient survival. Currently, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus are the dominant etiological agents of IE, highlighting the need to revise protocols for prophylaxis, diagnosis, and initial treatment of this condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Parasitic and Bacterial Infections in Romania: 2nd Edition)
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Review

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22 pages, 1548 KiB  
Review
Congenital Sepsis with Candida albicans—A Rare Event in the Neonatal Period: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review
by Dumitru Alin Teacoe, Roxana Cristina Cormoș, Diana Adela Toma, Laura Ștef, Manuela Cucerea, Irina Muțiu, Radu Chicea, Dragoș Popescu, Eugen Dan Chicea, Adrian Gheorghe Boicean, Radu Galiș and Maria Livia Ognean
Microorganisms 2024, 12(9), 1869; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12091869 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1052
Abstract
Candida spp. is rarely found in neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS) etiology. However, candidemia is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, as in late-onset sepsis. Congenital candidiasis may present as a mucocutaneous infection or, more rarely, as a systemic infection in term and preterm [...] Read more.
Candida spp. is rarely found in neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS) etiology. However, candidemia is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, as in late-onset sepsis. Congenital candidiasis may present as a mucocutaneous infection or, more rarely, as a systemic infection in term and preterm infants. This paper presents case reports of two cases of congenital systemic candidiasis (CSC) caused by Candida albicans and a review of the data in the literature. An electronic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was performed to identify publications on congenital candidiasis. Both neonates were male, born vaginally, with risk factors for congenital candidiasis. One of the infants was born at term and presented with an almost generalized maculopapular rash at birth and congenital candidemia; parenteral fluconazole was used successfully. The other infant was born prematurely at 28 weeks of gestation; blood culture, gastric aspirate, and maternal vaginal cultures sampled at birth were positive for C. albicans. Liver and kidney involvement became apparent on the third day of life, while lung involvement was clinically evident on the fourth day. Prolonged parenteral fluconazole was administered due to multiple organ involvement and persistent candidemia. Our experience with the presented cases, similar to data in the literature, suggests that CSC may occur at any gestational age, with various clinical pictures, sometimes mimicking bacterial sepsis, and even in the absence of the rash. Careful anamnesis and a high index of suspicion are important for the prompt recognition and treatment of CSC, optimizing the short- and long-term outcomes. Further research should focus on CSC to improve its diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Parasitic and Bacterial Infections in Romania: 2nd Edition)
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Other

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6 pages, 734 KiB  
Case Report
Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides Bacteremia in an Immunocompromised Patient with Hematological Comorbidities—Case Report
by Madalina Simoiu, Mihai-Cezar Filipescu, Meilin Omer, Alina Maria Borcan and Mihaela-Cristina Olariu
Microorganisms 2024, 12(11), 2215; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12112215 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 455
Abstract
Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides is a rare pathogen that can cause bacteremia in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with hematological conditions like acute myeloid leukemia. In this case, a 56-year-old woman developed Leuconostoc bacteremia following chemotherapy and multiple infections, including invasive aspergillosis. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotic treatments, [...] Read more.
Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides is a rare pathogen that can cause bacteremia in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with hematological conditions like acute myeloid leukemia. In this case, a 56-year-old woman developed Leuconostoc bacteremia following chemotherapy and multiple infections, including invasive aspergillosis. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotic treatments, her fever persisted until the blood cultures identified Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides. Switching to intravenous ampicillin led to the resolution of symptoms. This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing and treating rare, glycopeptide-resistant bacteria in immunosuppressed patients and underscores the importance of repeated blood cultures and automated diagnostic systems. It also highlights the need for more rapid ways of diagnosing and treating such rare infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Parasitic and Bacterial Infections in Romania: 2nd Edition)
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