UNASSIGNED: This study aims to examine the frequency of Salmonella Paratyphi found in blood cultures and evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Salmonella isolates to different antibiotics. Additionally, the study aims to assess the paradigm shift in the trend of enteric fever caused by Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi) to Salmonella Paratyphi(S. Paratyphi) .
UNASSIGNED: Retrospective study.
UNASSIGNED: The study enrolled patients aged 12 years and above diagnosed with enteric fever (positive blood culture) and admitted to Peelamedu Samanaidu Govindasamy Naidu (PSG) Hospital.
UNASSIGNED: The study analyzed demographic and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Salmonella isolates collected from 106 enteric fever patients in the hospital between 2010 and 2022. The susceptibility profiles of Salmonella isolates to multiple antibiotics were assessed.
UNASSIGNED: There were 106 participants, and 95 (89.62%) of them had enteric fever linked to Salmonella Typhi, while only 11 (10.38%) had enteric fever linked to Salmonella Paratyphi A. From 2010 to 2022, the study discovered a general decline in the prevalence of enteric fever caused by Salmonella species. But between 2014 and 2022, the incidence of enteric fever linked to S. Typhi rapidly increased. Azithromycin (100% , n = 106) and ceftriaxone (99% , n = 105) were highly effective against the Salmonella isolates, whereas nalidixic acid was resisted by 3 isolates (4.72%, n = 3).
UNASSIGNED: The study observed a higher incidence of Salmonella Typhi in comparison to Paratyphi A and a greater susceptibility of males to enteric fever.
UNASSIGNED: None declared.

UNASSIGNED: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most common causes of clinical and asymptomatic mastitis in dairy cattle, as well as in milk and dairy products that affect milk quality. Mastitis caused by K. pneumoniae is even more serious due to its poor response to antibiotic therapy. The aim of this study was to detect and identify the presence of K. pneumoniae in milk and dairy products produced in Libya.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 234 samples were randomly collected from various locations in Libya. Samples were examined for the presence of K. pneumoniae using conventional cultural techniques, including cultivation in violet red bile agar plus 4-methylumbelliferyl-ß-D-glucuronide broth and CHROM agar, followed by polymerase chain reaction identification and partial sequencing of 16S rRNA.
UNASSIGNED: Of the 234 samples of milk and dairy products collected, 16 (6.8%) isolates revealed mucoid colonies on agar media that were phenotypically suggested to be K. pneumoniae. Identification of isolates was confirmed using molecular techniques (16S rRNA). Among the examined samples, K. pneumoniae was recovered from camel\'s milk, raw cow\'s milk, raw fermented milk, Maasora cheese, Ricotta cheese, soft cheese, full cream milk powder, milk powder infant formula, cereal baby food, and growing-up formula. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on 12 of the 16 K. pneumoniae isolates, and the results showed that K. pneumoniae isolates were resistant to more than eight antibiotics; interestingly, two isolates showed metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) production.
UNASSIGNED: K. pneumoniae is considered a risk to human health because many of these products do not comply with the microbiological criteria of international and/or Libyan standards. This study emphasized the relationship between K. pneumoniae and raw milk, cheese, milk powder, and infant milk retailed in Libya. There is a need to take the necessary measures to ensure effective hygiene practices during production in dairy factories, handling, and distribution on the market, in particular at a small local production scale.

UNASSIGNED: This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects of plasma-activated saline (PAS) on My-cobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).
UNASSIGNED: We conducted a growth assay on 3 strains of Mtb and an antibiotic sensitivity test on 4 strains of Mtb. Both tests included groups treated with normal saline (NS), PAS, and hydrochloric acid (HCl). The test of antibiotic sensitivity consisted of parallel tests with two concentrations of bacteria suspension: 10-2 and 10-4. The selected antibiotics were rifampicin (RIF), isoniazid (INH), ethambutol (EMB), and streptomycin (SM). The number of bacteria was determined after one month of culture under different conditions. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the differences in grouping factors at representative time points.
UNASSIGNED: The growth assay indicated that PAS significantly inhibited the growth of 3 strains of Mtb compared with NS and HCl treatment groups. Furthermore, except for the initial observation time point, the remaining three observation time points consistently demonstrate no significant differences between the NS group and the HCl group. The antibiotic sensitivity test of INH, SM, and RIF indicated that PAS could inhibit the growth of antibiotic-resistant Mtb, and the antibiotic sensitivity test of INH and SM with bacterial suspension concentration of 10-2 and SM with bacterial suspension concentration of 10-4 showed statistically different results. The antibiotic sensitivity test of EMB indicated that the growth of Mtb in PAS was slower than that in NS and HCl in both antibiotic-resistant and sensitive Mtb, but there was no statistical difference.
UNASSIGNED: The study indicates that PAS contains a significant amount of active substances and exhibits high oxidizability and an acidic pH state. The unique physicochemical properties of PAS significantly delayed the growth of Mtb, compared to the NS and the HCl. PAS not only inhibited the growth of drug-sensitive strains but also significantly enhanced the sensitivity of drug-resistant strains to anti-tuberculosis drugs, which may provide a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of tuberculosis.

UNASSIGNED: Subclinical mastitis in camels, an inflammation of the udder without visible signs, can reduce milk quality and raise bacteria levels. Regular monitoring of camel milk is crucial for consumer safety.
UNASSIGNED: A cross sectional study was conducted in Jigjiga city, Ethiopia to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of subclinical mastitis in she-camels. The study included 244 lactating she-camels from three privately-owned camel dairy farms, and a questionnaire survey was conducted with 60 camel owners.
UNASSIGNED: The overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis in she-camels was 10.6% (26/244), with no significant difference among the studied dairy farms. Risk factors that influenced the result of California Mastitis Test (CMT) included age and udder and leg hygiene. The study revealed that S. aureus was the most prevalent bacterium among the isolated bacteria, with a prevalence rate of 34.5%. This was followed by S. agalactiae, S. dysgalactiae, and Pasteurella multocida, with prevalence rates of 29.8, 19.4, and 16.2%, respectively. Among the isolated bacteria, 84.5% were sensitive to Erythromycin, 60% to Streptomycin, 44.7% to Oxytetracycline, and 36.7% to Tetracycline. Interviews with camel owners revealed that 66.7% used mixed herd grazing methods and reported feed shortage. Treatment practices for sick camels included modern veterinary drugs, traditional medicines, or a combination of both. The owners of camel dairy farms did not maintain proper hygiene practices during milking, such as not using soap when washing hands.
UNASSIGNED: Addressing camel mastitis necessitates access to alternative drugs, comprehensive herder training, and enhanced management practices.

BACKGROUND: Klebsiella ozaenae (K. ozaenae), a forgotten pathogen that normally colonizes the upper respiratory mucosa, can be associated with severe and invasive infections. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of isolation of K. ozaenae at the microbiology laboratory in a tertiary hospital and the scope of diseases associated with it and to characterize its antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed the retrospective data, from 2002 to 2021, on cases with laboratory-confirmed isolation of K. ozaenae at a tertiary care hospital. The primary outcome was to identify the scope of K. ozaenae infections and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. K. ozaenae isolation was done by cultivation on microbiological culture media, whereas its identification and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern were performed using either Microscan or Vitek automated systems. Data was gathered and analyzed in Excel. The percentage of resistance was calculated as the number of resistant isolates from the total isolates multiplied by 100. Similarly, the percentage of sensitivity was calculated as the number of sensitive isolates from total isolates multiplied by 100.
RESULTS: K. ozaenae was detected in 59 cases during the study period. K. ozaenae was associated with urinary tract infections (39%), nasal infections (18.6%), other respiratory tract infections including sinusitis, bronchiectasis, and pneumonia (16.9%), and wound infections (15.3%). It was also associated with invasive infections such as bacteremia (3.4%) and abscesses (3.4%). K. ozaenae showed susceptibility to multiple antibiotic classes, but was resistant to ampicillin, piperacillin, nalidixic acid, and nitrofurantoin. K. ozaenae isolates from urinary tract infections had higher antibiotic resistance percentage than isolates from other infections, particularly to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (P = 0.007, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.84-375), ciprofloxacin (P < 0.0001, 95% CI: 4.6-111.2), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 3.1-63.6).
CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that K. ozaenae is a pathogen with a spectrum of diseases wider than expected and a unique antibiotic susceptibility pattern in urinary tract infections.

Background Typhoid fever presents a significant challenge in developing nations, exacerbated by the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains due to widespread prevalence and overuse of antibiotics. This study seeks to assess the antibiogram profiles of Salmonella species isolated from blood cultures of patients hospitalized at two prominent tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan: Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH) and Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC). By examining these profiles, the research aims to provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of antibiotic resistance in the context of typhoid fever management. Materials and Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study utilized data gathered from two hospitals in Peshawar, KTH and HMC. Cases of enteric fever were identified based on positive blood cultures for Salmonella species. The study encompasses demographic information, seasonal prevalence, and antibiogram profiles of 3,137 cases that were presented between 2017 and 2023. Results Among the total 3,137 cases, males accounted for the majority, comprising 63% (2,044 cases). Particularly notable was the clustering of cases among children and adolescents aged one to 24 years. The incidence peaked during the months of summer and spring, from April to September. In terms of Salmonella Typhi isolates, considerable resistance was noted against first-line antibiotics such as amoxicillin/clavulanate (80.1%), co-trimoxazole/trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (66.6%), and chloramphenicol (86.9%), as well as against ceftriaxone (79.7%) and ciprofloxacin (51.6%). Conversely, certain antibiotics displayed higher sensitivity patterns, including meropenem (97.8%), doripenem (99.5%), imipenem (97.7%), ertapenem (96.5%), polymyxin B (99.4%), colistin (98.1%), and tigecycline (97.3%). Despite a limited sample size of 214 specimens, fosfomycin demonstrated a remarkable sensitivity of 93.4%. Sensitivities of amikacin and gentamicin were 90.7% and 81.5%, respectively. However, the sensitivity of azithromycin was concerning, standing at 66.5%. The antibiogram pattern for Salmonella exhibited significant and drastic changes. Conclusion In conclusion, this study sheds light on a higher prevalence of typhoid fever among males, with a notable seasonal peak observed during the summer and spring months. The age group most affected spans from one to 24 years. Salmonella isolates displayed significant resistance to conventional first-line antibiotics, alongside ciprofloxacin and third-generation cephalosporins. Azithromycin exhibited lower sensitivity compared to amikacin, gentamicin, and fosfomycin. The research advocates for the empirical use of amikacin, gentamicin, fosfomycin, and meropenem in the treatment of typhoid fever in Pakistan. Urgent measures, including regular Salmonella antibiogram surveillance, antibiotic stewardship, public health education, and Salmonella vaccination programs, are deemed crucial for primary disease prevention.

OBJECTIVE: Current literature lacks consensus on risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF), and empirical antibiotic guidelines for PCF are limited. The aim of this study was to reduce the incidence of PCF and improve antibiotic treatment efficacy for patients with PCF after open neck surgery by analyzing their clinical characteristics, pathogenic bacteria, and antibiotic susceptibility.
METHODS: This study was a 13-year single-center retrospective cohort study, including 699 patients who underwent open neck surgery for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of PCF after surgery. The microbial species causing PCF were analyzed, and the antibiotic sensitivity of the top three pathogens was assessed. Venn diagrams were used to illustrate the antibiotics that exhibited 100% sensitivity against all three identified pathogens.
RESULTS: The incidence of PCF after open neck surgery was 8%. Logistic univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that flap reconstruction (OR = 3.62, 95% CI [2.02-6.52]), history of preoperative radiotherapy (OR = 2.01, 95% CI [1.31-2.73]), significant postoperative bleeding (OR = 1.79, 95% CI [1.11-2.69]), and history of diabetes (OR = 1.34, 95% CI [1.29-2.46]) were significantly associated with PCF occurrence. Among the 38 cases of PCF patients, the top three identified pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter cloacae. The antibiotics cefepime, meropenem, ticarcillin/clavulanic acid, and cefoperazone/sulbactam showed 100% sensitivity against these top three pathogens.
CONCLUSIONS: Special attention should be given to patients undergoing open neck surgery, especially those with intraoperative flap reconstruction, a history of preoperative radiotherapy, postoperative bleeding, or diabetes. Strengthening monitoring and care is crucial in preventing the occurrence of PCF. According to antibiotic usage guidelines and considering the distribution of pathogens in PCF patients, empirical antibiotic treatment with cefoperazone/sulbactam or ticarcillin/clavulanic acid is recommended prior to obtaining susceptibility test results.

Food waste is currently a widely discussed phenomenon with significant economic and social consequences. One third of the food produced in the world is wasted at various points along the food supply chain. This article presents a comprehensive study that examines consumer behavior in dealing with food waste and activities in the composting process that enable waste sanitation. The survey conducted as part of this study showed that consumers want to eliminate odors, are concerned about potential infections, and generally sort less food waste. This study suggested that the addition of appropriate additives could be a solution. The results indicated that additives could eliminate negative side effects such as unpleasant odors, the presence of insects and rodents, and act as a prevention of the occurrence of pathogenic organisms. Tea tree oil showed the best positive physical and chemical properties among the additives tested (CaCO3 and citric acid) with a significant effect on inhibiting the growth of bacterial strains such as Salmonella strains and had the strongest antibacterial effect, neutralized unpleasant odors, and stabilized the waste. The use of additives could be a future solution to meet consumer demands, improve the quality of food waste and advance the circular economy to improve the sustainability of agricultural systems.

BACKGROUND: Street foods are any foods or drinks prepared or sold by street vendors in an open space. The purpose of this study was to determine the Bacteriological safety and antibiotic resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacteriaceae isolated from street foods.
METHODS: A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was used from December 2022 to February 2023 on street foods of Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Dire Dawa, and Jimma towns of Ethiopia. 525 street foods and 175 water samples were taken from 175 street food vending stalls. Proportional allocation to the total town population and stratified sampling techniques were used to select vending stalls. Samples were analyzed for the presence of bacteria following the standard microbiological methods used for the isolation, enumeration, and identification of bacteria. Pour plate technique was used to transfer the suspension to MacConkey agar, Mannitol Salt Agar, and Salmonella Shigella Agar. The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. SPSS software was used to analyze the data.
RESULTS: Out of 525 food samples, 279 (53%) were contaminated by bacteria. From 175 water samples, 95 (54.3%) were contaminated with Escherichia coli. From both samples in total, eleven bacterial species were isolated. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated species. Shigella, Klebsiella, and Salmonella group A have statistically significant with the type of food. Erythromycin (54%), Streptomycin (17%), and Amoxicillin (14%) were the most resistant antibiotics. Least resistance was observed to Ciprofloxacin (5%).
CONCLUSIONS: Street foods of the selected towns were highly contaminated with various antibiotic-resistant organisms. Hence, the relevant authorities ought to ensure the proper handling of street food by enforcing safety measures. Additionally, they should initiate a widespread awareness campaign promoting the prudent use of antibiotics among both street food vendors and the broader population.

UNASSIGNED: An increasing number of drugs are used each year in the treatment of small pets (cats and dogs), including medicines (cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones) used in human therapy.
UNASSIGNED: The purpose of this study was to isolate and explore the antibiotic resistance of opportunistic Enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Ci trobacter, Enterobacter) from cats and dogs, and to isolate resistance genes in the microorganisms.
UNASSIGNED: In 2021, 808 samples of biological material from small domestic animals were collected in veterinary clinics in Kostanay. From these, 210 microorganisms were isolated and identified.
UNASSIGNED: A large majority of the strains sampled belonged to E. coli-149 (70.9%), Enterobacter-11 (5.2%), Klebsiella-28 (13.3%), Proteus-12 (5.7%) and 10 Citrobacter isolates (4.8%). In all isolates identified, antibiotic resistance/sensitivity was determined by disc-diffusion method to ampicillin, cefoxitin, gentamicin, levomycetin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, cefoperazone, cefpodoxime, streptomycin, kanamycin, doxycycline, gemifloxacin, nalidixic acid, furazolidone, furadonine, amoxicillin, and enrofloxacin.
UNASSIGNED: The study has demonstrated that the greatest number of Enterobacteriaceae were sensitive to the action of meropenem, which belongs to the group of beta-lactam antibiotics; resistance was demonstrated against tetracycline, doxycycline, ampicillin, amoxicillin, ofloxacin, and cefpodoxime. The most common genes encoding antimicrobial resistance were as follows: BlaTEM and OXA in 41 and 28 isolates, respectively, encoding resistance to beta-lactams; StrA and StrB in 45 and 48 isolates encoding aminoglycosides; and tetA and tetB in 43 and 28 isolates encoding tetracyclines. Obtained data demonstrate that uncontrolled and frequent use of beta-lactam and tetracycline antibacterials, in cats and dogs, results in the spread of genotypic resistance among micro-organisms of the family Enterobacteriaceae.