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Antibiotics, Volume 10, Issue 10 (October 2021) – 132 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Nacubactam is a novel β-lactamase inhibitor which belongs to the new class of diazabicyclooctane. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of combination therapies including β-lactams (aztreonam, cefepime, and meropenem) and nacubactam against 4 Enterobacter cloacae and 6 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates with the murine pneumonia model. Consequently, combination therapies showed enhanced antimicrobial activity against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) isolates with IMP-1, IMP-6, or KPC genes. CRE- and CPE-derived infections have been associated with high mortality due to limited treatment options. Therefore, combination regimens with β-lactams and nacubactam are preferable candidates to treat pneumonia due to CRE and CPE. View this paper
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15 pages, 18862 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Genes Involved in the Outbreaks of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in the United States
by Michelle Li, Kyle Wang, Ashley Tang, Aaron Tang, Andrew Chen and Zuyi Huang
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1274; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101274 - 19 Oct 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2759
Abstract
Salmonella spp. and Escherichiacoli (E. coli) are two of the deadliest foodborne pathogens in the US. Genes involved in antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and stress response, enable these pathogens to increase their pathogenicity. This study aims to examine the genes detected [...] Read more.
Salmonella spp. and Escherichiacoli (E. coli) are two of the deadliest foodborne pathogens in the US. Genes involved in antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and stress response, enable these pathogens to increase their pathogenicity. This study aims to examine the genes detected in both outbreak and non-outbreak Salmonella spp. and E. coli by analyzing the data from the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Pathogen Detection Isolates Browser database. A multivariate statistical analysis was conducted on the genes detected in isolates of outbreak Salmonella spp., non-outbreak Salmonella spp., outbreak E. coli, and non-outbreak E. coli. The genes from the data were projected onto a two-dimensional space through principal component analysis. Hierarchical clustering was then used to quantify the relationship between the genes in the dataset. Most of the outlier genes identified in E. coli isolates are virulence genes, while outlier genes identified in Salmonella spp. are mainly involved in stress response. Gene epeA, which encodes a high-molecular-weight serine protease autotransporter of Enterobacteriaceae (SPATE) protein, along with subA and subB that encode cytotoxic activity, may contribute to the pathogenesis of outbreak E. coli. The iro operon and ars operon may play a role in the ecological success of the epidemic clones of Salmonella spp. Concurrent relationships between esp and ter operons in E. coli and pco and sil operons in Salmonella spp. are found. Stress-response genes (asr, golT, golS), virulence gene (sinH), and antimicrobial resistance genes (mdsA and mdsB) in Salmonella spp. also show a concurrent relationship. All these findings provide helpful information for experiment design to combat outbreaks of E. coli and Salmonella spp. Full article
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16 pages, 2171 KiB  
Article
Different Inhibitory Effects of Erythromycin and Chlortetracycline on Early Growth of Brassica campestris Seedlings
by Mi Sun Cheong, Hyeonji Choe, Myeong Seon Jeong, Young-Eun Yoon, Hyun Suk Jung and Yong Bok Lee
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101273 - 19 Oct 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2104
Abstract
Veterinary antibiotics, including erythromycin (Ery) and chlortetracycline (CTC), are often detected in agricultural land. Although these contaminants affect plant growth and development, their effects on crops remain elusive. In this study, the effects of Ery and CTC on plant growth were investigated and [...] Read more.
Veterinary antibiotics, including erythromycin (Ery) and chlortetracycline (CTC), are often detected in agricultural land. Although these contaminants affect plant growth and development, their effects on crops remain elusive. In this study, the effects of Ery and CTC on plant growth were investigated and compared by analyzing transcript abundance in Brassica campestris seedlings. Treatment with Ery and/or CTC reduced chlorophyll content in leaves and photosynthetic efficiency. Examination of the chloroplast ultrastructure revealed the presence of abnormally shaped plastids in response to Ery and CTC treatments. The antibiotics produced similar phenotypes of lower accumulation of photosynthetic genes, including RBCL and LHCB1.1. Analysis of the transcript levels revealed that Ery and CTC differentially down-regulated genes involved in the tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway and primary root growth. In the presence of Ery and CTC, chloroplasts were undeveloped and photosynthesis efficiency was reduced. These results suggest that both Ery and CTC individually affect gene expression and influence plant physiological activity, independently of one another. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotics in the Environment and Removal Technology)
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13 pages, 2468 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Characterization of Camphorimine Au(I) Complexes with a Remarkably High Antibacterial Activity towards B. contaminans and P. aeruginosa
by Joana P. Costa, Sílvia A. Sousa, Catarina Soeiro, Jorge H. Leitão, Adelino M. Galvão, Fernanda Marques and M. Fernanda N. N. Carvalho
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101272 - 19 Oct 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2057
Abstract
Fourteen new camphorimine Au(I) complexes were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic (NMR, FTIR) and elemental analysis. The structural arrangement of three selected examples were computed by Density Functional Theory (DFT) showing that the complexes essentially keep the {AuI-CN} unit. The Minimum [...] Read more.
Fourteen new camphorimine Au(I) complexes were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic (NMR, FTIR) and elemental analysis. The structural arrangement of three selected examples were computed by Density Functional Theory (DFT) showing that the complexes essentially keep the {AuI-CN} unit. The Minimum Inhibition Concentrations (MIC) were assessed for all complexes showing that they are active towards the Gram-negative strains E. coli ATCC25922, P. aeruginosa 477, and B. contaminans IST408 and the Gram-positive strain S. aureus Newman. The complexes display very high activity towards P. aeruginosa 477 and B. contaminans IST408 with selectivity towards B. contaminans. An inverse correlation between the MIC values and the gold content was found for B. contaminans and P. aeruginosa. However, plots of MIC values and Au content for P. aeruginosa 477 and B. contaminans IST408 follow distinct trends. No clear relationship could be established between the MIC values and the redox potentials of the complexes measured by cyclic voltammetry. The MIC values are essentially independent of the redox potentials either cathodic or anodic. The complexes K3[{Au(CN)2}3(A4L)] (8, Y = m-OHC6H4) and K3[{Au(CN)2}3(B2L)]·3H2O (14, Z = p-C6H4) display the lower MIC values for the two strains. In normal fibroblast cells, the IC50 values for the complexes are ca. one order of magnitude lower than their MIC values, although higher than that of the precursor KAu(CN)2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Biological Activity of Antimicrobial Agents)
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9 pages, 2046 KiB  
Article
The Small Metal-Binding Protein SmbP Simplifies the Recombinant Expression and Purification of the Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37
by David A. Perez-Perez, Teresa de J. Villanueva-Ramirez, Adriana E. Hernandez-Pedraza, Nestor G. Casillas-Vega, Patricia Gonzalez-Barranco and Xristo Zarate
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101271 - 19 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2960
Abstract
(1) Background: The cathelicidin peptide LL-37 is a prominent molecule with many biological activities, including antimicrobial. Due to its importance, here, we describe the production of LL-37 tagged with SmbP, a relatively new carrier protein that improves the production of recombinant proteins and [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The cathelicidin peptide LL-37 is a prominent molecule with many biological activities, including antimicrobial. Due to its importance, here, we describe the production of LL-37 tagged with SmbP, a relatively new carrier protein that improves the production of recombinant proteins and peptides in Escherichia coli. We present an alternative method for the rapid expression, purification, and antimicrobial evaluation of LL-37, that involves only one purification step. (2) Methods: A DNA construct of SmbP_LL-37 was transformed into E. coli BL21(DE3); after overnight expression, the protein was purified directly from the cell lysate using immobilized metal-affinity chromatography. SmbP_LL-37 was treated with Enterokinase to obtain the free LL-37 peptide. The antimicrobial activity of both SmbP_LL-37 and free LL-37 was determined using the colony forming unit assay method. (3) Results: SmbP_LL-37 was observed in the soluble fraction of the cell lysate; after purification with IMAC, protein gel electrophoresis, and analysis by ImageJ, it showed 90% purity. A total of 3.6 mg of SmbP_LL-37 was produced from one liter of cell culture. SmbP_LL-37 and free LL-37 both showed inhibition activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. (4) Conclusions: The SmbP fusion protein is a valuable tool for producing biologically-active LL-37 peptide. The production method described here should be of interest for the expression and purification of additional cationic peptides, since it cuts the purification time considerably prior to determination of antimicrobial activity. Full article
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23 pages, 1263 KiB  
Review
Antibiotics- and Heavy Metals-Based Titanium Alloy Surface Modifications for Local Prosthetic Joint Infections
by Jaime Esteban, María Vallet-Regí and John J. Aguilera-Correa
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1270; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101270 - 19 Oct 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3269
Abstract
Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the second most common cause of arthroplasty failure. Though infrequent, it is one of the most devastating complications since it is associated with great personal cost for the patient and a high economic burden for health systems. Due [...] Read more.
Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the second most common cause of arthroplasty failure. Though infrequent, it is one of the most devastating complications since it is associated with great personal cost for the patient and a high economic burden for health systems. Due to the high number of patients that will eventually receive a prosthesis, PJI incidence is increasing exponentially. As these infections are provoked by microorganisms, mainly bacteria, and as such can develop a biofilm, which is in turn resistant to both antibiotics and the immune system, prevention is the ideal approach. However, conventional preventative strategies seem to have reached their limit. Novel prevention strategies fall within two broad categories: (1) antibiotic- and (2) heavy metal-based surface modifications of titanium alloy prostheses. This review examines research on the most relevant titanium alloy surface modifications that use antibiotics to locally prevent primary PJI. Full article
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16 pages, 6065 KiB  
Article
Anti-Biofilm Coatings Based on Chitosan and Lysozyme Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles
by Vera Alexandra Spirescu, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Ștefan Slave, Alexandra Cătalina Bîrcă, Gabriela Dorcioman, Valentina Grumezescu, Alina Maria Holban, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Bogdan Ștefan Vasile, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Ionela Cristina Nica, Miruna Silvia Stan and Ecaterina Andronescu
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101269 - 19 Oct 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3435
Abstract
Biofilms represent a common and increasingly challenging problem in healthcare practices worldwide, producing persistent and difficult to manage infections. Researchers have started developing antibiotic-free treatment alternatives in order to decrease the risk of resistant microbial strain selection and for the efficient management of [...] Read more.
Biofilms represent a common and increasingly challenging problem in healthcare practices worldwide, producing persistent and difficult to manage infections. Researchers have started developing antibiotic-free treatment alternatives in order to decrease the risk of resistant microbial strain selection and for the efficient management of antibiotic tolerant biofilm infections. The present study reports the fabrication and characterization of magnetite-based nanostructured coatings for producing biofilm-resistant surfaces. Specifically, magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) were functionalized with chitosan (CS) and were blended with lysozyme (LyZ) and were deposited using the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. A variety of characterization techniques were employed to investigate the physicochemical properties of both nanoparticles and nanocoatings. The biological characterization of the coatings assessed through cell viability and antimicrobial tests showed biocompatibility on osteoblasts as well as antiadhesive and antibiofilm activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains and no cytotoxic effect against human-cultured diploid cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotic-Free Antibacterial Strategies Enabled by Nanomaterials)
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10 pages, 1136 KiB  
Article
Identification of Three Novel PmGRI1 Genomic Resistance Islands and One Multidrug Resistant Hybrid Structure of Tn7-like Transposon and PmGRI1 in Proteus mirabilis
by Boheng Ma, Xuechun Wang, Changwei Lei, Yizhi Tang, Juan He, Yufeng Gao, Yu Zhang and Hongning Wang
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101268 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2401
Abstract
The widespread use of antibiotics in large-scale livestock production has led to serious antibiotic resistance. Proteus mirabilis is an important pathogenic bacterium on large-scale farms. Chromosomally localized mobilizable genetic elements (genomic islands) and mobile genetic elements (Tn7-like transposons) play an important [...] Read more.
The widespread use of antibiotics in large-scale livestock production has led to serious antibiotic resistance. Proteus mirabilis is an important pathogenic bacterium on large-scale farms. Chromosomally localized mobilizable genetic elements (genomic islands) and mobile genetic elements (Tn7-like transposons) play an important role in the acquisition and transmission of resistance genes by P. mirabilis. To study the prevalence and resistance characteristics of antibiotic-resistant genomic islands in P. mirabilis of animal origin in China, we performed whole genome sequencing of P. mirabilis isolated from large-scale pig and chicken farms. Three new variants of PmGRI1 (HN31, YN8, and YN9), and a hybrid structure (HN2p) formed by the multidrug-resistant Tn7-like-HN2p transposon and a genomic island PmGRI1-HN2p, were identified from P. mirabilis. All variants underwent homologous recombination mediated by insertion sequence IS26. A genomic rearrangement in the chromosome between the Tn7-like-HN2p transposon and PmGRI1-HN2p occurred in HN2p. The heterozygous structure contained various antimicrobial resistance genes, including three copies of fluoroquinolone resistance gene qnrA1 and 16S rRNA methylase gene rmtB, which are rarely found in P. mirabilis. Our results highlight the structural genetic diversity of genomic islands by characterizing the novel variants of PmGRI1 and enrich the research base of multidrug resistance genomic islands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Resistance and Antibiotic Alternatives in Livestock)
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16 pages, 1237 KiB  
Article
Resistance Trend Estimation Using Regression Analysis to Enhance Antimicrobial Surveillance: A Multi-Centre Study in London 2009–2016
by Bernard Hernandez, Pau Herrero-Viñas, Timothy M. Rawson, Luke S. P. Moore, Alison H. Holmes and Pantelis Georgiou
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1267; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101267 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3578
Abstract
In the last years, there has been an increase of antimicrobial resistance rates around the world with the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials as one of the main leading drivers. In response to this threat, a variety of initiatives have arisen to promote [...] Read more.
In the last years, there has been an increase of antimicrobial resistance rates around the world with the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials as one of the main leading drivers. In response to this threat, a variety of initiatives have arisen to promote the efficient use of antimicrobials. These initiatives rely on antimicrobial surveillance systems to promote appropriate prescription practices and are provided by national or global health care institutions with limited consideration of the variations within hospitals. As a consequence, physicians’ adherence to these generic guidelines is still limited. To fill this gap, this work presents an automated approach to performing local antimicrobial surveillance from microbiology data. Moreover, in addition to the commonly reported resistance rates, this work estimates secular resistance trends through regression analysis to provide a single value that effectively communicates the resistance trend to a wider audience. The methods considered for trend estimation were ordinary least squares regression, weighted least squares regression with weights inversely proportional to the number of microbiology records available and autoregressive integrated moving average. Among these, weighted least squares regression was found to be the most robust against changes in the granularity of the time series and presented the best performance. To validate the results, three case studies have been thoroughly compared with the existing literature: (i) Escherichia coli in urine cultures; (ii) Escherichia coli in blood cultures; and (iii) Staphylococcus aureus in wound cultures. The benefits of providing local rather than general antimicrobial surveillance data of a higher quality is two fold. Firstly, it has the potential to stimulate engagement among physicians to strengthen their knowledge and awareness on antimicrobial resistance which might encourage prescribers to change their prescription habits more willingly. Moreover, it provides fundamental knowledge to the wide range of stakeholders to revise and potentially tailor existing guidelines to the specific needs of each hospital. Full article
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12 pages, 1217 KiB  
Communication
Screening of the Potential Bioactivities of Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) Essential Oil
by Ângelo Luís and Fernanda Domingues
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1266; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101266 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2716
Abstract
Increasing resistance of pathogens towards conventional antibiotics presents a major threat to public health because it reduces the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment. Mentha pulegium L., also known as pennyroyal, is an aromatic herb that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. Its essential oil has [...] Read more.
Increasing resistance of pathogens towards conventional antibiotics presents a major threat to public health because it reduces the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment. Mentha pulegium L., also known as pennyroyal, is an aromatic herb that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. Its essential oil has been traditionally used in medicine, aromatherapy, and cosmetics. The purpose of this work was to study the chemical composition of a pennyroyal essential oil and to evaluate their bioactivities, specifically, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-quorum sensing, and anti-inflammatory. A special focus was given to the antibacterial activity of the essential oil against Acinetobacter baumannii. The chemical composition of the essential oil was studied by GC-MS/GC-FID. The DPPH free radical scavenging assay and the β-carotene/linoleic acid system were used to evaluate the antioxidant properties. The antimicrobial and anti-quorum sensing activities were evaluated by disk diffusion assays and complemented with optical microscopy observations. The results showed that pulegone was the major compound (88.64%) of the pennyroyal essential oil. Regarding the antimicrobial activity, the action against Acinetobacter baumannii stands out, which, together with the capacity of the essential oil to inhibit the quorum sensing mechanisms, may suggest the use of the pennyroyal essential oil to further develop surface disinfectants for hospitals. Full article
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12 pages, 2116 KiB  
Article
Modeling the Structure of Crystalline Alamethicin and Its NMR Chemical Shift Tensors
by Jiří Czernek and Jiří Brus
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1265; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101265 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2315
Abstract
Alamethicin (ALM) is an antimicrobial peptide that is frequently employed in studies of the mechanism of action of pore-forming molecules. Advanced techniques of solid-state NMR spectroscopy (SSNMR) are important in these studies, as they are capable of describing the alignment of helical peptides, [...] Read more.
Alamethicin (ALM) is an antimicrobial peptide that is frequently employed in studies of the mechanism of action of pore-forming molecules. Advanced techniques of solid-state NMR spectroscopy (SSNMR) are important in these studies, as they are capable of describing the alignment of helical peptides, such as ALM, in lipid bilayers. Here, it is demonstrated how an analysis of the SSNMR measurements can benefit from fully periodic calculations, which employ the plane-wave density-functional theory (PW DFT) of the solid-phase geometry and related spectral parameters of ALM. The PW DFT calculations are used to obtain the structure of desolvated crystalline ALM and predict the NMR chemical shift tensors (CSTs) of its nuclei. A variation in the CSTs of the amidic nitrogens and carbonyl carbons along the ALM backbone is evaluated and included in simulations of the orientation-dependent anisotropic 15N and 13C chemical shift components. In this way, the influence of the site-specific structural effects on the experimentally determined orientation of ALM is shown in models of cell membranes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structures and Functions of Antimicrobial Peptides)
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19 pages, 3207 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Profile of Actinomycin D Analogs Secreted by Egyptian Desert Streptomyces sp. DH7
by Dina H. Amin, Hayam A. E. Sayed, Ahmed M. Elissawy, Dina E. EL-Ghwas and Abdel Nasser B. Singab
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1264; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101264 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2570
Abstract
Egyptian deserts are an underexplored ecological niche, especially the Sinai Peninsula. In our recent study, we explored this extreme environment and shed light on the bioactive capabilities of desert Actinobacteria isolated from Sinai. Fifty desert Actinobacteria were isolated from the Sinai desert using [...] Read more.
Egyptian deserts are an underexplored ecological niche, especially the Sinai Peninsula. In our recent study, we explored this extreme environment and shed light on the bioactive capabilities of desert Actinobacteria isolated from Sinai. Fifty desert Actinobacteria were isolated from the Sinai desert using mineral salt media, basal media, and starch casein media. The filtrate of Streptomyces sp. DH 7 displayed a high inhibitory effect against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. The 16S rDNA sequencing confirmed that isolate DH7 belongs to the genus Streptomyces. The NJ phylogenetic tree showed relatedness to the Streptomyces flavofuscus strain NRRL B-2594 and Streptomyces pratensis strain ch24. The minimum inhibitory concentrations against MRSA were 16 and 32 μg/μL. Chemical investigation of the ethyl acetate extract of Streptomyces sp. DH7 led to the isolation and purification of natural products 14. Structure elucidation of the purified compounds was performed using detailed spectroscopic analysis including 1 and 2D NMR, and ESI-MS spectrometry. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for the isolation of compounds 14 from a natural source, while synthetic analogs were previously reported in the literature. Compounds 34 were identified as actinomycin D analogues and this is the first report for the production of actinomycin D analogs from the Sinai desert with an inhibitory effect against MRSA. We indorse further study for this analog that can develop enhanced antimicrobial activities. We confirm that the desert ecosystems in Egypt are rich sources of antibiotic-producing Actinobacteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Compounds from Microorganisms)
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12 pages, 1342 KiB  
Article
Equisetin Restores Colistin Sensitivity against Multi-Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria
by Qi Zhang, Shang Chen, Xiaojia Liu, Wenhan Lin and Kui Zhu
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101263 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3275
Abstract
The overuse of antibiotics and the scarcity of new drugs have led to a serious antimicrobial resistance crisis, especially for multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria. In the present study, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of a marine antibiotic equisetin in combination with colistin [...] Read more.
The overuse of antibiotics and the scarcity of new drugs have led to a serious antimicrobial resistance crisis, especially for multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria. In the present study, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of a marine antibiotic equisetin in combination with colistin against Gram-negative bacteria and explored the mechanisms of synergistic activity. We tested the synergistic effect of equisetin in combination with colistin on 23 clinical mcr-1 positive isolates and found that 4 µg/mL equisetin combined with 1 µg/mL colistin showed 100% inhibition. Consistently, equisetin restored the sensitivity of 10 species of mcr-1 positive Gram-negative bacteria to colistin. The combination of equisetin and colistin quickly killed 99.9% bacteria in one hour in time-kill assays. We found that colistin promoted intracellular accumulation of equisetin in colistin-resistant E. coli based on LC-MS/MS analysis. Interestingly, equisetin boosted ROS accumulation in E. coli in the presence of colistin. Moreover, we found that equisetin and colistin lost the synergistic effect in two LPS-deficient A. baumannii strains. These findings suggest that colistin destroys the hydrophobic barrier of Gram-negative bacteria, facilitating equisetin to enter the cell and exert its antibacterial effect. Lastly, equisetin restored the activity of colistin in a G. mellonella larvae infection model. Collectively, these results reveal that equisetin can potentiate colistin activity against MDR Gram-negative bacteria including colistin-resistant strains, providing an alternative approach to address Gram-negative pathogens associated with infections in clinics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficacy of Combinations of Different Antibiotics)
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13 pages, 238 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Differences in Surveillance Definitions of Hospital Acquired Urinary Tract Infections (HAUTI)
by Yossef Levi, Debby Ben-David, Inna Estrin, Hodaya Saadon, Maya Krocker, Lili Goldstein, Dan Klafter, Shani Zilberman-Itskovich and Dror Marchaim
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1262; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101262 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2373
Abstract
Hospital-acquired urinary tract infections (HAUTI) are common and most cases are related to catheters (CAUTI). HAUTI and CAUTI surveillance is mandatory in many countries as a measure to reduce the incidence of infections and appropriately direct the allocation of preventable resources. The surveillance [...] Read more.
Hospital-acquired urinary tract infections (HAUTI) are common and most cases are related to catheters (CAUTI). HAUTI and CAUTI surveillance is mandatory in many countries as a measure to reduce the incidence of infections and appropriately direct the allocation of preventable resources. The surveillance criteria issued by the Israeli Ministry of Health (IMOH), differ somewhat from that of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Our study aims were to query and quantify the impact of these differences. In a retrospective cohort study conducted at Shamir Medical Center, for calendar year 2017, the surveillance criteria of both IMOH and CDC were applied on 644 patient-unique adults with “positive” urine cultures (per similar definitions). The incidence of HAUTI per IMOH was significantly higher compared to CDC (1.24/1000 vs. 1.02/1000 patient-days, p = 0.02), with no impact on hospitalization’s outcomes. The agreement rate between methods was high for CAUTI (92%), but much lower for all HAUTI (83%). The major error rate, i.e., patients diagnosed with HAUTI per IMOH but had no UTI per CDC, was 31%. To conclude, in order for surveillance to reflect the relative situation and direct allocation of preventable resources based on scientific literature, the process should be uniform worldwide. Full article
14 pages, 8832 KiB  
Article
Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized with Spruce Bark Extract—A Molecular Aggregate with Antifungal Activity against Candida Species
by Anca Delia Mare, Adrian Man, Cristina Nicoleta Ciurea, Felicia Toma, Anca Cighir, Mihai Mareș, Lavinia Berța and Corneliu Tanase
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1261; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101261 - 17 Oct 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2837
Abstract
Due to their high content of biomolecules, combined with silver’s well known antimicrobial potential, silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using spruce bark (AgNP SBEs) demonstrate antibacterial and antioxidant activity, making them a versatile option for developing new antimicrobial agents that might be used for medical [...] Read more.
Due to their high content of biomolecules, combined with silver’s well known antimicrobial potential, silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using spruce bark (AgNP SBEs) demonstrate antibacterial and antioxidant activity, making them a versatile option for developing new antimicrobial agents that might be used for medical treatment or as adjuvants for the classical agents. This study aims to analyze if silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) mediated by spruce bark extract (SBE) and silver salts (AgNP SBE Acetate, AgNP SBE Nitrate) presents antifungal activity against five different Candida spp., synergistic activity with fluconazole, and if they interact with some virulence factors of C. albicans. AgNP SBEs presented MICs (minimum inhibitory concentrations) for all the five tested Candida spp. AgNP SBEs inhibited the growth of C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, and C. guilliermondii, exerted synergistic activity with fluconazole for C. parapsilosis and C. guilliermondii, and inhibited biofilm production for C. albicans, C. auris, and C. guilliermondii. MICs of AgNP SBE Acetate significantly inhibited the production of germ tubes of C. albicans. The expression of C. albicans SAP2 gene was down-regulated by the short-time treatment with MICs of AgNP SBE Acetate, while ALS3 and HSP70 genes were up-regulated by the AgNPs MICs. These results emphasize the potential of using the AgNP SBEs as treatments/adjuvants options, not only against the redundant C. albicans but also for the non-albicans Candida species (which are not as frequently involved in human pathologies, but, sometimes, can be more aggressive). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals, 2nd Volume)
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14 pages, 1749 KiB  
Article
Efficacy of the Endolysin-Based Antibacterial Gel for Treatment of Anaerobic Infection Caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum
by Daria V. Vasina, Nataliia P. Antonova, Aleksei M. Vorobev, Aleksei I. Laishevtsev, Andrei V. Kapustin, Eldar R. Zulkarneev, Svetlana S. Bochkareva, Irina A. Kiseleva, Mariia N. Anurova, Andrei V. Aleshkin, Artem P. Tkachuk and Vladimir A. Gushchin
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1260; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101260 - 16 Oct 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2878
Abstract
Abscess formation is a common complication of severe life-threatening infections caused by obligate anaerobes. Fusobacterium necrophorum is among the frequently detected anaerobic pathogens from clinical specimens associated with liver abscesses, skin and soft tissue infections, or oral abscesses. The antimicrobial therapy for this [...] Read more.
Abscess formation is a common complication of severe life-threatening infections caused by obligate anaerobes. Fusobacterium necrophorum is among the frequently detected anaerobic pathogens from clinical specimens associated with liver abscesses, skin and soft tissue infections, or oral abscesses. The antimicrobial therapy for this kind of infection needs to be optimized. Here, we examined the possibility of treating F. necrophorum-induced abscess wound infections with candidate therapeutics based on three endolysins with activity against a broad spectrum of aerobe Gram-negative pathogens. Antibacterial gel containing three Gram-negative bacteria-targeting endolysins, LysAm24, LysAp22, and LysECD7, was formulated for topical use. Abscess formation was induced in rabbits with F. necrophorum and caused systemic infection. The survival and lifespan of the animals, general parameters, and biochemical and hematological blood tests were analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the gel treatment for the wound infection. The administration of the investigated gel twice per day for 5 days resulted in less acute inflammation, with decreased leukocytes and segmented neutrophils in the blood, retardation of infection progression, and an almost two-fold increase in the lifespan of the animals compared to the placebo group. The results indicate that endolysin-based therapy is an effective approach to treat anaerobic bacterial infections. The use of endolysins as independent pharmaceuticals, or their combination with antibiotics, could significantly reduce the development of complications in infectious diseases caused by sensitive bacterial species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacteriophage Lysins in the Era of Antibiotic Resistance)
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8 pages, 1178 KiB  
Brief Report
Effect of Subinhibitory Concentrations of Antibiotics and Disinfectants on ISAba-Mediated Inactivation of Lipooligosaccharide Biosynthesis Genes in Acinetobacter baumannii
by Héctor Olmeda-López, Andrés Corral-Lugo and Michael J. McConnell
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1259; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101259 - 16 Oct 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2187
Abstract
Inactivation of the lipooligosaccharide (LOS) biosynthesis genes lpxA, lpxC and lpxD by ISAba insertion elements results in high-level resistance to colistin in A. baumannii. In the present study, we quantify the rate of spontaneous insertional inactivation of LOS biosynthesis genes [...] Read more.
Inactivation of the lipooligosaccharide (LOS) biosynthesis genes lpxA, lpxC and lpxD by ISAba insertion elements results in high-level resistance to colistin in A. baumannii. In the present study, we quantify the rate of spontaneous insertional inactivation of LOS biosynthesis genes by ISAba elements in the ATCC 19606-type strain and two multidrug clinical isolates. Using insertional inactivation of lpxC by ISAba11 in the ATCC 19606 strain as a model, we determine the effect of several subinhibitory concentrations of the antibiotics, namely tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, meropenem, kanamycin and rifampicin, as well as the disinfectants ethanol and chlorhexidine on ISAba11 insertion frequencies. Notably, subinhibitory concentrations of tetracycline significantly increased ISAba11 insertion, and rifampicin completely inhibited the emergence of colistin resistance due to ISAba11 inactivation of lpxC. Sequencing of ISAba11 insertion sites within the lpxC gene demonstrated that insertions clustered between nucleotides 382 and 618 (58.3% of unique insertions detected), indicating that this may be a hotspot for ISAba11 insertion. The alignment of insertion sites revealed a semi-conserved AT-rich consensus sequence upstream of the ISAba11 insertion site, suggesting that ISAba11 insertion sites may be sequence-dependent. This study explores previously uncharacterized aspects regarding the acquisition of colistin resistance through insertional activation in LOS biosynthesis genes in A. baumannii. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Background of Antimicrobial Resistance)
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16 pages, 4916 KiB  
Article
Synergism of a Novel 1,2,4-oxadiazole-containing Derivative with Oxacillin against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
by Elisabetta Buommino, Simona De Marino, Martina Sciarretta, Marialuisa Piccolo, Carmen Festa and Maria Valeria D’Auria
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1258; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101258 - 16 Oct 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2444
Abstract
Staphylococcusaureus is an important opportunistic pathogen that causes many infections in humans and animals. The inappropriate use of antibiotics has favored the diffusion of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), nullifying the efforts undertaken in the discovery of antimicrobial agents. Oxadiazole heterocycles represent [...] Read more.
Staphylococcusaureus is an important opportunistic pathogen that causes many infections in humans and animals. The inappropriate use of antibiotics has favored the diffusion of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), nullifying the efforts undertaken in the discovery of antimicrobial agents. Oxadiazole heterocycles represent privileged scaffolds for the development of new drugs because of their unique bioisosteric properties, easy synthesis, and therapeutic potential. A vast number of oxadiazole-containing derivatives have been discovered as potent antibacterial agents against multidrug-resistant MRSA strains. Here, we investigate the ability of a new library of oxadiazoles to contrast the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. The strongest antimicrobial activity was obtained with compounds 3 (4 µM) and 12 (2 µM). Compound 12, selected for further evaluation, was found to be noncytotoxic on the HaCaT cell line up to 25 µM, bactericidal, and was able to improve the activity of oxacillin against the MRSA. The highest synergistic interaction was obtained with the combination values of 0.78 μM for compound 12, and 0.06 μg/mL for oxacillin. The FIC index value of 0.396 confirms the synergistic effect of compound 12 and oxacillin. MRSA treatment with compound 12 reduced the expression of genes included in the mec operon. In conclusion, 12 inhibited the growth of the MRSA and restored the activity of oxacillin, thus resulting in a promising compound in the treatment of MRSA infection. Full article
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16 pages, 3951 KiB  
Article
Impact of High-Dose Anti-Infective Agents on the Osteogenic Response of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
by Jakob Hofmann, Sabrina Klingele, Uwe Haberkorn, Gerhard Schmidmaier and Tobias Grossner
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1257; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101257 - 16 Oct 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2117
Abstract
Treatment of infected nonunions and severe bone infections is a huge challenge in modern orthopedics. Their treatment routinely includes the use of anti-infective agents. Although frequently used, little is known about their impact on the osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells. In a high- [...] Read more.
Treatment of infected nonunions and severe bone infections is a huge challenge in modern orthopedics. Their treatment routinely includes the use of anti-infective agents. Although frequently used, little is known about their impact on the osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells. In a high- and low-dose set-up, this study evaluates the effects of the antibiotics Gentamicin and Vancomycin as well as the antifungal agent Voriconazole on the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into osteoblast-like cells and synthesize hydroxyapatite in a monolayer cell culture. The osteogenic activity was assessed by measuring calcium and phosphate concentrations as well as alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin concentration in the cell culture medium supernatant. The amount of hydroxyapatite was measured directly by radioactive 99mTechnetium-HDP labeling. Regarding the osteogenic markers, it could be concluded that the osteogenesis was successful within the groups treated with osteogenic cell culture media. The results revealed that all anti-infective agents have a cytotoxic effect on mesenchymal stem cells, especially in higher concentrations, whereas the measured absolute amount of hydroxyapatite was independent of the anti-infective agent used. Normed to the number of cells it can therefore be concluded that the above-mentioned anti-infective agents actually have a positive effect on osteogenesis while high-dose Gentamycin, in particular, is apparently capable of boosting the deposition of minerals. Full article
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7 pages, 1116 KiB  
Communication
Experimental Validation of a Mathematical Framework to Simulate Antibiotics with Distinct Half-Lives Concurrently in an In Vitro Model
by Brianna M. Eales, Cole S. Hudson, Iordanis Kesisoglou, Weiqun Wang, Michael Nikolaou and Vincent H. Tam
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1256; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101256 - 16 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2498
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance has been steadily increasing in prevalence, and combination therapy is commonly used to treat infections due to multidrug resistant bacteria. Under certain circumstances, combination therapy of three or more drugs may be necessary, which makes it necessary to simulate the pharmacokinetic [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance has been steadily increasing in prevalence, and combination therapy is commonly used to treat infections due to multidrug resistant bacteria. Under certain circumstances, combination therapy of three or more drugs may be necessary, which makes it necessary to simulate the pharmacokinetic profiles of more than two drugs concurrently in vitro. Recently, a general theoretical framework was developed to simulate three drugs with distinctly different half-lives. The objective of the study was to experimentally validate the theoretical model. Clinically relevant exposures of meropenem, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone were simulated concurrently in a hollow-fiber infection model, with the corresponding half-lives of 1, 2.5, and 8 h, respectively. Serial samples were obtained over 24 h and drug concentrations were assayed using validated LC-MS/MS methods. A one-compartment model with zero-order input was used to characterize the observed concentration-time profiles. The experimentally observed half-lives corresponding to exponential decline of all three drugs were in good agreement with the respective values anticipated at the experiment design stage. These results were reproducible when the experiment was repeated on a different day. The validated benchtop setup can be used as a more flexible preclinical tool to explore the effectiveness of various drug combinations against multidrug resistant bacteria. Full article
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12 pages, 985 KiB  
Article
The Utility of Bedside Assessment Tools and Associated Factors to Avoid Antibiotic Overuse in an Urban PICU of a Diarrheal Disease Hospital in Bangladesh
by Farzana Afroze, Md. Tanveer Faruk, Mehnaz Kamal, Farhad Kabir, Monira Sarmin, Sharifuzzaman, Mithun Chakraborty, Md. Rezaul Hossain, Shamima Sharmin Shikha, Visnu Pritom Chowdhury, Md. Zahidul Islam, Tahmeed Ahmed and Mohammod Jobayer Chisti
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1255; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101255 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2731
Abstract
Background: Antibiotic exposure in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is very high, although 50% of all antibiotics may be unnecessary. We aimed to determine the utility of simple bedside screening tools and predicting factors to avoid antibiotic overuse in the ICU among [...] Read more.
Background: Antibiotic exposure in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is very high, although 50% of all antibiotics may be unnecessary. We aimed to determine the utility of simple bedside screening tools and predicting factors to avoid antibiotic overuse in the ICU among children with diarrhea and critical illness. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center, case-control study that included children aged 2–59 months who were admitted to PICU with diarrhea and critical illness between 2017 and 2020. Results: We compared young children who did not receive antibiotics (cases, n = 164) during ICU stay to those treated with antibiotics (controls, n = 346). For predicting the ‘no antibiotic approach’, the sensitivity of a negative quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) was similar to quick Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2 (qPELOD-2) and higher than Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS). A negative qSOFA or qPELOD-2 score calculated during PICU admission is superior to SIRS to avoid antibiotic overuse in under-five children. The logistic regression analysis revealed that cases were more often older and independently associated with hypernatremia. Cases less often had severe underweight, altered mentation, age-specific fast breathing, lower chest wall in-drawing, adventitious sound on lung auscultation, abdominal distension, developmental delay, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, and microscopic evidence of invasive diarrhea (for all, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Antibiotic overuse could be evaded in PICU using simple bedside screening tools and clinical characteristics, particularly in poor resource settings among children with diarrhea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotic Usage in Acute Situations)
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25 pages, 3209 KiB  
Review
Looking Back to Amycolatopsis: History of the Antibiotic Discovery and Future Prospects
by Olga V. Kisil, Tatiana A. Efimenko and Olga V. Efremenkova
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101254 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5008
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria in recent decades leads us to an urgent need for the development of new antibacterial agents. The species of the genus Amycolatopsis are known as producers of secondary metabolites that are used in medicine and agriculture. The [...] Read more.
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria in recent decades leads us to an urgent need for the development of new antibacterial agents. The species of the genus Amycolatopsis are known as producers of secondary metabolites that are used in medicine and agriculture. The complete genome sequences of the Amycolatopsis demonstrate a wide variety of biosynthetic gene clusters, which highlights the potential ability of actinomycetes of this genus to produce new antibiotics. In this review, we summarize information about antibiotics produced by Amycolatopsis species. This knowledge demonstrates the prospects for further study of this genus as an enormous source of antibiotics. Full article
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15 pages, 3596 KiB  
Article
Clinical Validation of the Greek Version of the Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS)—Part II
by Konstantinos Stamatiou, Evangelia Samara, Jakhongir F. Alidjanov, Adrian M. E. Pilatz, Kurt G. Naber and Florian M. E. Wagenlehner
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101253 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1822
Abstract
The Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS) is a patient self-reporting questionnaire for the clinical diagnosis and patient-reported outcome (PRO) in women with acute uncomplicated cystitis (AC). The aim of the current study (part II) is the clinical validation of the Greek ACSS questionnaire. [...] Read more.
The Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS) is a patient self-reporting questionnaire for the clinical diagnosis and patient-reported outcome (PRO) in women with acute uncomplicated cystitis (AC). The aim of the current study (part II) is the clinical validation of the Greek ACSS questionnaire. After linguistic validation according to internationally accepted guidelines and cognitive assessment (part I), the clinical validation was performed by using the Greek ACSS study version in 92 evaluable female participants including 53 patients with symptoms suspicious of AC and 39 controls. The clinical outcome using the ACSS questionnaire at different points in time after the start of treatment was demonstrated as well. The age (mean ± SD) of the 53 patients (44.7 ± 17.0 years) and 39 controls (49.3 ± 15.9 years) and their additional conditions at baseline visits, such as menstruation, premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, menopause, diabetes mellitus, were comparable. There was, however, a significant difference (p < 0.001) between patients and controls at baseline visit regarding sum score of the ACSS domains, such as typical symptoms and quality of life. The clinical outcome of up to 7 days showed a fast reduction of the symptom scores and improvement of quality of life. The optimal thresholds for the patient-reported outcome of successful therapy could be established. The linguistically and clinically validated Greek ACSS questionnaire can now be used for clinical or epidemiological studies and also for patients’ self-diagnosis of AC and as a PRO measure tool. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Difficult to Treat Infections in Urology)
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18 pages, 2102 KiB  
Article
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens—Derived Lipopeptide Biosurfactants Inhibit Biofilm Formation and Expression of Biofilm-Related Genes of Staphylococcus aureus
by Karolína Englerová, Zdenka Bedlovičová, Radomíra Nemcová, Ján Király, Marián Maďar, Vanda Hajdučková, Eva Styková, Rastislav Mucha and Katarína Reiffová
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1252; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101252 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3142
Abstract
Biosurfactants (BSs) are surface-active compounds produced by diverse microorganisms, including the genus Bacillus. These bioactive compounds possess biological activities such as antiadhesive, antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects that can lead to important applications in combating many infections. Based on these findings, we decided [...] Read more.
Biosurfactants (BSs) are surface-active compounds produced by diverse microorganisms, including the genus Bacillus. These bioactive compounds possess biological activities such as antiadhesive, antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects that can lead to important applications in combating many infections. Based on these findings, we decided to investigate the antibiofilm activity of BSs from the marine Bacillus amyloliquefaciens against Staphylococcus aureus CCM 4223. Expression of biofilm-related genes was also evaluated using qRT-PCR. Isolated and partially purified BSs were identified and characterized by molecular tools and by UHPLC-DAD and MALDI-TOF/MS. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 3/22, that exhibited surfactant activity evaluated by oil spreading assay, was characterized using the 16S rRNA sequencing method. Screening by PCR detected the presence of the sfp, srfAA, fenD and ituD genes, suggesting production of the lipopeptides (LPs) surfactin, fengycin and iturin. The above findings were further supported by the results of UHPLC-DAD and MALDI-TOF/MS. As quantified by the crystal violet method, the LPs significantly (p < 0.001) reduced biofilm formation of S. aureus in a dose-dependent manner and decreased expression of biofilm-related genes fnbA, fnbB, sortaseA and icaADBC operon. Data from our investigation indicate a promising therapeutic application for LPs isolated from B. amyloliquefaciens toward prevention of S. aureus biofilm infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Antibiofilm Strategies)
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11 pages, 293 KiB  
Article
Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase- and AmpC-Producing Escherichia coli in Domestic Dogs: Spread, Characterisation and Associated Risk Factors
by Nicoletta Formenti, Andrea Grassi, Giovanni Parisio, Claudia Romeo, Flavia Guarneri, Laura Birbes, Alessandra Pitozzi, Federico Scali, Antonio Marco Maisano, Maria Beatrice Boniotti, Paolo Pasquali and Giovanni Loris Alborali
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101251 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2254
Abstract
In veterinary medicine, the issue of antimicrobial resistance was mainly addressed in food-producing animals (although companion animals also deserve attention). Indeed, these species may be reservoir of resistant microorganisms, such as extended-spectrum β-lactamase and AmpC (ESBL/AmpC)-producing bacteria. Dogs in particular may transmit them [...] Read more.
In veterinary medicine, the issue of antimicrobial resistance was mainly addressed in food-producing animals (although companion animals also deserve attention). Indeed, these species may be reservoir of resistant microorganisms, such as extended-spectrum β-lactamase and AmpC (ESBL/AmpC)-producing bacteria. Dogs in particular may transmit them to close-contact humans. Overall 266 faecal samples of healthy dogs were microbiologically and molecularly analyzed to investigate ESBL/AmpC-producing Escherichia coli and the effects of host and environmental factors on their spread. A prevalence of 25.9% of ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli, supported by blaCTX-M (79.7%), blaTEM (47.8%), blaCMY (13%), and blaSHV (5.8%) gene detection, emerged. Dogs frequenting extra-urban environments showed significantly higher odds of being positive to ESBL/AmpC E. coli (30.2%) compared to urban dogs (16.7%) identifying the environment as a risk factor. About 88.4% of isolates were resistant to cephalosporins, 8.7% to cephalosporins and carbapenems, and 2.9% to cephalosporins, carbapenems, and penicillins. ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli expressing blaCMY were significantly more resistant to cefoxitin, cefotaxime/clavulanic acid and ceftazidime/clavulanic acid, highlighting its negative effects. Our results suggest the role of domestic dogs as a maintenance host of ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli leading to a constant health monitoring. The recorded resistances to carbapenems implies attention and further investigations. Full article
15 pages, 1349 KiB  
Article
Resurgence of Chloramphenicol Resistance in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Due to the Acquisition of a Variant Florfenicol Exporter (fexAv)-Mediated Chloramphenicol Resistance in Kuwait Hospitals
by Edet E. Udo, Samar S. Boswihi, Bindu Mathew, Bobby Noronha and Tina Verghese
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101250 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3445
Abstract
Following a surge in the prevalence of chloramphenicol-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Kuwait hospitals, this study investigated the genotypes and antibiotic resistance of the chloramphenicol-resistant isolates to ascertain whether they represented new or a resurgence of sporadic endemic clones. Fifty-four chloramphenicol-resistant MRSA [...] Read more.
Following a surge in the prevalence of chloramphenicol-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Kuwait hospitals, this study investigated the genotypes and antibiotic resistance of the chloramphenicol-resistant isolates to ascertain whether they represented new or a resurgence of sporadic endemic clones. Fifty-four chloramphenicol-resistant MRSA isolates obtained in 2014–2015 were investigated. Antibiotic resistance was tested by disk diffusion and MIC determination. Molecular typing was performed using spa typing, multilocus sequence typing, and DNA microarray. Curing and transfer experiments were used to determine the genetic location of resistance determinants. All 54 isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol (MIC: 32–56 mg/L) but susceptible to florfenicol. Two chloramphenicol-resistance determinants, florfenicol exporter (fexA) and chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (cat), were detected. The fexA-positive isolates belonged to CC5-ST627-VI-t688/t450/t954 (n = 45), CC5-ST5-V-t688 (n = 6), whereas the cat-positives isolates were CC8-ST239-III-t037/t860 (n = 3). While cat was carried on 3.5–4.4 kb plasmids, the location of fexA could not be established. DNA sequencing of fexA revealed 100% sequence similarity to a previously reported fexA variant that confers chloramphenicol but not florfenicol resistance. The resurgence of chloramphenicol resistance was due to the introduction and spread of closely related fexA-positive CC5-ST5-V and CC5-ST627-VI clones. Full article
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15 pages, 2480 KiB  
Article
National Antibiotics Utilization Trends for Human Use in Tanzania from 2010 to 2016 Inferred from Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority Importation Data
by Raphael Zozimus Sangeda, Habibu Ally Saburi, Faustine Cassian Masatu, Beatrice Godwin Aiko, Erick Alexander Mboya, Sonia Mkumbwa, Adonis Bitegeko, Yonah Hebron Mwalwisi, Emmanuel Alphonse Nkiligi, Mhina Chambuso, Hiiti Baran Sillo, Adam M. Fimbo and Pius Gerald Horumpende
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101249 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4445
Abstract
Antimicrobial use (AMU) is one of the major drivers of emerging antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The surveillance of AMU, which is a pillar of AMR stewardship (AMS), helps devise strategies to mitigate AMR. This descriptive, longitudinal retrospective study quantified the trends in human antibiotics [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial use (AMU) is one of the major drivers of emerging antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The surveillance of AMU, which is a pillar of AMR stewardship (AMS), helps devise strategies to mitigate AMR. This descriptive, longitudinal retrospective study quantified the trends in human antibiotics utilization between 2010 and 2016 using data on all antibiotics imported for systemic human use into Tanzania’s mainland. Regression and time series analyses were used to establish trends in antibiotics use. A total of 12,073 records for antibiotics were retrieved, totaling 154.51 Defined Daily Doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID), with a mean (±standard deviation) of 22.07 (±48.85) DID. The private sector contributed 93.76% of utilized antibiotics. The top-ranking antibiotics were amoxicillin, metronidazole, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and cefalexin. The DIDs and percentage contribution of these antibiotics were 53.78 (34.81%), 23.86 (15.44), 20.53 (13.29), 9.27 (6.0) and 6.94 (4.49), respectively. The time series model predicted a significant increase in utilization (p-value = 0.002). The model forecasted that by 2022, the total antibiotics consumed would be 89.6 DIDs, which is a 13-fold increase compared to 2010. Government intervention to curb inappropriate antibiotics utilization and mitigate the rising threat of antibiotic resistance should focus on implementing AMS programs in pharmacies and hospitals in Tanzania. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Antibiotics Use and Antimicrobial Stewardship)
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10 pages, 1081 KiB  
Article
Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns and Appropriateness for Children in Primary Healthcare Settings in Beijing City, China, 2017–2019
by Haishaerjiang Wushouer, Kexin Du, Shicai Chen, Yue Zhou, Bo Zheng, Xiaodong Guan and Luwen Shi
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101248 - 14 Oct 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2156
Abstract
(1) Background: Few studies have focused on antibiotic use and appropriateness in children in primary health institutions (PHIs). This study aimed to identify the patterns and appropriateness of antibiotic use for children in PHIs in Beijing, China. (2) Methods: Outpatient prescriptions of 327 [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Few studies have focused on antibiotic use and appropriateness in children in primary health institutions (PHIs). This study aimed to identify the patterns and appropriateness of antibiotic use for children in PHIs in Beijing, China. (2) Methods: Outpatient prescriptions of 327 PHIs from 2017 to 2019 for patients <18 years old were collected. Prescriptions were described using quantity indicators. Antibiotics were categorized according to ATC classification J01 and Access, Watch, Reserve grouping. Appropriateness was reviewed by experts using three subtypes of irrational prescriptions (irregular, inappropriate, and abnormal). (3) Results: 20,618 prescriptions were collected in total. The antibiotic prescription rate (APR) was 15.1% (N = 3113). Among antibiotic prescriptions, J01FA Macrolides were the most used (N = 1068, 34.9%). The Watch group constituted 89.0% (N = 2818) of total antibiotic use. Bronchitis (N = 1059, 35.2%) was the most common diagnosis. A total of 292 instances of irrational antibiotic use were identified, with inappropriate prescriptions being the most prevalent subtype (N = 233, 79.8%). (4) Conclusion: Although APR for children in PHIs in Beijing was relatively low, the pattern of antibiotic use differed from other countries. Further studies are needed to optimize antibiotic use for children in PHIs under different levels of economic development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Appropriateness of Antibiotics in China)
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9 pages, 428 KiB  
Article
Impact of Cefazolin Shortage on Clinical Outcomes of Adult Patients with Bacteremia Caused by Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in a Tertiary Care University Hospital
by Atsushi Uda, Kenichiro Onuma, Katsumi Shigemura, Koichi Kitagawa, Yonmin Yan, Kayo Osawa, Ikuko Yano and Takayuki Miyara
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1247; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101247 - 14 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2377
Abstract
Cefazolin is an essential antibiotic used for treating bacteremia; in particular, it is recommended as a first-line agent for infections caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcusaureus (MSSA). In March 2019, problems with a major antibiotic supplier caused a critical shortage of cefazolin in Japan; [...] Read more.
Cefazolin is an essential antibiotic used for treating bacteremia; in particular, it is recommended as a first-line agent for infections caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcusaureus (MSSA). In March 2019, problems with a major antibiotic supplier caused a critical shortage of cefazolin in Japan; however, the impact of the cefazolin shortage on clinical outcomes remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the cefazolin shortage in patients with MSSA bacteremia. Data from 75 patients were compared between the pre-shortage (March 2018–January 2019, n = 39) and post-shortage (March 2019–January 2020, n = 36) periods. There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics between the two groups, and the cefazolin shortage did not worsen clinical outcomes such as adverse drug reactions, treatment failure, and 30-day mortality. In the post-shortage group, ampicillin/sulbactam and benzylpenicillin were more frequently administered as alternative antibiotics for empirical and definitive therapy (10% vs. 31%, p = 0.042; 0% vs. 19%, p = 0.004, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that the broad-spectrum antibiotics for definitive therapy, such as antipseudomonal penicillin, were associated with treatment failure in patients with MSSA bacteremia (OR = 17, p = 0.003). Hence, narrow-spectrum antibiotics should be prescribed for MSSA bacteremia as alternatives during a cefazolin shortage. Full article
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11 pages, 285 KiB  
Review
Ventriculitis: Infection or Inflammation
by Mahesh Ramanan, Andrew Shorr and Jeffrey Lipman
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1246; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101246 - 14 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4539
Abstract
Ventriculitis, or infection of the cerebrospinal fluid, in the presence of external ventricular drains (EVD), is an important complication and associated with substantial mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. Further, the conditions that require the insertion of an EVD, such as neurotrauma and subarachnoid [...] Read more.
Ventriculitis, or infection of the cerebrospinal fluid, in the presence of external ventricular drains (EVD), is an important complication and associated with substantial mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. Further, the conditions that require the insertion of an EVD, such as neurotrauma and subarachnoid hemorrhage, are themselves associated with inflammation of the cerebrospinal fluid. Phenotypically, patients with inflammation of the cerebrospinal fluid can present with very similar symptoms, signs, and laboratory findings to those with infection. This review examines various controversies relating to the definitions, diagnosis, challenges of differentiating infection from inflammation, prevention, and treatment of ventriculitis in patients with EVDs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotic Usage in Acute Situations)
12 pages, 1653 KiB  
Article
Metabolomic Profiling and Biological Activities of Pleurotus columbinus Quél. Cultivated on Different Agri-Food Byproducts
by Paola Angelini, Roberto Maria Pellegrino, Bruno Tirillini, Giancarlo Angeles Flores, Husam B. R. Alabed, Federica Ianni, Francesca Blasi, Lina Cossignani, Roberto Venanzoni, Giustino Orlando, Luigi Menghini and Claudio Ferrante
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1245; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101245 - 14 Oct 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3171
Abstract
The genus Pleurotus (Fr.) P. Kumm (Pleurotaceae, Basidiomycota) comprises a cosmopolitan group of mushrooms highly appreciated for their nutritional value and health-promoting benefits. Despite there being many studies about the phytochemical composition of Pleurotus spp., there are very few reports dealing with the [...] Read more.
The genus Pleurotus (Fr.) P. Kumm (Pleurotaceae, Basidiomycota) comprises a cosmopolitan group of mushrooms highly appreciated for their nutritional value and health-promoting benefits. Despite there being many studies about the phytochemical composition of Pleurotus spp., there are very few reports dealing with the phytochemistry, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of P. columbinus Quél. In this study, a mass spectrometry ultra-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UHPLC)-QTOF method, coupled with principal component analysis (PCA), was applied to the P. columbinus metabolome in order to investigate the influence of different agri-food residues as growth substrates for P. columbinus cultivation, on the bioactive chemical profile of fruiting bodies and evaluated their potential as antioxidants and antimicrobials. Additionally, a quantitative HPLC-DAD-MS analysis was conducted on phenolic and flavonoid compounds, that could explain, albeit partially, the observed biological effects of P. columbinus extracts. The qualitative metabolic profile identified 97 metabolites, whereas the quantitative HPLC-DAD-MS analysis confirmed the presence of phenolic and flavonoids, in the mushroom extracts, which also showed intrinsic scavenging/reducing and antimicrobial effects. The antibacterial effects were particularly evident against Escherichia coli, whereas Tricophyton and Aspergillus were the dermatophytes more sensitive to the mushroom extracts. The present study supports more in-depth investigations, aimed at evaluating the influence of growth substrate on P. columbinus antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The extracts from P. columbinus revealed valuable sources of primary and secondary metabolites, thus suggesting potential applications in the formulation of food supplements with biological properties, above all in terms of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts from Plant)
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