1
|
Sadeghi P, Mahnam K, Salari-Jazi A, Aspatwar A, Faghri J. Evolutionary trajectories of beta-lactamase NDM and DLST cluster in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: finding the putative ancestor. Pathog Glob Health 2024; 118:170-181. [PMID: 37464884 PMCID: PMC11141312 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2236416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa has different antibiotic resistance pathways, such as broad-spectrum lactamases and metallo-β-lactamases (MBL), penicillin-binding protein (PBP) alteration, and active efflux pumps. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing methods were applied for double-locus sequence typing (DLST) and New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) typing. We deduced the evolutionary pathways for DLST and NDM genes of P. aeruginosa using phylogenetic network. Among the analyzed isolates, 62.50% of the P. aeruginosa isolates were phenotypically carbapenem resistance (CARBR) isolates. Characterization of isolates revealed that the prevalence of blaNDM, blaVIM, blaIMP, undetermined carbapenemase, and MexAB-OprM were 27.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 12.5%, and 15%, respectively. The three largest clusters found were DLST t20-105, DLST t32-39, and DLST t32-52. The network phylogenic tree revealed that DLST t26-46 was a hypothetical ancestor for other DLSTs, and NDM-1 was as a hypothetical ancestor for NDMs. The combination of the NDM and DLST phylogenic trees revealed that DLST t32-39 and DLST tN2-N3 with NDM-4 potentially derived from DLST t26-46 along with NDM-1. Similarly, DLST t5-91 with NDM-5 diversified from DLST tN2-N3 with NDM-4. This is the first study in which DLST and NDM evolutionary routes were performed to investigate the origin of P. aeruginosa isolates. Our study showed that the utilization of medical equipment common to two centers, staff members common to two centers, limitations in treatment options, and prescription of unnecessary high levels of meropenem are the main agents that generate new types of resistant bacteria and spread resistance among hospitals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Sadeghi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Karim Mahnam
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Shehrekord University, Shehrekord, Iran
| | - Azhar Salari-Jazi
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation, Behban Pharmed Lotus, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashok Aspatwar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jamshid Faghri
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ganjo AR, Ali FA, Aka ST, Hussen BM, Smail SB. Diversity of biofilm-specific antimicrobial resistance genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa recovered from various clinical isolates. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2023; 15:742-749. [PMID: 38156300 PMCID: PMC10751611 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v15i6.14134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives The resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to antibiotics offers a significant challenge in the treatment of patients. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profile, biofilm-specific antimicrobial resistance genes, and genetic diversity of P. aeruginosa recovered from clinical samples. Materials and Methods Totally 47 non-duplicate isolates of P. aeruginosa were recovered from various clinical samples. toxA, algD, ndvB, and tssC1 genes were detected in biofilm-producing isolates. The DNA sequences of the toxA and tssC1 genes were analyzed, by creating phylogenetic trees. Results The findings revealed that 30 (63.8%) of the isolates tested positive for Extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), whereas 31 (65.9%) tested positive for Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) and all of the isolates presented the toxA genes, and 19.1%,17%, 6.3% presented by algD, ndvB and tssC1 genes. Besides, the phylogenetic trees of the toxA and tssC1 gene isolates suggested a genotype that was closely aligned with others. Gene sequencing similarity revealed 99% identity with other isolates deposited in GenBank. Conclusion The occurrence of toxA was most prevalent. One isolate was recorded as a novel isolate in the global gene bank as a locally isolated strain from the city of Erbil that has never been identified in global isolates due to genetic variation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aryan R. Ganjo
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
- Department of Medical Analysis, Faculty of Applied Science, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Fattma A. Ali
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Science, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Safaa T. Aka
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Bashdar M. Hussen
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Elmassry MM, Colmer-Hamood JA, Kopel J, San Francisco MJ, Hamood AN. Anti- Pseudomonas aeruginosa Vaccines and Therapies: An Assessment of Clinical Trials. Microorganisms 2023; 11:916. [PMID: 37110338 PMCID: PMC10144840 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that causes high morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) and immunocompromised patients, including patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), severely burned patients, and patients with surgical wounds. Due to the intrinsic and extrinsic antibiotic resistance mechanisms, the ability to produce several cell-associated and extracellular virulence factors, and the capacity to adapt to several environmental conditions, eradicating P. aeruginosa within infected patients is difficult. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the six multi-drug-resistant pathogens (ESKAPE) considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an entire group for which the development of novel antibiotics is urgently needed. In the United States (US) and within the last several years, P. aeruginosa caused 27% of deaths and approximately USD 767 million annually in health-care costs. Several P. aeruginosa therapies, including new antimicrobial agents, derivatives of existing antibiotics, novel antimicrobial agents such as bacteriophages and their chelators, potential vaccines targeting specific virulence factors, and immunotherapies have been developed. Within the last 2-3 decades, the efficacy of these different treatments was tested in clinical and preclinical trials. Despite these trials, no P. aeruginosa treatment is currently approved or available. In this review, we examined several of these clinicals, specifically those designed to combat P. aeruginosa infections in CF patients, patients with P. aeruginosa VAP, and P. aeruginosa-infected burn patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moamen M. Elmassry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Jane A. Colmer-Hamood
- Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Jonathan Kopel
- Department of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Michael J. San Francisco
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
- Honors College, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Abdul N. Hamood
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Loaiza WM, Ruiz AKR, Patiño CCO, Vivas MC. Bacterial Resistance in Hospital-Acquired Infections Acquired in the Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review. ACTA MEDICA (HRADEC KRALOVE) 2023; 66:1-10. [PMID: 37384803 DOI: 10.14712/18059694.2023.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In this review we present the status of the prevalence of bacteria resistant to antibiotics and the main antibiotic resistance genes that are reported in infections acquired in intensive care units (ICU) around the world. METHODS A systematic review based on the PRISMA guide was carried out, from the Science Direct, Redalyc, Scopus, Hinari, Scielo, Dialnet, PLOS, ProQuest, Taylor, Lilacs and PubMed/Medline databases. Inclusion criteria of this review were original research study published in a scientific journal in a 10-year time span from 1 January 2017 and 30 April 2022. RESULTS A total of 1686 studies were identified, but only 114 studies were considered eligible for inclusion. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli resistant to carbapenems and producers of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) are the most frequently isolated pathogens in ICUs in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The blaOXA and blaCTX were antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) most commonly reported in different geographic regions (in 30 and 28 studies, respectively). Moreover, multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains were reported in higher frequency in hospital-acquired infections. Reports of MDR strains vary between continents, with the majority of publications being in Asia and between countries, with Egypt and Iran being highlighted. There is a predominance of few bacterial clones with MDR phenotype, for example, clonal complex 5 Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CC5-MRSA) circulates frequently in hospitals in the United States, clone ST23-K. pneumoniae is reported in India and Iran, and clone ST260 carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa in the United States and Estonia. CONCLUSION Our systematic review reveals that ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae and E. coli are the most problematic bacteria that are reported, mainly in tertiary hospitals in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We have also found propagation of dominant clones with a high degree of MDR, becoming a problem due to its high capacity to cause morbidity, mortality and additional hospital costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mónica Chavez Vivas
- Investigation Group GIMMEIN, Colombia.
- Medicine Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Libre, Cali, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhao Y, Chen D, Ji B, Zhang X, Anbo M, Jelsbak L. Whole-genome sequencing reveals high-risk clones of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Guangdong, China. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1117017. [PMID: 37125174 PMCID: PMC10140354 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1117017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The ever-increasing prevalence of infections produced by multidrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly linked to a limited number of aptly-named epidemical 'high-risk clones' that are widespread among and within hospitals worldwide. The emergence of new potential high-risk clone strains in hospitals highlights the need to better and further understand the underlying genetic mechanisms for their emergence and success. P. aeruginosa related high-risk clones have been sporadically found in China, their genome sequences have rarely been described. Therefore, the large-scale sequencing of multidrug-resistance high-risk clone strains will help us to understand the emergence and transmission of antibiotic resistances in P. aeruginosa high-risk clones. In this study, 212 P. aeruginosa strains were isolated from 2 tertiary hospitals within 3 years (2018-2020) in Guangdong Province, China. Whole-genome sequencing, multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were applied to analyze the genomic epidemiology of P. aeruginosa in this region. We found that up to 130 (61.32%) of the isolates were shown to be multidrug resistant, and 196 (92.45%) isolates were Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MLST analysis demonstrated high diversity of sequence types, and 18 reported international high-risk clones were identified. Furthermore, we discovered the co-presence of exoU and exoS genes in 5 collected strains. This study enhances insight into the regional research of molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of P. aeruginosa in China. The high diversity of clone types and regional genome characteristics can serve as a theoretical reference for public health policies and help guide measures for the prevention and control of P. aeruginosa resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Zhao
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Dingqiang Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiome Medicine Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Boyang Ji
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Mikkel Anbo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lars Jelsbak
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Lars Jelsbak,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cruz ASDC, Fidelis YP, de Mendonça Guimarães D, Muller HS, Martins VDP, Lia EN. Oral health and the presence of infectious microorganisms in hospitalized patients: a preliminary observational study. Ann Med 2022; 54:1908-1917. [PMID: 36073637 PMCID: PMC9467618 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2092895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Characterise oral health, and the presence in the oral cavity of pathogenic non-oral microorganisms potentially associated with nosocomial infections and antimicrobial resistance in non-intubated patients admitted to a Brazilian university hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS An intraoral examination and oral swab were performed on hospitalized individuals at three different times, T1 (within 48 h of hospitalization), T2 (48 h after T1) and T3 (7 days after hospitalization). The oral health status was defined by the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) and Tongue Coating Status (TCS). The swabs were processed and microorganisms potentially related to nosocomial infections were phenotypically identified through colony morphology, staining and microscopy. RESULTS The most prevalent microorganisms were Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Enterobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. The oral health status was considered median, and the tongue coating index was considered high throughout the study period. The prevalence of potentially pathogenic non-oral microorganisms was high and constant from the first 48 h to the seventh day of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS The results point out that the mouth can act as a reservoir of epidemiologically important pathogens within hospital settings, even in patients without mechanical ventilation, thus increasing the risk of nosocomial infections in susceptible individuals. KEY MESSAGESThe present study investigated the oral health status and the presence of pathogenic non-oral microorganisms in the oral cavity of patients hospitalized in the ward, non-intubated and mostly independent of self-care.The presence in the mouth of microorganisms related to the epidemiology of nosocomial infections and resistance to antimicrobials was high and constant from the first 48 h to the 7th day of hospitalization.The results of this study point out that the mouth can act as a reservoir of epidemiologically important pathogens within hospital settings even in patients without mechanical ventilation, increasing the risk of nosocomial infections in susceptible individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yara Peixoto Fidelis
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Dentistry Department, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Herick Sampaio Muller
- Laboratory of Molecular Analysis of Pathogens, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Vicente de Paulo Martins
- Laboratory of Molecular Analysis of Pathogens, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Erica Negrini Lia
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Dentistry Department, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
El-Badawy MF, Eed EM, Sleem AS, El-Sheikh AAK, Maghrabi IA, Abdelwahab SF. The First Saudi Report of Novel and Common Mutations in the gyrA and parC Genes Among Pseudomonas Spp. Clinical Isolates Recovered from Taif Area. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:3801-3814. [PMID: 35875614 PMCID: PMC9300750 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s372027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Reports examine quinolone resistance mechanisms among Pseudomonas spp. are sporadic in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). We previously examined the genetic bases of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance among Pseudomonas spp. clinical isolates. This study investigated chromosomally mediated quinolone resistance mechanisms via investigation of the mutations in the gyrA and parC genes. Methods The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to different quinolones was determined. Twenty-nine quinolone resistant Pseudomonas spp. clinical isolates were included. The gyrA and parC genes were sequenced by Sanger capillary electrophoresis. Multiple sequence alignment for the translated gyrA and parC genes was performed to identify mutation sites. Results Of the 29 isolates, 27 isolates were P. aeruginosa and two were P. putida. The cluster analysis of the quinolone susceptibility pattern revealed seven susceptibility phenotypes (A-G) based on susceptibility patterns rather than the MIC values. Also, 22 different susceptibility phenotypes were detected based on MIC values. All isolates exhibited a missense mutation at position 83 (S83I/T/F) of the gyrA gene in addition to six missense mutations at positions outside the QRDR of this gene. In addition, 82.8% (24/29) of the isolates harbored a missense mutation in the parC gene at position 87 (S87L), along with six novel mutations outside the QRDR of the parC gene. Haplotyping of the gyrA, parC, and the overall QRDR revealed six, 10, and 13 different haplotypes, respectively. Conclusion This study documents the incidence of the commonly reported mutations in the gyrA and parC genes in addition to novel mutations in these genes among Pseudomonas spp. clinical isolates recovered from KSA. Together with our previous findings, these data provide an insight into the genetic background of quinolone resistance among Pseudomonas spp. clinical isolates in KSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed F El-Badawy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Menoufia, 32897, Egypt
| | - Emad M Eed
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asmaa S Sleem
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, 32511, Egypt
| | - Azza A K El-Sheikh
- Basic Health Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim A Maghrabi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sayed F Abdelwahab
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gavioli EM, Guardado N, Haniff F, Deiab N, Vider E. Does Cefiderocol Have a Potential Role in Cystic Fibrosis Pulmonary Exacerbation Management? Microb Drug Resist 2021; 27:1726-1732. [PMID: 34077286 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2020.0602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated with frequent pulmonary exacerbations and the need for novel antibiotics against antimicrobial resistance. Cefiderocol is a newly approved therapeutic option active against a variety of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria such as gram-negative species commonly encountered by CF patients. This review describes the potential role of cefiderocol against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, and Burkholderia cepacia complex. Cefiderocol is a potential therapeutic option for MDR pathogens with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ≤4 mg/L. Due to the lack of in vivo evidence in the CF population, cefiderocol may be utilized in patients in which alternative options are lacking due to MDR organisms or rapid pulmonary decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nerli Guardado
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Farah Haniff
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Nouran Deiab
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Etty Vider
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rehman A, Jeukens J, Levesque RC, Lamont IL. Gene-Gene Interactions Dictate Ciprofloxacin Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Facilitate Prediction of Resistance Phenotype from Genome Sequence Data. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0269620. [PMID: 33875431 PMCID: PMC8218647 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02696-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ciprofloxacin is one of the most widely used antibiotics for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. However, P. aeruginosa acquires mutations that confer ciprofloxacin resistance, making treatment more difficult. Resistance is multifactorial, with mutations in multiple genes influencing the resistance phenotype. However, the contributions of individual mutations and mutation combinations to the amounts of ciprofloxacin that P. aeruginosa can tolerate are not well understood. Engineering P. aeruginosa strain PAO1 to contain mutations in any one of the resistance-associated genes gyrA, nfxB, rnfC, parC, and parE showed that only gyrA mutations increased the MIC for ciprofloxacin. Mutations in parC and parE increased the MIC of a gyrA mutant, making the bacteria ciprofloxacin resistant. Mutations in nfxB and rnfC increased the MIC, conferring resistance, only if both were mutated in a gyrA background. Mutations in all of gyrA, nfxB, rnfC, and parC/E further increased the MIC. These findings reveal an epistatic network of gene-gene interactions in ciprofloxacin resistance. We used this information to predict ciprofloxacin resistance/susceptibility for 274 isolates of P. aeruginosa from their genome sequences. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles were predicted correctly for 84% of the isolates. The majority of isolates for which prediction was unsuccessful were ciprofloxacin resistant, demonstrating the involvement of additional as yet unidentified genes and mutations in resistance. Our data show that gene-gene interactions can play an important role in antibiotic resistance and can be successfully incorporated into models predicting resistance phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Attika Rehman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Julie Jeukens
- Institut de biologie intégrative et des systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Roger C. Levesque
- Institut de biologie intégrative et des systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Iain L. Lamont
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hao M, Ma W, Dong X, Li X, Cheng F, Wang Y. Comparative genome analysis of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa JNQH-PA57, a clinically isolated mucoid strain with comprehensive carbapenem resistance mechanisms. BMC Microbiol 2021; 21:133. [PMID: 33932986 PMCID: PMC8088628 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02203-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of clinical multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been increasing rapidly worldwide over the years and responsible for a wide range of acute and chronic infections with high mortalities. Although hundreds of complete genomes of clinical P. aeruginosa isolates have been sequenced, only a few complete genomes of mucoid strains are available, limiting a comprehensive understanding of this important group of opportunistic pathogens. Herein, the complete genome of a clinically isolated mucoid strain P. aeruginosa JNQH-PA57 was sequenced and assembled using Illumina and Oxford nanopore sequencing technologies. Genomic features, phylogenetic relationships, and comparative genomics of this pathogen were comprehensively analyzed using various bioinformatics tools. A series of phenotypic and molecular-genetic tests were conducted to investigate the mechanisms of carbapenem resistance in this strain. RESULTS Several genomic features of MDR P. aeruginosa JNQH-PA57 were identified based on the whole-genome sequencing. We found that the accessory genome of JNQH-PA57 including several prophages, genomic islands, as well as a PAPI-1 family integrative and conjugative element (ICE), mainly contributed to the larger genome of this strain (6,747,067 bp) compared to other popular P. aeruginosa strains (with an average genome size of 6,445,223 bp) listed in Pseudomonas Genome Database. Colony morphology analysis and biofilm crystal staining assay respectively demonstrated an enhanced alginate production and a thicker biofilm formation capability of JNQH-PA57. A deleted mutation at nt 424 presented in mucA gene, resulted in the upregulated expression of a sigma-factor AlgU and a GDP mannose dehydrogenase AlgD, which might explain the mucoid phenotype of this strain. As for the carbapenem resistance mechanisms, our results revealed that the interplay between impaired OprD porin, chromosomal β-lactamase OXA-488 expression, MexAB-OprM and MexXY-OprM efflux pumps overexpression, synergistically with the alginates-overproducing protective biofilm, conferred the high carbapenem resistance to P. aeruginosa JNQH-PA57. CONCLUSION Based on the genome analysis, we could demonstrate that the upregulated expression of algU and algD, which due to the truncation variant of MucA, might account for the mucoid phenotype of JNQH-PA57. Moreover, the resistance to carbapenem in P. aeruginosa JNQH-PA57 is multifactorial. The dataset presented in this study provided an essential genetic basis for the comprehensive cognition of the physiology, pathogenicity, and carbapenem resistance mechanisms of this clinical mucoid strain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingju Hao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wanshan Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiutao Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fang Cheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yujiao Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Çopur Çiçek A, Ertürk A, Ejder N, Rakici E, Kostakoğlu U, Esen Yıldız İ, Özyurt S, Sönmez E. Screening of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes and Epidemiological Features in Hospital and Community-Associated Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:1517-1526. [PMID: 33907430 PMCID: PMC8068481 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s299742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Researching carbapenem-resistant isolates enables the identification of carbapenemase-producing bacteria and prevents their spread. Methods P. aeruginosa isolates were recovered from Medicine Faculty of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University and identified by conventional methods and the automated Vitek 2 Compact system. Antimicrobial susceptibility experiments were performed in accordance with CLSI criteria and the automated Vitek 2 Compact system. The PCR method was investigated for the presence of β-lactamase resistance genes. PFGE typing was performed to show clonal relation among samples. Results Seventy P. aeruginosa isolates were isolated from seventy patients. Of the patients, 67.1% had contact with the health service in the last 90 days and 75.7% of the patients had received antimicrobial therapy in the previous 90 days. Twenty-four isolates were carbapenem resistant, 2 isolates were multidrug-resistant except colistin, and none of the samples had colistin resistance. The gene encoding β-lactamase or metallo-β-lactamase was found in a total of 36 isolates. The bla VEB and bla PER genes were identified in 1 and 5 isolates alone or 17 and 13 isolates in combination with other resistance genes, respectively. The bla NDM was the most detected metallo-β-lactamase encoding gene (n=18), followed by bla KPC (n=12). bla IMP and bla VIM were detected in 5 and 1 isolates, respectively. Also, the association of bla VEB-bla PER and bla VEB-bla KPC-bla NDM was found to be very high. Much more resistance genes and co-occurrence were detected in hospital-acquired samples than community-acquired samples. No difference was found between the community and hospital-associated isolates according to PFGE results. Simultaneously from 6 patients, other microorganisms were also isolated and 5 of them died. Conclusion The average length of stay (days) was found to be significantly higher in HAI group than CAI group. The death of 5 patients with fewer or no resistance genes showed that the co-existence of other microorganisms in addition to resistance genes was important on death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayşegül Çopur Çiçek
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Rize, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Ertürk
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Rize, Turkey
| | - Nebahat Ejder
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Rize, Turkey
| | - Erva Rakici
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Rize, Turkey
| | - Uğur Kostakoğlu
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Rize, Turkey
| | - İlknur Esen Yıldız
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Rize, Turkey
| | - Songül Özyurt
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Chest Diseases, Rize, Turkey
| | - Emine Sönmez
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Rize, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hadjadj L, Syed MA, Abbasi SA, Rolain JM, Jamil B. Diversity of Carbapenem Resistance Mechanisms in Clinical Gram-Negative Bacteria in Pakistan. Microb Drug Resist 2020; 27:760-767. [PMID: 33211640 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2019.0387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a health challenge worldwide. Carbapenem resistance in Gram-negative bacteria is a major problem since treatment options are very limited. Tigecycline and colistin are drugs of choice in this case, but resistance to these drugs is also high. The aim of this study was to describe the diversity of resistance mechanisms in carbapenem-resistant clinical Gram-negative bacteria from Pakistan. Carbapenem-hydrolyzing enzyme-encoding genes were detected using PCR and DNA sequencing and clonal types determined by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Forty-four carbapenem-resistant isolates were collected from the microbiology laboratory of Fauji Foundation Hospital and Al-Syed Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, including Klebsiella spp., Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Achromobacter xylosoxidans. blaNDM-1, blaNDM-4, blaNDM-5, blaNDM-7, blaOXA-48, and blaOXA-181 were detected in Enterobacteriaceae; blaOXA-23, blaOXA-72, and blaNDM-1 in A. baumannii, and blaVIM-6 and blaVIM-11 in P. aeruginosa. MLST analysis revealed several predominant clonal types: ST167 in E. coli, ST147 in Klebsiella pneumoniae, ST2 in Acinetobacter, and ST664 in P. aeruginosa. In Acinetobacter, a new clonal type was observed for the first time. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing the clonality and resistance mechanisms of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in Pakistan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Hadjadj
- Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Muhammad Ali Syed
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Pakistan
| | | | - Jean-Marc Rolain
- Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Bushra Jamil
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Lahore, Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pappa O, Kefala AM, Tryfinopoulou K, Dimitriou M, Kostoulas K, Dioli C, Moraitou E, Panopoulou M, Vogiatzakis E, Mavridou A, Galanis A, Beloukas A. Molecular Epidemiology of Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Hospitalized Patients in Greece. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111652. [PMID: 33114400 PMCID: PMC7693957 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates are one of the major causes of both hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and community-acquired infections (CAIs). However, management of P. aeruginosa infections is difficult as the bacterium is inherently resistant to many antibiotics. In this study, a collection of 75 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates from two tertiary hospitals from Athens and Alexnadroupolis in Greece was studied to assess antimicrobial sensitivity and molecular epidemiology. All P. aeruginosa isolates were tested for susceptibility to 11 commonly used antibiotics, and the newly introduced Double Locus Sequence Typing (DLST) scheme was implemented to elucidate the predominant clones. The tested P. aeruginosa isolates presented various resistant phenotypes, with Verona Integron-Mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM-2) mechanisms being the majority, and a new phenotype, FEPR-CAZS, being reported for the first time in Greek isolates. DLST revealed two predominant types, 32-39 and 8-37, and provided evidence for intra-hospital transmission of the 32-39 clone in one of the hospitals. The results indicate that DLST can be a valuable tool when local outbreaks demand immediate tracking investigation with limited time and financial resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Pappa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (A.M.K.); (M.D.); (C.D.); (A.M.)
- Central Public Health Laboratory, National Public Health Organization, 16672 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence: or (O.P.); or (A.B.)
| | - Anastasia Maria Kefala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (A.M.K.); (M.D.); (C.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Kyriaki Tryfinopoulou
- Central Public Health Laboratory, National Public Health Organization, 16672 Athens, Greece;
| | - Marios Dimitriou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (A.M.K.); (M.D.); (C.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Kostas Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Microbiology, ‘Sotiria’ General Hospital, 152 Mesogeion Avenue, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.K.); (E.M.); (E.V.)
| | - Chrysa Dioli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (A.M.K.); (M.D.); (C.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Eleni Moraitou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, ‘Sotiria’ General Hospital, 152 Mesogeion Avenue, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.K.); (E.M.); (E.V.)
| | - Maria Panopoulou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Evaggelos Vogiatzakis
- Laboratory of Microbiology, ‘Sotiria’ General Hospital, 152 Mesogeion Avenue, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.K.); (E.M.); (E.V.)
| | - Athena Mavridou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (A.M.K.); (M.D.); (C.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Alex Galanis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Health Science School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Apostolos Beloukas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (A.M.K.); (M.D.); (C.D.); (A.M.)
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE, UK
- Correspondence: or (O.P.); or (A.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Brzozowski M, Krukowska Ż, Galant K, Jursa-Kulesza J, Kosik-Bogacka D. Genotypic characterisation and antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from patients of different hospitals and medical centres in Poland. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:693. [PMID: 32962640 PMCID: PMC7507710 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05404-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacteria responsible for infections in immunocompromised patients and is one of the most common causes of nosocomial infections particularly in intensive care and burn units. We aimed to investigate the population structure of P. aeruginosa strains isolated from patients at different hospital wards. Methods: We analysed the possible presence of P. aeruginosa epidemic or endemic strains in hospitals of the selected region. A genotyping analysis was performed for P. aeruginosa isolates (n = 202) collected from patients of eleven hospitals in north-western Poland. Collections of P. aeruginosa were genotyped using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Phenotypic screening for antibiotic susceptibility was performed for the common antimicrobial agents. Results Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were distributed among 116 different pulsotype groups. We identified 30 groups of clonally related strains, each containing from 2 to 17 isolates and typed the obtained 13 unique patterns, designated as A, D, E, J, K, M, N, Ó, P, T, X, AC, AD, and AH. The two largest clusters, D and E, contained 17 and 13 isolates, respectively. Strains of these groups were continuously isolated from patients at intensive care units and burn units, indicating transmission of these strains. Conclusions In this study, we demonstrate the clonal relatedness of P. aeruginosa strains and their constant exchange in hospitals over a period of 15 months. The obtained results indicate a predominantly non-clonal structure of P. aeruginosa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Brzozowski
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Chair of Microbiology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstanców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Żaneta Krukowska
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Chair of Microbiology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstanców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Galant
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Chair of Microbiology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstanców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Joanna Jursa-Kulesza
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Chair of Microbiology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstanców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Danuta Kosik-Bogacka
- Independent of Pharmaceutical Botany, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstanców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dehbashi S, Pourmand MR, Alikhani MY, Asl SS, Arabestani MR. Coordination of las regulated virulence factors with Multidrug-Resistant and extensively drug-resistant in superbug strains of P. aeruginosa. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:4131-4143. [PMID: 32474845 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05559-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Successful pathogenicity often resulted from a complicated association between virulence and antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the relationship between the las system and antibiotic resistance. Seventy-three (73) P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from burn wounds (26.02%), blood cultures (30.13%), catheters (12.32%), and urine culture (31.50%). Among the 73 collected isolates, 22 isolates were considered as multi-drug resistant (MDR) and 11 isolates as extensively-drug resistant (XDR). Furthermore, phenazines and LasA protease were detected among 21.91% and 32.87% of isolates, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR assessment of KPC, MBL, and lasI/R indicated that resistance and virulence factors are more expressed in XDR strains than MDR strains. Also, the expression level of KPC and MBL reduced in non-biofilm forming strains. However, increased expression levels of lasI, lasR, and the KPC genes were observed in LasA and LasB protease producing strains. Interestingly, 16 known sequence types (including ST108, ST260, ST217) and three novel STs (ST2452, ST2427, and ST2542) were characterized among the collected isolates, which are related to the virulence and resistance. In MDR-XDR strains, a strong correlation between lasI/R and the variants of antibiotic resistance genes was found. In conclusion, the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa may increase the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Dehbashi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Pourmand
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Yousef Alikhani
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Sara Soleimani Asl
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Arabestani
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
- Nutrition Health Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Genovese C, La Fauci V, D'Amato S, Squeri A, Anzalone C, Costa GB, Fedele F, Squeri R. Molecular epidemiology of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms in the 21th century: a review of the literature. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2020; 91:256-273. [PMID: 32420962 PMCID: PMC7569612 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v91i2.9176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are the most frequent and severe complication acquired in healthcare settings with high impact in terms of morbidity, mortality and costs. Many bacteria could be implicated in these infections, but, expecially multidrug resistance bacteria could play an important role. Many microbial typing technologies have been developed until to the the bacterial whole-genome sequencing and the choice of a molecular typing method therefore will depend on the skill level and resources of the laboratory and the aim and scale of the investigation. In several studies the molecular investigation of pathogens involved in HAIs was performed with many microorganisms identified as causative agents such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Clostridium difficile, Acinetobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus and several more minor species. Here, we will describe the most and least frequently reported clonal complex, sequence types and ribotypes with their worldwide geographic distribution for the most important species involved in HAIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Genovese
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Vincenza La Fauci
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Smeralda D'Amato
- Postgraduate Medical School in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Italy.
| | - Andrea Squeri
- Department of Human Pathology of the adult and developmental age Gaetano Barresi, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Carmelina Anzalone
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Gaetano Bruno Costa
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Fedele
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|