Comparative genotypic characterization related to antibiotic resistance phenotypes of clinical carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii MTC1106 (ST2) and MTC0619 (ST25)

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of Acinetobacter baumannii in nosocomial infections and its remarkable ability to develop antimicrobial resistance have been a critical issue in hospital settings. Here, we examined the genomic features related to resistance phenotype displayed by carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) MTC1106 (ST2) and MTC0619 (ST25).

RESULTS

Resistome analysis of both strains revealed that MTC1106 possessed higher numbers of antimicrobial resistance genes compared to MTC0619. Some of those genetic determinants were present in accordance with the susceptibility profile of the isolates. The predicted ISAba1 region upstream of blaOXA-23 gene was related to carbapenem resistance since this IS element was well-characterized to mediate overexpression of carbapenemase genes and eventually provided capability to confer resistance. Unlike MTC0619 strain, which only carried class B and D β-lactamase genes, MTC1106 strain also possessed blaTEM-1D, a class A β-lactamase. Regarding to aminoglycosides resistance, MTC0619 contained 5 related genes in which all of them belonged to three groups of aminoglycosides modifying enzyme (AME), namely, N-acetyltransferase (AAC), O-nucleotidyltransferase (ANT), and O-phosphotransferase (APH). On the other hand, MTC1106 lacked only the AAC of which found in MTC0619, yet it also carried an armA gene encoding for 16S rRNA methyltransferase. Two macrolides resistance genes, mph(E) and msr(E), were identified next to the armA gene of MTC1106 isolate in which they encoded for macrolide 2'-phosphotransferase and ABC-type efflux pump, respectively. Besides acquired resistance genes, some chromosomal genes and SNPs associated with resistance to fluoroquinolones (i.e. gyrA and parC) and colistin (i.e. pmrCAB, eptA, and emrAB) were observed. However, gene expression analysis suggested that the genetic determinants significantly contributing to low-level colistin resistance remained unclear. In addition, similar number of efflux pumps genes were identified in both lineages with only the absence of adeC, a part of adeABC RND-type multidrug efflux pump in MTC0619 strain.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that MTC1106 strain harbored more antimicrobial resistance genes and showed higher resistance to antibiotics than MTC0619 strain. Regarding genomic characterization, this study was likely the first genome comparative analysis of CARB that specifically included isolates belonging to ST2 and ST25 which were widely spread in Thailand. Taken altogether, this study suggests the importance to monitor the resistance status of circulating A. baumannii clones and identify genes that may contribute to shifting the resistance trend among isolates.

CRISPR-Based Gene Editing in Acinetobacter baumannii to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to the health, social, environment, and economic sectors on a global scale and requires serious attention to addressing this issue. Acinetobacter baumannii was given top priority among infectious bacteria because of its extensive resistance to nearly all antibiotic classes and treatment options. Carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii is classified as one of the critical-priority pathogens on the World Health Organization (WHO) priority list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria for effective drug development. Although available genetic manipulation approaches are successful in A. baumannii laboratory strains, they are limited when employed on newly acquired clinical strains since such strains have higher levels of AMR than those used to select them for genetic manipulation. Recently, the CRISPR-Cas (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein) system has emerged as one of the most effective, efficient, and precise methods of genome editing and offers target-specific gene editing of AMR genes in a specific bacterial strain. CRISPR-based genome editing has been successfully applied in various bacterial strains to combat AMR; however, this strategy has not yet been extensively explored in A. baumannii. This review provides detailed insight into the progress, current scenario, and future potential of CRISPR-Cas usage for AMR-related gene manipulation in A. baumannii.

Toxin-Antitoxin Systems: A Key Role on Persister Formation in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

The toxin and antitoxin modules in bacteria consist of a toxin molecule that has activity to inhibit various cellular processes and its cognate antitoxin that neutralizes the toxin. This system is considered taking part in the formation of persister cells, which are a subpopulation of recalcitrant cells able to survive antimicrobial treatment without any resistance mechanisms. Importantly, persisters have been associated with long-term infections and treatment failures in healthcare settings. It is a public health concern since persisters can be involved in the evolution and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance amidst the aggravating spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria and insufficient novel antimicrobial therapy to tackle this issue. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is one of the most prevalent Salmonella serotypes in the world and is a leading cause of food-borne salmonellosis. S. Typhimurium has been known to cause persistent infection and a wealth of investigations on Salmonella persisters indicates that toxin and antitoxin modules play a role in mediating the phenotypic switch of persisters, rendering its survival ability in the presence of antimicrobial agents. In this review, we discuss findings regarding mechanisms that underly persistence in S. Typhimurium, especially the involvement of toxin and antitoxin modules.

An Update of Mobile Colistin Resistance in Non-Fermentative Gram-Negative Bacilli

Colistin, the last resort for multidrug and extensively drug-resistant bacterial infection treatment, was reintroduced after being avoided in clinical settings from the 1970s to the 1990s because of its high toxicity. Colistin is considered a crucial treatment option for Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are listed as critical priority pathogens for new antibiotics by the World Health Organization. The resistance mechanisms of colistin are considered to be chromosomally encoded, and no horizontal transfer has been reported. Nevertheless, in November 2015, a transmissible resistance mechanism of colistin, called mobile colistin resistance (MCR), was discovered. Up to ten families with MCR and more than 100 variants of Gram-negative bacteria have been reported worldwide. Even though few have been reported from Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas spp., it is important to closely monitor the epidemiology of mcr genes in these pathogens. Therefore, this review focuses on the most recent update on colistin resistance and the epidemiology of mcr genes among non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli, especially Acinetobacter spp. and P. aeruginosa.

Classification of Southeast Asian mints (Mentha spp.) based on simple sequence repeat markers

Mentha is a complex genus encompassing many species as a consequence of their interspecific hybridization and polyploidy. Southeast Asian mints have been poorly distinguished though they are widely used for culinary and medical purposes. In this study, we have analyzed Southeast Asian mints and known varieties as well as a related Lamiaceae species (Nepeta sp.) using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and leaf morphology. Two types of mints were clearly distinguished based on their venation pattern and leaf shape index. We developed 12 SSR markers that allowed good amplification in the Mentha and another Lamiaceae species. In the SSR-based phylogram, the Mentha lines could be delimited into groups I-VI. The Southeast Asian mints divided into groups I and II, and the phylogram separated most of the available species, with groups I and II containing the known species M. × cordifolia and M. arvensis, respectively. The separation of the two groups was supported by a population structure analysis. The SSR markers developed in this study enabled the simultaneous classification of mints and will help improve our understanding of the genetic composition of known mint varieties and as yet unclassified Southeast Asian mints.

Predominance of international clone 2 multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates in Thailand: a nationwide study

BACKGROUND

Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as one of the common multidrug resistance pathogens causing hospital-acquired infections. This study was conducted to elucidate the distribution of antimicrobial resistance genes in the bacterial population in Thailand. Multidrug-resistant A. baumannii (MDR A. baumannii) isolates were characterized phenotypically, and the molecular epidemiology of clinical isolates in 11 tertiary hospitals was investigated at a country-wide level.

METHODS

A total of 135 nonrepetitive MDR A. baumannii isolates collected from tertiary care hospitals across 5 regions of Thailand were examined for antibiotic susceptibility, resistance genes, and sequence types. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed to characterize the spread of regional lineages.

RESULTS

ST2 belonging to IC2 was the most dominant sequence type in Thailand (65.19%), and to a lesser extent, there was also evidence of the spread of ST164 (10.37%), ST129 (3.70%), ST16 (2.96%), ST98 (2.96%), ST25 (2.96%), ST215 (2.22%), ST338 (1.48%), and ST745 (1.48%). The novel sequence types ST1551, ST1552, ST1553, and ST1557 were also identified in this study. Among these, the blaoxa-23 gene was by far the most widespread in MDR A. baumannii, while the blaoxa-24/40 and blaoxa-58 genes appeared to be less dominant in this region. The results demonstrated that the predominant class D carbapenemase was blaOXA-23, followed by the class B carbapenemase blaNDM-like, while the mcr-1 gene was not observed in any isolate. Most of the MDR A. baumannii isolates were resistant to ceftazidime (99.23%), gentamicin (91.85%), amikacin (82.96%), and ciprofloxacin (97.78%), while all of them were resistant to carbapenems. The results suggested that colistin could still be effective against MDR A. baumannii in this region.

CONCLUSION

This is the first molecular epidemiological analysis of MDR A. baumannii clinical isolates at the national level in Thailand to date. Studies on the clonal relatedness of MDR A. baumannii isolates could generate useful data to understand the local epidemiology and international comparisons of nosocomial outbreaks.

Investigation on the Epoxidation of Piperitenone, and Structure-activity Relationships of Piperitenone Oxide for Differentiation-inducing Activity

Piperitenone oxide, a major chemical constituent of the essential oil of spearmint, Mentha spicata, induces differentiation in human colon cancer RCM-1 cells. In this study, piperitenone oxide and trans-piperitenone dioxide were prepared as racemic forms by epoxidation of piperitenone. The relative configuration between two epoxides in piperitenone dioxide was determined to be trans by ¹H NMR analysis and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) in conjunction with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Optical resolution of (±)-piperitenone oxide by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a chiral stationary phase (CSP) afforded both enantiomers with over 98% enantiomeric excess (ee). Evaluation of the differentiation-inducing activity of the synthetic compounds revealed that the epoxide at C-1 and C-6 in piperitenone oxide is important for the activity, and (+)-piperitenone oxide has stronger activity than (-)-piperitenone oxide. The results obtained in this study provide new information on the application of piperitenone oxide and spearmint for differentiation-inducing therapy. Furthermore, natural piperitenone oxide was isolated from M. spicata. The enantiomeric excess of the isolated natural piperitenone oxide was 66% ee. Epoxidation of piperitenone with hydrogen peroxide proceeded in a phosphate buffer under weak basic conditions to give (±)-piperitenone oxide. These results suggest that the nonenzymatic epoxidation of piperitenone, which causes a decrease in the enantiomeric excess of natural piperitenone oxide, is accompanied by an enzymatic epoxidation in the biosynthesis of piperitenone oxide.

Dissemination of Carbapenem-Resistance among Multidrug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa carrying Metallo-Beta-Lactamase Genes, including the Novel blaIMP-65 Gene in Thailand

BACKGROUND

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is considered as one of the most emerging threats in this century. Serious infections caused by this pathogen are often treated by carbapenems which are the last resource of antibiotics. Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) production is one of the most important carbepenem resistance mechanisms and is usually related with nosocomial infections caused by P. aeruginosa. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of MBL genes and distribution pattern of MBLs producing P. aeruginosa strains in Thailand.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Specific primers were designed to detect MBL genes including IMP-, VIM-, and NDM-type MBL genes. Multilocus sequence typing method was used to determine the dissemination pattern of carbapenem-resistance among multidrug-resistant (CR-MDR) P. aeruginosa.

RESULTS

A total of 153 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates were characterized as CR-MDR. Among those, 31 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates (20.3%) presented metallo-beta-lactamase genes which could be divided into VIM-type (14 strains) and IMP-type (17 strains). bla_IMP-1, bla_IMP-13, bla_IMP-14a, and bla_VIM-2 genes were detected. Moreover, a novel IMP-type MBL, bla_IMP-65 was discovered and it was demonstrated to be the unique group of MBLs in Thailand. It was of interest that ST235 was the major ST type in Thailand followed by ST964 and ST111 and ST235 was detected in both MBL harboring and non-MBL harboring strains.

CONCLUSION

This study reported the dissemination of MBL gene including novel MBL, bla_IMP-65. This study was also demonstrated major ST of P. aeruginosa which was ST235, followed by ST964 and ST111. Moreover, it is also the first report on many P. aeruginosa STs in Thailand: ST273, ST292, ST621, ST1584, and ST1816 which emphasized the dissemination trait difference of MBLs harboring P. aeruginosa in Thailand.

Effect of Sucrier Banana Peel Extracts on Inhibition of Melanogenesis through the ERK Signaling Pathway

Hyperpigmentation is a type of pigmentary disorder induced by overexpression of melanin content activated severe esthetic problems as melasma, freckle, ephelides, lentigo and other forms on human skin. Several whitening agents have restricted use because of their side effects or stability such as kojic acid, ascorbic acid and hydroquinone can act as cytotoxic substance which associated to dermatitis and skin cancer. To find for the safe substance, this study aimed to find for the ability of several components in Sucrier banana peel (SBP) extracts to inhibit melanogenesis process through p38 signaling pathway in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. Tyrosinase activity and the cellular melanin content were dose dependent manner decreasing after SBP treatment. Furthermore, SBP decreased the expression of melanogenesis relate protein as microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase protein after 24 hours incubation with α-melanocyte stimulating hormones (MSH) stimulating. The findings demonstrated that SBP contained an effective agent for hyperpigmentation inhibitor through p38 signaling pathways without any effect to ERK pathway, and subsequent down-regulate MITF expression and tyrosinase enzyme family production.

In vitro assessment of Enterococcus faecalis MTC 1032 as the potential probiotic in food supplements

Probiotics become important bacteria in our daily life due to their benefit on human health. In this study, a subset of bacterial strains from children was isolated and evaluated for beneficial probiotic traits such as antimicrobial activity, bile and acid tolerance, and pathogenic cell adherence inhibition. The strain with the best antimicrobial activity was selected for further characterization on the basis of morphological, biochemical characteristics and gene sequence. This strain was Gram-positive, oxidase and catalase-negative, and it produced acids by fermenting sugar and starch as carbon sources. Additionally, it could only hydrolyze bile-esculin, but not red blood cells. The 16S rDNA gene sequence revealed that this strain was Enterococcus faecalis. Interestingly, this strain effectively inhibited a variety of pathogens by acid and bacteriocin production and was bile-tolerant, able to survive under acidic condition. In the safety assessments, E. faecalis MTC 1032 could adhere to host epithelial cells and evidently inhibited pathogenic cell adhesion as demonstrated by cell reduction over time of E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. typhimurium ATCC 13311 on Caco-2 cell line. In summary, it was clearly represented that E. faecalis MTC 1032 provided suitable properties and could be a candidate as a probiotic strain in food supplements.

Chemopreventive and biological activities of Helicteres isora L. fruit extracts

Helicteres isora L. (H. isora) has been used in traditional medicine in Asia. This study was aimed to determine biological activities of H. isora fruit extracts. Chemopreventive effect was examined by cell proliferation assay and differentiation-inducing effect. Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts was studied on the levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2), and cyclooxygenas-2 (COX-2). Cell proliferation assay revealed that H. isora extracts and its major compound, rosmarinic acid, showed no cytotoxicity in THP-1 and RCM-1 cells. Methylthio acetic acid from Cucumis melo var.conomon used as a positive control and 80% ethanol extracts demonstrated significant cell differentiation induction. Hexane extract of H. isora could lower the levels of TNF-α, PGE-2, and NO in THP-1 cells with 51.61 ± 0.79%, 69.68 ± 0.017%, and 69.93 ± 9.41% inhibition, respectively. The highest inhibitory effect on COX-2 was obtained from dichloromethane extract. Dexamethasone inhibited the secretion of TNF-α with 95.82 ± 0.50% while celecoxib showed the inhibitory effect on COX-2 and PGE-2 with 100% and 99.86%, respectively. The ethanol extract showed the best antioxidant activity by DPPH and FRAP assays at IC₅₀ of 5.43 ± 1.01 μg/mL and 22.83 ± 0.13 mmol FeSO₄/g sample, respectively, while the positive control, trolox, showed the antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ and FRAP values at 4.08 ± 0.85 μg/mL and 10.84 ± 0.04 mmol FeSO₄/g sample, respectively. Taken together, H. isora possess chemopreventive and antioxidant activity. Further studies on in vivo activities of this plant are suggested.

Efficacy of cinnamon bark oil and cinnamaldehyde on anti-multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the synergistic effects in combination with other antimicrobial agents

Background

The emergence of drug resistant pathogens becomes a crucial problem for infectious diseases worldwide. Among these bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of which highly resists to many currently used drugs and becomes a major concern in public health. Up till now, the search for potential antimicrobial agents has been still a challenge for researchers.

Methods

Broth microdilution assay was used to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the essential oils and antibiotics against P. aeruginosa. Inhibition activity of the essential oils under vapor condition was examined to obtain the minimum inhibitory dose (MID). Time-kill assay included in this study was performed according to CLSI guideline. Bioautographic assay was used to detect active components of the essential oil. Synergistic effect with currently used antibiotics was further examined by checkerboard assay.

Results and Discussion

In this study, a variety of essential oils were examined for anti-multidrug resistant P. aeruginosa (MDR-PA) activity, of which cinnamon bark oil showed the strongest antimicrobial activity against all clinical-isolated MDR-PA strains with MIC of 0.0562–0.225 % v/v and MBC of 0.1125–1.8 % v/v. Bioautographic results demonstrated that the active compounds of cinnamon bark oil were cinnamaldehyde and eugenol which showed strong inhibitory effect against P. aeruginosa. Interestingly, cinnamaldehyde, a major constituent of cinnamon bark oil, possessed stronger antimicrobial effect to P. aeruginosa than eugenol. Under gaseous condition, cinnamon bark oil and cinnamaldehyde showed antibacterial activity against MDR-PA strains with MID of 0.5–1 mg/L. Moreover, combination of cinnamon bark oil or cinnamaldehyde with currently used antibiotics was further studied by checkerboard assay to examine synergistic interactions on clinically isolated MDR-PA strains. Cinnamon bark oil and cinnamaldehyde combined with colistin demonstrated synergistic rates at 16.7 and 10 %, respectively.

Conclusion

These results indicated that cinnamon bark oil and cinnamaldehyde might be active natural compounds which could be further examined as alternative treatment for multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa infection.

Development of molecular approach based on PCR assay for detection of histamine producing bacteria

Histamine fish poisoning becomes highly concern not only in public health but also economic aspect. Histamine is produced from histidine in fish muscles by bacterial decarboxylase enzyme. Several techniques have been developed to determine the level of histamine in fish and their products but the effective method for detecting histamine producing bacteria is still required. This study was attempted to detect histamine producing bacteria by newly developed PCR condition. Histamine producing bacteria were isolated from scombroid fish and determined the ability to produce histamine of isolated bacteria by biochemical and TLC assays. PCR method was developed to target the histidine decarboxylase gene (hdc). The result showed that fifteen histamine producing bacterial isolates and three standard strains produced an amplicon at the expected size of 571 bp after amplified by PCR using Hdc_2F/2R primers. Fifteen isolates of histamine producing bacteria were classified as M. morganii, E. aerogenes, and A. baumannii. The lowest detection levels of M. morganii and E. aerogenes were 10(2) and 10(5) Cfu/mL in culture media and 10(3) and 10(6) Cfu/mL in fish homogenates, respectively. The limit of detection by this method was clearly shown to be sensitive because the primers could detect the presence of M. morganii and E. aerogenes before the histamine level reached the regulation level at 50 ppm. Therefore, this PCR method exhibited the potential efficiency for detecting the hdc gene from histamine producing bacteria and could be used to prevent the proliferation of histamine producing bacteria in fish and fish products.

Dissolution enhancement and in vitro performance of clarithromycin nanocrystals produced by precipitation-lyophilization-homogenization method

The gastroduodenal diseases caused by Helicobacter pylori were commonly treated with antibiotic clarithromycin as a standard regimen. According to the poorly water-soluble of clarithromycin, the nanocrystal formulation was prepared. The aim of this study was to investigate an enhancement effect of clarithromycin nanocrystals produced by precipitation-lyophilization-homogenization (PLH) method on the saturation solubility, dissolution velocity, antibiotic activity, permeability through the gastric mucus and cellular permeability. Poloxamer 407 and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) were chosen as combined stabilizers in the nanocrystal system. The obtained clarithromycin nanocrystals were identified as cubic particles by SEM with a bulk population of approximately 400nm existed in crystalline and/or partial amorphous form as investigated by DSC and XRPD. The saturation solubility of the clarithromycin nanocrystals was increased by 1.5- and 6-folds higher than clarithromycin powder in buffer pH 5.0 and 6.8, respectively. The dissolution profiles of clarithromycin nanocrystals at pH 5.0 and 6.8 were significantly different from clarithromycin powder and the marketed product (f1 value >15 and f2 value <50). All dissolution parameters (relative dissolution rate, percent dissolution efficiency and mean dissolution time) showed that clarithromycin nanocrystals had higher dissolution rate when compared with the clarithromycin powder, the lyophilized coarse suspension and the marketed product. The bioassay study by diffusion agar method showed a maintained antibiotic activity of clarithromycin nanocrystals solubilized in buffer solution which was greater potency than the lyophilized coarse suspension and the clarithromycin powder. Additionally, the nanocrystals possessed higher permeability through gastric mucus and cellular monolayer of Caco-2 and NCI-N87 cells as compared to the lyophilized coarse suspension and the clarithromycin powder. The results indicated that, the developed clarithromycin nanocrystals were a potential delivery system that exerts more effectiveness in H. pylori eradication.

Synergistic interaction and mode of action of Citrus hystrix essential oil against bacteria causing periodontal diseases

CONTEXT

Citrus hystrix de Candolle (Rutaceae), an edible plant regularly used as a food ingredient, possesses antibacterial activity, but there is no current data on the activity against bacteria causing periodontal diseases.

OBJECTIVE

C. hystrix essential oil from leaves and peel were investigated for antibiofilm formation and mode of action against bacteria causing periodontal diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro antibacterial and antibiofilm formation activities were determined by broth microdilution and time kill assay. Mode of action of essential oil was observed by SEM and the active component was identified by bioautography and GC/MS.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

C. hystrix leaves oil exhibited antibacterial activity at the MICs of 1.06 mg/mL for P. gingivalis and S. mutans and 2.12 mg/mL for S. sanguinis. Leaf oil at 4.25 mg/mL showed antibiofilm formation activity with 99% inhibition. The lethal effects on P. gingivalis were observed within 2 and 4 h after treated with 4 × MIC and 2 × MIC, respectively. S. sanguinis and S. mutans were completely killed within 4 and 8 h after exposed to 4 × MIC and 2 × MIC of oil. MICs of tested strains showed 4 times reduction suggesting synergistic interaction of oil and chlorhexidine. Bacterial outer membrane was disrupted after treatment with leaves oil. Additionally, citronellal was identified as the major active compound of C. hystrix oil.

CONCLUSIONS

C. hystrix leaf oil could be used as a natural active compound or in combination with chlorhexidine in mouthwash preparations to prevent the growth of bacteria associated with periodontal diseases and biofilm formation.

Molecular investigation of carbapenem resistance among multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated clinically in Thailand

Carbapenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated among multidrug-resistant (CR-MDR) organisms from tertiary hospitals in Thailand. Decreased expression of oprD mRNA (93.65%) was predominant followed by increased expression of mexAB-oprM mRNA (92.06%) and mexXY mRNA (63.49%). Interestingly, 23 of 126 (18.25%) isolates were susceptible to imipenem with down-regulated oprD expression and non-up-regulated mexCD-oprJ mRNA expression. Metallo-β-lactamases production was clearly positive in 24 isolates (18.46%) and weakly positive in 12 isolates (9.23%). Among both of these sets of isolates, imp-1, imp-14 and vim-2 were identified. Hyperproduction of AmpC β-lactamase had the lowest prevalence rate (3.97%). It was concluded that CR-MDR P. aeruginosa clinical isolates in Thailand possess multifactorial resistance mechanisms.

Bioautography-guided isolation of antibacterial compounds of essential oils from Thai spices against histamine-producing bacteria

The outbreak of histamine fish poisoning has been being an issue in food safety and international trade. The growth of contaminated bacterial species including Morganella morganii which produce histidine decarboxylase causes histamine formation in fish during storage. Histamine, the main toxin, causes mild to severe allergic reaction. At present, there is no well-established solution for histamine fish poisoning. This study was performed to determine the antibacterial activity of essential oils from Thai spices against histamine-producing bacteria. Among the essential oils tested, clove, lemongrass and sweet basil oils were found to possess the antibacterial activity. Clove oil showed the strongest inhibitory activity against Morganella morganii, followed by lemongrass and sweet basil oils. The results indicated that clove, lemongrass and sweet basil oils could be useful for the control of histamine-producing bacteria. The attempt to identify the active components using preparative TLC and GC/MS found eugenol, citral and methyl chavicol as the active components of clove, lemongrass and sweet basil oils, respectively. The information from this study would be useful in the research and development for the control of histamine-producing bacteria in fish or seafood products to reduce the incidence of histamine fish poisoning.

Prevalence and genotypic relatedness of carbapenem resistance among multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa in tertiary hospitals across Thailand

BACKGROUND

Increased infection caused by multidrug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa has raised awareness of the resistance situation worldwide. Carbapenem resistance among MDR (CR-MDR) P. aeruginosa has become a serious life-threatening problem due to the limited therapeutic options. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence, the antibiotic susceptibility patterns and the relatedness of CR-MDR P. aeruginosa in tertiary hospitals across Thailand.

METHODS

MDR P. aeruginosa from eight tertiary hospitals across Thailand were collected from 2007-2009. Susceptibility of P. aeruginosa clinical isolates was determined according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guideline. Selected CR-MDR P. aeruginosa isolates were genetically analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

About 261 clinical isolates were identified as MDR P. aeruginosa and approximately 71.65% were found to be CR-MDR P. aeruginosa. The result showed that the meropenem resistance rate was the highest reaching over 50% in every hospitals. Additionally, the type of hospitals was a major factor affecting the resistance rate, as demonstrated by significantly higher CR-MDR rates among university and regional hospitals. The fingerprinting map identified 107 clones with at least 95% similarity. Only 4 clones were detected in more than one hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the antibiotic resistance rate was high, the spreading of CR-MDR was found locally. Specific strains of CR-MDR did not commonly spread from one hospital to another. Importantly, clonal dissemination ratio indicated limited intra-hospital transmission in Thailand.

Free radical scavenging and anti-acne activities of mangosteen fruit rind extracts prepared by different extraction methods

The ethanol extracts of mangosteen fruit rinds prepared by several extraction methods were examined for their contents of bioactive compounds, DPPH-scavenging activity, and anti-acne producing bacteria against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The dried powder of the fruit rind was extracted with 95% ethanol by maceration, percolation, Soxhlet extraction, ultrasonic extraction, and extraction using a magnetic stirrer. Soxhlet extraction promoted the maximum contents of crude extract (26.60% dry weight) and alpha-mangostin (13.51%, w/w of crude extract), and also gave the highest anti-acne activity with MIC 7.81 and 15.63 microg/mL and MBC 15.53 and 31.25 microg/mL against P. acnes and S. epidermidis, respectively. Ethanol 70% and 50% (v/v) were also compared in Soxhlet extraction. Ethanol 50% promoted the extract with maximum amounts of total phenolic compounds (26.96 g gallic acid equivalents/100 g extract) and total tannins (46.83 g tannic acid equivalents/100 g extract), and also exhibited the most effective DPPH-scavenging activity (EC(50) 12.84 microg/mL). Considering various factors involved in the process, Soxhlet extraction carried a low cost in terms of reagents and extraction time. It appears to be the recommended extraction method for mangosteen fruit rind. Ethanol 50% should be the appropriate solvent for extracting free radical-scavenging components, phenolic compounds, and tannins, while 95% ethanol is recommended for extraction of alpha-mangostin, a major anti-acne component from this plant.

Anti-acne-inducing bacterial activity of mangosteen fruit rind extracts

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to determine the most effective solvent extract of mangosteen, anti-acne- inducing bacterial activity and the amount of alpha-mangostin, a major active component in each mangosteen fruit rind extract, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The fruit rinds of mangosteen were extracted with hexane, dichloromethane, ethanol and water. The extracts were tested for antibacterial activity against bacteria that induce acne, including Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Thin-layer chromatographic autobiography against these bacteria was also performed for each extract, while the alpha-mangostin content was analyzed using a validated HPLC method.

RESULTS

The dichloromethane extract exhibited the strongest antibacterial effect with minimum inhibitory concentration values for both bacterial species at 3.91 microg/ml, while the minimum bactericidal concentration values against P. acnes and S. epidermidis were 3.91 and 15.63 microg/ml, respectively. Thin-layer chromatographic autobiography indicated that alpha-mangostin was present in all extracts, except the water extract, and is a major active component against both P. acnes and S. epidermidis. Using HPLC, the dichloromethane extract yielded the highest content (46.21% w/w) of alpha-mangostin followed by the ethanol extract (18.03% w/w), the hexane extract (17.21% w/w) and the water extract (0.54% w/w).

CONCLUSIONS

Dichloromethane extract exhibited the strongest anti-acne-inducing bacterial effect and this extract yielded the highest amount of alpha-mangostin.

In vitro antigonococcal activity of Coscinium fenestratum stem extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), which originates from bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is still one of the major health problems worldwide in both men and women. Many medicinal plants have been recorded in Thai folk medicine for relieving STD but there is no scientific report of these plants for antigonococcal activity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was conducted to evaluate antigonococcal activity of 22 Thai medicinal plants selected from the plants popularly used in Thai folk medicine for treatment of gonorrhea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was performed by disc diffusion and agar dilution methods against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Active compound was investigated by bioautographic assay.

RESULTS

Among the selected plants, Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr. extract showed the most effective activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC 49226 with MIC value of 47.39 microg/ml. Bioautographic assay revealed that berberine was the active compound of Coscinium fenestratum against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The average MIC values of purified berberine against Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC 49226 and 11 clinical isolates were 13.51 and 17.66 microg/ml, respectively while average MIC value of the crude extract of Coscinium fenestratum against all clinical isolates was about 56.39 microg/ml. There was no acute toxicity detected at the dose of 5g of Coscinium fenestratum crude extract per kilogram.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide theoretical support for ethnopharmacological relevance of antigonococcal activity of Coscinium fenestratum and its active compound.

Antibacterial activity of Thai medicinal plants against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major nosocomial pathogen which causes severe morbidity and mortality worldwide. Seventeen Thai medicinal plants were investigated for their activity against MRSA. Garcinia mangostana was identified as the most potent plant, and its activity was traced to the prenylated xanthone, alpha-mangostin (MIC and MBC values of 1.95 and 3.91 microg/ml, respectively).

Effect of Garcinia mangostana on inflammation caused by Propionibacterium acnes

The present study was aimed to investigate the activity of Thai medicinal plants on inflammation caused by Propionibacterium acnes in terms of free radical scavenging and cytokine reducing properties. P. acnes have been recognized as pus-forming bacteria triggering an inflammation in acne. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH scavenging and NBT reduction assay. The result showed that Garcinia mangostana possessed the most significant antioxidant activity and reduced reactive oxygen species production. Houttuynia cordata, Eupatorium odoratum, and Senna alata had a moderate antioxidant effect. In addition, Garcinia mangostana extracts could reduce the TNF-alpha production as determined by ELISA. Garcinia mangostana was highly effective in scavenging free radicals and was able to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study has identified the promising source of anti-inflammatory agent which could be useful in treatment of acne vulgaris.

Antimicrobial effects of Thai medicinal plants against acne-inducing bacteria

Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis have been recognized as pus-forming bacteria triggering an inflammation in acne. The present study was conducted to evaluate antimicrobial activities of Thai medicinal plants against these etiologic agents of acne vulgaris. Crude extracts were tested for antimicrobial activities by disc diffusion and broth dilution methods. The results from the disc diffusion method showed that 13 medicinal plants could inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes. Among those, Senna alata, Eupatorium odoratum, Garcinia mangostana, and Barleria lupulina had strong inhibitory effects. Based on a broth dilution method, the Garcinia mangostana extract had the greatest antimicrobial effect. The MIC values were the same (0.039 mg/ml) for both bacterial species and the MBC values were 0.039 and 0.156 mg/ml against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, respectively. In bioautography assay, the Garcinia mangostana extract produced strong inhibition zones against Propionibacterium acnes. Antimicrobial activity from fractions of column chromatography revealed one of the active compounds in Garcinia mangostana could be mangostin, a xanthone derivative. Taken together, our data indicated that Garcinia mangostana had a strong inhibitory effect on Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Therefore, this plant would be an interesting topic for further study and possibly for an alternative treatment for acne.