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Hayward C, Ross KE, Brown MH, Nisar MA, Hinds J, Jamieson T, Leterme SC, Whiley H. Handwashing basins and healthcare associated infections: Bacterial diversity in biofilms on faucets and drains. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 949:175194. [PMID: 39094661 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175194] [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: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasingly, hospital handwashing basins have been identified as a source of healthcare-associated infections. Biofilms formed on the faucet and drains of handbasins can potentially harbour pathogenic microbes and promote the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. However, little is known about the diversity of these biofilm communities and the routes of contamination. AIM The aim of this paper was to use 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to investigate the diversity of prokaryote communities present in faucet and drain biofilm samples taken from hospital and residential handbasins. FINDINGS The biofilm prokaryotes communities were diverse, with high abundances of potentially corrosive, biofilm forming and pathogenic genera, including those that are not typically waterborne. The β-diversity showed statistically significant differences in the variation of bacterial communities on the basis on building type (hospital vs residential p = 0.0415). However, there was no statistically significant clustering based on sampling site (faucet vs drain p = 0.46). When examining the β-diversity between individual factors, there was a significant difference between drain biofilms of different buildings (hospital drain vs residential drain p = 0.0338). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that biofilms from hospital and residential handbasins contain complex and diverse microbial communities that differ significantly by building type. It also showed biofilms formed on the faucet and drain of a hospital's handbasins were not significantly different. Future research is needed to understand the potential mechanisms of transfer between drains and faucets of hospital handbasins. This information will inform improved infection control guidelines to control this underrecognized source of infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Hayward
- Environmental Health, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Kirstin E Ross
- Environmental Health, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - Melissa H Brown
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Australia; Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - Muhammad Atif Nisar
- Environmental Health, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jason Hinds
- Enware Australia Pty Ltd., 11 Endeavour Road, Caringbah 2229, New South Wales, Australia; ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tamar Jamieson
- ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Australia; Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sophie C Leterme
- ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Australia; Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - Harriet Whiley
- Environmental Health, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Australia; Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Australia
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Ghannam IA, Maraqa RM, Qawasmeh DS, Alsous RK, Jaber SMA, Ghatasha IAA, Ghannam YI. Impact of COVID-19 health precautions on asymptomatic Streptococcus pyogenes carriage in palestinian children: a pre- and post-pandemic study. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:1104. [PMID: 39367303 PMCID: PMC11451109 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-10023-w] [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: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) is a significant pathogen that causes diverse infections, ranging from pharyngitis to severe invasive diseases. Asymptomatic carriage in children is pivotal for transmission. The COVID-19 pandemic's health measures, including mask wearing and enhanced hand hygiene, likely influenced GAS transmission dynamics. This study evaluated the impact of these precautions on the prevalence of asymptomatic pharyngeal GAS carriage among schoolchildren in the southern West Bank, Palestine. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases: pre-COVID-19 (November 2019-January 2020) and post-COVID-19 (November 2023-April 2024). Throat swabs were collected from 701 children (345 pre-COVID-19, 356 post-COVID-19) via cluster sampling. The samples were tested with the ABON Strep A rapid test and confirmed by culture. Sociodemographic, health, and household data were also collected. The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. RESULTS The prevalence of asymptomatic pharyngeal GAS carriage declined from 15.7% pre-COVID-19 to 10.4% post-COVID-19 (p = 0.038). Significant reductions were observed among urban residents (23.5-10.1%, p = 0.003) and those from medium socioeconomic backgrounds (16.0-9.1%, p = 0.008). Compared with urban residents, rural residents had lower GAS carriage rates (adjusted OR = 0.505, p = 0.023). Carriage rates also decreased among children with frequent sore throats (17.6-7.3%, p = 0.007) and those using private wells (52.5-14.9%, p < 0.001). Higher BMI was a significant risk factor (adjusted OR = 17.68, p < 0.001), whereas frequent tooth brushing (adjusted OR = 0.055, p < 0.001) and hand washing (adjusted OR = 0.367, p < 0.001) were protective factors. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19-related health precautions were correlated with a significant reduction in asymptomatic GAS carriage among Palestinian children. These findings suggest that public health measures, such as mask wearing and hand hygiene, can influence the transmission of respiratory pathogens. Ongoing surveillance and targeted interventions are essential for managing GAS infections, particularly in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Amer Ghannam
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Professions, Al-Quds University, Abu Dis, Palestine.
| | - Rana Mahmoud Maraqa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Professions, Al-Quds University, Abu Dis, Palestine
| | - Duha Shokri Qawasmeh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Professions, Al-Quds University, Abu Dis, Palestine
| | - Rania Khalil Alsous
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Professions, Al-Quds University, Abu Dis, Palestine
| | - Sakra Mohammad Abu Jaber
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Professions, Al-Quds University, Abu Dis, Palestine
| | - Iman Abd Almuti Ghatasha
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Professions, Al-Quds University, Abu Dis, Palestine
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Zeng T, Cao Y, Yin J, Feng P, Tian Y, Sun H, Gu T, Zong Y, Ma X, Zhao Z, Chen L, Xu W, Han W, Lu L. Unraveling the gut microbiota of Tibetan chickens: insights into highland adaptation and ecological advantages. Microbiol Spectr 2024:e0051924. [PMID: 39345125 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00519-24] [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: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Tibetan animals have several unique advantages owing to the harsh ecological conditions under which they live. However, compared to Tibetan mammals, understanding of the advantages and underlying mechanisms of the representative high-latitude bird, the Tibetan chicken (Gallus gallus, TC), remains limited. The gut microbiota of animals has been conclusively shown to be closely related to both host health and host environmental adaptation. This study aimed to explore the relationships between the cecal microbiome and the advantages of TCs based on comparisons among three populations: native TCs residing on the plateau, domestic TCs living in the plain, and one native plain species. Metatranscriptomic sequencing revealed a significant enrichment of active Bacteroidetes but a loss of active Firmicutes in native TCs. Additionally, the upregulated expression of genes in the cecal microbiome of native TCs showed enriched pathways related to energy metabolism, glycan metabolism, and the immune response. Furthermore, the expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and secondary bile acids (SBAs) was upregulated in the cecal microbiome of native TCs. Data from targeted metabolomics further confirmed elevated levels of certain SCFAs and SBAs in the cecum of native TCs. Based on the multi-omics association analysis, we proposed that the higher ratio of active Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes may be attributed to the efficient energy metabolism and stronger immunological activity of native TCs. Our findings provide a better understanding of the interactions between gut microbiota and highland adaptation, and novel insights into the mechanisms by which Tibetan chickens adapt to the plateau hypoxic environment. IMPORTANCE The composition and function of the active cecal microbiome were significantly different between the plateau Tibetan chicken population and the plain chicken population. Higher expression genes related to energy metabolism and immune response were found in the cecal microbiome of the plateau Tibetan chicken population. The cecal microbiome in the plateau Tibetan chicken population exhibited higher biosynthesis of short-chain fatty and secondary bile acids, resulting in higher cecal content of these metabolites. The active Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio in the cecal microbiome may contribute to the high-altitude adaptive advantage of the plateau Tibetan chicken population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongqing Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianmei Yin
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Science, Yangzhou, China
| | - Peishi Feng
- Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hanxue Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tiantian Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yibo Zong
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueying Ma
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Academy Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa, China
| | - Zelong Zhao
- Shanghai BIOZERON Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenwu Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Han
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Science, Yangzhou, China
| | - Lizhi Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Poultry) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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Frith K, de Lima Corvino D, Wollstein R. Streptococcus pyogenes flexor tenosynovitis. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2024:17531934241286114. [PMID: 39327982 DOI: 10.1177/17531934241286114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
We describe a case of Group A streptococcal infection originally presenting as flexor tenosynovitis. Group A Streptococcus outbreaks have been recently described in developed countries, which constitutes an epidemiological shift that hand surgeons should be aware of.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Frith
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Alabama, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Daniela de Lima Corvino
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ronit Wollstein
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Alabama, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Gebre AB, Fenta DA, Negash AA, Hayile BJ. Prevalence, Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern and Associated Factors of Streptococcus pyogenes among Pediatric Patients with Acute Pharyngitis in Sidama, Southern Ethiopia. Int J Microbiol 2024; 2024:9282571. [PMID: 39319095 PMCID: PMC11421939 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9282571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Streptococcus pyogenes is the most frequent cause of pharyngitis and skin infections in children and causes immune complications like rheumatic fever and rheumatoid heart disease (RHD), particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, antibiotic resistance pattern, and associated factors of Streptococcus pyogenes among pediatric patients suspected of acute pharyngitis in Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 213 acute pharyngitis suspected pediatric patients from April to September 2022 at Hawassa University Compressive Specialized Hospital and Yirgalem Hospital. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A throat swab was cultured to isolate S. pyogenes, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using standard bacteriological techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, and P value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result Out of 213 throat swabs cultured, 22 (10.3%) with 95% CI (6.6-14.6%) were S. pyogenes positive. All isolates of S. pyogenes were sensitive to penicillin and amoxicillin. In contrast, 8 (36.4%) isolates exhibited resistance to tetracycline, 7 (31.8%) to ceftriaxone, 6 (27.3%) to erythromycin, and 5 (22.7%) isolates showed multidrug resistance. The presence of palatal petechiae (P=0.037) and tonsillar swelling or exudate (P=0.007) were significantly associated with S. pyogenes carriage in children suspected of having acute pharyngitis. Conclusion In this study, the prevalence of S. pyogenes among children suspected with acute pharyngitis was low compared to other studies. The isolates showed a high level of resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Therefore, the treatment of pediatric acute S. pyogenes pharyngitis should depend on an antimicrobial susceptibility test. Furthermore, evaluation of S. pyogenes pediatric acute pharyngitis risk factors and tracking of antibiotic resistance are crucial in the controlling of pediatric acute S. pyogenes pharyngitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alemitu Beyene Gebre
- Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health ScienceSchool of Medical Laboratory Science, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Demissie Assegu Fenta
- Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health ScienceSchool of Medical Laboratory Science, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Betelihem Jima Hayile
- Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health ScienceSchool of Medical Laboratory Science, Hawassa, Ethiopia
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Khaleque MA, Hossain SI, Ali MR, Aly Saad Aly M, Abuelmakarem HS, Al Mamun MS, Hossain Khan MZ. Bioreceptor modified electrochemical biosensors for the detection of life threating pathogenic bacteria: a review. RSC Adv 2024; 14:28487-28515. [PMID: 39247512 PMCID: PMC11378029 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra04038d] [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: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The lack of reliable and efficient techniques for early monitoring to stop long-term effects on human health is an increasing problem as the pathogenesis effect of infectious bacteria is growing continuously. Therefore, developing an effective early detection technique coupled with efficient and continuous monitoring of pathogenic bacteria is increasingly becoming a global public health prime target. Electrochemical biosensors are among the strategies that can be utilized for accomplishing that goal with promising potential. In recent years, identifying target biological analytes by interacting with bioreceptors modified electrodes is among the most commonly used detection techniques in electrochemical biosensing strategies. The commonly employed bioreceptors are nucleic acid molecules (DNA or RNA), proteins, antibodies, enzymes, organisms, tissues, and biomimetic components such as molecularly imprinted polymers. Despite the advancement in electrochemical biosensing, developing a reliable and effective biosensor for detecting pathogenic bacteria is still in the infancy stage with so much room for growth. A major milestone in addressing some of the issues and improving the detection pathway is the investigation of specific bacterial detection techniques. The present study covers the fundamental concepts of electrochemical biosensors, human PB illnesses, and the latest electrochemical biosensors based on bioreceptor elements that are designed to detect specific pathogenic bacteria. This study aims to assist researchers with the most up-to-date research work in the field of bio-electrochemical pathogenic bacteria detection and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abdul Khaleque
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Jashore University of Science and Technology Jashore 7408 Bangladesh
- Laboratory of Nano-bio and Advanced Materials Engineering (NAME), Jashore University of Science and Technology Jashore 7408 Bangladesh
| | - Syed Imdadul Hossain
- Laboratory of Nano-bio and Advanced Materials Engineering (NAME), Jashore University of Science and Technology Jashore 7408 Bangladesh
- Centre for Sophisticated Instrumentation and Research Laboratory (CSIRL), Jashore University of Science and Technology Jashore 7408 Bangladesh
| | - Md Romzan Ali
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Jashore University of Science and Technology Jashore 7408 Bangladesh
- Laboratory of Nano-bio and Advanced Materials Engineering (NAME), Jashore University of Science and Technology Jashore 7408 Bangladesh
| | - Mohamed Aly Saad Aly
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech Shenzhen Institute (GTSI) Shenzhen Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Hala S Abuelmakarem
- Systems and Biomedical Engineering Department, The Higher Institute of Engineering El Shorouk Egypt
| | - Muhammad Shamim Al Mamun
- Chemistry Discipline, School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Khulna University Khulna 9208 Bangladesh
| | - Md Zaved Hossain Khan
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Jashore University of Science and Technology Jashore 7408 Bangladesh
- Laboratory of Nano-bio and Advanced Materials Engineering (NAME), Jashore University of Science and Technology Jashore 7408 Bangladesh
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Birhanu A, Amare A, Tigabie M, Getaneh E, Assefa M, Cherkos T, Moges F. Nasopharyngeal carriage, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors of Gram-positive bacteria among children attending the outpatient department at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0308017. [PMID: 39197069 PMCID: PMC11357108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gram-positive bacteria residing in the nasopharynx can lead to severe illnesses in children, such as otitis media, pneumonia, and meningitis. Despite the potential threat, there is a lack of comprehensive data regarding the carriage rates of these bacteria among children in outpatient departments in the study area. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the nasopharyngeal carriage, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and associated factors of Gram-positive bacteria among children attending the outpatient department at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1, 2023, to August 30, 2023. A total of 424 nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected using sterile nasopharyngeal swabs, inoculated on Blood Agar and Mannitol Salt Agar plates, and identified through colony morphology, Gram stain, and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the identified bacterial isolates was determined employing both the Kirby-Bauer and modified Kirby-Bauer methods. D-tests were conducted using clindamycin and erythromycin discs to detect inducible clindamycin resistance, while cefoxitin disc tests were utilized to ascertain methicillin resistance. Data entry was executed using Epi-Data version 4.6, and subsequent analysis was performed utilizing SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval with a P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The overall nasopharyngeal carriage rate of Gram-positive bacteria was 296/424 (69.8%, 95% CI: 65.3-74.0). Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent 122/424 (28.8%), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae 92/424 (21.7%). Methicillin resistance was observed in 19/122 (15.6%) of S. aureus and 3/60 (5%) of coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) species. Inducible clindamycin resistance was 10/122 (8.2%) in S. aureus and 4/53 (7.5%) in coagulase-negative staphylococcus species. Multidrug resistance was found in 146/296 (49.3%, 95% CI: 43.6-55.0) of the isolates. Associated factors with a bacterial carriage were large family size (AOR = 3.061, 95% CI: 1.595-5.874, P = 0.001), having siblings under five years old (AOR = 1.991, 95% CI: 1.196-3.313, P = 0.008), indoor cooking (AOR = 2.195, 95% CI: 1.275-3.778, P = 0.005), an illiterate mother (AOR = 3.639, 95% CI: 1.691-7.829, P = 0.001), and hospital visits (AOR = 2.690, 95% CI: 1.405-5.151, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION The study found a high nasopharyngeal carriage of Gram-positive bacteria in outpatient children, including notable levels of methicillin-resistant S. aureus and multi-drug-resistant isolates. Clindamycin, rifampin, and erythromycin were the most effective antimicrobials for the tested isolates. Factors contributing to bacterial carriage include visits to healthcare facilities, larger family sizes, having younger siblings, maternal illiteracy, and indoor cooking. This emphasizes the need for methicillin-resistant S. aureus surveillance in pediatric outpatient settings and community health education, especially for children's guardians. Additionally, improving household ventilation by separating kitchens from sleeping areas and regular screening of younger siblings in healthcare environments were recommended to reduce bacterial transmission within family members. The study also called for studies with advanced procedures like minimum inhibitory concentration testing and molecular characterization to better comprehend the resistance patterns and genes in circulating bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebe Birhanu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Azanaw Amare
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mitkie Tigabie
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Eden Getaneh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Muluneh Assefa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tena Cherkos
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Feleke Moges
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Jorquera B, Valenzuela-Barra G, Mayorga A, Mejía J, Núñez G, Gómez M, Montenegro G, Vera Quezada WE, Echeverría J, Costa de Camargo A, Lino von Poser G, Bridi R. Exudate and Propolis from Escallonia pulverulenta: Phytochemical Characterization and Antibacterial Activity. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1971. [PMID: 39065498 PMCID: PMC11281019 DOI: 10.3390/plants13141971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Propolis is a complex mixture formed from exudates that bees collect from plants and then mix with beeswax and their own salivary enzymes. Chilean propolis is characterized by the presence of phenolic compounds, which are considered responsible for the biological activities. The endemic species Escallonia pulverulenta (Ruiz and Pav.) Pers. [Escalloniaceae] is a recognized source of exudate to produce propolis. This study reports for the first time the chemical profile and antibacterial activity of E. pulverulenta exudate and leaves, as well as two samples of Chilean propolis. Palynological and morphological analysis showed the presence of E. pulverulenta as one of the main species in the propolis samples. UPLC-MS/MS analyses enabled the identification of phenolic acids in the leaves and in the propolis. Conversely, flavonoids are mainly present in exudates and propolis. Quercetin is the most abundant flavonol in the exudate, with similar concentrations in the propolis samples. Nevertheless, the main compound present in both samples of propolis was the flavanone pinocembrin. The antibacterial results obtained for exudate and propolis have shown a similar behavior, especially in the inhibition of Streptococcus pyogenes. These results show the importance of the exudates collected by the bees in the chemical composition and antibacterial capacity of propolis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bairon Jorquera
- Departamento de Química Farmacológica y Toxicológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile; (B.J.); (G.V.-B.); (A.M.)
| | - Gabriela Valenzuela-Barra
- Departamento de Química Farmacológica y Toxicológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile; (B.J.); (G.V.-B.); (A.M.)
| | - Ailin Mayorga
- Departamento de Química Farmacológica y Toxicológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile; (B.J.); (G.V.-B.); (A.M.)
| | - Jessica Mejía
- Departamento de Ciencias Vegetales, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile; (J.M.); (G.N.); (M.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Gabriel Núñez
- Departamento de Ciencias Vegetales, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile; (J.M.); (G.N.); (M.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Miguel Gómez
- Departamento de Ciencias Vegetales, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile; (J.M.); (G.N.); (M.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Gloria Montenegro
- Departamento de Ciencias Vegetales, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile; (J.M.); (G.N.); (M.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Waleska E. Vera Quezada
- Facultad de Farmacia, Escuela Química y Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile;
- Centro de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación de Productos Bioactivos, CInBIO, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Javier Echeverría
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile;
| | | | - Gilsane Lino von Poser
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil
| | - Raquel Bridi
- Departamento de Química Farmacológica y Toxicológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile; (B.J.); (G.V.-B.); (A.M.)
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9
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Rampersadh K, Engel KC, Engel ME, Moodley C. A survey of antibiotic resistance patterns among Group A Streptococcus isolated from invasive and non-invasive infections in Cape Town, South Africa. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33694. [PMID: 39040411 PMCID: PMC11261099 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background There is concern regarding the increasing resistance of Group A streptococcus (GAS) to routinely used antibiotics. GAS is a common cause of bacterial pharyngitis and more severe invasive infections such as septicaemia. Furthermore, GAS pharyngitis is the antecedent for serious conditions such as rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. The study aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of GAS cultured from patients with invasive and non-invasive infections from Cape Town, as part of the AFROStrep Registry. Methods Samples were provided by the AFROStrep Registry, a continental endeavour aiming to document Streptococcus pyogenes infection in Africa and create the first biorepository of its kind. Ninety-five GAS isolates (invasive, n = 40; non-invasive, n = 55) were evaluated for resistance to a panel of 20 antibiotics using the Sensititre® STP6F system with MICs interpreted by CLSI break points. Results Amongst all isolates, highest levels of resistance were observed with respect to tetracycline (8.33 %), followed by azithromycin (1.04 %) and erythromycin (1.04 %). No resistance to the remaining antibiotics was detected amongst all isolates. No differences with regard to MIC values were observed between isolates from invasive and non-invasive infections (p-value >0.05 for all antibiotics). Conclusion GAS remains susceptible to routine-antimicrobial agents used in our low-resourced setting. Eight percent of the GAS isolates were resistant to tetracycline, and we did not observe macrolide resistance as reported in high income countries. This is the first study to report on the antimicrobial patterns of GAS in South Africa. These results address a critical gap in the available data on GAS in Africa and specifically South Africa and, thus, aid in avoiding therapeutic failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimona Rampersadh
- AFROStrep Research Initiative & PROTEA/Cape Heart Institute., University of Cape Town, Department of Medicine, Observatory, South Africa
| | - Kelin C. Engel
- AFROStrep Research Initiative & PROTEA/Cape Heart Institute., University of Cape Town, Department of Medicine, Observatory, South Africa
| | - Mark E. Engel
- AFROStrep Research Initiative & PROTEA/Cape Heart Institute., University of Cape Town, Department of Medicine, Observatory, South Africa
- SA Cochrane Centre, South Africa Medical Research Council, Francie van Zijl Dr, Parow Valley 7501, South Africa
| | - Clinton Moodley
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- The National Health Laboratory Service, Microbiology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
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10
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Panyod S, Wu WK, Chang CT, Wada N, Ho HC, Lo YL, Tsai SP, Chen RA, Huang HS, Liu PY, Chen YH, Chuang HL, Shen TCD, Tang SL, Ho CT, Wu MS, Sheen LY. Common dietary emulsifiers promote metabolic disorders and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in mice. Commun Biol 2024; 7:749. [PMID: 38902371 PMCID: PMC11190199 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06224-3] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Dietary emulsifiers are linked to various diseases. The recent discovery of the role of gut microbiota-host interactions on health and disease warrants the safety reassessment of dietary emulsifiers through the lens of gut microbiota. Lecithin, sucrose fatty acid esters, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and mono- and diglycerides (MDG) emulsifiers are common dietary emulsifiers with high exposure levels in the population. This study demonstrates that sucrose fatty acid esters and carboxymethylcellulose induce hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in a mouse model. Lecithin, sucrose fatty acid esters, and CMC disrupt glucose homeostasis in the in vitro insulin-resistance model. MDG impairs circulating lipid and glucose metabolism. All emulsifiers change the intestinal microbiota diversity and induce gut microbiota dysbiosis. Lecithin, sucrose fatty acid esters, and CMC do not impact mucus-bacterial interactions, whereas MDG tends to cause bacterial encroachment into the inner mucus layer and enhance inflammation potential by raising circulating lipopolysaccharide. Our findings demonstrate the safety concerns associated with using dietary emulsifiers, suggesting that they could lead to metabolic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraphan Panyod
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wei-Kai Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Bachelor Program of Biotechnology and Food Nutrition, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chih-Ting Chang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Naohisa Wada
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Han-Chen Ho
- Department of Anatomy, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Ling Lo
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Sing-Ping Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Rou-An Chen
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Huai-Syuan Huang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Po-Yu Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Hsun Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsiao-Li Chuang
- National Laboratory Animal Center, National Applied Research Laboratories, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ting-Chin David Shen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sen-Lin Tang
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chi-Tang Ho
- Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Ming-Shiang Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Lee-Yan Sheen
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
- Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
- National Center for Food Safety Education and Research, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
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11
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Tang D, Gueto-Tettay C, Hjortswang E, Ströbaek J, Ekström S, Happonen L, Malmström L, Malmström J. Multimodal Mass Spectrometry Identifies a Conserved Protective Epitope in S. pyogenes Streptolysin O. Anal Chem 2024; 96:9060-9068. [PMID: 38701337 PMCID: PMC11154737 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00596] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
An important element of antibody-guided vaccine design is the use of neutralizing or opsonic monoclonal antibodies to define protective epitopes in their native three-dimensional conformation. Here, we demonstrate a multimodal mass spectrometry-based strategy for in-depth characterization of antigen-antibody complexes to enable the identification of protective epitopes using the cytolytic exotoxin Streptolysin O (SLO) from Streptococcus pyogenes as a showcase. We first discovered a monoclonal antibody with an undisclosed sequence capable of neutralizing SLO-mediated cytolysis. The amino acid sequence of both the antibody light and the heavy chain was determined using mass-spectrometry-based de novo sequencing, followed by chemical cross-linking mass spectrometry to generate distance constraints between the antibody fragment antigen-binding region and SLO. Subsequent integrative computational modeling revealed a discontinuous epitope located in domain 3 of SLO that was experimentally validated by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and reverse engineering of the targeted epitope. The results show that the antibody inhibits SLO-mediated cytolysis by binding to a discontinuous epitope in domain 3, likely preventing oligomerization and subsequent secondary structure transitions critical for pore-formation. The epitope is highly conserved across >98% of the characterized S. pyogenes isolates, making it an attractive target for antibody-based therapy and vaccine design against severe streptococcal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Tang
- Division
of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of
Medicine, Lund University, Klinikgatan 32, 222 42 Lund, Sweden
| | - Carlos Gueto-Tettay
- Division
of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of
Medicine, Lund University, Klinikgatan 32, 222 42 Lund, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Hjortswang
- Division
of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of
Medicine, Lund University, Klinikgatan 32, 222 42 Lund, Sweden
| | - Joel Ströbaek
- Division
of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of
Medicine, Lund University, Klinikgatan 32, 222 42 Lund, Sweden
| | - Simon Ekström
- SciLifeLab,
Integrated Structural Biology Platform, Structural Proteomics Unit
Sweden, Lund University, Klinikgatan 32, 222
42 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lotta Happonen
- Division
of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of
Medicine, Lund University, Klinikgatan 32, 222 42 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars Malmström
- Division
of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of
Medicine, Lund University, Klinikgatan 32, 222 42 Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Malmström
- Division
of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of
Medicine, Lund University, Klinikgatan 32, 222 42 Lund, Sweden
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12
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Mirshekar M, Haghighat S, Mousavi Z, Abdolghaffari AH, Yazdi MH. Monophosphoryl lipid A as a co-adjuvant in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus vaccine development: improvement of immune responses in a mouse model of infection. Immunol Res 2024; 72:490-502. [PMID: 38383811 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-024-09456-x] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
To increase the effectiveness of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus vaccines (MRSA), a new generation of immune system stimulating adjuvants is necessary, along with other adjuvants. In some vaccines, monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) as a toll-like receptor 4 agonist is currently used as an adjuvant or co-adjuvant. MPLA could increase the immune response and vaccine immunogenicity. The current investigation assessed the immunogenicity and anti-MRSA efficacy of recombinant autolysin formulated in MPLA and Alum as co-adjuvant/adjuvant. r-Autolysin was expressed and purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and characterized by SDS-PAGE. Then, the vaccine candidate formulation in MPLAs and Alum was prepared. To investigate the immunogenic responses, total IgG, isotype (IgG1 and IgG2a) levels, and cytokines (IL-4, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) profiles were evaluated by ELISA. Also, the bacterial burden in internal organs, opsonophagocytosis, survival rate, and pathobiology changes was compared among the groups. Results demonstrated that mice immunized with the r-Autolysin + Alum + MPLA Synthetic and r-Autolysin + Alum + MPLA Biologic led to increased levels of opsonic antibodies, IgG1, IgG2a isotype as well as increased levels of cytokines profiles, as compared with other experimental groups. More importantly, mice immunized with MPLA and r-Autolysin exhibited a decrease in mortality and bacterial burden, as compared with the control group. The highest level of survival was seen in the r-Autolysin + Alum + MPLA Synthetic group. We concluded that both MPLA forms, synthetic and biological, are reliable candidates for immune response improvement against MRSA infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Mirshekar
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Setareh Haghighat
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Mousavi
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Abdolghaffari
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Hossein Yazdi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Recombinant Vaccine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Onigahara M, Yanazume S, Torisu H, Kobayashi H. Invasive group A streptococcal infection can be fatal to pregnant women in restricted medical resources remote areas-Emergent alert after COVID-19 pandemic. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2024; 50:1061-1066. [PMID: 38561215 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15934] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infection is a leading cause of maternal death. The increase in the number of patients with iGAS in Japan is markedly greater than before the coronavirus pandemic. We encountered a case of iGAS infection, on a remote island with restricted medical resources, in a third-trimester pregnant woman, resulting in both maternal and fetal death. A 34-year-old woman was admitted via a local general hospital with a high fever. Intrauterine fetal death disseminated intravascular coagulation, and septic shock were confirmed. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were started, and the patient was returned to the local general hospital. Eight hours after arrival, the patient died of circulatory and respiratory dysfunction complications. iGAS infections in remote areas may directly lead to life-threatening conditions and should be treated as an emergency, comparable to the serious conditions of placental abruption or placenta previa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shintaro Yanazume
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | | | - Hiroaki Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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14
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Goretzki SC, van der Linden M, Itzek A, Hühne T, Adelmann RO, Ala Eldin F, Albarouni M, Becker JC, Berghäuser MA, Boesing T, Boeswald M, Brasche M, Brevis Nuñez F, Camara R, Deibert C, Dohle F, Dolgner J, Dziobaka J, Eifinger F, Elting N, Endmann M, Engelmann G, Frenzke H, Gappa M, Gharavi B, Goletz C, Hahn E, Heidenreich Y, Heimann K, Hensel KO, Hoffmann HG, Hoppenz M, Horneff G, Klassen H, Koerner-Rettberg C, Längler A, Lenz P, Lohmeier K, Müller A, Niemann F, Paulussen M, Pentek F, Perez R, Pingel M, Repges P, Rothoeft T, Rübo J, Schade H, Schmitz R, Schonhoff P, Schwade JN, Schwarz T, Seiffert P, Selzer G, Spille U, Thiel C, Thimm A, Urgatz B, van den Heuvel A, van Hop T, Giesen V, Wirth S, Wollbrink T, Wüller D, Felderhoff-Müser U, Dohna-Schwake C, Lâm TT, Claus H, Bruns N. Outbreak of severe community-acquired bacterial infections among children in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany), October to December 2022. Infection 2024; 52:1099-1111. [PMID: 38366304 PMCID: PMC11143032 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02165-x] [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: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE In late 2022, a surge of severe S. pyogenes infections was reported in several European countries. This study assessed hospitalizations and disease severity of community-acquired bacterial infections with S. pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, and H. influenzae among children in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany, during the last quarter of 2022 compared to long-term incidences. METHODS Hospital cases due to bacterial infections between October and December 2022 were collected in a multicenter study (MC) from 59/62 (95%) children's hospitals in NRW and combined with surveillance data (2016-2023) from the national reference laboratories for streptococci, N. meningitidis, and H. influenzae. Overall and pathogen-specific incidence rates (IR) from January 2016 to March 2023 were estimated via capture-recapture analyses. Expected annual deaths from the studied pathogens were calculated from national death cause statistics. RESULTS In the MC study, 153 cases with high overall disease severity were reported with pneumonia being most common (59%, n = 91). IRs of bacterial infections declined at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and massively surged to unprecedented levels in late 2022 and early 2023 (overall hospitalizations 3.5-fold), with S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae as main drivers (18-fold and threefold). Observed deaths during the study period exceeded the expected number for the entire year in NRW by far (7 vs. 0.9). DISCUSSION The unprecedented peak of bacterial infections and deaths in late 2022 and early 2023 was caused mainly by S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae. Improved precautionary measures are needed to attenuate future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Goretzki
- Department of Pediatrics I (Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Neurology, and Pediatric Infectious Diseases), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mark van der Linden
- German Reference Laboratory for Streptococci, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Itzek
- German Reference Laboratory for Streptococci, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tom Hühne
- Department of Pediatrics I (Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Neurology, and Pediatric Infectious Diseases), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Roland O Adelmann
- Department of General Pediatrics, Klinikum Oberberg, Kreiskrankenhaus Gummersbach, Gummersbach, Germany
| | - Firas Ala Eldin
- Department of General Pediatrics, Helios Hospital Schwelm, Schwelm, Germany
| | - Mohamed Albarouni
- Department of General Pediatrics, Marien-Hospital Gelsenkirchen, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
| | | | - Martin A Berghäuser
- Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Pediatrics, Florence Nightingale Hospital Kaiserswerth, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Boesing
- Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Pediatrics, Protestant Hospital Bethel, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Michael Boeswald
- Department of Pediatrics, Sankt Franziskus Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Milian Brasche
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, RWTH University of Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Francisco Brevis Nuñez
- Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Pediatrics, Sana Hospitals Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Rokya Camara
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, GFO Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Clara Deibert
- Department of General Pediatrics, DRK Hospital Kirchen, Kirchen, Germany
| | - Frank Dohle
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vinzenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn, Germany
| | - Jörg Dolgner
- Department of General Pediatrics, GFO Hospital Dinslaken, Dinslaken, Germany
| | - Jan Dziobaka
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Frank Eifinger
- Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Natalie Elting
- Department of General Pediatrics, Evangelical Hospital Oberhausen, Oberhausen, Germany
| | - Matthias Endmann
- Department of General Pediatrics, St. Franziskus-Hospital Ahlen, Ahlen, Germany
| | - Guido Engelmann
- Department of General Pediatrics, Lukas-Hospital Neuss, Neuss, Germany
| | - Holger Frenzke
- Department of General Pediatrics, Märkisch Hospital Lüdenscheid, Lüdenscheid, Germany
| | - Monika Gappa
- Department of General Pediatrics, Evangelical Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bahman Gharavi
- Department of General Pediatrics, Marien-Hospital Witten, Witten, Germany
| | - Christine Goletz
- Department of General Pediatrics, Städtische Kliniken Mönchengladbach, Elisabeth-Hospital Rheydt, Mönchengladbach, Germany
| | - Eva Hahn
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Sankt Agnes Hospital, Bocholt, Germany
| | | | - Konrad Heimann
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, RWTH University of Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kai O Hensel
- Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Pediatrics, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Witten/Herdecke University, Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | - Marc Hoppenz
- Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Amsterdamer Str., Cologne, Germany
| | - Gerd Horneff
- Department of Pediatrics, Asklepios Clinic Sankt Augustin GmbH, Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Helene Klassen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hochsauerland Hospital, Arnsberg, Germany
| | | | - Alfred Längler
- Department of Pediatrics, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
| | - Pascal Lenz
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hospital Leverkusen GmbH, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Klaus Lohmeier
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, Department of General Pediatrics, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Müller
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank Niemann
- Department of General Pediatrics, Marien-Hospital Gelsenkirchen, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
| | - Michael Paulussen
- Division of Oncology and Haematology, Department of General Pediatrics, Hospital of Children and Adolescents, University of Witten/Herdecke, Datteln, Germany
| | - Falk Pentek
- Department of Pediatrics, Elisabeth-Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ruy Perez
- Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Pediatrics, Helios Hospital Krefeld, Krefeld, Germany
| | - Markus Pingel
- Department of General Pediatrics, DRK Hospital Siegen gGmbH, Siegen, Germany
| | - Philip Repges
- Department of General Pediatrics, Porz, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tobias Rothoeft
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University Children's Hospital, Ruhr University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jochen Rübo
- Department of General Pediatrics, St. Antonius Hospital Kleve, Kleve, Germany
| | - Herbert Schade
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hospital Mechernich GmbH, Mechernich, Germany
| | - Robert Schmitz
- Department of Pediatrics, Helios Clinic Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Peter Schonhoff
- Department of Pediatrics, Clemenshospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jan N Schwade
- Department of General Pediatrics, Evangelical Hospital Lippstadt, Lippstadt, Germany
| | - Tobias Schwarz
- Department of General Pediatrics, Municipal Hospital Solingen, Solingen, Germany
| | - Peter Seiffert
- Department of Pediatrics, Helios Clinic Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Georg Selzer
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Evangelical Hospital Hamm, Hamm, Germany
| | - Uwe Spille
- Department of General Pediatrics, Herford, Germany
| | - Carsten Thiel
- Department of Pediatrics, St.-Clemens-Hospital Geldern, Geldern, Germany
| | - Ansgar Thimm
- Department of General Pediatrics, Sana-Hospital Remscheid, Remscheid, Germany
| | | | - Alijda van den Heuvel
- Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tan van Hop
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hospital Oberhausen Sterkrade gGmbH, Oberhausen, Germany
| | - Verena Giesen
- Department of General Pediatrics, Bethanien Hospital Moers, Moers, Germany
| | - Stefan Wirth
- Department of Pediatrics, Helios Medical Center Niederberg, Velbert, Germany
| | - Thomas Wollbrink
- Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Pediatrics, Bergmannsheil Pediatric Hospital Gelsenkirchen Buer, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
| | - Daniel Wüller
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Christophorus Hospital, Coesfeld, Germany
| | - Ursula Felderhoff-Müser
- Department of Pediatrics I (Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Neurology, and Pediatric Infectious Diseases), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christian Dohna-Schwake
- Department of Pediatrics I (Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Neurology, and Pediatric Infectious Diseases), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thiên-Trí Lâm
- German National Reference Laboratory for Meningococci and Haemophilus Influenzae, Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Heike Claus
- German National Reference Laboratory for Meningococci and Haemophilus Influenzae, Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nora Bruns
- Department of Pediatrics I (Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Neurology, and Pediatric Infectious Diseases), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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15
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Dore S, Satta D, Zinellu A, Boscia G, Carta A, Fruschelli M, Serra R, Pinna A. Ocular Tics and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). Diseases 2024; 12:83. [PMID: 38785738 PMCID: PMC11120000 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050083] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Little is known about ocular tics in Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS). In this retrospective study, we examined the clinical records of children with motor tics referred to the Ophthalmology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Sassari, Italy, in 2010-2019. The presence of ocular tics was investigated. Data about antistreptolysin O (ASO) and anti-DNase B antibody titers, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), and antibiotic use were recorded. Forty children (thirty-four boys and six girls; mean age: 7.65 ± 2.5 years) with motor tics were identified; thirty-three (82.5%) showed ocular tics. Children with ocular tics had significantly higher titers of anti-DNase B antibodies (p = 0.04) and CRP (p = 0.016) than those with extraocular tics. A diagnosis of PANDAS was made in 24 (60%) children. PANDAS children with oculomotor tics had significantly higher titers of anti-DNase B antibodies (p = 0.05) than those with extraocular tics. Oral antibiotics were given to 25/33 (76%) children with ocular tics and 21/24 (87.5%) with PANDAS. All treated patients showed marked improvement/complete resolution of symptoms. Results suggest that higher titers of anti-DNase B antibodies may be implicated in the pathogenesis of ocular tics in PANDAS. Oral antibiotics may be beneficial in improving ocular tics. Further research is necessary to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Dore
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.D.); (D.S.); (R.S.)
- Ophthalmology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniele Satta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.D.); (D.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Angelo Zinellu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Boscia
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Arturo Carta
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Mario Fruschelli
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Rita Serra
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.D.); (D.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Antonio Pinna
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.D.); (D.S.); (R.S.)
- Ophthalmology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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16
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Di Pietro GM, Marchisio P, Bosi P, Castellazzi ML, Lemieux P. Group A Streptococcal Infections in Pediatric Age: Updates about a Re-Emerging Pathogen. Pathogens 2024; 13:350. [PMID: 38787202 PMCID: PMC11124454 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) presents a significant global health burden due to its diverse clinical manifestations ranging from mild infections to life-threatening invasive diseases. While historically stable, the incidence of GAS infections declined during the COVID-19 pandemic but resurged following the relaxation of preventive measures. Despite general responsiveness to β-lactam antibiotics, there remains an urgent need for a GAS vaccine due to its substantial global disease burden, particularly in low-resource settings. Vaccine development faces numerous challenges, including the extensive strain diversity, the lack of suitable animal models for testing, potential autoimmune complications, and the need for global distribution, while addressing socioeconomic disparities in vaccine access. Several vaccine candidates are in various stages of development, offering hope for effective prevention strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Maria Di Pietro
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Marchisio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy (P.L.)
| | - Pietro Bosi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy (P.L.)
| | - Massimo Luca Castellazzi
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Paul Lemieux
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy (P.L.)
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17
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Carroll C, Meehan M, Connolly R, Prendergast J, Magnone C, Meehan A, Migone C, Quintyne KI, Carpenter C, Byrne H, Cunney R, Mullane P. Outbreak of invasive Group A streptococcus disease in a nursing home in Ireland in February 2023 caused by emm type 18. Euro Surveill 2024; 29:2300609. [PMID: 38666398 PMCID: PMC11063667 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.17.2300609] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024] Open
Abstract
An out-of-season increase in cases of invasive Group A streptococcus (iGAS) was observed in Ireland between October 2022 and August 2023. We describe the management of an iGAS outbreak involving three nursing home residents in Ireland in early 2023. A regional Department of Public Health was notified of an iGAS case in a nursing home resident in January 2023. When two further cases among residents were notified 7 days later, an outbreak was declared. Surveillance for GAS/iGAS infection in residents and staff was undertaken. The site was visited to provide infection prevention and control (IPC) support. Isolates were emm typed. A total of 38 residents and 29 staff in contact with resident cases were provided with antibiotic chemoprophylaxis. Seven additional staff with no direct resident contact also received chemoprophylaxis after finding one probable localised GAS infection among them. No more iGAS cases subsequently occurred.Site visit recommendations included advice on terminal cleaning and cleaning of shared equipment, as well as strengthening staff education on hand hygiene and masking. All isolates were of emm subtype 18.12, a subtype not previously detected in Ireland. Key outbreak control measures were rapid delivery of IPC support and chemoprophylaxis. Emm18 is infrequently associated with GAS infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Carroll
- Public Health HSE Dublin and North East, Dr Steeven's Hospital, Dublin & Kells Business Park, Kells, Ireland
| | - Mary Meehan
- Irish Meningitis and Sepsis Reference Laboratory, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Jayne Prendergast
- Public Health HSE Dublin and North East, Dr Steeven's Hospital, Dublin & Kells Business Park, Kells, Ireland
| | - Colette Magnone
- Public Health HSE Dublin and North East, Dr Steeven's Hospital, Dublin & Kells Business Park, Kells, Ireland
| | - Aine Meehan
- National Immunisation Office, Manor Street Business Park, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Chantal Migone
- National Immunisation Office, Manor Street Business Park, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Keith Ian Quintyne
- Public Health HSE Dublin and North East, Dr Steeven's Hospital, Dublin & Kells Business Park, Kells, Ireland
| | - Caroline Carpenter
- Public Health HSE Dublin and North East, Dr Steeven's Hospital, Dublin & Kells Business Park, Kells, Ireland
| | - Helen Byrne
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Robert Cunney
- Irish Meningitis and Sepsis Reference Laboratory, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul Mullane
- Public Health HSE Dublin and North East, Dr Steeven's Hospital, Dublin & Kells Business Park, Kells, Ireland
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18
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Wathoni N, Suhandi C, Ghassani Purnama MF, Mutmainnah A, Nurbaniyah NS, Syafra DW, Elamin KM. Alginate and Chitosan-Based Hydrogel Enhance Antibacterial Agent Activity on Topical Application. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:791-805. [PMID: 38444772 PMCID: PMC10913799 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s456403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Untreated topical infections can become chronic, posing serious health issues. Optimal skin adherence is crucial in addressing such infections. In this context, chitosan and alginate emerge as promising candidates for use as a foundation in the development of topical hydrogels. The aim of this review is to examine the literature on topical hydrogel formulations that use chitosan and alginate as foundations, specifically in the context of topical antibacterial agents. The research methodology involves a literature review by examining articles published in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The keywords employed during the research were "Alginate", "Chitosan", "Hydrogel", and "Antibacterial". Chitosan and alginate serve as bases in topical hydrogels to deliver various active ingredients, particularly antibacterial agents, as indicated by the search results. Both have demonstrated significant antibacterial effectiveness, as evidenced by a reduction in bacterial colony counts and an increase in inhibition zones. This strongly supports the idea that chitosan and alginate could be used together to make topical hydrogels that kill bacteria that work well. In conclusion, chitosan and alginate-based hydrogels show great potential in treating bacterial infections on the skin surface. The incorporation of chitosan and alginate into hydrogel formulations aids in retaining antibacterial agents, allowing for their gradual release over an optimal period. Therefore, hydrogels specifically formulated with chitosan and alginate have the potential to serve as a solution to address challenges in the treatment of topical bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrul Wathoni
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Cecep Suhandi
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Fadhil Ghassani Purnama
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Annisa Mutmainnah
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Neng Sani Nurbaniyah
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Desra Widdy Syafra
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Khaled M Elamin
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
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19
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Nakakana U, Serry-Bangura A, Edem BE, Tessitore P, Di Cesare L, Moriel DG, Podda A, De Ryck IS, Arora AK. Application of Transthoracic Echocardiography for Cardiac Safety Evaluation in the Clinical Development Process of Vaccines Against Streptococcus pyogenes. Drugs R D 2024; 24:1-12. [PMID: 38494581 PMCID: PMC11035538 DOI: 10.1007/s40268-024-00452-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Superficial infections with Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A), pharyngitis and impetigo can induce acute rheumatic fever, an autoimmune sequela manifesting mostly with arthritis and rheumatic carditis. Valvular heart damage can persist or advance following repeated episodes of acute rheumatic fever, causing rheumatic heart disease. Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease disproportionately affect children and young adults in developing countries and disadvantaged communities in developed countries. People living with rheumatic heart disease are at risk of experiencing potentially fatal complications such as heart failure, bacterial endocarditis or stroke. Transthoracic echocardiography plays a central role in diagnosing both rheumatic carditis and rheumatic heart disease. Despite the obvious medical need, no licensed Strep A vaccines are currently available, as their clinical development process faces several challenges, including concerns for cardiac safety. However, the development of Strep A vaccines has been recently relaunched by many vaccine developers. In this context, a reliable and consistent safety evaluation of Strep A vaccine candidates, including the use of transthoracic echocardiography for detecting cardiac adverse events, could greatly contribute to developing a safe and efficacious product in the near future. Here, we propose a framework for the consistent use of transthoracic echocardiography to proactively detect cardiac safety events in clinical trials of Strep A vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Nakakana
- Vaccines Institute for Global Health (Global Health Vaccines R&D), GSK, Siena, Italy.
| | | | - Bassey Effiom Edem
- Vaccines Institute for Global Health (Global Health Vaccines R&D), GSK, Siena, Italy
- Janssen Biologics BV, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Leonardo Di Cesare
- Vaccines Institute for Global Health (Global Health Vaccines R&D), GSK, Siena, Italy
| | - Danilo Gomes Moriel
- Vaccines Institute for Global Health (Global Health Vaccines R&D), GSK, Siena, Italy
| | - Audino Podda
- Vaccines Institute for Global Health (Global Health Vaccines R&D), GSK, Siena, Italy
- Independent consultant, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Ashwani Kumar Arora
- Vaccines Institute for Global Health (Global Health Vaccines R&D), GSK, Siena, Italy
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20
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Shelef O, Kopp T, Tannous R, Arutkin M, Jospe-Kaufman M, Reuveni S, Shabat D, Fridman M. Enzymatic Activity Profiling Using an Ultrasensitive Array of Chemiluminescent Probes for Bacterial Classification and Characterization. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:5263-5273. [PMID: 38362863 PMCID: PMC10910560 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c11790] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Identification and characterization of bacterial species in clinical and industrial settings necessitate the use of diverse, labor-intensive, and time-consuming protocols as well as the utilization of expensive and high-maintenance equipment. Furthermore, while cutting-edge identification technologies such as mass spectrometry and PCR are highly effective in identifying bacterial pathogens, they fall short in providing additional information for identifying bacteria not present in the databases upon which these methods rely. In response to these challenges, we present a robust and general approach to bacterial identification based on their unique enzymatic activity profiles. This method delivers results within 90 min, utilizing an array of highly sensitive and enzyme-selective chemiluminescent probes. Leveraging our recently developed technology of chemiluminescent luminophores, which emit light under physiological conditions, we have crafted an array of probes designed to rapidly detect various bacterial enzymatic activities. The array includes probes for detecting resistance to the important and large class of β-lactam antibiotics. The analysis of chemiluminescent fingerprints from a diverse range of prominent bacterial pathogens unveiled distinct enzymatic activity profiles for each strain. The reported universally applicable identification procedure offers a highly sensitive and expeditious means to delineate bacterial enzymatic activity fingerprints. This opens new avenues for characterizing and identifying pathogens in research, clinical, and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maxence Arutkin
- School of Chemistry, Raymond
& Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Moriah Jospe-Kaufman
- School of Chemistry, Raymond
& Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Shlomi Reuveni
- School of Chemistry, Raymond
& Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Doron Shabat
- School of Chemistry, Raymond
& Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Micha Fridman
- School of Chemistry, Raymond
& Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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21
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Oswin HP, Blake E, Haddrell AE, Finn A, Sriskandan S, Reid JP, Halliday A, Goenka A. An assessment of the airborne longevity of group A Streptococcus. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2024; 170:001421. [PMID: 38180461 PMCID: PMC10866022 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Group A streptococcus (GAS) infections result in more than 500 000 deaths annually. Despite mounting evidence for airborne transmission of GAS, little is known about its stability in aerosol. Measurements of GAS airborne stability were carried out using the Controlled Electrodynamic Levitation and Extraction of Bioaerosols onto a Substrate (CELEBS) instrument. CELEBS measurements with two different isolates of GAS suggest that it is aerostable, with approximately 70 % of bacteria remaining viable after 20 min of levitation at 50 % relative humidity (RH), with lower survival as RH was reduced. GAS airborne viability loss was driven primarily by desiccation and efflorescence (i.e. salt crystallization), with high pH also potentially playing a role, given reduced survival in bicarbonate containing droplet compositions. At low enough RH for efflorescence to occur, a greater proportion of organic components in the droplet appeared to protect the bacteria from efflorescence. These first insights into the aerosol stability of GAS indicate that airborne transmission of these respiratory tract bacteria may occur, and that both the composition of the droplet containing the bacteria, and the RH of the air affect the duration of bacterial survival in this environment. Future studies will explore a broader range of droplet and air compositions and include a larger selection of GAS strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry P. Oswin
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol, UK
| | - Evie Blake
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Allen E. Haddrell
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol, UK
| | - Adam Finn
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Paediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK
| | - Shiranee Sriskandan
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan P. Reid
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol, UK
| | - Alice Halliday
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Anu Goenka
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Paediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK
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22
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Baker MG, Masterson MY, Shung-King M, Beaton A, Bowen AC, Bansal GP, Carapetis JR. Research priorities for the primordial prevention of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease by modifying the social determinants of health. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012467. [PMID: 37914185 PMCID: PMC10619085 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012467] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The social determinants of health (SDH), such as access to income, education, housing and healthcare, strongly shape the occurrence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) at the household, community and national levels. The SDH are systemic factors that privilege some more than others and result in poverty and inequitable access to resources to support health and well-being. Primordial prevention is the modification of SDH to improve health and reduce the risk of disease acquisition and the subsequent progression to RHD. Modifying these determinants using primordial prevention strategies can reduce the risk of exposure to Group A Streptococcus, a causative agent of throat and skin infections, thereby lowering the risk of initiating ARF and its subsequent progression to RHD.This report summarises the findings of the Primordial Prevention Working Group-SDH, which was convened in November 2021 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to assess how SDH influence the risk of developing RHD. Working group members identified a series of knowledge gaps and proposed research priorities, while recognising that community engagement and partnerships with those with lived experience will be integral to the success of these activities. Specifically, members emphasised the need for: (1) global analysis of disease incidence, prevalence and SDH characteristics concurrently to inform policy and interventions, (2) global assessment of legacy primordial prevention programmes to help inform the co-design of interventions alongside affected communities, (3) research to develop, implement and evaluate scalable primordial prevention interventions in diverse settings and (4) research to improve access to and equity of services across the RHD continuum. Addressing SDH, through the implementation of primordial prevention strategies, could have broader implications, not only improving RHD-related health outcomes but also impacting other neglected diseases in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Baker
- Public Health, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Mary Y Masterson
- Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science (CTRIS), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Maylene Shung-King
- Health Policy and Systems Division, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Andrea Beaton
- Cardiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Asha C Bowen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Geetha P Bansal
- HIV Research and Training Program, John E Fogarty International Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan R Carapetis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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23
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Nookala S, Mukundan S, Grove B, Combs C. Concurrent Brain Subregion Microgliosis in an HLA-II Mouse Model of Group A Streptococcal Skin Infection. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2356. [PMID: 37764200 PMCID: PMC10538044 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The broad range of clinical manifestations and life-threatening infections caused by the Gram-positive bacterium, Streptococcus pyogenes or Group A Streptococcus (GAS), remains a significant concern to public health, with a subset of individuals developing neurological complications. Here, we examined the concurrent neuroimmune effects of subcutaneous GAS infections in an HLA-Class II (HLA) transgenic mouse model of subcutaneous GAS infection. To investigate changes in the skin-brain axis, HLA-DQ8 (DQA1*0301/DQB1*0302) mice (DQ8) were randomly divided into three groups: uninfected controls (No Inf), GAS infected and untreated (No Tx), and GAS infected with a resolution by clindamycin (CLN) treatment (CLN Tx) (10 mg/kg/5 days) and were monitored for 16 days post-infection. While the skin GAS burden was significantly reduced by CLN, the cortical and hippocampal GAS burden in the male DQ8 mice was not significantly reduced with CLN. Immunoreactivity to anti-GAS antibody revealed the presence of GAS bacteria in the vicinity of the neuronal nucleus in the neocortex of both No Tx and CLN Tx male DQ8 mice. GAS infection-mediated cortical cytokine changes were modest; however, compared to No Inf or No Tx groups, a significant increase in IL-2, IL-13, IL-22, and IL-10 levels was observed in CLN Tx females despite the lack of GAS burden. Western blot analysis of cortical and hippocampal homogenates showed significantly higher ionized calcium-binding adaptor-1 (Iba-1, microglia marker) protein levels in No Tx females and males and CLN Tx males compared to the No Inf group. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that Iba-1 immunoreactivity in the hippocampal CA3 and CA1 subregions was significantly higher in the CLN Tx males compared to the No Tx group. Our data support the possibility that the subcutaneous GAS infection communicates to the brain and is characterized by intraneuronal GAS sequestration, brain cytokine changes, Iba-1 protein levels, and concurrent CA3 and CA1 subregion-specific microgliosis, even without bacteremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suba Nookala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA; (S.M.); (B.G.); (C.C.)
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24
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Regmi PR, Adhikaree A, Bhattarai U, Chhetri S, Shakya U, Uranw S, Lamichhane P, Sharma SK. Rheumatic heart disease in school-attending Nepalese children: A descriptive analysis of the national heart screening database. Indian Heart J 2023; 75:363-369. [PMID: 37495016 PMCID: PMC10568058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ihj.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) remains a significant public health problem with high morbidity and mortality in children and young adults from lower-middle income countries like Nepal. However, a nation-wide database of the disease is lacking for designing effective future prevention and control programmes and strategies. The aim of our study is to estimate the prevalence of RHD in school-attending Nepalese children. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional descriptive analysis of a nationally representative database of Nepal Heart Foundation (NHF) national RHD screening programme which included school-attending Nepalese children between five and sixteen years of age. The screening was conducted between May 2015 and March 2020 in 236 schools, representing all seven provinces, across all three ecological zones of Nepal. Transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography was performed in all eligible children with more than grade one murmur on cardiac auscultation. We estimated the prevalence of RHD among school-attending children as the number of RHD cases per 1000 school-attending children with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS The database included a total of 107,340 children who were screened clinically, of whom 10,600 (9·9%) underwent transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography. The overall prevalence of RHD was 2.22 cases per 1000 school-attending children (95% CI:1·94 - 2·50). The highest prevalence was observed among children living in the southern Terai ecological zone (2·89 per 1000, 95% CI (2·32-3·46)) of Nepal. Among the provinces, Karnali had the highest prevalence of RHD (3·45 per 1000, 95% CI (2·42-4·48)). Among the districts screened, Kalikot had the highest RHD prevalence (5.47 per 1000, 95% CI (3.02-7.92)). CONCLUSION Primordial, primary and secondary prevention programmes should pay special attention to southern Terai zone, particularly the under-privileged children from remote districts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Raj Regmi
- National Academy of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal; Nepal Heart Foundation, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | | | - Urza Bhattarai
- B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
| | - Sunit Chhetri
- B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
| | - Urmila Shakya
- Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Surendra Uranw
- B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
| | - Pratik Lamichhane
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal.
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Solorzano-Pinot E, Garcia-Cardenas M, Armendariz-Ferrari JC, Fernandez-Badillo V, Keirns C, Espinola-Zavaleta N. Varicella Associated to Acute Myocardial Infarction Caused by Infective Endocarditis. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2023; 62:942-945. [PMID: 36661085 DOI: 10.1177/00099228221150697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Candace Keirns
- International Medical Interpreters Association, Woburn, MA, USA
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Sułkowska-Ziaja K, Trepa M, Olechowska-Jarząb A, Nowak P, Ziaja M, Kała K, Muszyńska B. Natural Compounds of Fungal Origin with Antimicrobial Activity-Potential Cosmetics Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1200. [PMID: 37765008 PMCID: PMC10535449 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon of drug resistance in micro-organisms necessitates the search for new compounds capable of combating them. Fungi emerge as a promising source of such compounds as they produce a wide range of secondary metabolites with bacteriostatic or fungistatic activity. These compounds can serve as alternatives for commonly used antibiotics. Furthermore, fungi also accumulate compounds with antiviral activity. This review focuses on filamentous fungi and macrofungi as sources of antimicrobial compounds. The article describes both individual isolated compounds and extracts that exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. These compounds are produced by the fruiting bodies and mycelium, as well as the biomass of mycelial cultures. Additionally, this review characterizes the chemical compounds extracted from mushrooms used in the realm of cosmetology; specifically, their antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Sułkowska-Ziaja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Monika Trepa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Aldona Olechowska-Jarząb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital, ul. Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Paweł Nowak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Marek Ziaja
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 7, 31-034 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kała
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Bożena Muszyńska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
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Nwosu A, Schut A, Wood CA, Urquhart C, Bachman C, Thompson K, Evans J, Mills K, Wenstob L, Restemeyer T, Galbraith T, Mason S, Gabriel S, Gasper T, Broeren C, Lewis F, Hoyano D, Allison S, Kibsey P, Reid A, Gully M, Swanson C. Invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) surveillance in Island Health, British Columbia, 2022. CANADA COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REPORT = RELEVE DES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES AU CANADA 2023; 49:342-350. [PMID: 38455877 PMCID: PMC10917361 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v49i78a06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS) is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes group A bacteria. In 2022, multiple disease alerts for iGAS in the Island Health region, in the context of increased infections in the paediatric population in Europe and the United States, prompted further investigation into local trends. This surveillance study summarizes epidemiological trends of iGAS in the region covered by Island Health, a regional health authority in British Columbia, in 2022. Methods In British Columbia, iGAS is a reportable disease; all confirmed cases are reported to the regional authority and the provincial health authority (BC Centre for Disease Control). Island Health's iGAS surveillance system is passive and collects information on cases that are identified through laboratory testing. Surveillance data were summarized for 2022 and compared with historical data from 2017-2021. Results In 2022, the incidence rate was 11.4 cases per 100,000 population (n=101), the highest observed rate in the last six years. The median age of cases was 53 years, with a range of 0-96 years, and 64% of cases were male. The highest risk of infection was reported in men 40-59 years of age, with an incidence rate of 21.3 cases per 100,000 population. The most common emm types were emm92 (n=14), emm49 (n=13), and emm83 (n=12). Overall, 85% (n=86) of cases were hospitalized, 21% (n=21) were admitted to the intensive care unit, and 6% (n=6) died. Conclusion This study highlights that the incidence of iGAS in the Island Health region continued to increase throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, reaching its highest annual rate in 2022. In contrast to reports from Europe and the United States, there was no notable increase in infections in the paediatric population. Given the sustained increase in iGAS activity, continued monitoring and description of the epidemiology of these cases on a regular basis is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Nwosu
- Canadian Field Epidemiology Training Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON
- Island Health, Victoria, BC
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Yu D, Liang Y, Lu Q, Zheng Y, Gao GF, Yang Y. Thoughts on group A streptococci. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2023; 4:e484-e485. [PMID: 37209704 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00138-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dingle Yu
- Microbiology Laboratory, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China; Respiratory Department, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yunmei Liang
- Pediatrics Department, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qinghua Lu
- Microbiology Laboratory, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China; Respiratory Department, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuejie Zheng
- Respiratory Department, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - George Fu Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yonghong Yang
- Microbiology Laboratory, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China; Respiratory Department, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
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29
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Mączka W, Twardawska M, Grabarczyk M, Wińska K. Carvacrol-A Natural Phenolic Compound with Antimicrobial Properties. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12050824. [PMID: 37237727 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12050824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The main purpose of this article is to present the latest research related to selected biological properties of carvacrol, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. As a monoterpenoid phenol, carvacrol is a component of many essential oils and is usually found in plants together with its isomer, thymol. Carvacrol, either alone or in combination with other compounds, has a strong antimicrobial effect on many different strains of bacteria and fungi that are dangerous to humans or can cause significant losses in the economy. Carvacrol also exerts strong anti-inflammatory properties by preventing the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids by inducing SOD, GPx, GR, and CAT, as well as reducing the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body. It also affects the body's immune response generated by LPS. Carvacrol is considered a safe compound despite the limited amount of data on its metabolism in humans. This review also discusses the biotransformations of carvacrol, because the knowledge of the possible degradation pathways of this compound may help to minimize the risk of environmental contamination with phenolic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Mączka
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Martyna Twardawska
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Grabarczyk
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wińska
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
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Matsubara VH, Christoforou J, Samaranayake L. Recrudescence of Scarlet Fever and Its Implications for Dental Professionals. Int Dent J 2023; 73:331-336. [PMID: 37062653 DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2023.03.009] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant increase in the incidence of scarlet fever, mainly in Europe, has been noted during the COVID-19 postpandemic period. Scarlet fever is caused by a pyrogenic exotoxin-producing streptococcus-Streptococcus pyogenes-responsible for more than 500,000 deaths annually worldwide. Superantigens (SAgs) secreted by this Group A streptococcus (GAS) usually overstimulate the human immune system, causing an amplified hypersensitivity reaction leading to initial symptoms such as sore throat, high fever, and a sandpaper-like skin rash. There could be concurrent oral manifestations known as "strawberry tongue" or "raspberry tongue," which may be first noted by oral health professionals. The early diagnosis and treatment of this disease is critical to obviate the development of local and systemic sequelae such as acute rheumatic fever, endocarditis, and glomerulonephritis. Antibiotics should be prescribed early to mitigate its duration, sequelae, and community spread. Dental practitioners should be aware of the early symptoms of scarlet fever for infection detection, emergency patient management, and appropriate referral. This concise review outlines the prevalence, pathogenicity, oral and systemic manifestations, as well as the dental implications of scarlet fever.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janina Christoforou
- Dental School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lakshman Samaranayake
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China; Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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Zangarini L, Martiny D, Miendje Deyi VY, Hites M, Maillart E, Hainaut M, Delforge M, Botteaux A, Matheeussen V, Goossens H, Hallin M, Smeesters P, Dauby N. Incidence and clinical and microbiological features of invasive and probable invasive streptococcal group A infections in children and adults in the Brussels-Capital Region, 2005-2020. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 42:555-567. [PMID: 36881216 PMCID: PMC9989989 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04568-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Assess the incidence, risk factors, clinical and microbiological features, and outcome of both probable invasive and invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections in children and adults in the BrusselsCapital Region between 2005 and 2020. A retrospective, multicentric study was performed in three university hospitals in Brussels. Patients were identified through the centralized laboratory information system. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected from patients' hospital records. A total of 467 cases were identified. Incidence has increased from 2.1 to 10.9/100,000 inhabitants between 2009 and 2019 in non-homeless adults while it was above 100/100,000 on homeless in years with available denominators. Most of GAS were isolated from blood (43.6%), and the most common clinical presentation was skin and soft tissue infections (42.8%). A third of all the patients needed surgery, a quarter was admitted to the intensive care unit, and 10% of the adult patients died. Wounds and chickenpox disease were the main risk factors for children. Tobacco, alcohol abuse, wounds or chronic skin lesion, being homeless, and diabetes were identified as major predisposing factors for adults. The most common emm clusters were D4, E4, and AC3; 64% of the isolates were theoretically covered by the 30-valent M-protein vaccine. The burden of invasive and probable invasive GAS infections is on the rise in the studied adult population. We identified potential interventions that could contribute to decrease this burden: appropriate care of wounds, specifically among homeless and patients with risk factors such as diabetes and systematic chickenpox vaccination for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Zangarini
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 322, Rue Haute, 1000, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Life Science and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Delphine Martiny
- Department of Microbiology, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles-Universitair Laboratorium Brussel (LHUB-ULB), 322, Rue Haute, 1000, Brussels, Belgium.,Faculté de Médecine Et Pharmacie, Université de Mons (UMONS), Mons, Belgium
| | - Véronique Yvette Miendje Deyi
- Department of Microbiology, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles-Universitair Laboratorium Brussel (LHUB-ULB), 322, Rue Haute, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maya Hites
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Evelyne Maillart
- Department of Infectious Diseases, CHU Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Hainaut
- Pediatrics department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 322, Rue Haute, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Delforge
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 322, Rue Haute, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne Botteaux
- Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veerle Matheeussen
- Microbiology Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerp, Universiteit Antwerpen (UA), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Herman Goossens
- Microbiology Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerp, Universiteit Antwerpen (UA), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marie Hallin
- Department of Microbiology, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles-Universitair Laboratorium Brussel (LHUB-ULB), 322, Rue Haute, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Smeesters
- Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Dauby
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 322, Rue Haute, 1000, Brussels, Belgium. .,Institute for Medical Immunology, ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium. .,School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.
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Tadesse M, Hailu Y, Biset S, Ferede G, Gelaw B. Prevalence, Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile and Associated Factors of Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis Among Pediatric Patients with Acute Pharyngitis in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:1637-1648. [PMID: 36992964 PMCID: PMC10040342 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s402292] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) or group A streptococcus is a common cause of bacterial pharyngitis in children. Since it is difficult to distinguish between viral and bacterial pharyngitis using solely signs and symptoms, culture-based diagnosis and treatment are critical for avoiding serious complications. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors of S. pyogenes among pediatric patients with acute pharyngitis. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from April to June 2021. Standard microbiological procedures were used to collect and process throat swabs and to isolate and identify S. pyogenes. The disc diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Results A total of 215 children with acute pharyngitis were included in this study. Of these, 23 (10.7%) were culture positive for S. pyogenes. The presence of an inflamed tonsil, tonsillar exudate, scalariform rash, and dysphagia were associated with streptococcal pharyngitis. Children aged 5 to 15 were more susceptible to streptococcal throat infection than younger children. Penicillin, vancomycin, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, and ceftriaxone were effective against 100%, 95.7%, 95.7%, 91%, and 87% of isolates, respectively. In contrast, 56.5%, 39.1%, and 30.4% of isolates showed at least reduced susceptibility to tetracycline, erythromycin, and azithromycin, respectively. Conclusion Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for 10.7% of acute pharyngitis cases among pediatric patients in the study area. Although all isolates remain sensitive to penicillin, many showed reduced susceptibility to tetracycline and macrolides. Therefore, prior to antibiotic prescription, screening children with acute pharyngitis for S. pyogenes and testing the antibiotic susceptibility of isolates is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molla Tadesse
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jigjiga University, Jigjiga, Ethiopia
| | - Yohanes Hailu
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Sirak Biset
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of BioMedical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Sirak Biset, Tel +251-911-598-568, Email
| | - Getachew Ferede
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of BioMedical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Baye Gelaw
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of BioMedical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Jain N. Group A streptococcal (GAS) infections amongst children in Europe: Taming the rising tide. New Microbes New Infect 2023; 51:101071. [PMID: 36593885 PMCID: PMC9803947 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2022.101071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nityanand Jain
- Corresponding author. Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradinš University, 16 Dzirciema street, Riga, LV-1007, Latvia.
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Callum J, Hinde D, Chew R. Incipient empyema as an embolic complication of group A streptococcal septic arthritis in a patient with concomitant influenza B infection. Respirol Case Rep 2022; 10:e01067. [PMID: 36447458 PMCID: PMC9692190 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1067] [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: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A 43-year-old healthy male presented with left ankle septic arthritis. Surgical specimens cultured Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus, GAS) and IV benzylpenicillin was commenced. In the setting of coryzal symptoms, a chest radiograph and nasopharyngeal swab revealed a left-sided pleural effusion and influenza B infection, respectively. Persisting fevers, rising CRP, and increasing breathlessness led to repeat chest radiography showing a rapidly enlarging left-sided effusion. Following intercostal catheter insertion with intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy, 6 L of haemorrhagic fluid was drained leading to defervescence and clinical improvement. At follow-up 4 weeks later, he was asymptomatic with a normal chest radiograph. Similar to previous reported cases of GAS empyema, this case was associated with concurrent viral respiratory tract infection, but is unusual as it arose through haematogenous seeding from an extra-thoracic source. This case reminds clinicians to be aware of the strongly pyogenic nature of GAS and its significance as a potential cause of pleural infection, especially in patients with concomitant viral respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Callum
- Department of MedicineRedcliffe HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Darcy Hinde
- Department of MedicineRedcliffe HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Rusheng Chew
- Department of MedicineRedcliffe HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global HealthUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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35
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A novel multifaceted approach for infected wound healing: Optimization and in vivo evaluation of Phenethyl alcohol loaded nanoliposomes hydrogel. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Yerramilli A, Bowen AC, Marcato AJ, McVernon J, Carapetis JR, Campbell PT, Tong SYC. Body distribution of impetigo and association with host and pathogen factors. PeerJ 2022. [DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Impetigo or skin sores are estimated to affect >162 million people worldwide. Detailed descriptions of the anatomical location of skin sores are lacking.
Methods
We used prospectively collected data from a randomised control trial of treatments for impetigo in Aboriginal children in Australia. We generated heat-map distributions of skin sores on the human body from 56 predefined anatomical locations and stratified skin sore distribution by sex, age, causative pathogen and co-infection with scabies, tinea and head lice. We compared the distribution of sores between males and females, between sores with only Streptococcus pyogenes and sores with only Staphylococcus aureus; and across age groups with a Fisher’s exact test.
Results
There were 663 episodes of impetigo infections among 508 children enrolled in the trial. For all 663 episodes, the lower limbs were the most affected body sites followed by the distal upper limbs, face and scalp. On the anterior surface of the body, the pre-tibial region was the most affected while on the posterior surface, the dorsum of the hands and calves predominated. There was no observable difference between males and females in distribution of sores. Children up to 3 years of age were more likely to have sores on the upper posterior lower limbs and scalp than older age groups, with the distribution of sores differing across age groups (p = 3 × 10−5). Sores from which only Staphylococcus aureus was cultured differed in distribution to those with only Streptococcus pyogenes cultured (p = 3 × 10−4) and were more commonly found on the upper posterior lower limbs.
Conclusions
Skin sores were predominantly found on exposed regions of the lower leg and distal upper limbs. The distribution of sores varied by age group and pathogen. These results highlight key areas of the body for clinicians to pay attention to when examining children for skin sores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Yerramilli
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Asha C. Bowen
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Adrian J. Marcato
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jodie McVernon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory Epidemiology Unit, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan R. Carapetis
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Patricia T. Campbell
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven YC Tong
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Kiong J, Nahar UJ, Jin S, Shalash AO, Zhang J, Koirala P, Khalil ZG, Capon RJ, Skwarczynski M, Toth I, Hussein WM. Development of Multilayer Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Peptide-Based Subunit Vaccine against Group A Streptococcus. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102151. [PMID: 36297584 PMCID: PMC9610843 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102151] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based subunit vaccines include only minimal antigenic determinants, and, therefore, are less likely to induce allergic immune responses and adverse effects compared to traditional vaccines. However, peptides are weakly immunogenic and susceptible to enzymatic degradation when administered on their own. Hence, we designed polyelectrolyte complex (PEC)-based delivery systems to protect peptide antigens from degradation and improve immunogenicity. Lipopeptide (LCP-1) bearing J8 B-cell epitope derived from Group A Streptococcus (GAS) M-protein was selected as the model peptide antigen. In the pilot study, LCP-1 incorporated in alginate/cross-linked polyarginine-J8-based PEC induced high J8-specific IgG antibody titres. The PEC system was then further modified to improve its immune stimulating capability. Of the formulations tested, PEC-4, bearing LCP-1, alginate and cross-linked polylysine, induced the highest antibody titres in BALB/c mice following subcutaneous immunisation. The antibodies produced were more opsonic than those induced by mice immunised with other PECs, and as opsonic as those induced by antigen adjuvanted with powerful complete Freund’s adjuvant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolynn Kiong
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ummey Jannatun Nahar
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Shengbin Jin
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ahmed O. Shalash
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jiahui Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Prashamsa Koirala
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Zeinab G. Khalil
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Robert J. Capon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Mariusz Skwarczynski
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Waleed M. Hussein
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Antimicrobial Biomaterial on Sutures, Bandages and Face Masks with Potential for Infection Control. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14101932. [PMID: 35631817 PMCID: PMC9143446 DOI: 10.3390/polym14101932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a challenge for the survival of the human race. The steady rise of resistant microorganisms against the common antimicrobials results in increased morbidity and mortality rates. Iodine and a plethora of plant secondary metabolites inhibit microbial proliferation. Antiseptic iodophors and many phytochemicals are unaffected by AMR. Surgical site and wound infections can be prevented or treated by utilizing such compounds on sutures and bandages. Coating surgical face masks with these antimicrobials can reduce microbial infections and attenuate their burden on the environment by re-use. The facile combination of Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller (AV), Trans-cinnamic acid (TCA) and Iodine (I2) encapsulated in a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) matrix seems a promising alternative to common antimicrobials. The AV-PVP-TCA-I2 formulation was impregnated into sterile discs, medical gauze bandages, surgical sutures and face masks. Morphology, purity and composition were confirmed by several analytical methods. Antimicrobial activity of AV-PVP-TCA-I2 was investigated by disc diffusion methods against ten microbial strains in comparison to gentamycin and nystatin. AV-PVP-TCA-I2 showed excellent antifungal and strong to intermediate antibacterial activities against most of the selected pathogens, especially in bandages and face masks. The title compound has potential use for prevention or treatment of surgical site and wound infections. Coating disposable face masks with AV-PVP-TCA-I2 may be a sustainable solution for their re-use and waste management.
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Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease: Highlighting the Role of Group A Streptococcus in the Global Burden of Cardiovascular Disease. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050496. [PMID: 35631018 PMCID: PMC9145486 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes superficial and invasive infections and immune mediated post-infectious sequalae (including acute rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease). Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are important determinants of global cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. ARF is a multiorgan inflammatory disease that is triggered by GAS infection that activates the innate immune system. In susceptible hosts the response against GAS elicits autoimmune reactions targeting the heart, joints, brain, skin, and subcutaneous tissue. Repeated episodes of ARF—undetected, subclinical, or diagnosed—may progressively lead to RHD, unless prevented by periodic administration of penicillin. The recently modified Duckett Jones criteria with stratification by population risk remains relevant for the diagnosis of ARF and includes subclinical carditis detected by echocardiography as a major criterion. Chronic RHD is defined by valve regurgitation and/or stenosis that presents with complications such as arrhythmias, systemic embolism, infective endocarditis, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, and death. RHD predominantly affects children, adolescents, and young adults in LMICs. National programs with compulsory notification of ARF/RHD are needed to highlight the role of GAS in the global burden of cardiovascular disease and to allow prioritisation of these diseases aimed at reducing health inequalities and to achieve universal health coverage.
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40
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QSAR, Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies of Sigmacidins as Antimicrobials against Streptococci. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084085. [PMID: 35456906 PMCID: PMC9025105 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084085] [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: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococci are a family of bacterial species significantly affecting human health. In addition, environmental Streptococci represent one of the major causes of diverse livestock diseases. Due to antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent need for novel antimicrobial agent discovery against Streptococci. We discovered a class of benzoic acid derivatives named sigmacidins inhibiting the bacterial RNA polymerase-σ factor interaction and demonstrating excellent antimicrobial activity against Streptococci. In this work, a combinational computer approach was applied to gain insight into the structural basis and mechanism of action of sigmacidins as antimicrobials against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Both two- and three-dimensional quantitative structure-active relationships (2D and 3D QSAR) of sigmacidins displayed good predictive ability. Moreover, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies disclosed possible contacts between the inhibitors and the protein. The results obtained in this study provided understanding and new directions to the further optimizations of sigmacidins as novel antimicrobials.
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41
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Tan LJ, Tan GC, Hussin H, Othman MS, Lai SK. Intestinal Obstruction Secondary to Malformation in a Child with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2022; 35:192-195. [PMID: 34687904 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a congenital disorder characterized by underdevelopment of the uterus and vagina. CASE A 4-year-old girl was declared dead on arrival to the hospital with a history of chronic constipation since birth. Postmortem examination showed Müllerian remnants attached to abnormal fibrous tissue. The fibrous tissue extended from the descending colon to the rectum and connected to a urinary bladder duplication cyst. The fibrous tissue formed into a constricted band around the rectum. The cause of death was Streptococcus pyogenes sepsis with intestinal obstruction secondary to the rectal fibrotic band and urinary bladder duplication cyst. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION MRKH syndrome is a rare congenital disorder, and the malformations rarely cause death. We describe the features of abnormal fibrous tissue and urinary bladder duplication cyst in a patient with MRKH syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lii Jye Tan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
| | - Geok Chin Tan
- Department of Pathology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Huzlinda Hussin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Shafie Othman
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
| | - Shau-Kong Lai
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia.
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42
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Nagy A, Reyes JA, Chiasson DA. Fatal Pediatric Streptococcal Infection: A Clinico-Pathological Study. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2022; 25:409-418. [PMID: 35227107 PMCID: PMC9277330 DOI: 10.1177/10935266211064696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE AND CONTEXT Streptococcal Infection (SI) is an important cause of pediatric death in children, yet limited reports exist on autopsy findings in fatal SI cases. METHOD Case records (1997-2019) of SI with no pre-existing risk factors were reviewed and selected. Their clinical and pathological findings in the autopsy reports were analyzed. RESULTS In our cohort of 38 cases based on bacterial culture results, SI was most commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (SPn; 45%) and Streptococcus pyogenes (SPy; 37%). 92% of decedents had some prodromal symptoms prior to terminal presentation. The clinical course was often rapid, with 89% found unresponsive, suddenly collapsing, or dying within 24 hours of hospital admission. 64% of deaths were attributed to sepsis, more frequently diagnosed in the SPy group than in the SPn group (71% vs 48%). Pneumonia was found in both SPn and SPy groups, whereas meningitis was exclusively associated with SPn. CONCLUSION Our study shows fatal SI is most commonly caused by either SPn or SPy, both of which are frequently associated with prodromal symptoms, rapid terminal clinical course, and evidence of sepsis. Postmortem diagnosis of sepsis is challenging and should be correlated with clinical features, bacterial culture results, and autopsy findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Nagy
- Division of Pathology, Department
of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick
Children, Toronto, ON, Canada,Anita Nagy, Division of Pathology,
Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children,
555 Universit venue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
| | - Jeanette A. Reyes
- Division of Pathology, Department
of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick
Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David. A. Chiasson
- Division of Pathology, Department
of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick
Children, Toronto, ON, Canada,Department of Pathobiology and
Laboratory Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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43
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Puerta-Guardo H. Editorial: From Pathogenic Infections to Inflammation and Disease - the Tumultuous Road of the 'Cytokine Storm'. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:827151. [PMID: 35083169 PMCID: PMC8785243 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.827151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Henry Puerta-Guardo
- Collaborative Unit for Entomological Bioassays, Campus of Biological Sciences and Agriculture, Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico.,Virology Laboratory, Center for Research "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
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44
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Reczyńska-Kolman K, Hartman K, Kwiecień K, Brzychczy-Włoch M, Pamuła E. Composites Based on Gellan Gum, Alginate and Nisin-Enriched Lipid Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Infected Wounds. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010321. [PMID: 35008746 PMCID: PMC8745171 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to growing antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics, novel methods of treatment of infected wounds are being searched for. The aim of this research was to develop a composite wound dressing based on natural polysaccharides, i.e., gellan gum (GG) and a mixture of GG and alginate (GG/Alg), containing lipid nanoparticles loaded with antibacterial peptide-nisin (NSN). NSN-loaded stearic acid-based nanoparticles (NP_NSN) were spherical with an average particle size of around 300 nm and were cytocompatible with L929 fibroblasts for up to 500 µg/mL. GG and GG/Alg sponges containing either free NSN (GG + NSN and GG/Alg + NSN) or NP_NSN (GG + NP_NSN and GG/Alg + NP_NSN) were highly porous with a high swelling capacity (swelling ratio above 2000%). Encapsulation of NSN within lipid nanoparticles significantly slowed down NSN release from GG-based samples for up to 24 h (as compared to GG + NSN). The most effective antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive Streptococcus pyogenes was observed for GG + NP_NSN, while in GG/Alg it was decreased by interactions between NSN and Alg, leading to NSN retention within the hydrogel matrix. All materials, except GG/Alg + NP_NSN, were cytocompatible with L929 fibroblasts and did not cause an observable delay in wound healing. We believe that the developed materials are promising for wound healing application and the treatment of bacterial infections in wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Reczyńska-Kolman
- Department of Biomaterials and Composites, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland;
- Correspondence: (K.R.-K.); (E.P.); Tel.: +48-126-172-338 (K.R.-K.); +48-12-617-44-48 (E.P.)
| | - Kinga Hartman
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Konrad Kwiecień
- Department of Biomaterials and Composites, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Monika Brzychczy-Włoch
- Department of Molecular Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Ul. Czysta 18, 31-121 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Elżbieta Pamuła
- Department of Biomaterials and Composites, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland;
- Correspondence: (K.R.-K.); (E.P.); Tel.: +48-126-172-338 (K.R.-K.); +48-12-617-44-48 (E.P.)
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45
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Martini CL, Coronado AZ, Melo MCN, Gobbi CN, Lopez ÚS, de Mattos MC, Amorim TT, Botelho AMN, Vasconcelos ATR, Almeida LGP, Planet PJ, Zingali RB, Figueiredo AMS, Ferreira-Carvalho BT. Cellular Growth Arrest and Efflux Pumps Are Associated With Antibiotic Persisters in Streptococcus pyogenes Induced in Biofilm-Like Environments. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:716628. [PMID: 34621249 PMCID: PMC8490960 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.716628] [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: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus-GAS) is an important pathogen for humans. GAS has been associated with severe and invasive diseases. Despite the fact that these bacteria remain universally susceptible to penicillin, therapeutic failures have been reported in some GAS infections. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain these antibiotic-unresponsive infections; however, none of them have fully elucidated this phenomenon. In this study, we show that GAS strains have the ability to form antimicrobial persisters when inoculated on abiotic surfaces to form a film of bacterial agglomerates (biofilm-like environment). Our data suggest that efflux pumps were possibly involved in this phenomenon. In fact, gene expression assays by real-time qRT-PCR showed upregulation of some genes associated with efflux pumps in persisters arising in the presence of penicillin. Phenotypic reversion assay and whole-genome sequencing indicated that this event was due to non-inherited resistance mechanisms. The persister cells showed downregulation of genes associated with protein biosynthesis and cell growth, as demonstrated by gene expression assays. Moreover, the proteomic analysis revealed that susceptible cells express higher levels of ribosome proteins. It is remarkable that previous studies have reported the recovery of S. pyogenes viable cells from tissue biopsies of patients presented with GAS invasive infections and submitted to therapy with antibiotics. The persistence phenomenon described herein brings new insights into the origin of therapeutic failures in S. pyogenes infections. Multifactorial mechanisms involving protein synthesis inhibition, cell growth impairment and efflux pumps seem to play roles in the formation of antimicrobial persisters in S. pyogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Lopes Martini
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Amada Zambrana Coronado
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Celeste Nunes Melo
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Clarice Neffa Gobbi
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Úrsula Santos Lopez
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos Correa de Mattos
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thais Tavares Amorim
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Nunes Botelho
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Paul J Planet
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman College of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, United States.,Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Russolina Benedeta Zingali
- Unidade de Espectrometria de Massas e Proteomica - UEMP, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Agnes Marie Sá Figueiredo
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Streptococcus pyogenes ("Group A Streptococcus"), a Highly Adapted Human Pathogen-Potential Implications of Its Virulence Regulation for Epidemiology and Disease Management. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060776. [PMID: 34205500 PMCID: PMC8234341 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci; GAS) is an exclusively human pathogen. It causes a variety of suppurative and non-suppurative diseases in people of all ages worldwide. Not all can be successfully treated with antibiotics. A licensed vaccine, in spite of its global importance, is not yet available. GAS express an arsenal of virulence factors responsible for pathological immune reactions. The transcription of all these virulence factors is under the control of three types of virulence-related regulators: (i) two-component systems (TCS), (ii) stand-alone regulators, and (iii) non-coding RNAs. This review summarizes major TCS and stand-alone transcriptional regulatory systems, which are directly associated with virulence control. It is suggested that this treasure of knowledge on the genetics of virulence regulation should be better harnessed for new therapies and prevention methods for GAS infections, thereby changing its global epidemiology for the better.
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