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Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a very frequent reason for consultations and antibiotic prescriptions in everyday practice. Excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics is responsible for the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) uropathogenic bacteria. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of isolation and antibiotic resistance of uropathogenic strains of Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolated in the bacteriology-virology laboratory of the University Hospital Centre (CHU) in Brazzaville, Congo. Methodology: This was a descriptive retrospective study over a 6-month period (from 1 April to 31 September 2022) that included all non-redundant uropathogenic UPEC strains isolated from urine samples of patients with UTIs referred to the bacteriology-virology laboratory of the University Hospital of Brazzaville, Congo. The strains were isolated from urine samples after inoculation onto Cystine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient agar (CLED), and incubating aerobically at 37°C for 24 hours. Identification was carried out using BioMérieux API 20 E galleries and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on Mueller Hinton agar medium using selected antibiotic discs. Extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production by the isolates was confirmed by double disc synergy test. Data were analysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2013. Results: Of the 187 non-repetitive uropathogenic Enterobacteriaceae isolated from urine samples of 187 patients with clinical UTIs, 81 were strains of UPEC, giving an overall frequency of UPEC isolation of 43.0%. The modal age of patients from whom UPEC strains were isolated was 57 years (age range 2 to 86 years), with 49 from females and 32 from males (F: M ratio of 1.5). The UPEC strains showed high rates of resistance to amoxicillin (94.0%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (84.0%), piperacillin-tazobactam (73.0%), ceftriaxone (52.0%), cefixime (54.0%), cefotaxime (55.0%), ceftazidime (58.0%), gentamicin (42.0%), ciprofloxacin (55.0%) and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (90.0%) but relatively low resistance rates were observed with imipenem (4.0%), fosfomycin (8.0%) and amikacin (18.0%). The ESBL-producing strains accounted for 24.5% (46/187) of all uropathogenic Enterobacteriaceae isolates, and compared to the non-ESBL producing strains, had significantly higher resistance rates to gentamicin (p=0.018), ciprofloxacin (p=0.0003), ceftazidime (p<0.0001), ceftriaxone (p<0.0001), cefixime (p<0.0001), cefotaxime (p<0.0001), piperacillin-tazobactam (p=0.0006), and amoxicillin-clavulanate (p=0.0024). Conclusion: Our results show high rates of in vitro resistance of UPEC strains to commonly used antibiotics, which potentially limits therapeutic options and therefore a real public health challenge in Congo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bloodstream infections are serious health problem because of the significant morbidity and mortality they cause. The number of deaths increases in the presence of multidrug resistant bacteria. The aim of this study was to determine the bacteriological and resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from blood cultures. Methodology: This is a retrospective descriptive study over 3 years (1st January 2019 to 31st December 2021) of all blood cultures received in the Bacteriology-Virology Laboratory at CHU-YO. Bacteria were isolated from blood cultures after routine processing in automated BD BACTEC FX40 machine. Bacteria identification and antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) was by conventional biochemical tests and API 20E, and Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method respectively from Jan to Sept 2019, and by BD Phoenix M50 from Sept 2019 to Dec 2021. All proven cases of bacteraemia documented by culture, identification and AST were included in the study. Data analysis was done using EPI-INFO 7.2.4.0 software. Results: A total of 335 pathogenic bacteria were isolated from non-duplicate blood cultures collected from a total of 2345 patients, with 1209 males and 1136 females, giving a male to female ratio of 1.06. Gram-negative bacilli accounted for 63.6% (n=213) with a predominance of Enterobacteriaceae (40.6%, n=136). The leading species were Klebsiella spp (18.5%, n=62) followed by E. coli (14.0%, n=47). Gram-positive cocci accounted for 36.4% (n=122), mostly Staphylococcus aureus (22.1%, n=74). Klebsiella spp and E. coli strains showed high levels of resistance to beta-lactams (60 to 71.0% for piperacillin-tazobactam, 87 to 89.0% for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and 79 to 90.0% for ceftriaxone), fluoroquinolones (75 to 78.0% for ciprofloxacin) and sulphonamides (82 to 96.0% for cotrimoxazole). The lowest levels of resistance were observed with cefoxitin (5-20.0%) and imipenem (5-7.0%). Strain sensitivity to aminoglycosides was highly variable, ranging from 0-5.0% for amikacin to 54- 67.0% for gentamicin. The main mechanism of resistance of Klebsiella spp and E. coli strains to beta-lactam antibiotics was ESBL production; 64.5% (40/62) and 60.0% (28/47), respectively. Staphylococcus aureus strains were resistant to methicillin (MRSA) in 13.0% of cases. All were sensitive to fusidic acid and vancomycin. Conclusion: Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli and S. aureus are the main bacteria responsible for bacteremia in Burkina Faso. Their resistance to antibiotics is very high and remains of concern. The introduction of rapid tests to detect resistant bacteria directly from blood culture broths is essential for the early adaptation of empirical antibiotic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La résistance aux antibiotiques est une menace croissante pour la santé publique mondiale. Elle est aujourd'hui principalement causée par des bactéries qui colonisent le microbiote intestinal avant de causer des infections. Le microbiote intestinal est constitué de plusieurs centaines d'espèces (majoritairement des bactéries anaérobies strictes) exerçant notamment un effet de barrière contre la colonisation à bactéries multirésistantes. Cependant, la prise d'antibiotiques peut altérer la composition du microbiote intestinal, sélectionner des bactéries multirésistantes et ainsi favoriser leur dissémination dans l'environnement et augmenter le risque d'infections. Ce phénomène est particulièrement marqué chez les patients de soins intensifs chez qui l'administration régulière d'antibiotiques ainsi que d'autres médicaments facIIite la survenue d'infections à bactéries multirésistantes. La durée et la profondeur de l'altération du microbiote intestinal causée par les antibiotiques varie en fonction du type, de la dose et de la durée du traitement. Elle pourrait également être liée à la capacité du microbiote à se défendre. Le microbiote intestinal possède en effet de nombreux gènes de résistance aux antibiotiques dont certains pourraient le protéger dans son ensemble. Nous discutons dans cet article des éléments montrant que le microbiote intestinal est au centre de la dynamique de la résistance aux antibiotiques. Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat to global public health. It is mainly caused by bacteria that colonize the intestinal microbiota before causing infections. The intestinal microbiota is composed of several hundred species (mainly strict anaerobic bacteria) that exert a barrier effect against colonization by multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, the use of antibiotics can alter the composition of the intestinal microbiota, select for multidrug-resistant bacteria, and thus promote their dissemination in the environment and increase the risk of infections. This phenomenon is particularly marked in intensive care patients, in whom the regular administration of antibiotics as well as other drugs and invasive procedures favours the occurrence of infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria. The duration and depth of the alteration of the intestinal microbiota caused by antibiotics varies depending on the type of antibiotic, the dose, and the duration of treatment. It could also be linked to the microbiota's abIIity to defend itself. The intestinal microbiota in fact possesses many antibiotic resistance genes, some of which could protect the microbiota as a whole. In conclusion, we address in this article the elements supporting that the intestinal microbiota is at the very heart of the dynamics of antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaginitis is common in women. The present study aims to identify the factors associated with aerobic vaginitis (AV) in women and evaluate the antibiotic resistance of bacteria responsible for this vaginitis. Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of 840 patients and analysis of the results of their cytobacteriological examinations of cervicovaginal samples from January 01, 2020 to December 31, 2022 at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Joseph Raseta Befelatanana (CHUJRB) laboratory, Antananarivo, Madagascar. Results: Among the 840 patients, 35 had aerobic vaginitis, giving the prevalence of AV of 4.2%. Enterococcal vaginitis was the most common, representing 48.6% (n=17) cases of AV. Regarding associated factors, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of AV between women under age of 40 (4.4%, 29/653) and women over age of 40 years (3.2%, 6/187) (p=0.539); hospitalized (6.6%, 10/152) and non-hospitalized outpatients (3.6%, 25/688) (p=0.115); and pregnant (4.2%, 8/192) and non-pregnant women (4.2%, 27/648) (p=1.000). The antibiotic resistance varies from 0% (vancomycin) to 90.0% (penicillin G) for the Gram-positive bacteria and 0% (imipenem and amikacin) to 100% (cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, cefixime) for Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas spp) Conclusion: Cytobacteriological examination of cervicovaginal specimens in cases of genital disorders is necessary to improve the management of patients with AV in Madagascar. Similarly, empirical treatment should be properly guided and self-medication avoided, in order to limit the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalent utilization of medicinal plants in communities underscores their promise as antimicrobial agents amid rising antibiotic resistance. This study assesses five medicinal plants; Bambusa vulgaris, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Heteropogon contortus, Moringa oleifera, and Carica papaya against clinical isolates of Salmonella Typhi and Shigella dysenteriae. Methodology: Five medicinal plants were chosen based on traditional knowledge and ethnobotanical practices. Phytochemical analysis followed standard methods. Plant extracts were prepared using ethanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and hexane. Various concentrations (R conc., D1 conc., D2 conc, D3 conc, and D4 conc) of the extracts were evaluated using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion and broth dilution methods to ascertain antimicrobial properties, including minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC). Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed abundant saponins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins, notably higher with ethanol extraction. Hibiscus sabdariffa demonstrated potent activity against S. Typhi with inhibition zone diameters of 29.00 mm (R conc), 27.00 mm (D1 conc), 14.00 mm (D2 conc), and 4.00 mm (D3 conc). Heteropogon contortus exhibited activity against S. dysenteriae with inhibition zone diameter of 25.05 mm (R conc), 15.00 mm (D1 conc), 10.00 mm (D2 conc), and 5.00 mm (D3 onc). The inhibition zone diameters of B. vulgaris were 18.50 mm (R conc), 17.00 mm (D1 conc), and 10.00 mm (D2 conc) against S. dysenteriae. The MIC and MBC were similar for both organisms, with H. sabdariffa (MIC: D3-4.27 mg/mL, MBC: D1-68.25 mg/mL) and H. contortus (MIC: D3-4.69 mg/mL, MBC: R-75.00 mg/mL), while M. oleifera, C. papaya, and B. vulgaris had negligible antimicrobial activity. Conclusion: Hibiscus sabdariffa and H. contortus exhibited potent antimicrobial effects against Salmonella, with MICs of 4.27 mg/mL and 4.69 mg/mL, and MBCs of 68.25 mg/mL and 75.00 mg/mL respectively. Their consistent low MICs against Shigella suggest their potentials for antibiotic production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enterococci are commensal bacteria resident in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. However, their increasing resistance to clinically important antimicrobial agents remain a global threat. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance profile and virulence factors of Enterococcus isolated from selected poultry farms in Benin City, Nigeria. Methodology: Sixty samples (20 feed, 20 water and 20 faecal samples) were randomly collected from five selected poultry farms in different commercial farming areas between August and September 2020. The samples were first enriched in Tryptone Soy Broth (TSB) and then cultured on Bile Aesculin Azide (BAA) agar aerobically at 37oC for 18-24 hours. Black colonies on BAA agar were presumptively identified as Enterococcus and confirmed by conventional biochemical tests and Analytical Profile Index (API) rapid ID 32 STREP. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The virulence factors and biofilm formation were evaluated using standard bacteriological and microtitre plate methods. Results: In total, Enterococcus-positive samples were 32/60 (53.3%) with a total of 45 Enterococcus isolates. The speciation of the Enterococcus isolates based on API rapid ID 32 STREP were Enterococcus faecium 15/45 (33.3%), Enterococcus faecalis 12/45 (26.7%), Enterococcus durans 8/45 (17.8%), Enterococcus casseliflavus 5/45 (11.1%) and Enterococcus hirae 5/45 (11.1%). The isolates showed the highest antibiotic resistance to ampicillin (100.0%), fosfomycin (95.6%) and penicillin G (88.9%) and the least resistance to ciprofloxacin (22.2%) and chloramphenicol (28.9%). The virulence factors of Enterococcus species observed were gelatinase, β-hemolytic and hyaluronidase activity, biofilm, and S-layer formation. The degree of biofilm formation by the Enterococcus species was strong biofilm formation (19/45, 42.2%), moderate biofilm formation (10/45, 22.2%), weak biofilm formation (11/45, 24.4%) and no biofilm formation (5/45, 11.1%). Conclusion: Findings from this study emphasized on the potential health implications associated with antimicrobial resistance and phenotypic virulence factors of Enterococcus in poultry products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing rates of antibiotic resistance have made it necessary to regularly monitor antibiotic susceptibility patterns of gram negative bacterial uropathogens in order to optimize antibiotic therapy for urinary tract infections. The aim of this study was to analyze the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Gram-negative bacterial uropathogens in Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan-Remo, southwest Nigeria. Methodology: This study was a retrospective review of the Medical Microbiology Laboratory records of the hospital to analyze the in vitro antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Gram-negative urinary bacterial isolates between May 2016 and April 2022. The bacteria were isolated and identified from routine urine samples using standard bacteriological methods. In vitro antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) to amoxicillin-clavulanate, piperacillin-tazobactam, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin and meropenem was routinely performed by the modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test and susceptibility break points determined using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: A total number of 3,549 urine samples were processed during the period of review, and 808 (22.8%) samples yielded positive bacterial cultures. Of the 808 isolates, 604 (74.8%) were Gram-negative bacteria. The most frequently isolated Gram-negative bacteria were Escherichia coli (41.9 %) and Klebsiella spp (27.5%) while Pseudomonas spp and Proteus spp accounted for 4.3% and 1.0% of all isolates respectively. Meropenem had the highest in vitro antibacterial activity (74.3% to 90.3% of isolates were sensitive) for all isolates. Overall, E. coli, Klebsiella spp., and Proteus spp. showed high resistance rates to amoxicillin-clavulanate (65.3% to 97.1%). Conclusion: Effective antimicrobial stewardship programs must be in place in order to ensure the appropriate use of antibiotics for treating urinary tract infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were discovered more than four decades ago. H. pylori-HIV co-infection has been observed globally but our knowledge on this topic has tremendous gaps. Recent work from our team at CHU Saint Pierre in Brussels has provided important data that are relevant for clinical practice. This information includes variations in prevalence, endoscopic findings, antibiotic resistance, and H. pylori eradication rates. We propose a new strategy to treat coinfected individuals (based on antimicrobial susceptibility tests, drug interaction search, support material, and a referent physician, acronym AISR). These issues will be discussed in this mini-review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depuis le début des années 1990, la résistance des pneumocoques aux antibiotiques a augmenté considérablement, devenant une question majeure de santé publique dans le monde et en France. Elle touche particulièrement les sérotypes de pneumocoques les plus fréquemment portés, et varie en fonction des pathologies, de l'âge, des régions et des β-lactamines prescrites. Cet article expose les différents facteurs pouvant influencer l'antibiorésistance ainsi que l'évolution de la résistance aux β-lactamines et aux macrolides des pneumocoques isolés dans le microbiote rhinopharyngé des enfants présentant une otite moyenne aiguë (OMA). © 2024 L'Auteur(s). Publié par Elsevier Masson SAS. Since the early 1990s, pneumococcal resistance to antibiotics has grown to became a major public health issue worldwide and in France. It particularly affects the most frequently carried serotypes, and varies according to disease, age, region and the β-lactam prescribed. This article describes the factors that influence antibiotic resistance, as well as the evolution of β-lactam and macrolide resistance in pneumococci isolated from the nasopharyngeal flora of children with acute otitis media. ©2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antibiotic resistance in microorganisms implicated in nosocomial respiratory infections is a major reason for prolonged hospital stay and increased cost of therapeutic treatment of hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP). This study was designed to isolate bacterial pathogens colonizing the throat of hospitalized patients at the Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, and to evaluate antibacterial effects of extracts of Citrus aurantifolia peel and Alum against these bacterial isolates. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study of 100 randomly recruited hospitalized patients at the Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. Throat samples collected from consenting participants were cultured on selective agar media (MacConkey, Eosin-Methylene blue and Mannitol salt) for isolation of bacteria. Identification of isolates from culture plates was done by Gram reaction and conventional biochemical tests while confirmation of the isolates was done by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Antibiotic susceptibility test for each isolate to selected antibiotics (ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, gentamicin, nitrofuran, ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin) was done by the Kirby Buer disc diffusion method. Aqueous extract of Alum ([KAl(SO4).12H2O]) was done to produce concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% (w/v) at pH 3.6 and tested on the bacterial isolates using agar diffusion method. Citrus aurantifolia peel was extracted using methanol and hexane solvents to produce extract concentrations of 500mg/ml, 250mg/ml and 150mg/ml, and tested on the isolates by agar diffusion, and by the broth dilution method to obtain minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of C. aurantifolia. Results: A total of 14 bacterial isolates were recovered from throat samples of 100 hospitalized patients with Staphylococcus aureus (43%, n=6) being the most frequent while Escherichia coli (14.5%, n=2) was the least frequent. The isolates were generally resistant to penicillin, aminoglycoside and fluoroquinolone groups of antibiotics tested. The zone of inhibition for hexane and methanol extracts of C. aurantifolia and aqueous extract of alum on the bacterial isolates ranged from 11.5-19.2mm, 9.8-15.8mm, and 9.3-21.2mm respectively while those of selected antibiotics ranged from 7.0-25.0mm. The MICs of hexane and methanol extracts of C. aurantifolia against S. aureus were 10mg/ml and 25mg/ml, while the MBCs were 50 and 100mg/ml respectively. Conclusion: Findings from this study showed the presence of resistant pathogenic bacteria colonizing the throat of hospitalized patients receiving care at the Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. The crude extracts of C. aurantifolia and Alum in this study showed inhibitory effects (albeit at higher concentrations) on the bacterial isolates comparable to the standard antibiotics. We posit that based on the inhibition capacity, further studies to characterize, purify and isolate the active anti-bacterial components in the extracts should be considered for novelty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Water is a basic necessity used by humans for both domestic and industrial uses. Next to air, water is essential to life. It takes up about 71% of the earth's surface. The objective of this study is to determine the bacteriological quality of well water in Enugu urban, Nigeria Methodology: A total of 60 domestic wells were selected from Abakpa, Obiagu and Achara layouts in Engu urban, Nigeria by stratified random sampling method, with 20 wells selected from each area based on location of well sites and construction parameters. Water samples were collected from each well using a sterile 200ml plastic bottle for bacteriological analysis to estimate total bacteria count in colony forming unit (cfu)/ml, total coliform count in most probable number (mpn)/100ml, and faecal coliform count in most probable number (mpn)/100ml. Bacterial isolates were identified using Gram reaction and conventional biochemical tests including catalase and coagulase for Gram positive bacteria, and oxidase, citrate utilization, hydrogen sulfide, indole, urease, methyl red, Voges Proskauer, and sugar fermentation tests for Gram negative bacteria. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) of each isolate was performed by the disk diffusion method against selected antibiotics including penicillin G (10µg), ciprofloxacin (5µg), streptomycin (10µg), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (20/10µg), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (25µg), and result interpreted using the European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) break points. Comparative statistics of the data was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The well water in the three layouts were heavily contaminated as shown by comparatively high mean total bacteria counts of 0.8825±0.66x104 cfu/ml, 0.8435±0.6413x104 cfu/ml, and 0.8384±0.5948x104 cfu/ml for Abakpa, Obiagu and Achara layouts respectively (p=0.9714). The mean total coliform counts were 5.15±5.284, 5.45±4.31 and 5.05±4.763 mpn/100ml (p=0.8038), and the mean faecal coliform counts were 2.4±3.393, 2.65±2.796 and 2.05±2.35 mpn/100ml (p=0.9631) for Abakpa, Obiagu and Achara layouts respectively. A total of 50 pathogenic bacterial isolates were identified; Klebsiella pneumoniae 21 (43.8%), Escherichia coli 13 (30.0%), Proteus spp 6 (12.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 6 (12.5%), and Staphylococcus aureus 2 (4.2%). The AST result shows that 75% of K. pneumoniae, E. coli, Proteus spp and S. aureus were resistant to all five antibiotics tested. Conclusion: These findings showed high faecal contamination of domestic well water sources, which poses a significant infection risk to the community. Proper water treatment measures and personal hygiene practices are recommended, and well sites should be located at a safe distance from septic tanks, pit latrines, flowing gutters and refuse dump sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pig production in Uganda is highly constrained by rampant piglet mortalities with diarrhea being a key feature. The present study was conducted to determine possible involvement of Escherichia coli (E. coli) as agents of diarrhea in piglets and elucidate the factors for their spread and virulence, towards development of mitigation strategies in the smallholder pig value chains in Uganda. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study carried out from January to August 2020 on pre- and post-weaned piglets from households in Kayunga and Mityana districts of Central Uganda, selected by snowballing method to redundancy. Data about herd management and risk factors for colibacillosis were collected from selected farmers in the two districts. A total of 179 faecal samples were collected from randomly selected neonatal and pre-weaning piglets for bacteriological isolation of Escherichia coli. Virulence (enterotoxin and fimbrial) genes from the isolates were detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Results: From the 179 faecal samples, a total of 158 (88.3%) E. coli isolates were obtained. Virulence gene markers were detected in 18.4% (29/158) of the isolates. Among the investigated genes encoding for enterotoxin production, STb was the most prevalent (16/158, 10.13%), followed by STa (12/158, 7.59%), while gene for LT was not detected. The gene coding for F4 adhesin was the only one detected while F18 adhesin was not detected from the isolates. On multiple logistic regression analysis, only tertiary educational level (OR=0.141; 95% CI=0.30-0.666; p=0.013) and infrequent use of antibiotics (OR=0.231, 95% CI=0.062-0.859; p=0.029) among the farmers, were the two factors significantly protective of the piglets from diarrhoea. Conclusion: This study reports a high prevalence of enterotoxin gene markers among E. coli isolates in piglets and revealed the potential role of these bacteria in the aetiology of piglet diarrhoea and mortalities in Uganda. Additionally, this study identified risk factors that can be useful in formulating treatment and control strategies of infection caused by these bacteria. Further studies are needed to identify more adhesins these E. coli isolates employ for intestinal colonization, a step that will help inform vaccine development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Sungbo Eredo Monument is an ancient public work with a system of defensive walls and ditches located in Eredo Local Council Development Area of Epe, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria. A huge section of the monument cuts through the Augustine University campus, forming two-sided vertical walls with a deep ridge inbetween. The objective of this investigative study is to determine the microbial profile of soil samples from the monument in the University campus. Methodology: Soil samples were collected from the topsoil at a depth of 7.5cm from four randomly selected points along the edge of the monument. The samples were transported to the microbiology laboratory of the Department of Biological Sciences of Augustine University for analysis. Samples were cultured on Nutrient agar (NA) and incubated aerobically for 24-48 hours for bacteria isolation and on Sabouraud's Dextrose agar (SDA) for 72 hours for fungi isolation. Bacterial colonies on NA were preliminarily identified to genus level by Gram reaction and conventional biochemical test scheme for Gram-positive (catalase, coagulase, starch hydrolysis) and Gram-negative isolates (oxidase, urease test, indole, methyl red, Voges Proskauer and sugar fermentation tests). Fungi colonies on SDA were identified using conventional macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Antibiotic susceptibility test of the bacterial isolates to selected antibiotics was done using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: A total of twenty-three bacterial isolates in four genera; Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Cellobiococcus and Micrococcus and nine fungal isolates in three genera; Saccharomyces, Aspergillus and Botrytis were identified from the cultures. The bacterial isolates were sensitive (>50% sensitivity) to only gentamicin and ofloxacin, with 65.2% and 78.3% sensitivity rates respectively, while they were largely resistant to all other antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, erythromycin, cefuroxime, cloxacillin, ceftazidime and augmentin, with resistance rates of 65.2%, 65.2%, 73.9%, 82.6%, 86.9%, 91.3% respectively. Conclusion: The results of this investigative study revealed the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (mainly Gram-positive) and fungi on the archaeological monument of Augustine University, adding to the existing data on microbial spectrum of archaeological monuments that could be useful for unraveling human cultural habits and microbe-related human diseases. However, further studies on molecular identification of these microbial spectrum will be required to ascertain their genetic relatedness and ancestral phylogeny, which will be useful for archaeologists in their study of the Sungbo-Eredo ancestral monument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Misuse of antibiotics is the leading factor promoting emergence of bacterial resistance, a situation that has become a serious public health challenge. Among the leading bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics are Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which have caused infections in patients, resulting in considerable mortality. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess antibiotic resistance rates of bacterial pathogens isolated from clinical specimens in two Lebanese hospitals between the years 2018 and 2019. Methodology: Bacteria isolated from routine clinical specimens collected from hospitalized patients in two hospitals, Haroun and Bekaa, in Lebanon for 2018 and 2019, were analyzed. Bacteria isolation and identification were carried out at the laboratory of each hospital using conventional microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testings (AST) of each bacterial isolate to antibiotics were performed by the disc diffusion test and interpreted using EUCAST, CLSI or WHO/AST guidelines. Comparisons of the mean resistance rates of each isolate to individual antibiotics by year of isolation were done using the Z-test and p< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were a total of 1698 bacteria isolates recovered from hospitalized patients in the two hospitals for 2018 and 2019, of which 87.5% were Gram-negative and 12.5% were Gram-positive bacteria. The most frequent among the Gram-negative isolates was E. coli (66.1%) followed by P. aeruginosa (13.3%), K. pneumoniae (7.7%), Proteus mirabilis (6.7%) and Enterobacter spp (6.3%), while coagulase positive staphylococci CoPS (68.4%) and E. faecalis (31.6%) were the two Gram positive isolates. Of the Gram-negative isolates over the two-year period, 72.2% of E. coli and 76.3% of K. pneumoniae were resistant to ceftazidime, 93% of P. mirabilis to colistin, and 98% of Enterobacter to cefoxitin, but low resistance rates were demonstrated by E. coli to imipenem (1%), K. pneumoniae to tigecycline and amikacin (0.9%), P. mirabilis to imipinem (2%), and Enterobacter to amikacin, ertapenem and tigecycline (3%). Resistance of P. aeruginosa varied between 2% to colistin and 24% to levofloxacin. For the Gram- positive bacteria, 79.1% of E. faecalis were resistant to erythromycin while 70% of CoPS were resistant to cefoxitin, but no isolate was resistant (0%) to linezolid, and only 1% to teicoplanin. Except for Enterobacter spp that showed significant increase in resistance rates (by 250%) to piperacillin/tazobactam in 2019 over 2018, resistance rates of other Gram-negative isolates significantly decreased in 2019 compared to 2018 (p<0.05). For the Gram-positive isolates, resistance rates to many antibiotics tested significantly increased (by a factor of 36.5 - 2569%) in 2019 compared to 2018 among E. faecalis isolates in contrast to the rates for CoPS which significantly decreased by 16.7 - 65.7%, except for penicillin G which increased by a factor of 123%. Conclusion: Overuse and misuse of antibiotics, which is possible because of the easy access of the populace to these drugs, is a leading factor contributing to the high antibiotic resistance rates in this study. There is need to promote awareness of antimicrobial resistance in Lebanon among students especially in non-health related majors and enactment of govermental policy that will limit access to antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Les entérobactéries résistantes aux céphalosporines de troisième génération (ERC3G) constituent un fardeau sanitaire majeur pour les humains et les animaux dans l’océan Indien. Les rats, au mode de vie synanthrope, en sont des réservoirs avérés. Nous avons utilisé les rats comme des bioindicateurs environnementaux de l’occurrence d’ERC3G. L’objectif principal de cette étude exploratoire était de générer des hypothèses concernant la contamination environnementale par les ERC3G dans les deux territoires français de l’océan Indien. Cet objectif a été poursuivi à travers a) l’estimation de la prévalence des ERC3G et des entérobactéries productrices de bêta-lactamases à spectre étendu (EBLSE) chez les rats des deux territoires en 2013-2014, et b) l’identification des déterminants de ce portage chez les rats (traits d’histoire de vie et occupation du sol). En 2013-2014, des rats ont été échantillonnés selon un gradient altitudinal à la Réunion et à Mayotte sur plusieurs sites peu anthropisés. Sur un échantillon de convenance de 198 et 138 rats, respectivement à la Réunion et à Mayotte, la prévalence des ERC3G s’élevait à 5,1 % et 8,7 %, et celle des EBLSE à 0,5 % et 0,8 %. La masse, la longueur de la queue et la proportion de terrains agricoles dans le domaine vital du rat étaient des déterminants du portage d’ERC3G à la Réunion. A Mayotte, les déterminants de ce portage étaient une masse faible et le site de capture du rat avec un regroupement de cas positifs dans une localité spécifique. Finalement, les résultats obtenus semblent indiquer une faible contamination de l’environnement par les ERC3G à la Réunion et à Mayotte en 2013-2014. A la Réunion l’hypothèse d’une contamination de l’environnement par l’épandage de lisier a été soulevée nécessitant des investigations complémentaires.

Mycoplasma genitalium est un mycoplasme urogénital n'appartenant pas à la flore commensale génitale. C'est un agent avéré d'infections sexuellement transmissibles (IST), responsable d'urétrites chez l'homme, de cervicites et plus rarement d'infections génitales hautes chez la femme. Une majorité d'infections reste néanmoins asymptomatique. Sa prévalence de 1 à 3 % dans la population générale peut s'élever à 35 % dans les centres spécialisés d'IST. La détection de M. genitalium est faite uniquement par biologie moléculaire mais ne doit être réalisée que dans le cas d'infection symptomatique. Seules quelques molécules parmi les macrolides, tétracyclines et fluoroquinolones, sont actives. Depuis quelques années, les résistances acquises aux macrolides, antibiotiques de première intention, augmentent fortement dans le monde. Cette résistance a atteint près de 35 % en France en 2019. Il est donc recommandé de rechercher la résistance aux macrolides en même temps que la détection de M. genitalium. Le traitement minute par azithromycine 1 g ne doit pas être utilisé sur M. genitalium. Un traitement de cinq jours par azithromycine est recommandé en l'absence de résistance aux macrolides. La résistance à la moxifloxacine, antibiotique de deuxième intention, est aussi en augmentation, mesurée à 15,6 % en France, en 2019. Devant le risque d'impasse thérapeutiques en cas de double résistance, M. genitalium est maintenant inscrit sur la Watch list du Center for Diseases Control (Centre pour le contrôle et la prévention des maladies américain). Mycoplasma genitalium is a urogenital mycoplasm not belonging to the genital commensal flora. It is a proven agent of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), responsible for urethritis in men, cervicitis and more rarely upper genital infections in women. However, a majority of infections remain asymptomatic. Its prevalence of 1 to 3% in the general population can rise to 35% in specialized STI centers. The detection of M. genitalium is done only by molecular biology but should be performed only in the case of symptomatic infection. Only a few molecules among the macrolides, tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones are active. In recent years, acquired resistance to macrolides, first-line antibiotics, has been increasing sharply worldwide. This resistance reached nearly 35% in France in 2019. It is therefore recommended to search for macrolide resistance at the same time as the detection of M. genitalium. Minute treatment with azithromycin 1g should not be used on M. genitalium. A 5-day treatment with azithromycin is recommended in the absence of macrolide resistance. Resistance to moxifloxacin, a second-line antibiotic, is also increasing, measured at 15.6% in France in 2019. Faced with the risk of therapeutic deadlock in the event of double resistance, M. genitalium is now on the "Watch list" of the U.S. Center for Diseases Control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae are a major cause of nosocomial bacteraemia. The objectives of this study are to describe the antibiotic resistance pattern of ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae responsible for bacteraemia and identify factors associated with these infections in a University Hospital in Madagascar. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of 300 randomly selected patients with clinical features of bacteraemia whose blood cultures were processed for isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens over a period of six months (October 2019 to March 2020) at the laboratory of the University Hospital of Befelatanana. Blood culture samples were processed by conventional microbiological method for isolation of Enterobacteriaceae, which were identified to species level using Analytical Profile Index (API) 20E® test system. Antibiotic susceptibility of each isolate was performed by the disk diffusion technique and ESBL production was detected by the 'synergy' method. Results: Of the 300 patients, 54 were positive for bacteria, giving a prevalence rate of 18% for microbiologically documented bacteraemia. Of the 54 bacterial pathogens, Enterobacteriaceae isolates constituted 37 (68.5%), with 23 (42.6%) being ESBL producing and 14 (25.9%) non-ESBL producing isolates, 14 (25.9%) were staphylococci and 3 (5.6%) were streptococci isolates. All 23 (100%) ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates were resistant to amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and the third generation cephalosporins (3GC), 19 (82.6%) to gentamycin and 18 (78.3%) to cotrimoxazole. On the other hand, the non-ESBL producing isolates were more sensitive because only 10 (71%) were resistant to amoxicillin, 7 (50%) to cotrimoxazole, 2 (14%) to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, 1 (7.1%) to gentamycin, and none (0%) was resistant to 3GC. All 54 Enterobacteriaceae isolates were sensitive to amikacin and imipenem. Age less than 20 years (93.8%) (p=0.001) and hospitalization in intensive care units (90.9%) (p=0.04) were significant risk factors associated with infection by ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae. Conclusion: ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae responsible for bacteraemia in University Hospital of Befelatanana, Madagascar, are resistant to many classes of antibiotics. Carbapenems and amikacin are the antibiotics of choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L’objectif de l’étude, menée d’août 2014 à décembre 2015, était de tester la résistance aux antibiotiques de 52 isolats de Salmonella gallinarum obtenus à partir d’élevages avicoles modernes situés en zones périurbaines du district de Bamako (n = 27), et des villes de Ségou (n = 16) et Sikasso (n = 9). Les taux de résistance moyens obtenus ont été de 98,08 % à l’érythromycine, 94,23 % à la colistine, 90,38 % à la streptomycine, 67,31 % à la kanamycine, 65,38 % à la fluméquine, 63,46 % à la doxycycline, 59,61 % à la tétracycline et 21,15 % à la gentamicine. Tous les isolats de salmonelles issus des élevages du district de Bamako se sont avérés résistants à la tétracycline, à la doxycycline et à l’érythromycine. De même, une résistance à l’érythromycine, à la tétracycline, à la colistine et à la streptomycine a été mise en évidence pour tous les isolats issus des élevages du site de Sikasso. Les résultats ont montré un développement de la résistance de la plupart des souches de salmonelles isolées à la majorité des antibiotiques usuels et dans une moindre mesure à la gentamicine.

Introduction: The escalating bacterial resistance stands as an increasingly pertinent concern, particularly in the post-pandemic era where the use of antibiotics appears to be relentlessly surging, giving rise to profound apprehensions. The substantial utilization of last-generation penicillins and cephalosporins is anticipated to imminently result in the emergence of superbugs for which therapeutic solutions will be scarce., Methods: An analysis of antibiotic consumption in the hospital setting has been conducted in an Italian healthcare organization. Querying the internal management system facilitated the calculation of indicators and assessment of prescription trends., Results: A comparison has been made between the first half of 2023 and the first half of 2022, to highlight the exponential growth in the consumption of beta-lactam antibiotics, with consumption doubling compared to the previous year's semester. Overall, considering the prescription averages, there is a prescribing growth of +29% concerning hospitalization and +28% concerning hospital discharge. However, it should be noted that the consumption of certain antibiotics such as sulphonamides and trimethoprim (-103.00%), tetracyclines (-54.00%), macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramins (-50.00%) and colistin (-13.00%) decreased., Conclusion: This real-world evidence analysis aimed to support the justified and comprehensible global concerns regarding bacterial resistance. The extensive consumption of antibiotics will inevitably lead to the development of increasingly drug-resistant bacteria for which no antibiotic may be efficacious. National programs addressing antibiotic resistance and the awareness of all healthcare personnel must be accorded the utmost priority to enhance consumption data and, consequently, safeguard future human survival., (Copyright © 2024 Académie Nationale de Pharmacie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are normal microbial flora found on the skin and mucous membranes of mammals. Considered for a long time as avirulent commensals, these bacteria are now recognized as opportunistic pathogens by virtue of their high resistance to multiple antibiotics and capacity for biofilm formations, which made them important agents of nosocomial and community-acquired infections. The objectives of this study are to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern and biofilm formation, and to detect mecA and icaAD genes in clinical CoNS isolates from Batna's Anti-Cancer Center (ACC) in Algeria. Methods: A total of 66 CoNS were isolated from different samples and identified by API Staph system. In vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) of each isolate to selected antibiotics was determined by the disk diffusion method, and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of oxacillin and vancomycin were determined by E-test. Biofilm formation was assessed by Tissue Culture Plate (TCP) and Congo Red Agar (CRA) methods. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify mecA gene in 9 oxacillin-resistant and 1 oxacillinsensitive CoNS, and icaAD gene in 9 biofilm forming and 1 non-biofilm forming CoNS. Sequencing of the 16S rDNA of 1 mecA and 1 icaAD positive isolates was performed by the Sanger method. Results: Nine species of CoNS were identified, with Staphylococcus epidermidis (n=29, 44%) and Staphylococcus haemolyticus (n=15, 22.7%) constituting the largest proportion, and isolated mainly from the onco-haematology service unit of the center. The isolates were resistant to penicillin G (98.5%), cefoxitin (80.3%) and oxacillin (72.2%). The TCP method was more sensitive (89.4%) than CRA method (31.8%) in detecting biofilm formation. The mecA gene was detected in 66.7% (6/9) of oxacillin resistant CoNS and the icaAD gene in 55.6% (5/9) of TCP positive CoNS isolates. Conclusion: Invitro resistance to methicillin (oxacillin) and biofilm formation were high among the CoNS isolates in this study, but the association of these with respective carriage of mecA and icaAD genes was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recurrent otitis externa is a worldwide problem. This study aims to identify the different aetiological organisms isolated from otitis externa and their sensitivity to different antibiotics. Methods: A total of 27 patients with clinical presentation of otitis externa for a period of three weeks or more were enrolled for the study. Two swab samples collected from each infected ear were cultured for bacterial and fungi, and growth identified using standard microbiological methods including analytical profile index (API) system. Antibiotic susceptibility of isolated bacteria was performed by the disk diffusion technique. Results: Thirty one organisms were isolated from the 27 patients; 12 (38.7%) fungi and 19 (61.3%) bacteria species. Aspergillus spp was the most frequently isolated organism (35.4%) while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently isolated bacteria (19.3%), and was most sensitive to amikacin. Four of 11 patients with Aspergillus infection showed clinical resistance to econazole local treatment but had complete clinical response to itraconazole oral treatment. Conclusion: Otitis externa in Egypt is caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria or fungi, and the most causative organisms are Aspergillus spp and Ps. aeruginosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Ce travail à consister à étudier les aspects épidémiologiques et bactériologiques des souches bactériennes isolées au cours des infections du site opératoire (ISO) à l'Hôpital National de Niamey. Nous avions mené une étude rétrospective, et descriptive sur une période de 24 mois. Toutes les souches isolées à partir de prélèvements bactériologiques effectués chez les patients présentant une infection du site opératoire ont été identifiées et testés aux antibiotiques selon les méthodes classiques conventionnelles. Les analyses bactériologiques ont permis d'isoler 126 souches bactériennes avec une prédominance de S.aureus (n=39, 31%) suivi d'Escherichia coli (n = 29, 23%) et de Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=12, 9,5%). Les souches d'Escherichia coli étaient sensibles à 100% à l'imipenème. Elles ont montré des résistances marquées à l'ampicilline, l'amoxicilline, l'acide-clavulanique et la ticarcilline. Elles présentaient des résistances variables aux aminosides (62% à la gentamycine, et 78% à l'amikacine), et aux fluoroquinolones (acide nalidixique 74%, pefloxacine 33%, l'ofloxacine 69%, ciprofloxacine 61%). L'ensemble des isolats d'entérobactéries étaient sensibles à l'imipénème. Les souches de S.aureus avaient montré des résistances à la Pénicilline G (88,6%) et à l'oxacilline (83%). Elles avaient montré aussi des résistances de 37% et 57% respectivement à la vancomycine et teicoplanine. Par contre, elles étaient sensibles à la lincomycine et aux aminosides testés. Compte tenu de ces résultats, nous pensons qu'il faudra améliorer les protocoles d'antibioprophylaxie et d'antibiothérapie probabiliste dans les services chirurgicaux. Aussi, mener des études périodiques de surveillances des ISO.

Antibiotic susceptibility of E. coli isolated from pediatric urine microscopy and culture tests: A 6-year study Keywords: Antibiotic resistance; Children; Escherichia coli; Résistance aux antibiotiques; Enfants EN Antibiotic resistance Children Escherichia coli Résistance aux antibiotiques Enfants 302 304 3 05/02/20 20200501 NES 200501 1 Introduction Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common pediatric bacterial infections [1]. In patients presenting with sepsis, adding amikacin-which was effective against more than 95% of E. coli strains (and 94% of ESBLs)-was associated with effective empirical antibiotic therapy irrespective of the E. coli resistance profile. [Extracted from the article]

This study was longitudinal, conducted at the Trauma and Burn Centre between January and June 2017. Its purpose was to determine the prevalence of CPE infection among patients admitted to the Burn Intensive Care Unit, and to study their clinical and biological characteristics. Molecular typing of carbapenemases was performed with PCR type GeneXpert. Thirteen patients were infected with 7 episodes of bacteremia, 2 had ventilator acquired pneumonia and 4 catheter infections, with a prevalence of 7% of admissions. The average length of stay in the intensive care unit prior to infection was 12 days. Antibiotic exposure involved 12 of the 13 patients: 9 patients were transferred from other intensive care units. Thirteen and ten patients were respectively exposed to central catheterization and mechanical ventilation. The predominant carbapenemase among the infecting carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriacae strains was NDM carbapenemase (9/15), with a first description of P. stuartii carrying blaNDM strain in Tunisia. One patient died before adapting antibiotic therapy. For the others, 13 adapted bi-antibiotherapies were prescribed. There were five patient deaths from infection, four of whom had received appropriate antibiotic therapy. Imipenem was used each time the MIC was ≤4mg/l, in combination with another antibiotic: amikacin (3/8), colimycin (4/8), or tigecycline (1/8). Three of these prescriptions resulted in death. The prevalence of carbapenemase-producing enterobacterial infections is high among burn patients with a predominance of NDM-type carbapenemase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Contracting infectious diseases from microbial contaminated toilet door handles is a potential threat to public health and safety. Therefore we performed microbiological screening of toilet door handles in twelve public toilets on Baze University campus for bacterial contamination. Methodology and Results: Biochemical analysis of bacterial isolates from entrance toilet door handles in six building blocks on Baze University campus, revealed a general contamination by mainly seven bacterial species associated with human gut and skin flora in order of decreasing frequency as follows: Staphylococcus aureus 42.9%; Salmonella typhimurium 21.4%; Escherichia coli 14.3%; Pseudomonas aeruginosa 9.5%; Proteus mirablis 4.8%; Klebsiella oxytoca 4.8%; and Klebsiella pneumoniae with 2.3% prevalence. Results of the total aerobic mesophillic count showed A-Block with the highest amount of contamination - 768*105CFU/ml, while B-Block had the least amount of bacterial contamination - 473*105CFU/ml. The levels of bacterial contamination in the other blocks were as follows: C-Block - 710*105CFU/ml, D-Block - 695*105CFU/ml, E-Block - 567*105CFU/ml, and FBlock - 743*105 CFU/ml. Conclusion: Overall of the seven isolated bacterial species five were mainly gut-associated bacteria, suggesting feacal contamination. The others were skin-associated bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), suggesting routine touch by hands, and soil-associated bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) suggesting contamination from settling dust articles. This study is relevant for public health and safety, as its findings reveal the presence of bacterial pathogens on toilet door handles, which is vital in preventing the spread of infectious disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A pigment-producing species of Serratia was isolated from the rhizosphere of a heavy metal resistant Cannabis sativa plant growing in effluent-affected soil of Hattar Industrial Estate, Haripur, Pakistan. Here, we report the genome sequence of this bacterium, which has been identified as Serratia nematodiphila on the basis of whole genome comparison using the OrthoANI classification scheme. The bacterium exhibited diverse traits, including plant growth promotion, antimicrobial, bioremediation, and pollutant tolerance capabilities including metal tolerance, azo dye degradation, ibuprofen degradation, etc. Plant growth-promoting exoenzyme production as well as phosphate solubilisation properties were observed. Genes for phosphate solubilisation, siderophore production, and chitin destruction were identified in addition to other industrially important enzymes like nitrilase and lipase. Secondary metabolite producing apparatus for high value chemicals in the whole genome was also analysed. The number of antibiotic resistance genes was then profiled in silico, through a match with Antibiotic Resistant Gene and CAR database. This is the first report of a S. nematodiphila genome from a polluted environment. This could significantly contribute to the understanding of pollution tolerance, antibiotic resistance, association with nematodes, production of bio-pesticide, and their role in plant growth promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Résumé Le nombre de touristes internationaux ne cesse d’augmenter chaque année tout comme les infections observées au retour de voyage, parmi celles-ci, on retrouve les infections sexuellement transmissibles (IST). Lors de voyages, il est connu que la prise de risque lors de rapports sexuels est augmentée. Si un certain nombre de micro-organismes responsables d’IST comme les Chlamydiae trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae ou Trichomonas vaginalis , sont cosmopolites, certains comme Haemophilus ducreyi restent endémiques dans plusieurs régions. Les souches de N. gonorrhoeae circulant en zones intertropicales présentent aussi des taux de résistance aux antibiotiques très élevés. Dans ce contexte, la place du biologiste médical est majeure, en pré analytique pour le recueil de données cliniques et épidémiologiques afin d’adapter les examens à réaliser comme en postanalytique pour aider le clinicien dans le choix des traitements, donner des conseils aux patients et participer à la surveillance épidémiologique des infections. The number of international tourists continues to increase every year, so do the infections diagnosed at return, including sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Risk-taking during sexual intercourse is increased while travelling. STD-causing microorganisms such as Chlamydiae trachomatis , Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Trichomonas vaginalis are cosmopolitan, some such as Haemophilus ducreyi remains endemic in several regions and others. N. gonorrhoeae isolated in inter-tropical areas show very high antibiotic resistance rates. In this context, biologists play an important role, in pre-analytic step in collecting clinical and epidemiological data in order to adapt the specific analysis that could be performed as well as in post-analytic step in helping the physician to choose appropriate treatments, in giving advice to patients and in participating to the surveillance networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA elements that can be found throughout bacteria, as well as in other domains of life. Nonetheless, the evolutionary processes underlying the persistence of plasmids are incompletely understood. Bacterial plasmids may encode genes for traits that are sometimes beneficial to their hosts, such as antimicrobial resistance, virulence, heavy metal tolerance, and the catabolism of unique nutrient sources. In the absence of selection for these traits, however, plasmids generally impose a fitness cost on their hosts. As such, plasmid persistence presents a conundrum: models predict that costly plasmids will be lost over time or that beneficial plasmid genes will be integrated into the host genome. However, laboratory and comparative studies have shown that plasmids can persist for long periods, even in the absence of positive selection. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain plasmid persistence, including host-plasmid co-adaptation, plasmid hitchhiking, cross-ecotype transfer, and high plasmid transfer rates, but there is no clear evidence that any one model adequately resolves the plasmid paradox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Les infections urinaires à entérobactéries productrices de bêtalactamases à spectre élargi (E-BLSE) constituent un risque infectieux, un enjeu thérapeutique de taille et peuvent même conduire dans certains cas à des impasses du fait de leur multi-résistance aux antibiotiques. Le but de ce travail est de préciser le profil épidémiologique des (E-BLSE) uropathogènes et décrire leur niveau actuel de résistance aux antibiotiques pour une meilleure prise en charge des patients selon les données locales. Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective sur une période de trois ans (du 1er janvier 2013 au 31 décembre 2015) concernant toutes les souches d' E-BLSE isolées de tous les ECBU traités au laboratoire de microbiologie de à l'Hôpital Militaire Moulay Ismail de Meknès. La culture a été faite selon les techniques usuelles, et l'antibiogramme a été réalisé par méthode de disque diffusion sous gélose Muller-Hinton selon les recommandations du Comité de l'antibiogramme de la Société française de microbiologie CA-SFM 2013/2014. Cette étude a permis de noter une importante prévalence globale d'isolement des E-BLSE (12.2 %), particulièrement chez les patients hospitalisés (54.8 %) dont la plus grande prévalence (72 %) a été enregistrée dans le service d'urologie. Parmi ces E-BLSE Escherichia coli constitue la majorité (61 %) des isolats, cependant au sein de la même espèce Klebsiella pneumoniae est le plus producteur de BLSE (25.8%). L'étude de l'antibioresistance des E-BLSE durant ces trois ans a mis en évidence des co-résistances à la ciprofloxacine (92.5 %), au sulfametoxazole-trimethoprime (88,4 %), à la gentamycine (67,2 %). Globalement nos résultats sont en accord avec les données des autres pays méditerranéens exception faite pour l'amikacine dont la résistance est très basse (6.1%) dans notre étude. Cette étude a montré que la prévalence des E-BLSE en milieu hospitalier est importante et que sa diffusion en milieu communautaire est un fait préoccupant. Ces E-BLSE sont généralement résistantes aux antibiotiques, notamment des aux molécules utiles en urologie.

La résistance aux antibiotiques est devenue une préoccupa­tion de santé publique mondiale car un grand nombre de bactéries résistantes émergent continuellement. Les animaux ont été signalés comme l’une des sources de bactéries résistantes aux antibiotiques qui peuvent être transférées aux humains. Afin d’enrichir les données sur la résistance aux antibiotiques chez les animaux au Rwanda, une étude transversale a été menée dans la province de l’Est et dans la ville de Kigali pour isoler Escherichia coli présent dans des élevages de volailles en plein air et dans des élevages commerciaux. Des échan­tillons de matières fécales ont été prélevés dans 294 fermes avicoles et des souches d’E. coli ont été isolées et identifiées. Au total, 241 isolats d’E. coli ont été soumis à un test de sen­sibilité aux antibiotiques en utilisant cinq antibiotiques (gen­tamicine, streptomycine, rifampicine, doxycycline et érythro­mycine). L’utilisation d’antibiotiques chez les volailles était faible dans les élevages de volaille en plein air (30,9 %) com­parativement aux élevages de poules pondeuses et de pou­lets de chair (100 %). Parmi les 151 éleveurs qui ont déclaré utiliser des antibiotiques chez les volailles, près de la moitié (49,7 %) ont toujours utilisé des antibiotiques sur ordonnance vétérinaire. Sur les 241 isolats d’E. coli, 43,2 % présentaient une résistance multiple à quatre des cinq antibiotiques testés. Presque tous les isolats (98,8 %) étaient résistants à l’érythro­mycine, 78,8 % étaient résistants à la streptomycine, 77,6 % étaient résistants à la doxycycline, 69,3 % étaient résistants à la rifampicine et quelques-uns seulement étaient résistants à la gentamicine (3,7 %). Aucune différence significative statis­tiquement n’a été observée en ce qui concerne la résistance des isolats aux antibiotiques selon le type de système d’éle­vage. Toutefois, la résistance des isolats à la doxycycline a été significativement plus élevée dans les fermes où l’utilisa­tion d’antibiotiques a été signalée (84 %) que dans les fermes où l’utilisation d’antibiotiques n’a pas été signalée (70 %). La résistance aux antibiotiques d’E. coli observée montre l’exis­tence d’une source potentielle de résistance qui peut être transférée aux bactéries pathogènes et avoir un impact sur les humains et les animaux.