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Aim: The aims of the present study were to determine the antibiotic susceptibility profils with particular emphasis on susceptible or resistant strains to macrolides and lincosamids antibiotics and to determine possible antibiotic resistance mechanisms occurring in group B streptococci (GBS) strains using PCR assay and disk diffusion method.Methods: A total of 62 clinical GBS strains were investigated. Antibacterial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method and inducible resistance test for clindamycin by standard double disk diffusion or D-zone test for all isolates to differentiate macrolide resistance phenotype (M), constitutive macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B phenotype (cMLS) and induced macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B phenotype (iMLS). In addition, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of penicillin were determined for all isolates. Finally, possible existence of antibiotic resistance genes for erythromycin , and ) and for clindamycin ) were examined among isolates using PCR assay.Results: All 62 isolates were susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin, linezolid, cefazoline and vancomycin. However, 93.5% (n=58) of isolates showed an increased MIC to penicillin. The overall rate of erythromycin resistance was 35.5% (n=22). All erythromycin-resistant isolates displayed the M phenotype (100%, n=22). All three erythromycin resistance genes (i.e. , and ) were found in erythromycin-resistant isolates.Conclusion: It was concluded that prescribing antibiotic without antibacterial susceptibility tests should be prevented because of the high prevalence of erythromycin-resistant GBS strains and the fact that erythromycin-resistant GBS strains has shown an increased MIC to penicillin, as the drug of choice for treating GBS infections.

Objective(s): Our study aimed to formulate a niosomal system for enhancing tannic acid's antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against vancomycin-intermediate staphylococcus aureus (VISA). Materials and Methods: Niosomal tannic acid was formulated by the thin-film hydration technique, which their physicochemical attributes, including drug loading, particle size, zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficiency (EE%), polydispersity index (PDI), release profile, were evaluated. To investigate the cell viability of the prepared niosomes, the cytotoxicity effect was analyzed against the human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cell line. Finally, the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of niosomal formulation were examined against VISA strains and compared tothe free drug. Results: Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the niosomal formulation incorporated tannic acid was homogeneous, spherical, and identical in size (151.9 nm). EE% and surface charge of the synthesized niosomes were 68.90% and -60 mV, respectively. The tannic acid-encapsulated niosomes showed a significant antibacterial potential in comparison with the free drug. Furthermore, niosomal tannic acid reduced the biofilm formation ability in all VISA strains and efficiently eradicated the formed bacterial biofilms at the same concentrations of the free drug. Conclusion: Niosomes, as vesicular-based nanoparticles, are known to be potent drug delivery vehicles due to numerous features such as non-toxicity, small size, sustained-release profile, and protection from pharmaceutical degradation. Niosomes have a high capacity to deliver wide range of antimicrobial agents, including natural compounds, which could be presented as a novel approach against bacterial infections, particularly VISA strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between commensal bacteria and the host is essential for health and the gut microbiota-brain axis plays a vital role in this regard. Obesity as a medical problem not only affect the health of the individuals, but also the economic and social aspects of communities. The presence of any dysbiosis in the composition of the gut microbiota disrupts in the gut microbiota-brain axis, which in turn leads to an increase in appetite and then obesity. Because common treatments for obesity have several drawbacks, the use of microbiota-based therapy in addition to treatment and prevention of obesity can have other numerous benefits for the individual. In this review, we intend to investigate the relationship between obesity and the gut microbiota-brain axis as well as novel treatment strategies based on this axis with an emphasis on gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high incidence of demineralization around orthodontic brackets has led to the development of preventive measures. Incorporation of antibacterial or remineralizing agents into orthodontic adhesives is an attractive method. This single-center, split-mouth, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted to assess the effect of a modified composite containing TiO2 nanoparticles on the Streptococcus mutans population and to prevent demineralization around orthodontic brackets. Each participant was assigned a random sequence (AB or BA). During the bonding session, the control lateral incisor was bonded with a conventional composite and the contralateral incisor was bonded with a composite containing nano TiO2 particles (1%weight). The eligibility criteria included the presence of S. mutans in the dental plaque and absence of active caries, fractures or cracks. The S. mutans count in the dental plaque immediately around the brackets was evaluated at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after bonding. The specificity of the colonies was determined by PCR. The DIAGNOdent score was assessed at baseline and re-assessed every month up to the sixth month. Salivary samples were collected at T0, T1, and T3 to assess the amount of Ti released from the composite. The cytotoxicity of the modified composites was evaluated using an MTT assay. Participants, examiners, and data analyzers were blinded to the test and intervention groups. Forty-two patients ranging from 12 to 25 years were enrolled in this study. The amount of Ti released into saliva was insignificant and far below the toxic level. There was no significant difference between the S. mutans counts of the studied tooth S. mutans counts at any time point evaluated. DIAGNOdent scores on both sides increased significantly after the first month. However, this increase was higher on the test side (p < 0.001), and a significant difference of 2.6 scores remained throughout the study period. No severe adverse events were observed. Orthodontic composites containing TiO2 nanoparticles may prevent demineralization induced around brackets during orthodontic treatment. However, the antibacterial effects were not statistically significant. Registration: The protocol was registered with the IRCT.ir (IRCT20140215016582N6). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidrug-resistant pathogens are one of the common causes of death in burn patients and have a high risk of nosocomial infections, especially pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and cellulitis. The role of prolonged hospitalization and empirical antibiotics administration in developing multidrug-resistant pathogens is undeniable. In the early days of admitting burn patients, Gram-positive bacteria were the dominant isolates with a more sensitive antibiotic pattern. However, the emergence of Gram-negative bacteria that are more resistant later occurs. Trustworthy guideline administration in burn wards is one of the strategies to prevent multidrug-resistant pathogens. Also, a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach is an effective way to avoid antibiotic resistance that involves infectious disease specialists, pharmacists, and burn surgeons. However, the emerging resistance to conventional antimicrobial approaches (such as systemic antibiotic exposure, traditional wound dressing, and topical antibiotic ointments) among burn patients has challenged the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections, and using nanoparticles is a suitable alternative. In this review article, we will discuss different aspects of multidrug-resistant pathogens in burn wounds, emphasizing the full role of these pathogens in burn wounds and discussing the application of nanotechnology in dealing with them. Also, some advances in various types of nanomaterials, including metallic nanoparticles, liposomes, hydrogels, carbon quantum dots, and solid lipid nanoparticles in burn wound healing, will be explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]