Showing 20 results for Infections
H Taherkhani, Kh Jadidian, M Fallah, S Vaziri,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (10-2007)
Abstract
Abstract Background and objectives: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is acquired by infection with human immunodeficiency virus. (HIV).Parasite caused infection is the most common problem in AIDS Patients. Sometimes unusual and opportunistic infections such as intestinal parasitic infections may cause serious gastric intestinal (GI) disorders, which can finally lead to death. The aim of this study is to find intestinal parasites in AIDS patients referred to Disease Consultation Center of Kermanshah province. Materials and methods: In this study, the stool samples were collected from 75 AIDS patients admitted to Kermanshah consultation disease center. Then, all samples were tested by direct and formalin ether methods. Results: As shown in results , 13 patients (17.4%) are infected with Entamoeba coli, two( 2.7%) with Entamoeba histiolyticaly,one(1.4%) with Giardia lumbelia ,six (8%) with Blastocystis hominis ,two( 2.7%) with Isospora belli ,one(1.4%) with Ascaris lumbericoides ,two( 2.7%) with Endolimax nana . Conclusion: This study indicated that the frequency of pathogenic and non-pathogenic parasites was low in HIV+ patients. This may be related to anti-parasitic drugs used in all HIV+ patients admitted to Kermanshsh nsultation Disease center. Key words : Intestinal parasitic Infections, AIDS, Kermanshah consultation Disease center
M Amiri, S Nazemi, M Raei, R Chaman, P Norouzi,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (10-2013)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Parasitic infection is one of the major health problems in the world. This study aimed at comparing the accuracy of two methods of direct examination and Formalin-Ether to detect the presence of parasitic infection among health-card applicants in Shahroud city, 2011.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 801 patients seeking health-card. From each patient, three consecutive stool samples were taken and investigated, using direct examination and formalin-ether method.
Results: The use of formalin-ether method in recognizing the parasitic infection specially giardia lamblia and entamobea coli is more than the direct method.
Conclusion: The formalin-ether method is a more sensitive method than the direct method. But in circumstances that is urgency to respond or aims to see the shape of trophozoite, the use of direct method is recommended.
Keywords: Parasitic Infections Health Card Direct Method Formalin-Ether
R Esmaeili, Ma Amir-Zargar, M Nazari, M Alikhan,
Volume 7, Issue 5 (2-2014)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Urinary tract infections and bacteremia are the major problems in renal transplant patients, which are mostly due to immunesuppressive regimens, surgery, and exposure to the germs in hospital. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of bacterial agents in the blood and urine samples of kidney transplant candidates.
Material and Methods: In this one-year-long study, thirty-three renal transplant candidates were assessed for urine and blood cultures. One urine and blood samples from each patient before transplantation and three samples after transplantation were collected. The Samples, using standard microbiological methods, were investigated and infectious organisms identified.
Results: In 133 urine samples, Escherichia coli (20.5%), Enterobacter spp. (5.3%), Klebsiella spp. (3 %) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (1.5%) were isolated. In the blood samples, Enterobacter spp. (9.1%), Escherichia coli (6.8%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (3.8%) and Klebsiella spp. (0.8%) were isolated.
Conclusion: The results indicate that urinary tract infection was high in patients with transplanted kidney, and E. coli is the most common cause of this infection.
Keywords: Kidney Transplantation Bacterial infections Urinary Tract and Blood Infections Escherichia Coli
M Soosaraie, As Pagheh, Sh Gholami,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Given the importance of having knowledge about intestinal parasitic infections in rehabilitation centers, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in the disabled.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 196 stool specimens obtained from four rehabilitation centers in Golestan province, 2009. Triple fecal samples were collected and examined by direct wet Mount, Formalin-ether concentration technique and Trichrome permanent staining (with optical microscope).
Results: Of 196 specimens, 24 (12.3 %) had parasitic protozoan infection (5 species) and worm (1 species). The prevalence of intestinal protozoa was 11.8 %, and the highest rate of infection was related to Blastocystishominis (4.2%) and Giardia lamblia (3.1%). The rate of infection was the highest in under 9 and 20-29 years (4.1%) and the lowest in over 40 (0.5%). The prevalence in mentally handicapped was 9.2% and in physically disabled was 2.5%.
Conclusion: Due to serious complications of Amoebiasis, Giardiasis and other parasitic infections, it is essential to be careful about personal and social hygiene in these centers.
Keywords: Intestinal Parasitic Infections Disabled Rehabilitation Centers Golestan Province.
A Hajihasani, M Douraghi, M Rahbar, M Mohammadzadeh, H Zeraati, S Ghoorchian, M Alavi Moghadam, M Sabzi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2014)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Stenotrphomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen with high mortality in immunocompromised cases. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify Stenotrphomonas maltophilia in the hospitals’ environment and wards.
Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1108 samples were collected from environment of two hospitals during 12 months. Identification of isolates was performed using biochemical, phenotypic (intrinsic resistance to carbapenems) and molecular methods (amplification of 23S rRNA gene).
Results: Of the studied samples, 186 (16.78%) nonfermentative gram negative bacilli (NFGNB) were identified. Amongst NFGNB, 18 (1.62%) isolates were identified as S. maltophiliaby using biochemical tests. Of 18 biochemically identified isolates, 15 (83.3%) were confirmed via PCR. Sinks (40%) and men surgery ward ( 33.3 %( were the most contaminated sites and wards of hospitals, respectively.
Conclusion: S. maltophilia is repeatedly isolated from sink which shows that the moist hospital environments need to be considered as a source for dissemination of bacteria.
Keywords: Nosocomial Infections, Nonfermentative Gram Negative, Stenotrphomonas Maltophilia, PCR
B Rahimi-Esboei, A Pagheh, M Fakhar, S Pagheh, Y Dadimoghadam,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (8-2014)
Abstract
Abstract Background and Objective: The Outbreak of human parasitic diseases associated with the consumption of raw vegetables often occurs in both developing and developed countries. This study aimed to evaluate parasitic contamination of edible vegetables in Golestan Province. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the cities of Golestan Province for six months, 2012. The samples (N = 100) were randomly chosen among different vegetables (parsley, lettuce, radish, and cress), and examined for the presence of helminthic and protozoan parasitic contaminations following washing, centrifuging and sedimentation. Results: Thirty-seven (37%) were found to have parasitic contamination, and of these 30 (81.1%) and 7 (18.9%) were helminths and protozoa, respectively. The highest rate of contamination was detected in parsley (37.9%), and the lowest in radish (12.0%). Moreover, free living larva with 58.6% and Hymenolepis nana ova with 5.1% were the highest and lowest contaminated rates, respectively. Conclusion: Based on our results, consumed vegetables in Golestan Province is considered as a potential risk for some human parasitic infections. Keywords: Vegetable, Parasite, Parasitic Infections, Golestan Province
Gh Goudarzi, P Msc of Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical, M Lashkarara,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (8-2014)
Abstract
Abstract Background and Objective: Escherichia coli, one of the most common causative agents of urinary tract infections (UTIs) acquired from community and hospital, has developed multiple resistances to various antibiotics such as aminoglycosides. The main resistance mechanism to aminoglycosides is inactivation of these drugs by a variety of acetyltransferase, nucleotidyltransferase, and phosphotransferase enzymes. this study aimed to assess the prevalence of resistance to some important aminoglycosides as well as the distribution of aph(3)-Ia, aac(3)-IIa and ant(2)-Ia genes among uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates obtained from patients suffering UTIs. Material and Methods: Using the disk diffusion method, the antimicrobial susceptibility of 200 uropathogenic E. coli isolates collected from outpatients and inpatients was investigated to nine antibiotics. Then, the distribution of aac (3)-IIa, aph (3)-IA and ant (2)-IA genes was determined by PCR method. Results: Thirty-nine percent of E.coli isolates obtained from inpatients (n=100) and 19% of those from outpatient (n=100) demonstrated resistance to at least one of the tested aminoglycosides (i.e. 58 isolates). Among the isolates examined (n=200), 19.5%, 13%, 7.5% and 4.5% were resistant to gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin and amikacin, respectively. The most prevalent gene among the strains resistance to at least one of the aminoglycosides (n=58) was aac (3)-IIa (65.5%), followed by aph (3)-IA (25.8%). Also, the ant (2)-IA gene was not seen in any isolates. Conclusion: The presence of aac (3)-IIa gene is significantly associated with gentamicin resistance (100%, p<0.05). Because of relatively high distribution of the aac (3)-IIa gene among uropathogenic E.coli, the use of aminoglycosides such as amikacin to treat UTI in clinical setting is recommended. Keywords: Escherichia Coli, Urinary Tract Infections, Aminoglycoside-Modifying Enzymes (AMEs)
Sh Hezarkhani, F Nik Nejad, N Shahini,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (8-2014)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection causing ulcers, diabetic foot and enhance nail infection. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of onychomycosis in type II diabetes.
Material and methods: This descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 300 diabetic patients selected randomly among those referred to Panje Azar endocrinology clinic. They were examined for peripheral vascular disease, Skin lesions, diabetic foot and Peripheral neuropathy. The Laboratory tests such as FBS, HbA1c, Direct smear and fungal culture were used.
Results: The patients with onychomycosis were 19 (6.3%) their mean age was 53.65±1.04 the youngest was 28 and the oldest 84. The male to female infection ratio was of 1.08 that was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in regards to ethnicity, age, BMI, FBS, HbA1C. The location of the infection was 16 on feet (29.6%), and three on both hands and feet (P = 0.000)
Conclusion: The prevalence of fungal infection was less frequent than that of other studies. Given that there was no significant relationship between different demographic data and its prevalence, further studies with larger sample size are needed.
Keywords: Prevalence, Fungal Infections, Diabetes
Ebrahimzad, Mousavi Moh, Jamshidi Ali, Mohammadzadeh Rostami F (msc),
Volume 9, Issue 2 (7-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Oral candidiasis is a common opportunistic infection in diabetic patients. Candida albicans is colonized on different oral surfaces such as tongue, palate, dental caries and plaques. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Candida albicans in the mouth of diabetic patient.
Material and Methods: This cross - sectional study was conducted on 120 diabetic patients. After completing the questionnaire, the saliva samples were obtained and cultured on sabouraud agar medium containing 0.005% chloramphenicol. For final diagnosis, Germ tube test and Sugar absorption test (with API 120 kit) were used.
Results: Of 120 patients, 61 (50.8%) were positive for Candida. Candida infection rate was relatively higher in older patients and in women. The rate was significant in the patients using dentures (P< 0.001) and the ones keeping on smoking (P <0.038). The infection in the patients with type II diabetes was higher than the cases with Type I.
Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of Candidiasis and Candida colonization in the mouth of diabetic patients, it is a necessity to identify and treat these infections in order to prevent further complications.
Keywords: Candidiasis, Diabetes Mellitus, Fungal Infections
Kargar, M, Kargar, M, Zareian Jahromi, M,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (9-2015)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Escherichia coli O157:H7 is one of the most well-known pathogenic bacteria worldwide that can develop severe diseases such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of virulence genes of E. coli O157:H7 in patients with suspected urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 10,372 urine samples collected from patients with suspected UTI from six hospitals and clinical laboratories in Shiraz city. CT-SMAC medium, b-glucosidase activity test (MUG), specific antiserum, and the presence of O157 and H7 genes by PCR were used to confirm E. coli O157:H7 isolates. Then, stx1, stx2, eaeA, and hlyA genes were evaluated using multiplex PCR.
Results: In this study, 16 (7.8%) and 13 (6.3%) bacteria had O157 and H7 genes, respectively. Evaluation of virulence genes showed that genes eaeA (15.4%), stx1 and eaeA (15.4%), stx2 (7.7%), and stx2 and eaeA (7.7%) had the highest frequency in E. coli O157:H7.
Conclusion: Due to the severity of pathogenicity, low infectious dose of E. coli O157: H7, and its pathogenic genes, more extensive studies and genotyping of E. coli O157: H7 are required to be conducted in other areas of Iran in order to measure the frequency in UTIs and control the infections caused by E. coli O157: H7.
Keywords: Escherichia coli O157:H7; Urinary Tract Infections; Shiga Toxin 1; Shiga Toxin 2.
Haghshenas, Mr, Hosseini, E, Babamahmoodi, F, Nandoust-Kenari, Sh, Tabrizi, A,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (9-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by Influenza virus with three kinds of A, B and C . This virus spreads througout the world and produce some epidemics with different intensities . This study aimed to determine the prevalence of influenza B in patients reffering to health centers.
Material and Methods: this study was conducted on 878 samples in 2011-2013. Using PureLinkTM Viral RNA/DNA Kit, Influenza-RNA was extracted. Then Influenza B was distinguished by using SuperScript III Platinum, Quantitive Real Time PCR System from InvitrogenTM , specific primers and probs.
Results: the rate of Influenza B positive was %5.58 of the patients that %55.10 of them were female and %44.89 male. The highest rate was related to 31-40 and 51-60 year old patients.
Conclusion:
given the prevalence of influenza B virus and lack of genetic changes , it is recommended that a proper vaccine for improving immunty and effective drugs for treatmet be used.
Keywords: Influenza B Virus; Respiratory Tract Infections; Common Cold; RT-PCR
Mishar Kelishadi, Pezhman Hashemi, G.hossein Ashrafi , Naser Behnampour, Alijan Tabarraei,
Volume 13, Issue 5 (9-2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is necessary for the prevention and treatment of a variety of life-threatening injuries and diseases. However, viral contamination of these products is a great threat to recipients. Screening donors for GB virus C by nucleic acid testing is not routinely implemented worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate prevalence of GBV-C RNA in whole blood/red cell components.
Methods: In this cross sectional pilot study, we collected 153 units of packed RBCs from blood banks of two public hospitals in Gorgan (northeast of Iran), between October and November 2014. The samples were screened for the presence of GBV-C RNA in plasma by nested RT-PCR using specific primers targeting highly conserved regions of 5' UTR of GBV-C. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 18).
Results: Overall, 48 (31.37%) whole blood or red cell components were positive for GBV-C viremia. The GBV-C RNA was detected in 31/88 citrate phosphate dextrose-adenine 1 (CPDA1) RBC, 16/50 washed RBC and 1/13 reduced-leukocyte RBC. However, whole blood CPDA1 was negative for GBV-C viremia. Direct sequencing of PCR products confirmed GBV-C contamination.
Conclusions: Transmission of GBV-C infection was observed in blood products. Thus, efforts should be made to develop new strategies for assuring blood transfusion safety.
Keywords: Molecular testing, Epidemiology, Transfusion-transmissible infections, GB Virus C.
Farzaneh Mohammadzadeh Rostami, Saman Shalibeik, Morteza Rabi Nezhad Mousavi,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (1-2020)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Nosocomial infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria is a life threatening health challenge. This study aimed to determine the frequency of antibiotic resistance genes in clinical isolates from hospitals of Zahedan, southeast of Iran.
Methods: Overall, 818 isolates were collected from different hospital wards. The isolates were identified using conventional microbiological and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern was assessed by agar disc diffusion method and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration of a number of antibiotics. Multiplex PCR was performed using specific primers for the detection of resistance genes.
Results: The most common species were
Staphylococcus aureus (25%),
Klebsiella pneumoniae (22%) and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14%). The rate of methicillin resistance among
S. aureus,
S. epidermidis and
S. saprophyticus was 60%, 43% and 24%, respectively. In addition, 28.5% of enterococci isolates were vancomycin resistant. Among gram-negative bacteria, 45% of
A. baumannii and 24% of
P. aeruginosa were identified as ESBL. A high level of resistance to ampicillin (96%), cefotaxime (89%), gentamicin (89%) and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprime (60%) was observed in
K. pneumoniae.
Conclusion: Our results highlight the urgent need for an eradication program and a surveillance plan for preventing increased emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the study area.
Keywords: Bacterial Infections, Drug resistance, Zahedan.
Mobina Hosseini, Meysam Hasannejad-Bibalan, Tofigh Yaghoubi, Mohammadreza Mobayen, Parisa Khoshdoz, Sara Khoshdoz, Niloofar Faraji, Hadi Sedigh Ebrahim-Saraie,
Volume 15, Issue 6 (11-2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Bacterial contamination of wounds is a serious problem, particularly in burn patients. Gram-positive bacteria are the predominant cause of infection in newly hospitalized burn cases. This study aimed to survey the prevalence and antibiotic resistance pattern of gram-positive bacterial isolates among burn patients in Rasht, North of Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on burn patients with a positive culture for gram-positive isolates who were hospitalized in the Velayat Burn Center in Rasht, North of Iran, during 2017-2020. The isolates were identified using standard microbiological methods. Moreover, the antibiotic resistance pattern was determined by the disk diffusion method.
Results: During the study period, 671 bacterial cultures were obtained, of which a total of 16 gram-positive isolates were taken from the patients. The frequency of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus spp. was 68.7%, 18.8%, and 12.5%, respectively. In addition, the highest rate of resistance in CoNS isolates was against trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The highest rate of resistant among S. aureus isolates was recorded against penicillin. Moreover, Enterococcus faecalis isolates showed a high level of resistance to ampicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin. All isolates were susceptible to teicoplanin. Moreover, the frequency of methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates was 66.7%.
Conclusion: Given the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant strains, especially in susceptible burn patients, it is imperative to analyze the bacterial etiology of nosocomial infections periodically and epidemiologically.
Ali Ehsan Shahbazi, Nastaran Barati, Eissa Soleymani, Pegah Khandan Del, Abolfazl Khandan Del, Nemat Azizi , Behjat Ranjouri , Mehran Bakhtiari , Seyedmousa Motavallihaghi ,
Volume 17, Issue 6 (11-2023)
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 is a respiratory disease pandemic and a major global health problem that can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Previous studies have shown an inverse link between toxoplasmosis and COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the association between COVID-19 and toxoplasmosis infection.
Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, samples were taken from 360 patients, 50% of whom were men and 50% were women. Of the patients, 180 were determined to be COVID-19-positive by the ELISA kit, and 180 were in the control group. Some demographic characteristics, such as sex, age range, and occupation, were also recorded.
Results: This study was conducted on 180 COVID-19-positive patients, of whom 26.7% were in the 16-30-year age group, 25.1% were self-employed, and 31.7% had anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Among the 180 control patients, 21.1% had antibodies for T. gondii. Of the 57 patients who were co-infected with both COVID-19 and toxoplasmosis, men had higher infection rates (63.2%) than women (36.8%). There was a significant relationship between co-infections with COVID-19 and toxoplasmosis with occupation, but not with age.
Conclusion: The study found that people with toxoplasmosis infection have a 1.73 times higher risk of contracting COVID-19. The findings suggest that infectious agents could be a predisposing factor, possibly due to changes in cytokine levels.
Abolfazl Shirdel Abdolmaleki, Abolfazl Rafati Zomorodi, Mohammad Motamedifar, Yalda Malekzadegan,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections of all ages and sexes. Escherichia coli is reported as the most common predominant pathogen. Urinary tract infection treatment leads to abundant antibiotic application in hospitals and communities, continuously developing multidrug resistance (MDR). This study aimed to determine the sensitivity and resistance pattern to common antibiotics among E. coli isolates from patients with UTIs at Nemazee Hospital in Shiraz.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional survey studied 1910 positive urine samples with E. coli bacteria from patients referred to Nemazee Hospital from 2018 to 2019. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on 12 commonly used antibiotics for UTIs.
Results: A total of 1910 E. coli isolates were gathered during these 2 years. The most highlighted resistance was observed against quinolones and cephalosporins at 86.9% and 89.7%, respectively. Cephalexin (87.9%) and nalidixic acid (86.1%) have shown the lowest activity against E. coli isolates. Also, the highest susceptibility was determined for amikacin (88.3%), nitrofurantoin (76.8%), and gentamicin (70.6%). In addition, 1624 (85%) isolates were MDR.
Conclusion: In conclusion, resistance to antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, tetracycline, cefotaxime, and nitrofurantoin) is increasing. Therefore, it is vital to follow an appropriate antimicrobial stewardship program.
Hina Rahangdale, Tejaswini Olambe, Priyanka Klabhor, Sangita Bhalavi, Varsha Wanjare, Sunanda Shrikhande,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common types of infections affecting people in community and hospital settings. Bacteria are the leading cause of UTIs, followed by fungi. 39% of all healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affecting all age groups are UTIs, causing high morbidity and mortality rates. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of causative organisms is changing due to improper antibiotic use. The study was conducted to determine the microbiological profile of both community and HAIs and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.
Methods: Clean-catch, mid-stream urine samples collected in the universal wide-mouthed sterile containers were transported to the laboratory. Samples were processed by standard conventional microbiological procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar plates.
Results: The most common causative organisms among gram-negative bacteria were E coli (26.05%), followed by Klebsiella spp (20.37%), and Enterococcus spp (12.81%) was more common among the gram-positive bacteria. Non-albicans Candida (64.10%) were more commonly isolated than Candida albicans (35.90%). E coli was highly susceptible to nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin, and Klebsiella spp and Enterococcus spp were similarly highly susceptible. Antibiotic resistance was more common among bacteria isolated in HAIs.
Conclusion: In both settings, E coli was the most common causative organism. The incidence of non-albicans Candida species has increased in comparison to Candida albicans. Antimicrobial susceptibility to empirical 3rd-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones has drastically decreased. Hospital-acquired UTIs are a rising threat to the healthcare system and community. Based on hospitals’ antimicrobial policy formulated by studying antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, empirical treatment should be chosen.
Bhawana Bajare, Akanksha Dhangar, Supriya Tankhiwale, Sunanda Shrikhande,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: Pyogenic infection is a significant cause of morbidity. Infection with multidrug-resistant strains poses a major difficulty in the treatment. The study was conducted to know the bacteriological profile of pyogenic infections and their antibiotic susceptibility.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from October 2021 to March 2022. Isolates from pus specimens were subjected to an antibiotic sensitivity test using the Kirby-Bauer method as per CLSI 2021.
Results: Out of 752 samples, etiology could be revealed in 510 (68.4%) specimens. Enterobacterales dominated the profile, with K pneumoniae isolated in the maximum number of specimens. Staphylococcus aureus was the culprit in 14% of the cases. Non-fermenters were isolated in 17% of the cases. Methicillin resistance in S aureus was 67%. Gram-positive cocci showed high sensitivity to linezolid. For both Piptaz and carbapenem, Enterobacterales and non-fermenters showed around 50% and 60% susceptibility, respectively.
Conclusion: Continuous surveillance of the aetiologic agents of pyogenic infections and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern needs to be done to design and implement the antibiotic policy for the infection in our set-up.
Deepa Devhare, Sae Pol,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (5-2024)
Abstract
Background: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) has become a growing concern in healthcare settings as a major cause of many nosocomial infections worldwide. Risk factors associated with VRE are important to study. High-risk patients need to be screened and isolated to prevent the spread of infection and colonization. The present study aims to investigate the clinical spectrum, risk factors, and source of transmission of VRE in infected and colonized patients.
Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out for 1 year. A total of 200 Enterococcus species isolated from clinical samples such as urine, pus, blood, sterile body fluids, and stool from 200 patients without infection were included in the study. Stool samples were screened to measure the prevalence of VRE colonization. All samples were screened for vancomycin resistance using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Vancomycin MIC was detected using the macrobroth dilution method. Demographic and clinical history of the patients were recorded.
Results: Vancomycin resistance was detected in 7 (3.5%) of 200 enterococci isolates from clinical samples. Urinary tract infection (n = 5, 71.4%) was the most common clinical illness caused by VRE. Gut colonization was found in 12 (6%) out of 200 patients screened for VRE. A history of previous antibiotic exposure was a significant risk factor in the current study and was associated with VRE infection and colonization. Endogenous bloodstream infection caused by VRE was found in one patient with VRE colonization.
Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the significant burden of VRE on patients, both those infected and colonized. The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in healthcare settings, a consequence of inappropriate antibiotic use, is a serious concern that warrants further research and our continued attention.
Zahra Askari, Zeynab Mirzapour, Seyedeh Tooba Shafighi, Reyhaneh Ghorbanpour,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is a worldwide health problem. Virulence factors (VFs) expressed by UPEC strains promote the pathogenicity of bacteria in the urinary tract. Treatment of the infection is often difficult due to the high antimicrobial resistance of E. coli. This study aimed to determine VFs and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolated UPEC strains in the north of Iran.
Methods: 105 urine samples were collected from females with UTIs, in north of Iran, Rasht. The samples were cultured on EMB agar and MacConkey agar. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 h and the pure isolates were identified using Gram-stains and standard biochemical tests. The presence of six VF genes including papC, sfa/foc, fimH, afa, ibeA and neuC were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in UPEC strains and verified by direct sequencing. Antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) was performed by disk diffusion method based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.
Results: 65.71% isolates were identified as E. coli. The most frequent virulence gene was fimH (100%) and the least one was afa (1.44%). The highest and the lowest antibiotic resistance rates were observed against Cephazolin (66.66%), and Gentamicin (24.63%), respectively. Indeed, the prevalence of multiple drug resistance (MDR) was determined as 73.91%.
Conclusion: Our study highlighted the importance of local monitoring in UPEC isolates due to the high genetic mutation capacity of the pathogen, environmental and patient properties to recommend the best strategies against UTIs.
