Genomic analysis of Fosfomycin resistance in multi-drug resistant uropathogens and comparison of in-vitro susceptibility methods uropathogens

A review of the mechanisms that confer antibiotic resistance in pathotypes of E. coli

The dissemination of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli poses a significant threat to public health worldwide. This review provides a comprehensive update on the diverse mechanisms employed by E. coli in developing resistance to antibiotics. We primarily focus on pathotypes of E. coli (e.g., uropathogenic E. coli) and investigate the genetic determinants and molecular pathways that confer resistance, shedding light on both well-characterized and recently discovered mechanisms. The most prevalent mechanism continues to be the acquisition of resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer, facilitated by mobile genetic elements such as plasmids and transposons. We discuss the role of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases in conferring resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, which remain vital in clinical practice. The review covers the key resistant mechanisms, including: 1) Efflux pumps and porin mutations that mediate resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides; 2) adaptive strategies employed by E. coli, including biofilm formation, persister cell formation, and the activation of stress response systems, to withstand antibiotic pressure; and 3) the role of regulatory systems in coordinating resistance mechanisms, providing insights into potential targets for therapeutic interventions. Understanding the intricate network of antibiotic resistance mechanisms in E. coli is crucial for the development of effective strategies to combat this growing public health crisis. By clarifying these mechanisms, we aim to pave the way for the design of innovative therapeutic approaches and the implementation of prudent antibiotic stewardship practices to preserve the efficacy of current antibiotics and ensure a sustainable future for healthcare.

Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Appraisal of Antimicrobial Susceptibility for Urinary Tract Infections at an Outpatient Setting of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Delhi

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to understand the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on urine culture and sensitivity results in an outpatient setting. There are plenty of data from inpatient and ICU settings but there is a paucity of data in outpatient or community settings. Thus, this study primarily targeted change in antibiotic resistance of urinary tract infection (UTI) agents in the pre- and post-COVID-19 period.

METHODS

In the study, urine samples received in the Department of Laboratory Medicine (microbiology laboratory) with a preliminary diagnosis of UTI between April 2019 and March 2021 were analyzed. Urine cultures and antibiotic susceptibility tests of the patients included in the study were examined in two periods (pre-pandemic and post-pandemic).

RESULTS

A total of 22,372 urine samples were received in the pre-pandemic period (April 2019 to March 2020) and 4885 samples in the post-pandemic period (April 2020 to March 2021). The positivity rate obtained from urine cultures sent post-COVID-19 pandemic (16%) was significantly higher than those sent before the COVID-19 pandemic (8%). According to cultures and antibiogram results, resistance to ampicillin, amikacin, ceftazidime (p < 0.05), co-trimoxazole, levofloxacin, gentamicin (p < 0.05), nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, and tetracycline decreased compared with the pre-COVID-19 period.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we found that the frequency of significant bacteriuria increased significantly in the post-pandemic period. However, resistance to antibiotics decreased significantly in the post-COVID-19 period compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. There was no significant change in the etiology of UTI during the two time periods.