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Objective: Molecular detection and co-presence of carbapenem-resistant genes in the isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are less commonly reported from Quetta. In the present study, we determined to highlight the antibiotic sensitivity profile and genetic mechanism of carbapenem resistance. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from May to September 2018 at the Hi-tech laboratory, Centre for Advance Studies in Vaccinology and Biotechnology, University of Baluchistan, Quetta. Biochemical and molecular methods were ascertained for the recognition of the isolates and minimum inhibitory concentration was performed using E-test and broth microdilution methods. The molecular basis of carbapenemase activity was determined by identifying carbapenemase genes in the isolates. Results: Of the (n=23) P. aeruginosa isolated from pus aspirates obtained from surgical/burn units, we have detected blaIMP (n=7/8) 87.5%, blaNDM-1 (n=5/8) 62.5%, and blaSHV (n=4/8) 50%. The co-existence of multiple antibiotic-resistant genes, blaIMP, blaNDM-1 and blaSHV was found in (n=2/8) 25% isolates. These isolates displayed resistance against a range of antimicrobials from β-lactams, tetracyclines, cephalosporins, quinolones, monobactams, aminoglycosides, sulphonamides, phosphoric acid, macrolides, and polypeptide groups, suggesting extensive-drug resistance. Conclusion: The emergence of MBL and ESBL producers is an alarming threat in the region. It is of great importance to determine the resistance mechanism of bacterial bugs. The lack of new antimicrobials particularly against gramnegative bacteria is quite alarming worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Urinary tract infections are the second most common bacterial infections occurring at all ages and both sexes. The increasing rate of antibiotic resistance is a global concern. The use of routinely used antibiotics is resulting in treatment failure. The objective of this study was to diagnose the urinary tract infections by routine culture sensitivity test and by molecular methods. Methods: This study was conducted in Microbiology laboratory, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Quetta, from July 1st to 31st March 2019. Isolates were identified biochemically by API20E & API20NE. Antibiogram was performed using disc diffusion Kirby Bauer technique. The 16S rDNA gene approach was used for molecular identification of bacterial isolates. The presence of the blaNDM-1 gene was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: We isolated 146 bacterial isolates namely Escherichia coli (n=99) 67.80%, Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=33) 22.60%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=11) 7.53% and Proteus mirabilis (n=3) 2.05% from 2032 urine samples. The resistance pattern was dominated by Multi Drug Resistance (MDR). Remarkably, four isolates of Escherichia coli (n=3) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=1) were displaying resistance against a range of antibiotics used in the study, including carbapenems but sensitive to tigecycline and polymyxins only, suggesting extensive drug resistance having blaNDM-1 gene. Conclusion: This is the first report on direct molecular detection of bacterial pathogens from urinary tract infected patients in Balochistan. The presence of blaNDM-1 in different bacterial species and their extensive drug resistance pattern poses a significant clinical threat. Molecular detection of bacteria and resistant gene may reduce the diagnostic time of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peste des petits ruminant (PPR) is an acute disease of small ruminants which causes low productivity as well as great economic losses in many countries including Pakistan. There has been pressing need to control this disease through vaccination in Pakistan. The aim of this discussion is to convey the production of an efficacious vaccine against PPR disease in Pakistan. Tissue culture based live freeze-dried PPR virus (PPR 75-1) vaccine was produced using Vero cell line at the Center for Advance Studies in Vaccinology and Biotechnology (CASVAB), University of Balochistan, Quetta in 2007. The vaccine was checked for validation, safety,sterility and efficacy using the standard procedures set by Office International des Epizooties (OIE) terrestrial manual for vaccine production. In total 3.1 million doses have been produced from 2007 to 2010. The PPR vaccine of 0.0923 million doses have been given free of cost to Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Government of Balochistan, Pakistan for immuno-prophylaxis against PPR disease in goats in various districts of Balochistan. Moreover approximately 3 million doses were also distributed commercially to different organizations nationwide. . It is anticipated that the PPR vaccine prepared at CASVAB would be an effective tool to limit PPR disease in goats as well as to reduce economic losses due to this disease in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]