Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae: risk factors for infection and impact of resistance on outcomes

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae recovered from patients at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana

INTRODUCTION

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are pathogens of significant public health interest for which new antibiotics are urgently needed.

AIM

To determine the prevalence of ESBLs in E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates from patients attending the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) in Ghana.

METHODOLOGY

The study was a cross-sectional study involving convenience sampling of E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates from consenting patients' clinical specimens, between April and June 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed, and ESBL-producer phenotypes were further screened for BlaTEM, BlaSHV, and BlaCTX-M genes. Patients' clinical data were additionally collected using a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of the 150 non-duplicate E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates identified, 140 were confirmed as E. coli (84%, n = 117) and K. pneumoniae (16%, n = 23). Of these, sixty-two (44%) [E. coli (84%; n = 52); K. pneumoniae (16%; n = 10)] phenotypically expressed ESBLs. The proportion of ESBL-producing isolates was higher in adults (15-65 years) than in neonates (< 28 days) (p = 0.14). Most of the isolates showed a high percentage resistance to ampicillin (96%) and tetracycline (89%), but a relatively lower resistance to amikacin (36%). No isolate was resistant to meropenem. More ESBL producers were multidrug resistant compared to non-ESBL-producers [23% (14/62) versus 18% (14/78); p = 0.573]. Overall, 74% (n = 46) of the ESBL genotypes expressed BlaCTX-M-1 genes, followed by 63% (n = 39) BlaTEM, and 16% (n = 10) BlaSHV. The study showed a high prevalence of ESBL-positive E. coli and K. pneumoniae, mostly CTX-M-1 producers at TTH.

CONCLUSION

Routine laboratory ESBL screening is warranted to inform patient management.

Study of the Membrane Activity of the Synthetic Peptide ∆M3 Against Extended-Spectrum β-lactamase Escherichia coli Isolates

Escherichia coli is the most common microorganism causing nosocomial or community-acquired bacteremia, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolates are identified worldwide with increasing frequency. For this reason, it is necessary to evaluate potential new molecules like antimicrobial peptides. They are recognized for their biological potential which makes them promising candidates in the fight against infections. The goal of this research was to evaluate the potential of the synthetic peptide ΔM3 on several extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing E. coli isolates. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of the peptide was spectrophotometrically determined. Additionally, the capacity of the peptide to interact with the bacterial membrane was monitored by fluorescence microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that the synthetic peptide is active against Escherichia coli isolates at concentrations similar to Meropenem. On the other hand, no cytotoxic effect was observed in HaCaT keratinocyte cells even at 10 times the minimal inhibitory concentration. Microscopy results showed a permeabilizing effect of the peptide on the bacteria. The infrared results showed that ΔM3 showed affinity for the lipids of the microorganism's membrane. The results suggest that the ∆M3 interacts with the negatively charged lipids from the E. coli by a disturbing effect on membrane. Finally, the secondary structure experiments of the peptide showed a random structure in solution that did not change during the interaction with the membranes.

Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of patients with healthcare-acquired multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli: a retrospective study from a tertiary care hospital

The numbers of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) that produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and those that are carbapenem resistant, especially Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), are increasing, and these infections are becoming a global public health problem. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of infections caused by ESBL-producing and carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli in patients hospitalized at An-Najah National University Hospital in Nablus, Palestine, and to provide healthcare workers with valuable information on the treatment of these infections. A retrospective cross-sectional investigation was conducted at a large tertiary care teaching hospital. The study included patients admitted to the hospital between January and December 2021, from whom ESBL-producing and carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli were isolated. The patients' clinical and demographic information was obtained from the hospital information system. In addition, information regarding the bacterial isolates and antibiotic resistance was obtained from the hospital's microbiology laboratory. This study included a total of 188 patients-91 males (48.4%) and 97 females (51.6%). The general surgical ward accounted for the highest proportion of infections (30.9%), followed by the surgical ICU (12.2%). The most common infections were caused by ESBL-producing E. coli, which accounted for 62.8% of the cases. Among them, urinary tract infections caused by this microorganism were the most prevalent (44.7% of patients). Over 50% of the patients (54.2%) had a history of antibiotic use, and 77.8% had been hospitalized within the past three months. ESBL-producing E. coli was significantly isolated from blood cultures (p-value = 0.000), and CR-K. pneumoniae was significantly isolated from endotracheal isolates (p-value = 0.001). This study emphasizes the concerning frequency of healthcare-acquired infections caused by ESBL-producing and carbapenem-resistant GNB in a tertiary care hospital. The substantial prevalence of antibiotic resistance presents considerable obstacles to the successful administration of routinely employed antibiotics. The results highlight the immediate need for improved antimicrobial stewardship and the implementation of infection control strategies to reduce the effects of multidrug-resistant GNB on patient well-being and public health.

Epidemiology of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales infection in kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Extended-spectrum b-lactamase (ESBL)-producing gram-negative bacilli (ESBL-GNB) are the most important pathogenic bacteria infecting kidney transplant patients. Kidney transplantation has been shown to be a risk factor for nosocomial ESBL-GNB bacteremia. The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiology of ESBL-GNB acquisition and to identify factors associated with ESBL-GNB infection in kidney transplant recipients, including pretransplant ESBL-GNB fecal carriage.

METHODS

A prospective study of patients undergoing kidney transplantation at Ramathibodi Hospital from March 1, 2019-November 30, 2020 was conducted. During this period, 66 patients who underwent kidney transplantation. Perianal swab cultures and urine cultures for ESBL-GNB were obtained from all subjects upon admission for transplantation and on Days 3, 7, 14 and 21 after surgery to determine the prevalence, incidence, and duration of admission before acquisition of the organisms.

RESULTS

Of the 66 patients undergoing kidney transplantation, 18 preoperative perianal swabs were detected to be positive for ESBL-GNB upon admission, representing 27.3% of the cases. The in-hospital perianal swab tests showed a significant increase to 96.8% positive ESBL-GNB cultures at the end of week 3. Approximately one-fourth (27.8%) of patients who acquired ESBL-GNB developed a postoperative symptomatic infection. The infection occurred in 13% of such patients who were not ESBL positive at first. These infections included urinary tract infections (20 cases, [30%], of which 55% were due to ESBL-GNB) and bloodstream infections (13 cases; of which 9 [69.2%] were due to ESBL-GNB). E. coli was the most common pathogen. Previous exposure to antibiotics, including surgical prophylaxis, underlying disease, duration of indwelling urinary catheters and ureteric stents, as well as other operative factors were not found to be significantly associated with the acquisition of ESBL-producing organisms in this dataset.

CONCLUSIONS

ESBL carriage may be a risk factor for the development of bacteremia and other serious infections among kidney transplant recipients, although a statistically significant difference could not be demonstrated owing to the small size of the sample. The high rate of ESBL acquisition suggests that more stringent infection prevention and control efforts are needed.

Risk factors for acquiring Acinetobacter baumannii infection in the intensive care unit: experience from a Moroccan hospital

Introduction

Acinetobacter species are non-fermenting and ubiquitous Gram-negative coccobacilli, which in recent years have become the leading cause of healthcare-associated infections worldwide. Our objective here was to study the epidemiology and risk factors associated with Acinetobacter baumannii infections in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

This retrospective case-control study was conducted collaboratively between the Medical Bacteriology Department and the two ICUs of the Military Hospital of Instruction Mohammed V-Rabat over a 3 month period.

Results

We included 180 patients, of whom 60 had A. baumannii infection. We observed a male predominance in both matched groups, with a sex ratio of 1.6. The median age was 67 years [interquartile range (IQR) 59.5-77]. The median length of stay in the ICU before infection was 8.5 days (IQR 5-14). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the risk factors statistically associated with A. baumannii infection at the ICU level as follows: duration of invasive procedures >7 days [odds ratio (OR)=1.02], parenteral nutrition (OR=3.514), mechanical ventilation (OR=3.024), imipenem (OR=18.72), colistin (OR=5.645), probabilistic antibiotic therapy >4 days (OR=9.063) and neoplastic pathology (OR=5.727).

Conclusion

Based on our results, it can be inferred that shortening the duration of stay in the resuscitation setting, implementing rational use of medical devices and optimizing antibiotic therapy could decrease the incidence of these infections.

Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacterales of Shrimp and Salmon Available for Purchase by Consumers in Canada-A Risk Profile Using the Codex Framework

The extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-EB) encompass several important human pathogens and are found on the World Health Organization (WHO) priority pathogens list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They are a group of organisms which demonstrate resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (3GC) and their presence has been documented worldwide, including in aquaculture and the aquatic environment. This risk profile was developed following the Codex Guidelines for Risk Analysis of Foodborne Antimicrobial Resistance with the objectives of describing the current state of knowledge of ESBL-EB in relation to retail shrimp and salmon available to consumers in Canada, the primary aquacultured species consumed in Canada. The risk profile found that Enterobacterales and ESBL-EB have been found in multiple aquatic environments, as well as multiple host species and production levels. Although the information available did not permit the conclusion as to whether there is a human health risk related to ESBLs in Enterobacterales in salmon and shrimp available for consumption by Canadians, ESBL-EB in imported seafood available at the retail level in Canada have been found. Surveillance activities to detect ESBL-EB in seafood are needed; salmon and shrimp could be used in initial surveillance activities, representing domestic and imported products.

Characterization of Beta-Lactam Resistome of Escherichia coli Causing Nosocomial Infections

Nosocomial infections caused by Escherichia coli pose significant therapeutic challenges due to the high expression of genes encoding antimicrobial drug resistance. In this study, we investigated the conformation of the beta-lactam resistome responsible for the specific pattern of resistance against beta-lactam antibiotics. A total of 218 Escherichia coli strains were isolated from in-hospital patients diagnosed with nosocomial infections, obtained from various sources such as urine (n = 49, 22.48%), vaginal discharge (n = 46, 21.10%), catheter tips (n = 14, 6.42%), blood (n = 13, 5.96%), feces (n = 12, 5.50%), sputum (n = 11, 5.05%), biopsies (n = 8, 3.67%), cerebrospinal fluid (n = 2, 0.92%) and other unspecified discharges (n = 63, 28.90%). To characterize the beta-lactam resistome, all strains were subjected to antibiotic dilution tests and grown in beta-lactam antibiotics supplemented with Luria culture medium. Subsequently, multiplex PCR and next-generation sequencing were conducted. The results show a multi-drug-resistance phenotype, particularly against beta-lactam drugs. The primary determinant of this resistance was the expression of the blaTEM gene family, with 209 positive strains (95.87%) expressing it as a single gene (n = 47, 21.6%) or in combination with other genes. Common combinations included blaTEM + blaCTX (n = 42, 19.3%), blaTEM + blaCTX + blaSHV (n = 13, 6%) and blaTEM + blaCTX + blaBIL (n = 12, 5.5%), among others. The beta-lactam resistome of nosocomial Escherichia coli strains isolated from inpatients at the "October first" Regional Hospital of ISSSTE was predominantly composed of members of the blaTEM gene family, expressed in various configurations along with different members of other beta-lactamase gene families.

Quality indicators for appropriate antibiotic prescribing in urinary tract infections in children

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to define a set of urinary tract infections (UTIs)-specific quality indicators for appropriate prescribing in children and evaluate clinical practices in a district general hospital in Greece.

METHODS

The UTIs-specific quality indicators were informed by a review of the existing literature. Quality indicators were selected to describe the overall antibiotics use, prescribing patterns and UTIs clinical management regarding treatment and prophylaxis in a cohort of children admitted with a UTI. Microbiological, clinical and prescribing data about dosing, duration and route of administration were collected from the patients' electronic health records.

RESULTS

Twelve quality indicators were adapted or developed for prescribing in childhood UTIs. A broad variety of antibiotics were prescribed for UTIs, with a drug utilization (DU) 90% rate of 6 and 9 different antibiotics for febrile and afebrile UTIs, respectively. Despite the low incidence of multi-drug resistant UTIs in the study period (9/261, 3.4%), broad-spectrum antibiotics were prescribed in 33.5% (164/490) of prescriptions. A total of 62.8% (164/261) of patients were started on empiric combined therapies, while opportunities to de-escalate were missed in 37.8% (62/164) of them. One quarter (67/261, 25.7%) of patients did not fulfil the criteria for receiving treatment, while nearly half of those prescribed prophylaxis (82/175, 46.9%) could have avoided having a prophylaxis prescription.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified substantial gaps for improvement in antimicrobial prescribing for UTIs in children. The application of the proposed quality indicators could help to limit unnecessary antibiotics use in children with UTI.

Clinical and microbiological profiles in post-chemotherapy neutropenic fever in hematological malignancy: exploration of clinical phenotype patterns by two-step cluster analysis

BACKGROUND

Epidemiology of infectious diseases causing febrile illness varies geographically with human attributes. Periodic institutional surveillance of clinical and microbiological profiles in adding data to updating trends, modulating pharmatherapeutics, signifying possible excessive treatments and risk of drug resistance in post-chemotherapy neutropenic fever (NF) in hematological malignancy (HM) is limited. We aimed to review institutional clinical and microbiological data and explore clinical phenotype pattern groups among data.

METHODS

Available data from 372 NF episodes were included. Demographics, types of malignancies, laboratory data, antimicrobial treatments and febrile-related outcome data such as predominant pathogens and microbiological diagnosed infections (MDIs) were collected. Descriptive statistics, two-step cluster analysis and non-parametric tests were employed.

RESULTS

The occurrences of microbiological diagnosed bacterial infections (MDBIs; 20.2%) and microbiological diagnosed fungal infections (MDFIs; 19.9%) were almost equal. Gram-negative pathogens (11.8%) were comparable with gram-positive pathogens (9.9%), with gram-negative being slightly predominant. Death rate was 7.5%. Two-step cluster analysis yielded four distinct clinical phenotype pattern (cluster) groups: cluster 1 'lymphomas without MDIs', cluster 2 'acute leukemias MDBIs', cluster 3 'acute leukemias MDFIs' and cluster 4 'acute leukemias without MDIs'. Considerable NF events with antibiotic prophylaxis being not identified as MDI might have cases in low-risk with non-infectious reasons causing febrile reactions that might possibly not require prophylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular institutional surveillance with active parameter assessments to signify risk levels in the post-chemotherapy stage, even prior to the onset of fever, might be an evidence-based strategy in the management of NF in HM.

Cost-Effectiveness of Targeted Prophylaxis among Allogenic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

Bloodstream infections (BSI) are life-threatening complications for onco-hematologic patients. Fluoroquinolones prophylaxis (FQP) was recommended for patients with neutropenia. Later, it was correlated with increased resistance rates among this population and its role became debated. While the role of FQ prophylaxis is still being studied, its cost-effectiveness is also unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the costs and effects associated with two alternative strategies (FQP vs. no prophylaxis) for patients with hematological malignancies undergoing allogenic stem cell transplant (HSCT). A decision-tree model was built integrating retrospectively collected data from a single transplant center, part of a tertiary teaching hospital in Northern Italy. Probabilities, costs and effects were considered in the assessment of the two alternative strategies. Probabilities of colonization, BSIs, extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) and Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) BSIs and mortality associated with infection, as well as median duration of length of stay (LOS) were calculated based on data collected between 2013 and 2021. The center applied the strategy of FQP between 2013 and 2016, and of no prophylaxis between 2016 and 2021. Data on 326 patients were collected during the considered time period. Overall, the rates of colonization, BSI, KPC/ESBL BSI, and mortality were 6.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.7-13.5), 42% (9.9-81.4) and 20.72 (16.67-25.26), respectively. A mean bed-day cost of 132€ was estimated. Considering no prophylaxis vs. prophylaxis, the difference in costs ranged between additional 33.61 and 80.59€ per patient, whereas the difference in effects ranged between 0.11 and 0.03 life-years (LYs) lost (around 40 and 11 days). Given the small differences in terms of costs and effects between the two strategies, no prophylaxis seems an appropriate choice. Furthermore, this analysis did not consider the broader effect on hospital ecology of multiple doses of FQP, which could provide further support for the strategy of no prophylaxis. Our results suggest that the necessity for FQP in onco-hematologic setting should be determined based on local antibiotic resistance patterns.

Suggested use of empirical antibiotics in acute cholecystitis based on bile microbiology and antibiotic susceptibility

BACKGROUND

Bacterial infection is common in acute cholecystitis (AC). To identify appropriate empirical antibiotics, we investigated AC-associated microorganisms and their susceptibilities to antibiotics. We also compared preoperative clinical findings of patients grouped according to specific microorganisms.

METHODS

Patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for AC between 2018 and 2019 were enrolled. Bile cultures and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed, and clinical findings of patients were noted.

RESULTS

A total of 282 patients were enrolled (147 culture-positive and 135 culture-negative). The most frequent microorganisms were Escherichia (n = 53, 32.7%), Enterococcus (n = 37, 22.8%), Klebsiella (n = 28, 17.3%), and Enterobacter (n = 18, 11.1%). For Gram-negative microorganisms, second-generation cephalosporin (cefotetan: 96.2%) was more effective than third-generation cephalosporin (cefotaxime: 69.8%). Vancomycin and teicoplanin (83.8%) were the most effective antibiotics for Enterococcus. Patients with Enterococcus had higher rates of CBD stones (51.4%, p = 0.001) and biliary drainage (81.1%, p = 0.002), as well as higher levels of liver enzymes, than patients with other microorganisms. Patients with ESBL-producing bacteria had higher rates of CBD stones (36.0% vs. 6.8%, p = 0.001) and biliary drainage (64.0% vs. 32.4%, p = 0.005) than those without.

DISCUSSION

Preoperative clinical findings of AC are related to microorganisms in bile samples. Periodic antibiotic susceptibility tests should be conducted to select appropriate empirical antibiotics.

Risk factors for community acquired pediatric urinary tract infection with extended-spectrum-β-lactamase Escherichia coli - A case-control study

INTRODUCTION

Community-acquired (CA) infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli urinary tract infections (UTI) have become increasingly prevalent, posing a serious threat to public health. Risk factors for ESBL UTI have not been extensively studied in the pediatric population. We report findings from a case control study to identify risk factors for CA ESBL-producing E. coli UTI in children.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

A cohort of children with CA ESBL Escherichia coli UTI evaluated at a tertiary referral hospital from January 2014 through April 2021, were matched 1:3 with control group of non-ESBL CA E. coli UTI based on age at first episode of non-ESBL UTI. To identify potential risk factors for ESBL E. coli UTI, conditional logistic regression model was utilized accounting for age matching. Univariate models were fitted for each clinical risk factor. Factors found to be significantly associated with ESBL UTI were simultaneously included in a single model to check for associations adjusted for all other factors.

RESULTS

On conditional multivariate analyses for univariate testing, male sex (P = 0.021), history of Urology care (P = 0.001), and antibiotic treatment within 30 days prior to positive culture (P = 0.004) were identified as independent risk factors for CA ESBL E. coli UTI. Comorbidity scores were assigned to each patient according to pediatric comorbidity index (PCI); children with ESBL UTI were more likely to have higher morbidity risk than non-ESBL UTI children (P < 0.001). From the logistic model, the higher the morbidity scores, the more likely children will have CA ESBL UTI (P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Identifying risk factors for ESBL-producing E. coli UTI in children is important because of limited therapeutic options. This knowledge is essential for clinical decision making and to develop intervention strategies to reduce disease burden. Our study found that although females have an increased predisposition to UTIs, we observed that the male sex is an independent risk factor for ESBL E. coli UTI. This finding warrants further investigation to determine underlying cause. Because of the retrospective design of the study, collection of data from a single center, and differences in characteristics between patient populations, treatments, and prescribing patterns in the community, this study may not be generalizable.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from our case-control study suggest that the male sex, history of Urology care, and previous antibiotic exposure are independent risk factors for CA ESBL-GNB UTI. Children with ESBL E. coli UTI are more likely to have longer admission duration and higher comorbidity index.

Limiting the Spread of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Low-to-Middle-Income Countries: One Size Does Not Fit All

The spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) is associated with additional costs as well as higher morbidity and mortality rates. Risk factors related to the spread of MDRO can be classified into four categories: bacterial, host-related, organizational, and epidemiological. Faced with the severity of the MDRO predicament and its individual and collective consequences, many scientific societies have developed recommendations to help healthcare teams control the spread of MDROs. These international recommendations include a series of control measures based on surveillance cultures and the application of barrier measures, ranging from patients' being isolated in single rooms, to the reinforcement of hand hygiene and implementation of additional contact precautions, to the cohorting of colonized patients in a dedicated unit with or without a dedicated staff. In addition, most policies include the application of an antimicrobial stewardship program. Applying international policies to control the spread of MDROs presents several challenges, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs). Through a review of the literature, this work evaluates the real risks of dissemination linked to MDROs and proposes an alternative policy that caters to the means of LMICs. Indeed, sufficient evidence exists to support the theory that high compliance with hand hygiene and antimicrobial stewardship reduces the risk of MDRO transmission. LMICs would therefore be better off adopting such low-cost policies without necessarily having to implement costly isolation protocols or impose additional contact precautions.

Analysis of infections among patients with historical culture positive for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae: Is ESBL-targeted therapy always needed?

Objective

Among patients with a history of ESBL infection, uncertainty remains regarding whether all of these patients require ESBL-targeted therapy when presenting with a subsequent infection. We sought to determine the risks associated with a subsequent ESBL infection to help inform empiric antibiotic decisions.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of adult patients with positive index culture for Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae (EC/KP) receiving medical care during 2017 was conducted. Risk assessments were performed to identify factors associated with subsequent infection caused by ESBL-producing EC/KP.

Results

In total, 200 patients were included in the cohort, 100 with ESBL-producing EC/KP and 100 with ESBL-negative EC/KP. Of 100 patients (50%) who developed a subsequent infection, 22 infections were ESBL-producing EC/KP, 43 were other bacteria, and 35 had no or negative cultures. Subsequent infection caused by ESBL-producing EC/KP only occurred when the index culture was also ESBL-producing (22 vs 0). Among those with ESBL-producing index culture, the incidences of subsequent infection caused by ESBL-producing EC/KP versus other bacterial subsequent infection were similar (22 vs 18; P = .428). Factors associated with subsequent infection caused by ESBL-producing EC/KP include history of ESBL-producing index culture, time ≤180 days between index culture and subsequent infection, male sex, and Charlson comorbidity index score >3.

Conclusions

History of ESBL-producing EC/KP culture is associated with subsequent infection caused by ESBL-producing EC/KP, particularly within 180 days after the historical culture. Among patients presenting with infection and a history of ESBL-producing EC/KP, other factors should be considered in making empiric antibiotic decisions, and ESBL-targeted therapy may not always be warranted.

Controversies over the management of infections caused by Amp-C- and ESBL-producing Enterobacterales : what questions remain for future studies?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The continuous rise in infections caused by third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (e.g. extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- or AmpC-producing Enterobacterales ) is a major health concern. Carbapenems are regarded as the antibiotics of choice for the treatment of these infections. However, their indiscriminant use is not without consequences, and has contributed to the emergence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales .In this review, we discuss the available evidence supporting the use of other betalactams, nonbetalactams and the new betalactams/beta-lactamase inhibitors (BLA/BLI) to treat these infections. We also analyze unresolved issues in this field.

RECENT FINDINGS

Piperacillin tazobactam (PTZ) was classically recommended as a carbapenem-sparing agent. However, data have emerged against its use and it is now a controversial recommendation. IDSA, European and British guidelines reject the empirical use of PTZ for these pathogens, reserving its use for rare clinical situations.Other issues that continue to generate debate are the use of extended infusion (3 h) PTZ, the use of older antibiotics, a shortened course of carbapenems and reserving the new BLA/BLI for these infections.

SUMMARY

New treatment strategies should be based on clinical evidence, local epidemiology and the microbiological activity of these drugs.

Intravesical Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG versus Saline Bladder Wash: Protocol for a Randomized, Controlled, Comparative Effectiveness Clinical Trial

Background

Complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI) is pervasive and costly among people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD).

Objectives

To describe the protocol for a comparative effectiveness randomized controlled trial of intravesical Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) versus saline bladder wash (BW) for self-management of urinary symptoms.

Methods

Comparative effectiveness trial of self-administered LGG versus saline bladder wash among 120 participants with SCI+NLUTD at least 6 months post SCI. The study has both treatment and prophylaxis phases. After predictive enrichment at screening, randomized participants will enter the treatment phase (6 months) in which they instill either LGG or normal saline after trigger symptoms occur (more cloudy or more foul-smelling urine). In the prophylaxis phase (6 months), participants will instill their respective intervention every 3 days after the first occurrence of trigger symptoms.

Results

Study results will provide a comparison of effects on Urinary Symptom Questionnaire for Neurogenic Bladder (USQNB) bladder and urine symptoms and episodes of "presumed UTIs"; number of days antibiotics were used (both self-reported); days of work, school, rehabilitation, or other activity lost due to urinary symptoms; engagement with the health care system; number of instillations; satisfaction; and safety.

Conclusion

cUTI is a variable clinical entity. Unlike clinical trials that assume a single, simple entity (UTI) in inclusion or outcome criteria, this protocol targets the mechanisms underlying cUTI causes and phenotypes. Featuring reliable and valid outcome measures with analytic methods specifically appropriate for quantifying self-report, patient self-management, inclusion of both intervention and prophylactic phases, and predictive enrichment, these design elements may be adopted for future research.

Comparative Analysis of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections Caused by Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae

The objective was to compare clinical characteristics, outcomes, and economic differences in complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) caused by extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (XDR P. aeruginosa) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-K. pneumoniae). A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Patients with XDR P. aeruginosa and ESBL-K. pneumoniae cUTIs were compared. The primary outcome was clinical failure at day 7 and at the end of treatment (EOT). Secondary outcomes: 30- and 90-day mortality, microbiological eradication, and economic cost. Two-hundred and one episodes were included, of which 24.8% were bloodstream infections. Patients with XDR P. aeruginosa cUTI more frequently received inappropriate empirical therapy (p < 0.001). Nephrotoxicity due to antibiotics was only observed in the XDR P. aeruginosa group (26.7%). ESBL-K. pneumoniae cUTI was associated with worse eradication rates, higher recurrence, and higher infection-related readmission. In multivariate analysis, XDR P. aeruginosa was independently associated with clinical failure on day 7 of treatment (OR 4.34, 95% CI 1.71−11.04) but not at EOT, or with mortality. Regarding hospital resource consumption, no significant differences were observed between groups. XDR P. aeruginosa cUTI was associated with worse early clinical cures and more antibiotic side effects than ESBL-K. pneumoniae infections. However, no differences in mortality or in hospitalization costs were observed.

Clinical features and treatment strategies of febrile urinary tract infection caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in children: a multicenter retrospective observational study in Japan

OBJECTIVES

The incidence of infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria has increased. This study aimed to clarify the risk factors and treatment strategies for febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) caused by ESBL-producing bacteria in Japanese children.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted in 21 hospitals among children aged <16 years diagnosed with an fUTI between 2008 and 2017. Clinical data of children with fUTI caused by ESBL-producing and non-ESBL-producing bacteria were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 2049 cases of fUTI, 147 (7.2%) were caused by ESBL-producing bacteria. Children in the ESBL group were more likely to have a history of recent antibiotic use or prophylactic antibiotic use, and experience recurrent UTIs (P <0.001) compared with those in the non-ESBL group. Of the 124 cases of fUTI due to ESBL-producing bacteria that were reviewed, 20 and 100 had concordant and discordant antibiotic use, respectively, and four had unknown antibiotic susceptibility. The median time from the start of treatment to fever resolution was 24 hours and did not differ significantly by therapy group (P = 0.39).

CONCLUSION

ESBL-producing bacteria should be considered in children with recurrent UTIs and recent antibiotic use. Most children with fUTI experience clinical improvement regardless of the choice of antibiotic.

Amplification of the Chromosomal blaCTX-M-14 Gene in Escherichia coli Expanding the Spectrum of Resistance under Antimicrobial Pressure

Various forms of adaptive evolution occur in clinical isolates in response to the presence of antimicrobial drugs. Among a total of 171 CTX-M-9 group/family extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli blood isolates recovered between 2016 and 2017 in six general hospitals, 50.3% of the isolates possessed the blaCTX-M-14-like gene in their chromosome rather than in a plasmid. Focusing on this unprecedented way of the blaCTX-M ESBL gene possession, molecular epidemiology of the isolates was assessed and the chromosomal location of the acquired cephalosporinase gene was dissected in an evolutionary point of view. Taking advantage of a complete collection of E. coli blood isolates from a limited period, clonal relatedness of the E. coli isolates carrying the blaCTX-M-14-like gene was clarified and the dominant clone, ST131 H30R, was identified. To control the level of resistance and the resistance spectrum to oxyimino-cephalosporin drugs, transcription level of the blaCTX-M-14-like gene was tuned finely through positioning the gene near the chromosomal initiation dnaA gene and amplifying numbers of the gene in a chromosome using either the copy-and-paste or the tandem amplification methods. Inconspicuous fitness cost by chromosomal location of the gene and free adjustment of the oxyimino-cephalosporin resistance would urge the dominancy of E. coli clinical isolates harboring the blaCTX-M ESBL gene in their chromosome. IMPORTANCE Increasing prevalence of E. coli producing CTX-M ESBL is a major concern in clinical settings because it significantly limits treatment options. Thus, it is important to keep watching current molecular mechanisms of resistance and the scheme for dissemination. Recently, chromosomal locations of the blaCTX-M genes are often documented in clinical settings and the bacterial strategies were needed to be dissected in an evolutionary point of view. Both main mechanisms of fine tuning the chromosomal gene expression, bacterial gene amplification either by copy-and-paste or by tandem amplification and positioning the gene near the chromosomal initiation dnaA gene, were demonstrated in the study, and the fitness cost by the chromosomal location was evaluated.

Urinary Tract Infections Caused by K. pneumoniae in Kidney Transplant Recipients – Epidemiology, Virulence and Antibiotic Resistance

Urinary tract infections are the most common complication in kidney transplant recipients, possibly resulting in the deterioration of a long-term kidney allograft function and an increased risk of recipient’s death. K. pneumoniae has emerged as one of the most prevalent etiologic agents in the context of recurrent urinary tract infections, especially with multidrug resistant strains. This paper discusses the epidemiology and risk factors associated with urinary tract infections in kidney transplant recipients, multi-drug resistance of K. pneumoniae (ESBL, KPC, NDM), treatment and pathogenesis of K. pneumoniae infections, and possible causes of recurrent UTIs. It also addresses the issue of colonization/becoming a carrier of K. pneumoniae in the gastrointestinal tract and asymptomatic bacteriuria in relation to a symptomatic UTI development and epidemiology.

Surgical site infections caused by multi-drug resistant organisms: a case-control study in general surgery

Multi-drug resistant organisms (MDR-Os) are emerging as a significant cause of surgical site infections (SSI), but clinical outcomes and risk factors associated to MDR-Os-SSI have been poorly investigated in general surgery. Aims were to investigate risk factors, clinical outcomes and costs of care of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDR-Os-SSI) in general surgery. From January 2018 to December 2019, all the consecutive, unselected patients affected by MDR-O SSI were prospectively evaluated. In the same period, patients with non-MDR-O SSI and without SSI, matched for clinical and surgical data were used as control groups. Risk factors for infection, clinical outcome, and costs of care were compared by univariate and multivariate analysis. Among 3494 patients operated on during the study period, 47 presented an MDR-O SSI. Two control groups of 47 patients with non-MDR-O SSI and without SSI were identified. MDR-Os SSI were caused by poly-microbial etiology, meanly related to Gram negative Enterobacteriales. MDR-Os-SSI were related to major postoperative complications. At univariate analysis, iterative surgery, open abdomen, intensive care, hospital stay, and use of aggressive and expensive therapies were associated to MDR-Os-SSI. At multivariate analysis, only iterative surgery and the need of total parenteral and immune-nutrition were significantly associated to MDR-Os-SSI. The extra-cost of MDR-Os-SSI treatment was 150% in comparison to uncomplicated patients. MDR-Os SSI seems to be associated with major postoperative complications and reoperative surgery, they are demanding in terms of clinical workload and costs of care, they are rare but increasing, and difficult to prevent with current strategies.

Regional antimicrobial stewardship program in a provincial medical zone in Japan: A multifaceted approach

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a threat to patient health. However, there is a lack of data for optimizing antimicrobial use. Furthermore, reducing antibiotic use raises concerns regarding patient safety; there is controversy regarding its effectiveness in reducing AMR prevalence. Researchers at the Japanese Red Cross Ishinomaki Hospital (JRCIH), the only tertiary care hospital in the medical zone, along with local medical and pharmacy associations and public health centers, has been leading the AMR control program since 2018. The program involves lectures aimed at optimizing antimicrobial use, regular publication of surveillance data of drug-resistant strains at the JRCIH, and presentation of first-line treatments for community-acquired infections. Delivery of oral antimicrobials across the region in 2020 was 28.7% lower than that in 2013, with delivery of cephalosporins, quinolones, and macrolides dropping by 34.8%, 46.8%, and 56.0%, respectively. Despite these reductions, there has been no associated increase in the number of patients with severe infectious diseases admitted to the JRCIH. The rates of representative drug-resistant strains bacteremia, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, reduced by half. Herein, we demonstrated the potential of collaborative efforts to optimize antimicrobial agent use and reduce AMR prevalence without compromising patient safety.

Association of methicillin resistance with mortality of hospital-acquired Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia

Objective

Methicillin-resistant (MR) Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is associated with higher mortality rates than methicillin-susceptible (MS) SAB. This study assessed potential predictors of mortality and evaluated the association of methicillin resistance with mortality in patients with SAB.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in patients with hospital-acquired SAB, from 2009 to 2018. Clinical features of patients with MR-SAB were compared with those of patients with MS-SAB and predictors of 30-day mortality were determined using Cox regression analysis.

Results

Among 162 patients, 56.8% had MR-SAB. Overall 30-day mortality was 19.1%; MR-SAB had higher mortality (25.0%) than MS-SAB (11.4%). Univariate analysis highlighted long-term hospitalization, prior antibiotics use, and delayed initiation of appropriate antibiotics as risk factors. Cox regression analysis showed that respiratory tract source, Pitt bacteremia score, Charlson comorbidity index, and appropriate antibiotic therapy within 24 hours were independently and significantly associated with 30-day mortality outcome.

Conclusions

Methicillin resistance was not an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with SAB. Early, appropriate antibiotic treatment is an important prognostic factor.

Prevalence and patient related factors associated with Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae carriage and infection among pediatric patients in Tanzania

Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae (EPE) is increasing worldwide, though less documented in low-income settings. Here we determined the prevalence of EPE infection and carriage, and patient factors associated with EPE-carriage among pediatric patients in three health care levels in Tanzania. Between January and April 2016, 350 febrile children (median age 21 months) seeking care at a university or a regional referral hospital, or a health centre in Moshi municipality, Tanzania, were included. Socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a questionnaire. Rectal swabs and blood cultures were collected from all children (n = 350) and urinary samples from 259 children at admission. ESBL-phenotype and antimicrobial susceptibility were determined for Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates. Only one EPE case (E. coli) in blood and four in urine (one E. coli and three K. pneumoniae) were found, whereas (n = 90, 26%) of the children were colonized in feces (ESBL-E. coli; n = 76, ESBL-K. pneumoniae, n = 14). High resistance rates were seen in fecal ESBL-E. coli (n = 76) against trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (n = 69, 91%), gentamicin (n = 51, 67%), ciprofloxacin (n = 39, 51%) and chloramphenicol (n = 27, 35%) whereas most isolates were sensitive to amikacin (n = 71, 93%). Similar rates were seen for fecal ESBL-K. pneumoniae. Resistance to first line antibiotics were also very high in fecal E. coli not producing ESBL. No sociodemographic factor was associated with EPE-carriage. Children colonized with EPE were younger than 12 months (n = 43, 48%) and often treated with antibiotics (n = 40, 44%) in the previous two months. After adjustment for age children admitted to the intensive care unit had higher odds of EPE fecal carriage compared with those in the general wards (OR = 3.9, 95%CI = 1.4–10.4). Despite comparatively high rates of fecal EPE-carriage and previous antibiotic treatment, clinical EPE cases were rare in the febrile children. The very high resistant rates for the EPE and the non-ESBL producing E. coli to commonly used antibiotics are worrying and demand implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs in all levels of health care in Tanzania.

Temporal and structural patterns of extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae incidence in Swiss hospitals

BACKGROUND

Routine surveillance data revealed increasing rates of invasive extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESCR-KP) in Switzerland, from 1.3% in 2004 to 8.5% in 2019.

AIM

The main aim of this study was to understand the causes of this recent trend, specifically to identify predictors affecting the incidence of invasive ESCR-KP infections in Switzerland.

METHODS

A retrospective observational multi-centre study was conducted in 21 Swiss hospitals over a period of 11 years (2009-2019). Potential predictor variables for the incidence of invasive ESCR-KP infections were studied with a multiple linear regression model. In an additional analysis, the overall ESCR-KP incidence (all sample sites) was investigated.

FINDINGS

An increasing incidence of invasive ESCR-KP infections from 0.01 to 0.04 patients per 1000 bed-days was observed between 2009 and 2019 and confirmed by multiple linear regression analysis (P < 0.01). ESCR-KP incidence was higher in university hospitals (P < 0.01) and in the French-speaking region than in the German-speaking region (P < 0.01). There was no association with antibiotic consumption. Analysing the overall ESCR-KP incidence (all sample sites) revealed high variability between university hospitals, mainly due to a high proportion of patients with screening isolates at Geneva University Hospital (50% of patients with ESCR-KP).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of invasive ESCR-KP infections increased in Switzerland between 2009 and 2019 and was not associated with antibiotic consumption. Our findings indicate that, in this low-incidence setting, structural factors such as the hospital type and the linguistic region play a more important role in relation to ESCR-KP incidence than the hospital's antibiotic consumption.

The impact of non-antimicrobial drug agents on the acquisition of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in non-critical care wards in a German university hospital: an exploratory, matched case-control study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate therapeutical drugs other than antimicrobials as risk factors for the acquisition of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E).

METHODS

This matched case-control study is based on rectal surveillance screening data obtained during a larger trial between 2014 and 2016 upon patients' admission and at least once before discharge in eight non-ICU wards. Patients with ward-acquired ESBL-E (cases) were matched 1:1 to non-ESBL-E carriers (controls) based on ward, number of screening samples, days at risk and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Daily medication data were documented according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system. Multivariable conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate risk factors for ESBL-E acquisition.

RESULTS

Of the 232 cases and 232 controls analysed, baseline characteristics such as gender (male 56.9%), median age (65 years old, IQR 52-74), number of screening samples (N = 3, IQR 2-4), days to first sample (2, IQR 1-2), days at risk (8, IQR 6-11) and CCI (4, IQR 2-6) were similar. Multivariable analysis showed that glucocorticoids, opium alkaloids and selective β-2-adrenoreceptor agonists increased the chance to detect ESBL-E (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.001-1.13, P = 0.047; OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.007-1.12, P = 0.027; and OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.105-1.55, P = 0.001, respectively), while antihistamines decreased it (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.39-0.97, P = 0.034). In a sensitivity analysis, including drugs prescribed to at least 50 patients, proton pump inhibitors remained as risk factors (OR 1.049, 95% CI 1.001-1.100, P = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

In a non-ICU setting, drugs other than antimicrobials were determined as potential independent risk factors for ESBL-E acquisition.

Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli: Virulence Factors and Antibiotic Resistance

The One Health approach emphasizes the importance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a major concern both in public health and in food animal production systems. As a general classification, E. coli can be distinguished based on the ability to cause infection of the gastrointestinal system (IPEC) or outside of it (ExPEC). Among the different pathogens, E. coli are becoming of great importance, and it has been suggested that ExPEC may harbor resistance genes that may be transferred to pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria. ExPEC strains are versatile bacteria that can cause urinary tract, bloodstream, prostate, and other infections at non-intestinal sites. In this context of rapidly increasing multidrug-resistance worldwide and a diminishingly effective antimicrobial arsenal to tackle resistant strains. ExPEC infections are now a serious public health threat worldwide. However, the clinical and economic impact of these infections and their optimal management are challenging, and consequently, there is an increasing awareness of the importance of ExPECs amongst healthcare professionals and the general public alike. This review aims to describe pathotype characteristics of ExPEC to increase our knowledge of these bacteria and, consequently, to increase our chances to control them and reduce the risk for AMR, following a One Health approach.

High ESBL-E colonization rate among children in Gabon: a follow-up study

A previous study conducted in Gabon, Central Africa, in 2010/11 found a high colonization rate with extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing enterobacterales (ESBL-E) among children of ~34 %. Eight years later, we aimed to reassess the ESBL-E rate and previously identified risk factors for colonization in children from Gabon. We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study in 2018 on 92 outpatients under 5 years of age with diarrhoea in Lambaréné, Gabon, in whom a rectal swab was obtained at the initial medical encounter (baseline). Fifty-eight of these provided a further rectal swab 1 week afterwards. ESBL-E colonization was assessed [following the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST)], and in confirmed ESBL-E isolates the susceptibility to meropenem and the prevalence of the most abundant ESBL genes, bla _CTX-M, bla _SHV, and bla _TEM, were investigated. At baseline, the ESBL-E colonization rate was 57 % (52/92; 95 % CI: 46-67). Hospitalization during the previous year, chicken consumption in the past week and young age were identified as independent risk factors for ESBL-E colonization at baseline. On day 7, the ESBL-E carriage rate was 72 % (42/58; 95 % CI: 59-83). All ESBL-E isolates (n=293) were susceptible to meropenem and bla _CTX-M was the most frequently detected β-lactamase gene. The ESBL-E colonization rate among children from Gabon is alarmingly high, with indications of further increase over recent years. While all ESBL-E strains remain currently susceptible to meropenem, in practice no adequate treatment is available locally for severe infections with such isolates. It is thus of the utmost importance to invest in improved hospital infection prevention and control measures to combat ESBL-E effectively.

Insights into multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae urinary tract infections: From susceptibility to mortality

The incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae has exhibited an increasing trend and has become a high burden for many public health systems, especially in hospital settings. Multidrug resistance associated with the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) among K. pneumoniae isolates is endemic in Southeastern Europe. We retrospectively analyzed 75 cases admitted to ‘St. Parascheva’ Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases in Iasi, Romania, during the first 6 months of 2019 (January 1 to June 30), who had a confirmed diagnosis of K. pneumoniae UTI at discharge. From a total of 75 patients, 34 (45.3%) presented ESBL⁺K. pneumoniae. The mean age was 66 years (70.1 for the ESBL⁺ patients vs. 62.6 for the ESBL^- patients, P=0.0365). There was a symmetrical sex distribution (37 men vs. 38 women). Of these, 22 men had ESBL⁺K. pneumoniae UTIs, compared to only 15 with an ESBL^- strain, P=0.0087. Another risk factor for ESBL⁺K. pneumoniae UTIs was the presence of hospitalization in the past 6 months; 20 (58.82%) patients with ESBL⁺ infections were previously hospitalized, compared to only 5 (12.19%) patients with ESBL^- strains, P<0.0001. The urinary catheter carriers presented an increased prevalence of ESBL⁺ infections (15/34 vs. 5/41, P=0.0012). Regarding mortality, ESBL⁺ infections caused 6 fatalities, compared to only 1 death in the ESBL^- group, P=0.0166. ESBL⁺K. pneumoniae strains represent an important cause of healthcare-related UTIs, with a significantly higher mortality rate compared to ESBL^- strains. Early identification and adequate management of the risk factors incriminated in ESBL⁺ UTIs should be a priority for physicians in order to limit the dissemination of the ESBL-producing strains and thus to improve the outcome of these patients.

The prevalence and predictors of extended spectrum B-lactamase urinary tract infections among emergency department patients: A retrospective chart review

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Inadequate initial antibiotic treatment of ESBL urinary tract infections (UTI) can lead to increase in the number of antibiotics used, return visits, longer hospitalizations, increased morbidity and mortality and increased costs. Given the important health implications on patients, this study aimed to examine the prevalence and predictors of ESBL UTIs among Emergency Department (ED) patients of a tertiary care center in Beirut, Lebanon.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Single-center retrospective observational study involving all adult UTI patients who presented to the ED of the American University of Beirut Medical Center, a tertiary care center between August 2019 and August 2020.

RESULTS

Out of the 886 patients that were included, 24.9% had an ESBL organism identified by urine culture. They had higher bladder catheter use within the previous 90 days, antibiotic use within last 90 days, and were more likely to have a history of an ESBL producing isolate from any body site in the last year. Antibiotic use in the last 90 days and a history of ESBL producing isolate at any site in the previous year were significantly associated with developing an ESBL UTI (OR = 1.66, p = 0.001 and OR = 2.53, p < 0.001 respectively). Patients diagnosed with cystitis were less likely to have an ESBL organism (OR = 0.4 95%CI [0.20-0.81], p = 0.01) CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ESBL organisms was found to be 24.9% in urinary tract infections. The predictors of an ESBL UTI infection were antibiotic use in the last 90 days, a history of ESBL producing isolate at any site in the previous year. Based on the findings of our study, we can consider modifying initial empiric antibiotic treatment for patients presenting with a UTI with the above stated risk factors.

Antimicrobial prophylaxis and post-chemotherapy neutropenic fever in patients with leukemia: comparisons of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and immediate fever outcome measures between those with and without prophylaxis, and the implications for practice

Purpose

The efficacy of prophylactic antimicrobial treatment renders challenges in patients with leukemias receiving chemotherapy. The study aimed to compare differences in C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) at presentation and the immediate outcome measures of post-chemotherapy NF between patients with and without antimicrobial prophylaxis.

Methods

A 5-year observational study included 282 NF episodes in 133 leukemia patients requiring hospital care from January 2014 to May 2019. We collected demographic characteristics, laboratory data of blood cell counts and inflammatory biomarkers, and immediate outcome measures of NF, including microbiologically diagnosed infections, presence of predominant pathogens, required modification of antibiotics during NF, adverse medical complications, total fever duration, and deaths. We evaluated data between patients with and without prophylaxis.

Results

Of patients, 77.3%, 68.4%, and 20.6% had antibiotic prophylaxis, antifungal prophylaxis, and no prophylaxis, respectively. There were totally 15 deaths—13 with antibiotic prophylaxis and 10 with antifungal prophylaxis. CRP, PCT, and immediate outcome measures of NF did not show significant differences between those with and without antimicrobial prophylaxis. Although between-group differences showed no statistical significance, higher median fever duration, CRP and PTC values, and higher proportions of NF requiring modification of antibiotics were found more frequently in those with antimicrobial prophylaxis than in those without.

Conclusion

The benefits of using antimicrobial prophylaxis were less supported. Enhancing diagnostic laboratory and medical complication surveillance and periodic evaluation of institutional data during post-chemotherapy neutropenia and NF in relation to antimicrobial prophylaxis is promising in providing insights to redefine the risk–benefit accounts of using prophylaxis.

Antibiotic utilization in deceased organ donors

Antibiotic use in deceased organ donors has not been previously described. In a retrospective cohort of 440 donors, we found 427 (97%) received at least one antibiotic course, 312 (71%) received broad-spectrum antibiotics, and 61 (14%) received potentially redundant antibiotics during their terminal hospitalization, suggesting a need for stewardship.

Clinical and Economic Impact of Community-Onset Urinary Tract Infections Caused by ESBL-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Requiring Hospitalization in Spain: An Observational Cohort Study

Objective: To analyze the clinical and economic impact of community-onset urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae requiring hospitalization. Methods: A retrospective cohort study that included all adults with a UTI caused by K. pneumoniae that were admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Barcelona, Spain, between 2011 and 2015. Demographic, clinical, and economic data were analyzed. Results: One hundred and seventy-three episodes of UTIs caused by K. pneumoniae were studied; 112 were non-ESBL-producing and 61 were ESBL-producing. Multivariate analysis identified ESBL production, acute confusional state associated with UTI, shock, and the time taken to obtain adequate treatment as risk factors for clinical failure during the first seven days. An economic analysis showed differences between ESBL-producing and non-ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae for the total cost of hospitalization per episode (mean EUR 6718 vs EUR 3688, respectively). Multivariate analysis of the higher costs of UTI episodes found statistically significant differences for ESBL production and the time taken to obtain adequate treatment. Conclusion: UTIs caused by ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae requiring hospitalization and the time taken to obtain adequate antimicrobial therapy are associated with worse clinical and economic outcomes.

Unveiling the Impact of Antibiotics and Alternative Methods for Animal Husbandry: A Review

Since the 1950s, antibiotics have been used in the field of animal husbandry for growth promotion, therapy and disease prophylaxis. It is estimated that up to 80% of the antibiotics produced by the pharmaceutical industries are used in food production. Most of the antibiotics are used as feed additives at sub-therapeutic levels to promote growth. However, studies show the indiscriminate use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens that threaten both animal health and human health, including vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). This scenario is further complicated by the slow progress in achieving scientific breakthroughs in uncovering novel antibiotics following the 1960s. Most of the pharmaceutical industries have long diverted research funds away from the field of antibiotic discovery to more lucrative areas of drug development. If this situation is allowed to continue, humans will return to the pre-antibiotics era and potentially succumb to huge health and economic consequences. Fortunately, studies investigating various alternatives to antibiotics use in livestock show promising results. These alternatives include the application of bacteriophages and phage derived peptidoglycan degrading enzymes, engineered peptides, egg yolk antibodies, probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics, as well as quorum quenching molecules. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the use of growth-promoting antibiotics and their impact on livestock and provide insights on the alternative approaches for animal husbandry.

Risk Factors for Extended-Spectrum β-lactamase-Producing Enterobacterales Bloodstream Infection Among Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Approximately 40% of all Enterobacterales (EB) bloodstream infections (BSIs) among solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms, but risk factors for such infections remain ill defined in this population. We sought to determine the risk factors for ESBL-EB BSIs among SOTRs.

METHODS

A multicenter case-control study was performed. All SOTRs with an EB BSI at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and University of Maryland Medical Center between 1 January 2007 and 30 June 2018 and at The Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2015 were included. Cases were those with an ESBL-EB BSI. Controls were those with a non-ESBL-EB BSI. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine risk factors for ESBL-EB BSI.

RESULTS

There were 988 episodes of EB BSI, of which 395 (40%) were due to an ESBL-EB. On multivariable analysis, the independent risk factors for ESBL-EB BSI included: ESBL-EB on prior culture (aOR, 12.75; 95% CI, 3.23-50.33; P < .001), a corticosteroid-containing immunosuppression regimen (aOR 1.30; 95% CI 1.03-1.65; P = .030), acute rejection treated with corticosteroids (aOR 1.18; 95% CI 1.16-1.19; P < .001), and exposure to third-generation cephalosporins (aOR 1.95; 95% CI 1.48-2.57; P < .001), echinocandins (aOR 1.61; 95% CI 1.08-2.40; P = .020), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (aOR 1.35; 95% CI 1.10-1.64; P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified several novel risk factors that are uniquely important to the SOTR population, including exposure to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and corticosteroid-containing immunosuppressive regimens. Further studies exploring these associations and testing interventions aimed at these modifiable risk factors among SOTRs are needed.

Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia in patients with rheumatic autoimmune diseases: clinical characteristics, antimicrobial resistance and factors associated with extended-spectrum β-lactamase production

Background

Over the past decades, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) infections have been increasing and affected immunocompromised patients nosocomially and communally, with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production becoming a major concern. Patients with rheumatic autoimmune diseases, mostly receiving immunosuppressive therapy, are vulnerable to various infections, including K. pneumoniae. However, few have investigated K. pneumoniae infections in this specific population. This study aimed to identify factors associated with ESBL production and mortality of K. pneumoniae pneumonia among patients with rheumatic autoimmune diseases in the Emergency Department.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated patients with rheumatic diseases who were diagnosed with K. pneumoniae pneumonia. The diagnosis of K. pneumoniae pneumonia was based on clinical manifestations, radiological findings and microbiological testing results. Prognostic factors and risk factors for ESBL production were determined with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Empirical therapy and antimicrobial susceptibility data were also collected.

Results

Of 477 K. pneumoniae pneumonia patients, 60 were enrolled into this study. The in-hospital mortality was 28.3%. Septic shock, ICU admission, the need for mechanical ventilation and change of antibiotics due to clinical deterioration, all related to mortality, were included as unfavorable clinical outcomes. Multivariate analysis suggested that ESBL production (OR, 6.793; p = 0.012), initial PCT ≥ 0.5 ng/ml (OR, 5.024; p = 0.033) and respiratory failure at admission (OR, 4.401; p = 0.046) predicted increased mortality. ESBL production was significantly associated with dose of corticosteroids (OR, 1.033; p = 0.008) and CMV viremia (OR, 4.836; p = 0.032) in patients with rheumatic autoimmune diseases. Abnormal leukocyte count (OR, 0.192; p = 0.036) was identified as a protective factor of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae pneumonia. The most commonly used empirical antibiotic was ceftazidime, while most isolates showed less resistance to carbapenems and amikacin in susceptibility testing.

Conclusions

K. pneumoniae pneumonia could be life-threatening in patients with rheumatic autoimmune diseases. Our findings suggested that ESBL production, initial PCT ≥ 0.5 ng/ml and respiratory failure at admission were independent factors associated with poor prognosis. Dose of corticosteroids and CMV viremia, predicting ESBL production in K. pneumoniae pneumonia, may help make individualized antibiotic decisions in clinical practice.

Recent molecules in the treatment of severe infections caused by ESBL-producing bacteria

Introduction: The widespread increase in resistance to β-lactam antibiotics in Enterobacterales currently represents one of the main threats to human health worldwide. The primary mechanisms of resistance are the production of β-lactamase enzymes that are able to hydrolyze β-lactams.Areas covered: we summarize the most recent advances regarding the main characteristics and spectrum of activity of new available antibiotics and strategies for the treatment of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales infections.Expert opinion: ESBL-producing strains are recognized as a worldwide challenge in the treatment of both hospital- and community-acquired infections. Data from the literature point out the high mortality associated with severe infections due to ESBL strains, especially in patients who developed severe sepsis or septic shock, together with the importance of the source of infection and indicators of severity, as determinants of the patient's outcome. Carbapenems are currently considered the first-line therapy, although the diffusion of resistant strains is an evolving problem and is mandatory the introduction in clinical practice of new drug regimens and treatment strategies, based on clinical data, local epidemiology, and microbiology. As a possible carbapenem-sparing strategy, ceftolozane-tazobactam and ceftazidime-avibactam appear the best-available carbapenem-sparing therapies. The definitive role of new drugs should be definitively assessed.

Cutaneous Vasculitis and Generalized Lymphadenopathy Associated with Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Escherichia coli Endocarditis: A Rare Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Infective endocarditis (IE) has been known as the great imitator due to variable clinical manifestation, making its diagnosis challenging. A missed diagnosis could lead to inappropriate therapy. We presented a rare case of blood culture-negative infective endocarditis (BCNIE) due to extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli manifest with cutaneous vasculitis and generalized lymphadenopathy. We highlighted its diagnostic challenge and management.

CASE ILLUSTRATION AND DISCUSSION

A 36-year-old male with known asymptomatic ruptured sinus of Valsalva (SOV) presented with fever of unknown origin for six months, fatigue, weight loss with a history of multiple hospitalizations. The physical examination revealed a continuous murmur at Erb's point, cutaneous vasculitis, and bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy. The laboratory result was leukocytosis and elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Generalized lymphadenopathy was detected from the thorax and abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) Scans. Positive Anti Nuclear Antibody (ANA) Indirect Immunofluorescence (IF) speckled pattern led us to consider an autoimmune as the etiology, but we still considered IE as a differential diagnosis due to history of structural heart disease. Detection of multiple tiny oscillating masses at the tricuspid valve from the echocardiogram and cardiac CT led to possible IE diagnosis. Negative three consecutive blood cultures led the diagnosis to BCNIE. Surgery was performed to evacuate the vegetations, repair the SOV, and tricuspid valve replacement with a bioprosthetic valve. These results in improvement of the patient's condition. ESBL-producing Escherichia coli yielded in tissue culture made the diagnosis of IE became definite.

CONCLUSION

ESBL-producing Escherichia coli should be considered as the etiology of BCNIE. Cutaneous vasculitis and generalized lymphadenopathy as a manifestation of IE could lead to diagnostic confusion. A thorough investigation will help clinician to avoid delay or inappropriate treatment that could be detrimental for the patient.

Extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase and AmpC beta-lactamases producing gram negative bacilli isolated from clinical specimens at International Clinical Laboratories, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Extended spectrum Beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC beta-lactamases (AmpC) are the common enzymes produced by gram negative bacilli, which are their main mechanisms of resistance to all generations of cephalosporins. Hence, this study aimed to determine the magnitude of ESBLs and AmpC producing gram negative bacilli (GNB) isolated from clinical specimens at International clinical Laboratories in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross sectional study was conducted from January to May 2018. From different clinical specimens, 338 GNB were isolated and characterized. Bacterial species identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and screening for ESBLs and AmpC production were performed using Phoenix automated system (BD phoenix100). ESBLs production was confirmed using a combination disc method. All Cefoxitin resistant and confirmed ESBLs producing GNB were confirmed for AmpC beta-lactamases production by AmpC confirmatory Neo-Sensitabs discs (ROSCO tablet). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software.

RESULTS

E. coli 66.0% (224/338) followed by K. pneumoniae 12.1% (41/338) were GNB most frequently isolated. The overall magnitude of ESBLs producing GNB was 38.8% (131/338) and the extent of AmpC beta-lactamase producing GNB was 2.4% (8/338). Majority of ESBLs and AmpC beta-lactamases producing GNB were isolated from urine specimens 47.5% (116/338). Ampicillin (75.4%), amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (64.0%) and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (55.6%) were most the antibiotics to which resistance was most commonly found. The multidrug resistance (MDR) level of GNB was 74.0% (250/338). Of ESBLs and AmpC beta-lactamases producing GNB, 99.3% were MDR (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The high magnitude of ESBLs and AmpC beta-lactamases producing GNB calls the needs of strong intervention to minimize further occurrence and spread of such GNB. More importantly, the MDR level was high which suggests continuous monitoring & reviewing of antimicrobial policy in hospitals and the country at large.

Prevalence of OXA-type Class D β-lactamases Among Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella Pneumoniae in Multiple Centers of Tehran, Iran

BACKGROUND

Drug- and multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates have been found worldwide. Treatment failures against carbapenems and extended-spectrum cephalosporins, the currently recommended drugs, contribute to consider K. pneumoniae infections as untreatable infections. The emergence and spread of oxacillinases (OXAs) with carbapenem-hydrolyzing properties are a major concern and seriously become a public health problem worldwide. The present study was aimed to explore the bla_OXA genes among clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae in some clinical settings in Tehran, Iran.

METHODS

A total of 90 K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from different clinical samples at hospitals in Tehran during the year 2016 and 2018. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on bacterial isolates using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar plates. PCR experiments were carried out to detect the presence of the bla_OXA genes, including bla_{OXA- 1}, bla_OXA-2, bla_OXA-4, bla_OXA10, and bla_OXA-48-like, using specific primers.

RESULTS

The antibiotics susceptibility results showed that 41% of the K. pneumoniae isolates were resistant to imipenem and meropenem. Resistance rates for cephalosporin agents, including cefpodoxime, ceftazidime, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, and cefepime, were measured as 72.3%, 67.8%, 67.7%, 65.5%, and 60%, respectively. In the present study, 51.1% of isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae strains. The molecular assays showed that 56.6% of isolates harbored bla_OXA-2. In addition, bla_OXA-4, bla_OXA-1, bla_OXA-10, and bla_OXA-48-like genes were also found in 16.7%, 5.6%, 1.1%, and 1.1% of isolates, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The spread of bla_OXAs, especially bla_OXA-48-like, among K. pneumoniae isolates indicated the inadequate dissemination control of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the Iranian hospital environment. There is a reason to assume that OXA producing K. pneumoniae will limit clinical therapeutic options in the future and pose threats to national public health among the Iranian population.

Longitudinal Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Consumption in Russian Hospitals: Results of the Global-PPS Project

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the key issues limiting the successful treatment of infectious diseases and associated with adverse medical, social and economic consequences on a global scale. The present study aims to evaluate antimicrobials prescribing patterns and assess progress in quality indicators in Russian multidisciplinary hospitals using three repetitive point prevalence studies (PPSs) over 4 years (Global-PPS 2015, 2017 and 2018). Out of 13,595 patients from 21 hospitals surveyed over the three time points, 3542 (26.14%) received antimicrobials, predominantly third-generation cephalosporins (44.7% in 2015, 34.1% in 2017 and 41.8% in 2018). Compliance with the hospital antibiotic guidelines was 74.8%, 66.8% and 74.3%, respectively. Indication for treatment was recorded in 72.6%, 84.1% and 82.6%, while stop/review date was documented only in 40.5%, 46.5% and 61.1% of cases. Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis exceeded 1 day in 92%, 84% and 81% of cases. Targeted therapy rate at all time points did not exceed 15.1%, treatment based on the biomarkers rate—19.9%. For the part of PPS-2017 and 2018 analyzed in dynamics, no prominent trends were noted. The results of the project provide the basis for the development of appropriate antimicrobial stewardship programs tailored according to local practices for each hospital in the project.

<p>Disk-Diffusion Testing Is an Inappropriate Screening Tool for Cephalosporin-Resistant Gonorrhoea Strains in Clinical Practice in China</p>

Purpose

Injectable ceftriaxone and oral cefixime are the last agents effective against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In vitro antimicrobial-susceptibility testing (AST) is done to identify the most efficacious antibiotic needed to combat the infection in that particular individual. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether Kirby–Bauer (KB) disk-diffusion tests can detect N. gonorrhoeae isolates that have decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone and cefixime for appropriate clinical management.

Methods

A total of 1,633 consecutive clinical isolates of N. gonorrhoeae were collected from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017 from seven dermatology clinics located in five provinces in China. Consistency between KB disk-diffusion tests and the agar-dilution method, as well as sensitivity of the KB test for detecting N. gonorrhoeae isolates with decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone and cefixime, were determined using 1,306 clinical isolates that had been recovered to complete agar-dilution AST.

Results

The prevalence of isolates with decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone and cefixime was 12.1% (198 of 1,633) and 12.7% (208 of 1,633), respectively, using KB disk-diffusion tests. The prevalence of isolates with decreased susceptibility was 9.9% (129 of 1,306) for ceftriaxone and 9.9% (129 of 1,305) for cefixime using agar-dilution AST. The categorical agreement of these two methods was 80.9% for both ceftriaxone and cefixime. Compared to agar-dilution AST, the sensitivity of the KB test for detecting N. gonorrhoeae isolates with decreased susceptibility was 22.5% (29 of 129) for ceftriaxone and 29.5% (38 of 129) for cefixime, and its specificity 87.3% (1,028 of 1,177) for ceftriaxone and 86.7% (1,018 of 1,176) for cefixime.

Conclusion

Although KB tests are easy to carry out in clinical practice, their ability to detect cephalosporin-resistant gonorrhoea strains is limited. This method is not an appropriate selection for screening cephalosporin-resistant gonorrhoea strains in clinical practice in China.

Bacteremia Caused by Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Vientiane, Lao PDR: A 5-Year Study

Although there has been an increasing incidence of bacteremia caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) across South East Asia, there are sparse data from the Lao PDR, where laboratory capacity for antimicrobial resistance surveillance is limited. We, therefore, retrospectively reviewed bacteremia caused by ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae between 2010 and 2014 at Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR. Clinical and laboratory data relating to all episodes of ESBL-E bacteremia were reviewed over the 5-year period and compared with non-ESBL-E bacteremia. Blood cultures positive for E. coli or K. pneumoniae were identified retrospectively from laboratory records. Clinical and laboratory data were extracted from research databases and case notes and analyzed using STATA. Between 2010 and 2014, we identified 360 patients with E. coli (n = 249) or K. pneumoniae (n = 111) bacteremia, representing 34.8% of all patients with clinically significant bacteremia. Seventy-two (20%) isolates produced ESBL; E. coli accounted for 15.3% (55/360) and K. pneumoniae for 4.7% (17/360), respectively. The incidence of ESBL-producing E. coli bacteremia rose during the study period. By multiple logistic analysis, reported antibiotic use in the previous week was significantly associated with ESBL positivity (P < 0.001, odds ratio 3.89). Although multiresistant, most ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae remained susceptible to meropenem (65/65; 100%) and amikacin (64/65; 98.5%). We demonstrated an alarming increase in the incidence of ESBL-E as a cause of bacteremia in Vientiane during the study period. This has implications for empiric therapy of sepsis in Laos, and ongoing surveillance is essential.

A Clinical Perspective on the Antimicrobial Resistance Spectrum of Uropathogens in a Romanian Male Population

Considering urinary tract infections (UTIs), a significant public health problem with negligible recent research, especially on the male eastern European population, we aimed to determine the antimicrobial resistance rates of uropathogens for the most commonly used antibiotics in urological practice in our country. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study in two different teaching hospitals in Romania, analyzing urine samples from 7719 patients to determine the frequency of incriminating pathogens and their resistance to different antibiotics, in a comparative approach. We determined Escherichia coli (35.98%) to be the most common pathogen with the highest sensitivity to amikacin (S = 91.72%), meropenem (S = 97.17%) and fosfomycin (S = 86.60%) and important resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic ac. (R = 28.03%) and levofloxacin (R = 37.69%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (22.98%) with the highest sensitivity to amikacin (S = 78.04%) and meropenem (S = 81.35%) and important resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic ac. (R = 65.58%) and levofloxacin (R = 45.36%); the most frequent Gram-positive pathogen was Enterococcus spp. (19.73%) with the highest sensitivity for vancomycin (S = 93.75%) and fosfomycin (S = 87.5%) and considerable resistance to penicillin (R = 33.52%) and levofloxacin (R = 42.04%). The findings are an important tool in managing UTIs and should be acknowledged as reference research not only for clinicians from Romania but for all physicians treating male UTIs.

Multi-drug resistant and extended-spectrum β-lactamases producing bacterial uropathogens among pregnant women in Northwest Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

Above 80% of urinary tract infections are caused by enteric bacteria, which are known for years by their drug-resistant ability. Though the prevalence of drug-resistant strains is increasing in the world, it is not well known in low-income countries. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Multi-drug resistance, Extended-spectrum β-lactamases production, and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women from March to May 2017. A total of 384 clean-catch midstream urine sample was collected from study participants. Bacterial identification and drug susceptibility testing were done following standard microbiological techniques; Extended-spectrum β-lactamase production was screened using a disc diffusion test and confirmed by a combination disc test. The data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 20, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULT

The overall prevalence of urinary tract infection was 15.9% (95% CI 12.8-20.1%). E. coli (49.2%), CoNS (27.9%), and S. aureus (18%) were the main uropathogens. The prevalence of MDR uropathogens was 60.65%. The prevalence of ESBLs production among cases caused by Enterobacteriaceae was 18.2%. The drug resistance rate of Gram-negative isolates was higher for ampicillin (90.9%), cephalothin (84.8%), and augmentin (57.6%). The drug nitrofurantoin showed the highest activity (100%) against Gram-negative isolates. Gram-positive isolates were showed low susceptibility to penicillin (89.3%) and cotrimoxazole (75%); however highest susceptibility rate for gentamicin (100%), amikacin (100%), and nitrofurantoin (98.36%) was recorded. Prior antibiotic therapy (AOR = 5.46, 95% CI 1.38-21.65) was a risk factor for the presence of multi-drug resistant bacteria.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The multi-drug resistance prevalence was high among uropathogen, thus treatment of urinary tract infection during pregnancy; should be based on the antibacterial susceptibility testing result. The isolation of drug-resistant strains like Extended-spectrum β-lactamases in this study calls for the need of periodic and continuous follow-up of antibiotic usage among pregnant women. Nitrofurantoin, gentamicin, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin/norfloxacin showed higher activity against bacterial uropathogen.

Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Phage for Controlling Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens has severely threatened global health. A phage with the ability to efficiently and specifically lyse bacteria is considered an alternative for controlling multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. The discovery of novel agents for controlling the infections caused by K. pneumoniae is urgent due to the broad multidrug-resistance of K. pneumoniae. Only a few phage isolates have been reported to infect multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae. In this study, by using the multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae strain as an indicator, a novel phage called vB_KleS-HSE3, which maintains high antibacterial activity and high physical stability, was isolated from hospital sewage. This phage infected one of four tested multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae strains. This phage belongs to the Siphoviridae family and a comparative genomic analysis showed that this phage is part of a novel phage lineage among the Siphoviridae family of phages that infect strains of Klebsiella. Based on its features, the vB_KleS-HSE3 phage has potential for controlling infections caused by multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae.

Risk factors for fecal carriage of drug-resistant Escherichia coli: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance is a serious public health problem. Fecal carriage of drug-resistant bacteria has been suggested as an important source of antimicrobial resistant genes (ARGs). We aimed to identify risk factors associated with fecal carriage of drug-resistant commensal Escherichia coli among healthy adult population.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guideline. We identified observational studies published from 2014 to 2019 through PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Studies were eligible if they investigated and reported risk factors and accompanying measure of associations for fecal carriage of drug-resistant E. coli for healthy population aged 18-65. Data on risk factors assessed in three or more studies were extracted.

RESULTS

Fifteen of 395 studies involving 11480 healthy individuals were included. The pooled prevalence of drug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae was 14% (95% confidence interval [CI] 8-23%). Antimicrobial use within the 12 months prior to stool culture (odds ratio [OR] 1.84 [95%CI 1.35-2.51]), diarrhea symptoms (OR 1.56 [95%CI 1.09-2.25]), travel to India (OR 4.15 [95%CI 2.54-6.78]), and vegetarian diet (OR 1.60 [95%CI 1.00(1.0043)-2.56(2.5587)]) were associated with increased risk of fecal carriage of drug-resistant E. coli. Among travellers, antimicrobial use (OR 2.81 [95%CI 1.47-5.36]), diarrhea symptoms (OR 1.65 [95%CI 1.02-2.68]), travel to India (OR 3.80 [95%CI 2.23-6.47]), and vegetarian diet (OR 1.92 [95%CI 1.13-3.26]) were associated with increased risk. Among general adult population, antimicrobial use (OR 1.51 [95%CI 1.17-1.94]), diarrhea symptoms (OR 1.53 [95%CI 1.27-1.84]), and travel to Southeast Asia (OR 1.67 [95%CI 1.02-2.73]) were associated with the increased risk of drug-resistant E. coli carriage.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that dietary habit as well as past antimicrobial use and travel to high-risk country are associated with the risk of fecal carriage of drug-resistant commensal E. coli.

Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection in the Neuropathic Bladder: Changing the Paradigm to Include the Microbiome

Bacteriuria, a non-specific term that refers to the presence of bacteria in the urine, is common in people with neuropathic bladders. However, accurately determining when bacteriuria represents a urinary tract infection (UTI) as opposed to asymptomatic bacteriuria is difficult. There is currently no widely accepted definition of what constitutes a UTI in people with neuropathic bladders. As a result, there is significant variation in care, which likely leads to unnecessary use of antibiotics for bacteriuria. To improve the clinical management of people with neuropathic bladders, it is important to be able to accurately diagnose and treat UTIs. In this article, we review the difficulties associated with accurately diagnosing UTIs and then review proposed definitions. Finally, we discuss the emerging literature of the urinary microbiome and how this may assist in accurately diagnosing UTIs in people with neuropathic bladders.

Variation of effect estimates in the analysis of mortality and length of hospital stay in patients with infections caused by bacteria-producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the variation of effect estimates in the analysis of mortality and length of stay (LOS) in patients with infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis METHODS: Literature search for clinical studies from 1 January 1960 to 1 October 2018 was conducted in PubMed. Primary outcomes were risk ratios (RRs) of all-cause and attributable mortality and weighted mean differences (WMDs) in LOS in patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs) and non-invasive infections. Any change in the effect estimates was assessed by grouping studies according to design, setting, economy-based country classification, reporting period, microbiological aetiology, infection type and adjustment for appropriateness of empirical treatment. The impact of ESBL production was calculated using random-effect meta-analysis and heterogeneity was evaluated by I² statistics and metaregression.

RESULTS

Eighty-four studies including 22 030 patients and 149 outcome measures were included in the meta-analysis. Most studies were retrospective cohorts from high-income countries, providing unadjusted estimates. ESBL production in patients with BSIs (56 studies) increased the RR for all-cause mortality by a factor of 1.70 (95% CI 1.52 to 1.90; p<0.001), attributable mortality (16 studies) by 1.75 (95% CI 1.448 to 2.108; p<0.001) and WMD in the intensive care unit by 3.07 days (95% CI 1.61 to 4.54; p<0.001). WMD in hospital LOS was significantly higher in BSIs (4.41 days; 95% CI 3.37 to 5.46; p<0.001) and non-invasive (2.19 days; 95% CI 1.56 to 2.81; p<0.001). Subgroup analyses showed variation of estimates by study design, population, strain and assessment of appropriateness of empiric treatment. High heterogeneity was observed in all analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence of the clinical burden of infections caused by ESBL-producing bacteria is highly heterogeneous and based mainly on unadjusted estimates derived from retrospective studies. Despite these limitations, ESBL production in strains causing BSIs seems associated with higher all-cause and attributable mortality and longer hospitalisation.