The microbiological profile, associated risk factors and demographic characteristics of patients with IE has changed in the recent times. In the present study, the antibiotic susceptibility profile of 66 isolates (40 from IDU and 26 from non IDU) recovered over a period of three years from the patients with definitive diagnosis of IE along with their absolute minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC-μg/ml) was determined as per CLSI, 2017 guidelines. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the predominant pathogen associated with IE out of which 90.2% isolates were MRSA, although none of the isolates were found resistant to vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin and linezolid. Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were 100% susceptible to carbapenams, however variable resistance was observed against other antimicrobials. All Enterococci were found to be 100% susceptible to linezolid and daptomycin, whereas vancomycin resistant enterococci phenotype was observed in 25% of the Enterococcal isolates. A noticeable difference in the antimicrobial susceptibility profile and their MICs were observed in the present study, as compared to published literature across the globe and within the country. However, no statistically significant difference (λ 2 test, p > 0.01)in the AST pattern of isolates from IDU vs. Non IDU was observed. After reviewing the local antibiogram it seems that we need to have our own regional guidelines, which may partially replace the currently prevailing AHA/ESC guidelines.

HIV-1 transmission in intravenous drug users (IDUs) has been characterized by high genetic multiplicity and suggests a greater challenge for HIV-1 infection blocking. We investigated a total of 749 sequences of full-length gp160 gene obtained by single genome sequencing (SGS) from 22 HIV-1 early infected IDUs in Xinjiang province, northwest China, and generated a transmitted and founder virus (T/F virus) consensus sequence (IDU.CON). The T/F virus was classified as subtype CRF07_BC and predicted to be CCR5-tropic virus. The variable region (V1, V2, and V4 loop) of IDU.CON showed length variation compared with the heterosexual T/F virus consensus sequence (HSX.CON) and homosexual T/F virus consensus sequence (MSM.CON). A total of 26 N-linked glycosylation sites were discovered in the IDU.CON sequence, which is less than that of MSM.CON and HSX.CON. Characterization of T/F virus from IDUs highlights the genetic make-up and complexity of virus near the moment of transmission or in early infection preceding systemic dissemination and is important toward the development of an effective HIV-1 preventive methods, including vaccines.