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El-Gendy NM, Amer A, Ibrahim HA, Abou-Okada M. Microbiological quality assessment of Clarias gariepinus, Bagrus bajad, and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fillets. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13305. [PMID: 38858383 PMCID: PMC11164913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62730-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, 80 catfish fillets were randomly collected from Egyptian local markets and retailers. The samples included 20 African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), 20 bayad (Bagrus bajad), and 40 pangasius catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fillets. Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fillet samples were divided into 20 white basa and 20 red basa fillets. We conducted a microbiological analysis of catfish fillet samples, evaluating mesophilic aerobic bacteria, psychrophilic aerobic bacteria, H2S-producing bacteria, Staphylococcus spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Coliforms, and fecal Coliform counts. Additionally, we identified the existence of Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp., Yersinia spp., Escherichia spp., Aeromonas spp., and Pseudomonas spp. in the catfish fillet samples. In our study, the psychrophilic bacterial counts in Bagrus bajad (5.21 log CFU/g) were found to be higher compared to the counts in Clarias gariepinus (4.31 log CFU/g) and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (3.89-4.7 log CFU/g). The fecal Coliform in Clarias gariepinus fillets was significantly higher than in other catfish fillets. We isolated Escherichia coli, Escherichia fergusonii, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas luteola from the catfish fillets, while no Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp., or Yersinia spp. were detected. These isolates were identified using 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Furthermore, ten Escherichia spp. were serologically identified, revealing that O26 and O78 were the most commonly occurring serotypes. This study highlights the microbiological analysis conducted on catfish fillets and concludes that the fillet samples from these catfish were of superior quality and deemed acceptable for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha M El-Gendy
- Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21526, Egypt
| | - Amr Amer
- Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21526, Egypt
| | - Hossam A Ibrahim
- Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21526, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Abou-Okada
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt.
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Mansour R, El-Dakdouki MH, Mina S. Phylogenetic group distribution and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolates in aquatic environments of a highly populated area. AIMS Microbiol 2024; 10:340-362. [PMID: 38919712 PMCID: PMC11194619 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2024018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae including Escherichia coli (E. coli), are recognized as a global public health threat due to their multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes and their rapid dissemination in aquatic environments. Nevertheless, studies investigating the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile of ESBL-producing E. coli in Lebanese surface water are limited. Objective This study aimed to assess the physicochemical properties and microbial contamination load and to determine the distribution of AMR patterns of ESBL-producing E. coli in surface water samples from different sites in the North Governorate of Lebanon. Methods Water samples were collected from 25 major sites in North Lebanon. These samples were analyzed for the presence of total coliforms, E. coli, and fecal enterococci. Phenotypic and genetic characterizations were then performed for E. coli isolates to determine their resistance patterns and phylogenetic groups. Results Fifty-six samples out of 100 samples were positive for ESBL-producing E. coli, mostly harboring blaCTX-M (40/56, 71%) including blaCTX-M-15 (33/40, 82%), blaTEM gene (36/56, 64%), blaSHV (20/56, 36%), and blaOXA (16/56, 29%) including blaOXA-48 gene (11/16, 69%). Most ESBL-producing E. coli isolates belonged to the extra-intestinal pathogenic phylogroup B2 (40/56, 71.4%) while 10/56 (17.9%) belonged to the commensal phylogroup A. Conclusion Our results highlight the need to implement effective water monitoring strategies to control transmission of ESBL-producing E. coli in surface water and thus reduce the burden on human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosette Mansour
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Beirut Arab University, P.O. Box 11-5020, Riad El Solh 11072809, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohammad H. El-Dakdouki
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Beirut Arab University, P.O. Box 11-5020, Riad El Solh 11072809, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sara Mina
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, P.O. Box 11-5020, Riad El Solh 11072809, Beirut, Lebanon
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3
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Osman M, Daaboul D, Tajani AG, El Omari K, Bisha B, Hassan J, Cazer CL, Fiorella KJ, Karah N, Abbara A, Hamze M, Cummings KJ, Naas T, Kassem II. Multidrug-resistant pathogens contaminate river water used in irrigation in disenfranchised communities. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2024; 36:175-180. [PMID: 38154747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2023.12.016] [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] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The contamination of fresh surface waters poses a significant burden on human health and prosperity, especially in marginalized communities with limited resources and inadequate infrastructure. Here, we performed in-depth genomic analyses of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR-B) isolated from Al-Oueik river water that is used for irrigation of agricultural fields in a disenfranchised area that also hosts a makeshift Syrian refugee camp. METHODS A composite freshwater sample was filtered. Faecal coliforms were counted and extended spectrum cephalosporins and/or ertapenem resistant bacteria were screened. Isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF-MS and analysed using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify the resistome, sequence types, plasmid types, and virulence genes. RESULTS Approximately 106 CFU/100 mL of faecal coliforms were detected in the water. Four drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria were identified, namely Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter hormaechei, and Pseudomonas otitidis. Notably, the E. coli isolate harboured blaNDM-5 and a YRIN-inserted PBP3, representing an emerging public health challenge. The K. pneumoniae isolate carried blaSHV-187 as well as mutations in the gene encoding the OmpK37 porin. Enterobacter hormaechei and P. otitidis harboured blaACT-16 and blaPOM-1, respectively. CONCLUSION This report provides comprehensive genomic analyses of MDR-B in irrigation water in Lebanon. Our results further support that irrigation water contaminated with faecal material can be a reservoir of important MDR-B, which can spread to adjacent agricultural fields and other water bodies, posing both public health and food safety issues. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement effective water quality monitoring and management programs to control the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in irrigation water in Lebanon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Osman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
| | - Dina Daaboul
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon; Team 'Resist' UMR1184, 'Immunology of Viral, Auto-Immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases (IMVA-HB', INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, LabEx LERMIT, Faculty of Medicine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | | | - Khaled El Omari
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon; Quality Control Center Laboratories at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture of Tripoli & North Lebanon, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Bledar Bisha
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
| | - Jouman Hassan
- Center for Food Safety and Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Griffin, Georgia
| | - Casey L Cazer
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; Department of Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York
| | - Kathryn J Fiorella
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Nabil Karah
- Department of Molecular Biology and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Aula Abbara
- Department of Infection, Imperial College, St Marys Hospital, London, Syria Public Health Network, London, United Kingdom
| | - Monzer Hamze
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Kevin J Cummings
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Thierry Naas
- Team 'Resist' UMR1184, 'Immunology of Viral, Auto-Immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases (IMVA-HB', INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, LabEx LERMIT, Faculty of Medicine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Bacteriology-Hygiene Unit, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, AP-HP Paris-Saclay, Bicêtre Hospital Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Associated French National Reference Center for Antibiotic Resistance: Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Issmat I Kassem
- Center for Food Safety and Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Griffin, Georgia
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Osman M, Yassine I, Hamze M, Al Mir H, Ghorbani Tajani A, Bisha B, Cummings KJ, Madec JY, Haenni M, Kassem II. Emergence of Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporin- and Colistin-Resistant Enterobacterales in Otherwise Healthy University Students. Microb Drug Resist 2024; 30:101-107. [PMID: 38011748 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2023.0213] [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: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to last resort antibiotics has been increasing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Lebanon, which has well established challenges in antimicrobial stewardship and other public health and environmental issues. However, data on the emergence of antibiotic resistance in the community in Lebanon are limited. In this study, we assessed resistance to last resort antibiotics in the fecal samples of 111 otherwise healthy university students in north Lebanon. The results showed that 47.7% of the samples harbored extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant isolates, while 2.7% of the samples yielded colistin-resistant isolates. Furthermore, molecular analyses showed that the β-lactamase gene group, blaCTX-M-1 group, was detected in the majority (93%) of screened extended-spectrum β-lactamase isolates. In addition, the colistin-resistant Escherichia coli isolates carried mcr-1, including the novel mcr-1.26 variant, which was previously reported in clinical samples as well as in domesticated animals and the environment in Lebanon. Taken together, these findings highlight the occurrence of resistance to important antibiotics in the community, perhaps suggesting diffuse sources, including clinical and environmental settings, and multiple factors driving the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria and resistance determinants. There is a pressing need for comprehensive antimicrobial stewardship programs and the implementation of evidence-based practices in clinical and community settings to mitigate the increasing spread of antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Osman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Iman Yassine
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Monzer Hamze
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Hiba Al Mir
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
- ANSES, Université de Lyon, Unité Antibiorésistance et Virulence Bactériennes, Lyon, France
| | | | - Bledar Bisha
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Kevin J Cummings
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Jean-Yves Madec
- ANSES, Université de Lyon, Unité Antibiorésistance et Virulence Bactériennes, Lyon, France
| | - Marisa Haenni
- ANSES, Université de Lyon, Unité Antibiorésistance et Virulence Bactériennes, Lyon, France
| | - Issmat I Kassem
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Center for Food Safety, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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El Kawak M, Al Hassanieh J, Berjawi M, Jurdi M, Abiad MG, Yassin N, Dhaini HR. Cytotoxicity of water supply in a Palestinian refugee camp and a Syrian informal tented settlement in Lebanon. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0294679. [PMID: 38165866 PMCID: PMC10760689 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Deficient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) significantly account for a high burden of disease across the globe. Lebanon, an Eastern Mediterranean lower-middle-income country with a polluted environment, a fragmented healthcare system, and an ongoing severe economic crisis, faces serious challenges in sustaining safe water supplies, especially in vulnerable communities, while also hosting the world highest refugee population per capita. This study aimed to examine the mutagenicity, and the estrogenic and androgenic activities of water supplies, across both a Palestinian refugee camp and a Syrian informal settlement. Water samples were collected from two targeted camps in Dbayeh and Choueifat, North and South of the Capital City Beirut, respectively, between the months of September and October 2022. Microbial and physicochemical properties of samples were determined, including fecal contamination, total dissolved solids, and various minerals and salts. Organic pollutants were extracted using pre-packed solid phase extraction (SPE) columns, and then mutagenicity of extracts was examined using the Ames test in two Salmonella typhi bacterial strains. The estrogenic and androgenic activities of extracts were assessed using the yeast estrogen and androgen screen tests assays (YES/YAS). Results show excessive levels of total coliforms and total dissolved solids (TDS) in samples from both sites. In addition, the water supply from the Dbayeh Palestinian refugee camp is mutagenic, while the water supply from the Choueifat Syrian informal settlement shows anti-androgen activity. Our findings provide valuable WASH baseline data in two major vulnerable communities in Lebanon, and highlight the importance of a water toxicity testing approach concomitant with a water safety plan, based on a holistic strategy that covers all stages of the water supply chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle El Kawak
- Department of Environmental Health, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jana Al Hassanieh
- Department of Environmental Health, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwa Berjawi
- Department of Environmental Health, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mey Jurdi
- Department of Environmental Health, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad G. Abiad
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- The Laboratories for the Environment, Agriculture and Food (LEAF), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Hassan R. Dhaini
- Department of Environmental Health, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Nassour C, Nabhani-Gebara S, Barton SJ, Barker J. Anti-cancer drug waste disposal practices and wastewater management in hospitals: A Lebanese survey. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2024; 30:78-87. [PMID: 37006138 PMCID: PMC10804692 DOI: 10.1177/10781552231167875] [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] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To achieve continuous environmental sustainability and protect the population's health, healthcare waste (in liquid or solid form) needs appropriate management and suitable treatment strategies before its final disposal in the environment in order to reduce its adverse impacts. This study aims to identify disparities in the waste management of anti-cancer drugs and the wastewater generated in Lebanese hospitals. METHODS Three questionnaires were designed to evaluate the level of knowledge, awareness and experience of hospital personnel regardless of their job levels. Data was collected in December 2019 from three departments of each participating hospital: pharmacy, oncology and maintenance departments. A descriptive analysis was conducted to summarise the survey results. RESULTS The results revealed a lack of transparency and awareness of the participants, with a high frequency of 'prefer not to say' responses when asked about the disposal methods of anti-cancer drugs and with only 5.7% of the participants in the pharmacy department sharing their disposal procedures. The same perception was deduced regarding hospitals' wastewater treatment, where responses were often contradicting, preventing making assumptions about the fate of hospital wastewater. CONCLUSION The results of this survey support the need to establish a more comprehensive waste management programme in Lebanon that would be maintained through regular training and supervision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Nassour
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames, UK
| | - Shereen Nabhani-Gebara
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames, UK
| | - Stephen J Barton
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames, UK
| | - James Barker
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames, UK
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Ballout R, Toufeili I, Kharroubi SA, Kassem II. Raw Meat Consumption and Food Safety Challenges: A Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Consumers in Lebanon. Foods 2023; 13:118. [PMID: 38201146 PMCID: PMC10779077 DOI: 10.3390/foods13010118] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A key contributor to foodborne illnesses is consuming contaminated ready-to-eat foods, including raw meats. The latter is a common practice in Lebanon, a country that suffers from widespread pollution and food safety challenges. However, studies on the safety of raw meat consumption in Lebanon are limited. In this study, an attempt was made to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of the Lebanese population toward the potential risk associated with the consumption of raw meats, and to identify factors that affect KAP levels. An online survey (n = 577) was administered to Lebanese adults aged 18 years and above to assess their KAPs. The results showed that 74.5% of the participants consumed raw meat, 44% had good food safety knowledge, and 30.7% exhibited good practices. However, more than half of the participants (61.9%) showed a positive attitude toward food safety. There was a significant association between knowledge and attitude (p < 0.001), attitude and practices (p < 0.001), and knowledge and practices (p < 0.001), thereby indicating that an increase in food safety education could translate into better practices in this population. Accordingly, efforts to enhance education on food safety are warranted to reduce the potential risk of food poisoning associated with raw meat consumption in Lebanon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouba Ballout
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon; (R.B.); (I.T.)
| | - Imad Toufeili
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon; (R.B.); (I.T.)
| | - Samer A. Kharroubi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon; (R.B.); (I.T.)
| | - Issmat I. Kassem
- Center for Food Safety, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
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Mounzer CK, Baydoun SA, Amer RA, Borjac JM. Occurrence of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the Lebanese polluted Litani River. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 196:90. [PMID: 38147142 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12267-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic contamination in polluted rivers is well recognized as an environmental and public health challenge. In this study, the occurrence, distribution, and ecological risk assessment of three commonly used antibiotics (amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin) were assessed in the Litani River, the most important and highly polluted river in Lebanon. Physicochemical and microbiological water quality parameters including the antibiotic-resistant ones were in parallel determined in the same sites. Water samples from five sites stretching across the river upper basin were analyzed for the antibiotics under study using high-performance liquid chromatography, with both fluorometric and UV detectors post-extraction using a solid-phase method with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance cartridges. The disc diffusion method and standardized water quality methods were used for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and water quality assessment, respectively. Amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin were found at concentrations of 250 ng/L and 107.2 ng/L, while azithromycin was not detected in any of the sites under study. Varying levels of antibiotic resistance were detected with the isolated Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) while the total coliforms showed resistance to multiple antibiotics. COD, TP, PO43-, TN, NO3-, NH4 + , E. coli, total coliform, P. aeruginosa, and Cd levels surpassed permissible levels. Correlation analysis with water quality parameters (COD, total phosphate, phosphate, total nitrogen, and cadmium) showed a significant positive correlation with ciprofloxacin (r > 0.5, p value < 0.05). Also, the resistant P. aeruginosa showed a significant positive correlation with cadmium (r > 0.5, p value < 0.05) while the resistant E. coli was positively correlated with total nitrogen, nitrate, and lead levels (r > 0.5, p value < 0.05). The ecological risk assessment revealed that all the tested antibiotics pose low risks (ecological risk quotient RQ < 0.1) except ciprofloxacin, which could pose a medium risk (0.1 < RQ < 1). Future research concerning the long-term assessment of antibiotics' residues and the identification of resistance genes in the river is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine K Mounzer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Debbieh, Lebanon
| | - Safaa A Baydoun
- Research Center for Environment and Development, Beirut Arab University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Ranya A Amer
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, GEBRI, City of Scientific Research and Technology Applications, SRTA - City, Egypt
| | - Jamilah M Borjac
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Debbieh, Lebanon.
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Zahran M, El-Shabasy RM, Elrashedy A, Mousa W, Nayel M, Salama A, Zaghawa A, Elsify A. Recent progress in the genotyping of bovine tuberculosis and its rapid diagnosis via nanoparticle-based electrochemical biosensors. RSC Adv 2023; 13:31795-31810. [PMID: 37908649 PMCID: PMC10613952 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra05606f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is considered a worldwide infectious zoonotic disease. Mycobacterium bovis causes bTB disease. It is one of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) members. MTBC is a clonal complex of close relatives with approximately 99.95% similarity. M. bovis is a spillover pathogen that can transmit from animals to humans and rarely from humans to animals with contact. Genotyping techniques are important to discriminate and differentiate between MTBC species. Spoligotyping and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) are widely used but they have some limitations. As an alternative, whole genome sequencing approaches have been utilized due to their high-resolution power. They are employed in typing M. bovis and explain the evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships between isolates. The control of bTB disease has attracted a large amount of attention. Rapid and proper diagnosis is necessary for monitoring the disease as an initial step for its control and treatment. Nanotechnology has a potential impact on the rapid diagnosis and treatment of bTB through the use of nanocarrier and metal nanoparticles (NPs). Special attention has been paid to voltammetric and impedimetric electrochemical strategies as facile, sensitive, and selective methods for the efficient detection of tuberculosis. The efficacy of these sensors is enhanced in the presence of NPs, which act as recognition and/or redox probes. Gold, silver, copper, cobalt, graphene, and magnetic NPs, as well as polypyrrole nanowires and multiwalled carbon nanotubes have been employed for detecting tuberculosis. Overall, NP-based electrochemical sensors represent a promising tool for the diagnosis of bTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustafa Zahran
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University Shebin El-Kom 32512 Egypt
- Menoufia Company for Water and Wastewater, Holding Company for Water and Wastewater Menoufia 32514 Egypt
| | - Rehan M El-Shabasy
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University Shebin El-Kom 32512 Egypt
- Chemistry Department, The American University in Cairo AUC Avenue New Cairo 11835 Egypt
| | - Alyaa Elrashedy
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City Egypt
| | - Walid Mousa
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City Egypt
| | - Mohamed Nayel
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City Egypt
| | - Akram Salama
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City Egypt
| | - Ahmed Zaghawa
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City Egypt
| | - Ahmed Elsify
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City Egypt
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El Safadi D, Osman M, Hanna A, Hajar I, Kassem II, Khalife S, Dabboussi F, Hamze M. Parasitic Contamination of Fresh Leafy Green Vegetables Sold in Northern Lebanon. Pathogens 2023; 12:1014. [PMID: 37623974 PMCID: PMC10459145 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081014] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Contaminated, raw or undercooked vegetables can transmit parasitic infections. Here, we investigated parasitic contamination of leafy green vegetables sold in local markets in the Tripoli district, Lebanon, during two consecutive autumn seasons (2020-2021). The study involved the microscopic examination of 300 samples of five different types of vegetables (60 samples per type) and used standardized qualitative parasitological techniques for some protozoa and helminths. The results showed that 16.7% (95% interval for p: 12.6%, 21.4%) (50/300) of the vegetable samples were contaminated with at least one parasite. The most frequently detected parasite was Blastocystis spp. (8.7%; 26/300); this was followed in frequency by Ascaris spp. (3.7%; 11/300). Among the different vegetable types, lettuce (23.3%; 14/60) was the most contaminated, while arugula was the least contaminated (11.7%; 7/60). The statistical analysis did not reveal any significant association between the prevalence of parasitic contamination and the investigated risk factors, which included collection date, vegetable type, market storage status, and wetness of vegetables at the time of purchase (p > 0.05). The high prevalence of parasitic contamination also suggested the potential presence of other microbial pathogens. These findings are important because leafy green vegetables are preferentially and heavily consumed raw in Lebanon. Thus, implementing effective measures that target the farm-to-fork continuum is recommended in order to reduce the spread of intestinal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dima El Safadi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L7 8XZ, UK;
- Laboratoire Microbiology, Santé et Environnement, Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (A.H.); (I.H.); (F.D.); (M.H.)
| | - Marwan Osman
- Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Angel Hanna
- Laboratoire Microbiology, Santé et Environnement, Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (A.H.); (I.H.); (F.D.); (M.H.)
| | - Iman Hajar
- Laboratoire Microbiology, Santé et Environnement, Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (A.H.); (I.H.); (F.D.); (M.H.)
| | - Issmat I. Kassem
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA 30223, USA;
| | - Sara Khalife
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon;
| | - Fouad Dabboussi
- Laboratoire Microbiology, Santé et Environnement, Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (A.H.); (I.H.); (F.D.); (M.H.)
| | - Monzer Hamze
- Laboratoire Microbiology, Santé et Environnement, Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (A.H.); (I.H.); (F.D.); (M.H.)
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11
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Mbuyazi TB, Ajibade PA. Influence of Different Capping Agents on the Structural, Optical, and Photocatalytic Degradation Efficiency of Magnetite (Fe 3O 4) Nanoparticles. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2067. [PMID: 37513078 PMCID: PMC10384526 DOI: 10.3390/nano13142067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Octylamine (OTA), 1-dodecanethiol (DDT), and tri-n-octylphosphine (TOP) capped magnetite nanoparticles were prepared by co-precipitation method. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed inverse spinel crystalline phases for the as-prepared iron oxide nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopic micrographs showed iron oxide nanoparticles with mean particle sizes of 2.1 nm for Fe3O4-OTA, 5.0 nm for Fe3O4-DDT, and 4.4 nm for Fe3O4-TOP. The energy bandgap of the iron oxide nanoparticles ranges from 2.25 eV to 2.76 eV. The iron oxide nanoparticles were used as photocatalysts for the degradation of methylene blue with an efficiency of 55.5%, 58.3%, and 66.7% for Fe3O4-OTA, Fe3O4-DDT, and Fe3O4-TOP, respectively, while for methyl orange the degradation efficiencies were 63.8%, 47.7%, and 74.1%, respectively. The results showed that tri-n-octylphosphine capped iron oxide nanoparticles are the most efficient iron oxide nano-photocatalysts for the degradation of both dyes. Scavenger studies show that electrons (e-) and hydroxy radicals (•OH) contribute significantly to the photocatalytic degradation reaction of both methylene blue and methyl orange using Fe3O4-TOP nanoparticles. The influence of the dye solution's pH on the photocatalytic reaction reveals that a pH of 10 is the optimum for methylene blue degradation, whereas a pH of 2 is best for methyl orange photocatalytic degradation using the as-prepared iron oxide nano-photocatalyst. Recyclability studies revealed that the iron oxide photocatalysts can be recycled three times without losing their photocatalytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thandi B Mbuyazi
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
| | - Peter A Ajibade
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
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12
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Hussein ND, Hassan JW, Osman M, El-Omari K, Kharroubi SA, Toufeili I, Kassem II. Assessment of the Microbiological Acceptability of White Cheese (Akkawi) in Lebanon and the Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Associated Escherichia coli. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12030610. [PMID: 36978477 PMCID: PMC10044863 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dairy foods are a staple in Lebanon, a low- and middle-income country that has been experiencing serious challenges to food safety and antimicrobial stewardship among other issues. The microbiological acceptability of dairy products has been of increasing concern. This is partially due to the failing economy and prolonged power outages that affect the quality of raw material and disrupt the dairy cold chain, respectively. Therefore, we assessed the microbiological acceptability of Akkawi, a popular white-brined cheese in Lebanon. For this purpose, we quantified the densities of Escherichia coli (a fecal indicator) and Staphylococcus aureus in cheeses collected from Lebanese retail stores. Additionally, we evaluated the antibiotic resistance profiles of the E. coli isolated from the cheese. E. coli and S. aureus were detected in 40 (80%) and 16 (32%) of the 50 cheese samples, respectively. Notably, 40 (80%) and 16 (32%) of the samples exceeded the maximum permissible limit of E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. A high percentage of the 118 E. coli isolated from the cheeses showed resistance to clinically and agriculturally important antibiotics, while 89 (75%) isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). Given that Akkawi can be consumed without cooking, our findings highlight serious food safety and antimicrobial resistance problems that require immediate interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasri Daher Hussein
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB), Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Jouman W. Hassan
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223, USA
| | - Marwan Osman
- Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Khaled El-Omari
- Quality Control Center Laboratories at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture of Tripoli & North Lebanon, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Samer A. Kharroubi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB), Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Imad Toufeili
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB), Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Issmat I. Kassem
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223, USA
- Correspondence:
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13
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Kassem II, Osman M, Jaafar H, El Omari K. Refugee settlements, sewage pollution, COVID-19 and the unfolding cholera outbreak in Lebanon. J Travel Med 2022; 29:6847755. [PMID: 36434781 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taac142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We have previously documented that the unsanitary conditions in the Syrian refugee settlements and pollution in Lebanon were suitable for the proliferation of infectious diseases. Here, we discuss how cholera is spreading rapidly across Lebanon, where a Syrian man from an informal settlement is thought to be the index case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issmat I Kassem
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223-1797, USA.,Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Osman
- Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.,Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Hadi Jaafar
- Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Khaled El Omari
- Quality Control Center Laboratories at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture of Tripoli & North Lebanon, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon.,Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
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14
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Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity of Mg-Doped CuO Nanoparticles. Molecules 2022; 28:molecules28010103. [PMID: 36615296 PMCID: PMC9822415 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effect of magnesium (Mg) doping on the characteristics and antibacterial properties of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs). The Mg-doped CuO NPs were fabricated by the co-precipitation method. NPs were characterized by X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Photoluminescence (PL). Broth microdilution, agar-well diffusion, and time-kill assays were employed to assess the antibacterial activity of the NPs. XRD revealed the monoclinic structure of CuO NPs and the successful incorporation of Mg dopant to the Cu1-xMgxO NPs. TEM revealed the spherical shape of the CuO NPs. Mg doping affected the morphology of NPs and decreased their agglomeration. EDX patterns confirmed the high purity of the undoped and Mg-doped CuO NPs. FTIR analysis revealed the shifts in the Cu-O bond induced by the Mg dopant. The position, width, and intensity of the PL bands were affected as a result of Mg doping, which is an indication of vacancies. Both undoped and doped CuO NPs exhibited significant antibacterial capacities. NPs inhibited the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These results highlight the potential use of Mg-doped CuO NPs as an antibacterial agent.
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15
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Draft Genome Sequences of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolated from River Water. Microbiol Resour Announc 2022; 11:e0082722. [PMID: 36222705 PMCID: PMC9670951 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00827-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The spread of antibiotic resistance poses a critical challenge worldwide. Contaminated environments can become reservoirs, spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genetic determinants of resistance to humans directly or indirectly. Here, we report the draft genome sequence, the resistome, virulence genes, and sequence types of seven multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains isolated from river water.
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16
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Rima M, Oueslati S, Dabos L, Daaboul D, Mallat H, Bou Raad E, Achkar M, Mawlawi O, Bernabeu S, Bonnin RA, Girlich D, Osman M, Hamze M, Naas T. Prevalence and Molecular Mechanisms of Carbapenem Resistance among Gram-Negative Bacilli in Three Hospitals of Northern Lebanon. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11101295. [PMID: 36289953 PMCID: PMC9598570 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11101295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem resistance (CR) is an emerging health issue. Epidemiological surveys on carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (CR-GNB) in Lebanon remain scarce. In this study, we determined the prevalence of CR-GNB isolated between 2015 to 2019 in three hospitals in northern Lebanon: 311 CR-Enterobacterales (out of 11210; 2.8%), 155 CR-Pseudomonas (out of 1034; 15%) and 106 CR- Acinetobacter (out of 184; 57.6%) were identified. CR mechanisms were determined for 146 randomly chosen isolates: the Carba NP test revealed an enzymatic resistance to carbapenems in 109 isolates (out of 146, 74.7%). Produced carbapenemases were evaluated by the NG-Test Carba5, NG-Test OXA-23 immunochromatographic assays and PCR. Carbapenemase-producing (CP) Enterobacterales expressed blaOXA-48-like, blaNDM-like and blaVIM-like genes and CP-Pseudomonas expressed blaIMP-like and blaVIM-like genes, whereas CP-Acinetobacter expressed blaOXA-23-like genes. The NG-Test Carba5 results were confirmed by PCR sequencing and revealed several variants, such as NDM-19, VIM-62 and OXA-162, never described so far in Lebanon. Isolates with discordant results were sequenced by WGS and highlighted novel variants of the natural oxacillinases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: blaOXA-50-like genes. Their role in carbapenem resistance should be further studied. Overall, our findings highlight an alarming situation and encourage health care centers to establish performant registration systems that could help in limiting resistance spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Rima
- Team ReSIST, INSERM U1184, School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, LabEx LERMIT, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Saoussen Oueslati
- Team ReSIST, INSERM U1184, School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, LabEx LERMIT, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Bacteriology-Hygiene Unit, Bicêtre Hospital, APHP Paris-Saclay, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Laura Dabos
- Team ReSIST, INSERM U1184, School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, LabEx LERMIT, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Dina Daaboul
- Team ReSIST, INSERM U1184, School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, LabEx LERMIT, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Hassan Mallat
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Elie Bou Raad
- Clinical Laboratory, El Youssef Hospital Center, Halba 1302, Lebanon
| | - Marcel Achkar
- Clinical Laboratory, Nini Hospital, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Osman Mawlawi
- Clinical Laboratory, Tripoli Governmental Hospital, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Sandrine Bernabeu
- Team ReSIST, INSERM U1184, School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, LabEx LERMIT, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Bacteriology-Hygiene Unit, Bicêtre Hospital, APHP Paris-Saclay, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Rémy A. Bonnin
- Team ReSIST, INSERM U1184, School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, LabEx LERMIT, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- French National Reference Center for Antibiotic Resistance: Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Delphine Girlich
- Team ReSIST, INSERM U1184, School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, LabEx LERMIT, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Marwan Osman
- Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Monzer Hamze
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Thierry Naas
- Team ReSIST, INSERM U1184, School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, LabEx LERMIT, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Bacteriology-Hygiene Unit, Bicêtre Hospital, APHP Paris-Saclay, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- French National Reference Center for Antibiotic Resistance: Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-1-4521-2019
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17
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Osman M, Cummings KJ, El Omari K, Kassem II. Catch-22: War, Refugees, COVID-19, and the Scourge of Antimicrobial Resistance. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:921921. [PMID: 35814789 PMCID: PMC9263824 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.921921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Wars have hidden repercussions beyond the immediate losses of life, well-being, and prosperity. Those that flee wars and seek refuge in safer locations are not immune to the tragic impacts. Of particular concern is the susceptibility of the refugee populations to infectious diseases and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. This poses a detrimental risk to these disenfranchised populations, who often have limited access to medical care, sanitation, and nutritious and safe food. Furthermore, antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in refugees can be both transmitted to and acquired from their hosting communities. The latter is particularly problematic when the host countries suffer from serious challenges such as limited resources, pollution, and widespread antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Here, we discuss AMR in refugees of the ongoing Syrian war, a conflict that resulted in the largest population displacement in recent history. We argue that Syrian refugees and their hosting communities are at an elevated risk of complicated and life-threatening AMR infections. We also call on the international community to address this grievous problem that threatens the disenfranchised refugee populations and can spill over across geographic borders to affect multiple countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Osman
- Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Marwan Osman
| | - Kevin J. Cummings
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Khaled El Omari
- Quality Control Center Laboratories at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture of Tripoli & North Lebanon, Tripoli, Lebanon
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Issmat I. Kassem
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, United States
- Issmat I. Kassem
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18
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Dabbousi AA, Dabboussi F, Hamze M, Osman M, Kassem II. The Emergence and Dissemination of Multidrug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Lebanon: Current Status and Challenges during the Economic Crisis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11050687. [PMID: 35625331 PMCID: PMC9137902 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11050687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections and chronic airway diseases in non-clinical settings. P. aeruginosa is intrinsically resistant to a variety of antimicrobials and has the ability to acquire resistance to others, causing increasingly recalcitrant infections and elevating public health concerns. We reviewed the literature on multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa isolated from humans (nosocomial and community-associated), animals, and the environment in Lebanon, a country that has been suffering from a surge in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We identified 24 studies that described the epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of P. aeruginosa. Our analysis showed that the bacterium was predominant in lesions of patients on mechanical ventilation and in burn patients and those with diabetic foot infections and hematological malignancies. We also found that carbapenem resistance in P. aeruginosa isolates in Lebanon involved both enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms but depended predominantly on VIM-2 production (40.7%). Additionally, MDR P. aeruginosa was detected in animals, where a recent study reported the emergence of carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa in livestock in Lebanon. Notably, no studies evaluated the contribution of MDR P. aeruginosa in the environment to human infections. Taken together, our findings highlight the need for AMR surveillance programs and a national action plan to combat resistance in Lebanon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fouad Dabboussi
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (F.D.); (M.H.)
| | - Monzer Hamze
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (F.D.); (M.H.)
| | - Marwan Osman
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Correspondence: (M.O.); (I.I.K.)
| | - Issmat I. Kassem
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223-1797, USA
- Correspondence: (M.O.); (I.I.K.)
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19
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Multiple Antibiotic Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolates from Fecal and Water Sources in Laguna Lake, Philippines. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14091517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Due to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, antibiotic residues accumulate in natural environments, leading to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs). The presence of ARBs in bodies of water poses health hazards to the surrounding community. This study focused on Laguna Lake, the largest lake in the Philippines, which serves as a water source for agriculture and domestic purposes. We aimed to detect the presence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli from the lake waters and potential reservoirs of resistance as well as determine the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indices of the isolates. E. coli (n = 450) was isolated from fecal-associated samples (chicken, cow, pig, human, sewage) and water samples (sites in Laguna Lake and selected river tributaries). The isolates were subjected to an antibiotic resistance assay using VITEK 2®. Among the 16 antibiotics tested, the isolates exhibited varying resistance to 14, but complete susceptibility to amikacin and tigecycline was observed. Isolates were most frequently resistant to ampicillin (196/450, 43.6%). Among fecal-associated samples, chicken isolates exhibited the highest MAR index (0.174), whereas samples from Pila River exhibited the highest MAR index (0.152) among water samples. The results of this study demonstrate the presence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in samples collected around Laguna Lake and reveal fecal and sewage sources as potential reservoirs of ARBs in the water body. With this information, the public is urged to use antibiotics responsibly to help mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance.
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A brewing storm: The impact of economic collapse on the access to antimicrobials in Lebanon. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2022; 29:313-315. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2022.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Hobeika W, Gaschet M, Ploy MC, Buelow E, Sarkis DK, Dagot C. Resistome Diversity and Dissemination of WHO Priority Antibiotic Resistant Pathogens in Lebanese Estuaries. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11030306. [PMID: 35326767 PMCID: PMC8944630 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11030306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic pressure is known to be a key driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) dissemination in the environment. Especially in lower income countries, with poor infrastructure, the level of AMR dissemination is high. Therefore, we assessed the levels and diversity of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in Lebanese rivers at estuaries’ sites (n = 72) of the Mediterranean Sea in spring 2017 and winter 2018. Methods: A combined approach using culture techniques and high throughput qPCR were applied to identify ARB and ARGs in rivers along the Lebanese coast. Results: Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative (Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas spp.) and Gram-positive bacterial pathogens were isolated. Levels of ARGs were highest in the winter campaign and areas with high anthropogenic activities and population growth with an influx of refugees. Conclusion: Qualitative analysis of ARB and the analysis of the Lebanese estuaries’ resistome revealed critical levels of contamination with pathogenic bacteria and provided significant information about the spread of ARGs in anthropogenically impacted estuaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wadad Hobeika
- Université de Limoges, INSERM, CHU Limoges, 87085 Limoges, France; (W.H.); (M.G.); (M.-C.P.)
- Microbiology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut 17-5208, Lebanon;
| | - Margaux Gaschet
- Université de Limoges, INSERM, CHU Limoges, 87085 Limoges, France; (W.H.); (M.G.); (M.-C.P.)
| | - Marie-Cécile Ploy
- Université de Limoges, INSERM, CHU Limoges, 87085 Limoges, France; (W.H.); (M.G.); (M.-C.P.)
| | - Elena Buelow
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Correspondence: (E.B.); (C.D.)
| | - Dolla Karam Sarkis
- Microbiology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut 17-5208, Lebanon;
| | - Christophe Dagot
- Université de Limoges, INSERM, CHU Limoges, 87085 Limoges, France; (W.H.); (M.G.); (M.-C.P.)
- Correspondence: (E.B.); (C.D.)
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