GERMS

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Open AccessCorrection

Erratum

by Lusiana, Lis Surachmiati, Siti Rizny Fitriana Saldi, Trah Lusianingtyas and Kusmarinah Bramono

GERMS 2023, 13(4), 392; https://doi.org/10.18683/germs.2023.1411 - 31 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Erratum on: Lusiana, Surachmiati L, Saldi SRF, Lusianingtyas T, Bramono K. [...] Full article

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Open AccessCommunication

The Analysis of Saliva as Screening in Patients with COVID-like Symptoms

by Giorgio Novelli, Mattia Moretti, Maria Costanza Meazzini, Davide Paolo Bernasconi, Sergio Maria Ivano Malandrin, Monica Raggi, Cristina Maria Angela Cassé, Luca Arturo Pavesi and Davide Sozzi

GERMS 2023, 13(4), 388-391; https://doi.org/10.18683/germs.2023.1410 - 31 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 31

Abstract

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019), caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) [...] Full article

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Open AccessCommunication

Role of Gender in Hesitancy Toward the COVID-19 Vaccine Beyond Medical Students

by Aris P. Agouridis, Spyridon A. Karageorgos and Constantinos Tsioutis

GERMS 2023, 13(4), 385-387; https://doi.org/10.18683/germs.2023.1409 - 31 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 23

Abstract

We thank Dr. Mungmunpuntipantip and Dr. Wiwanitkit for their comment on our article [...] Full article

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Open AccessCommunication

Acinetobacter baumannii: A Known Pathogen, a New Problem

by Ricardo Campos Monteiro, Rogerio Caldeira Rodrigues Malta, Geovana Lacerda Rodrigues, Gustavo Luis de Paiva Anciens Ramos and Janaína dos Santos Nascimento

GERMS 2023, 13(4), 381-384; https://doi.org/10.18683/germs.2023.1408 - 31 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Acinetobacter baumannii causes a series of infections in healthcare settings and the community, the main ones highlighted in Figure 1 [...] Full article

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Figure 1

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Open AccessReview

Dental Pathologies of Endodontic Origin and Subsequent Bacterial Involvement—A Literature Review

by Alexandru Gliga, Mihai Săndulescu, Oana Amza, Ruxandra Stănescu and Marina Imre

GERMS 2023, 13(4), 373-380; https://doi.org/10.18683/germs.2023.1407 - 31 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Dental pathologies of endodontic origin are varied in nature, and include infectious and non-infectious causes. Through this review, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of the role of bacterial involvement and in the pathogenesis of endodontic pathologies, by reviewing the relevant literature [...] Read more.

Dental pathologies of endodontic origin are varied in nature, and include infectious and non-infectious causes. Through this review, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of the role of bacterial involvement and in the pathogenesis of endodontic pathologies, by reviewing the relevant literature on the most common bacterial species involved, and their capacity to organize as biofilms. Furthermore, we focus on the most important recent updates in the management of endodontic infections, from a multidisciplinary perspective. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Diabetic Foot Infections: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Mitra Garousi, Sina MonazamiTabar, Hosein Mirazi, Zahra Farrokhi, Azad Khaledi and Ali Shakerimoghaddam

GERMS 2023, 13(4), 362-372; https://doi.org/10.18683/germs.2023.1406 (registering DOI) - 31 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common causes of diabetic foot infection globally. This study aimed to determine the global distribution of P. aeruginosa isolated from diabetic foot ulcer infection. PRISMA procedure was used to perform the current systematic review and meta-analysis. [...] Read more.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common causes of diabetic foot infection globally. This study aimed to determine the global distribution of P. aeruginosa isolated from diabetic foot ulcer infection. PRISMA procedure was used to perform the current systematic review and meta-analysis. The Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and other databases were searched for studies published in English from 2000 to 2022. Data was analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (CMA). Keywords and MESH phrases included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, diabetic foot ulcer, P. aeruginosa, and diabetic foot infection. As a result of this review, 16.6% of diabetic foot wound infections were caused by P. aeruginosa. About 37.9% of strains were multidrug resistant (MDR). P. aeruginosa infection rates in diabetic foot ulcers ranged from 0.5 to 100% globally . In total, the prevalence rates of P. aeruginosa in diabetic foot ulcer infection from Asia, Africa, and Western countries were reported at 18.5%, 16.3%, and 11.1%, respectively. Data have shown that the prevalence of P. aeruginosa, particularly MDR strains, isolated from diabetic foot ulcer infection was relatively high; inherent resistance to antibiotics is also high; the wound either does not heal or if it does, it will be delayed. Therefore, timely treatment is essential. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Bacterial Species Associated with Peri-Implant Disease—A Literature Review

by Mihai Săndulescu, Valentin Daniel Sîrbu and Ion Alexandru Popovici

GERMS 2023, 13(4), 352-361; https://doi.org/10.18683/germs.2023.1405 - 31 Dec 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 30

Abstract

Peri-implantitis is a pathological condition in dental medicine that manifests as an inflammatory process affecting the tissues surrounding dental implants. Peri-implantitis occurs when the soft and hard tissues surrounding these implants become inflamed, leading to progressive destruction of the supporting bone. The etiology [...] Read more.

Peri-implantitis is a pathological condition in dental medicine that manifests as an inflammatory process affecting the tissues surrounding dental implants. Peri-implantitis occurs when the soft and hard tissues surrounding these implants become inflamed, leading to progressive destruction of the supporting bone. The etiology of peri-implantitis is multifactorial, involving microbial, host-related, and environmental factors. Microbial involvement in peri-implantitis can be explained either by direct in-situ virulence activation leading to pathogenicity, or by induction of low-grade chronic immune activation, leading to long-term persistence of a pro-inflammatory status. Understanding peri-implantitis is pivotal in maintaining the long-term success of dental implants and improving patient outcomes in implant-supported restorations. Recognizing the etiological factors, including particular bacterial species, genetic predispositions, and environmental influences, is very important for devising effective preventive strategies and targeted interventions. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Endophthalmitis Caused by Enterococcus casseliflavus: A Systematic Review of Literature

by Stylianos A. Kandarakis, Nikolaos Spernovasilis, Ilias Georgalas, Michalis Mendris, Constantinos Tsioutis and Aris P. Agouridis

GERMS 2023, 13(4), 343-351; https://doi.org/10.18683/germs.2023.1404 - 31 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Introduction: Enterococcus casseliflavus is a rare pathogen in human infections, despite being widely distributed in natural environments. This systematic review aims to evaluate the evidence related to endophthalmitis caused by E. casseliflavus. Methods: A thorough search of PubMed, PubMed Central, and Scopus [...] Read more.

Introduction: Enterococcus casseliflavus is a rare pathogen in human infections, despite being widely distributed in natural environments. This systematic review aims to evaluate the evidence related to endophthalmitis caused by E. casseliflavus. Methods: A thorough search of PubMed, PubMed Central, and Scopus databases was conducted, covering the period up to October 2022. Results: A total of 53 records were identified, with 8 studies reporting a total of 21 cases meeting the inclusion criteria. Among these studies, 7 described isolated case reports, while 1 study described 14 cases. The overall quality of the reports was good, as all articles were determined to have low risk of bias. Vancomycin susceptibility was reported in only one case of isolated case reports, while the remaining cases were all vancomycin resistant. With regard to management, in most cases intravenous ampicillin and linezolid were administered, while only one study reported administration of vancomycin. Conclusions: Ophthalmologists should be aware of the potential for E. casseliflavus to cause endophthalmitis infections and the challenges associated with its intrinsic resistance to vancomycin. Full article

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Open AccessCase Report

Twins with Meningitis Due to Neisseria meningitidis

by Gülsüm İclal Bayhan, Saliha Kanık Yüksek, Latife Güder, Hatice Kübra Konca, Seval Özen, Nilay Çöplü and Nuriye Ünal Şahin

GERMS 2023, 13(4), 338-342; https://doi.org/10.18683/germs.2023.1403 - 31 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of invasive meningococcal disease is highest in infants and young children. Case report: Twin infants diagnosed two days apart with meningitis due to N. meningitidis serogroup B are presented. Conclusions: There has never been a report of concurrent meningococcal meningitis [...] Read more.

Introduction: The incidence of invasive meningococcal disease is highest in infants and young children. Case report: Twin infants diagnosed two days apart with meningitis due to N. meningitidis serogroup B are presented. Conclusions: There has never been a report of concurrent meningococcal meningitis in twin brothers. We wanted to highlight the high likelihood of meningococcal transmission through household contacts and the importance of antibiotic prophylaxis and meningococcal vaccination recommendations for close contacts of these cases. Full article

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Open AccessCase Report

Hydropneumothorax as a Complication of Necrotizing Pneumonia

by Andria Papazachariou, Eleni Papadokostaki, Despoina Kypraiou, Vironas Malikides, Ioanna Papakitsou, Theodosios D Filippatos, Petros Ioannou and Diamantis P Kofteridis

GERMS 2023, 13(4), 332-337; https://doi.org/10.18683/germs.2023.1402 - 31 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 35

Abstract

Introduction: Hydropneumothorax with a bronchopleural fistula is an infrequent but severe complication of necrotizing pneumonia associated with high morbidity and mortality. Few cases in the adult population have been reported. Case report: This is a case of a 76-year-old male patient who developed [...] Read more.

Introduction: Hydropneumothorax with a bronchopleural fistula is an infrequent but severe complication of necrotizing pneumonia associated with high morbidity and mortality. Few cases in the adult population have been reported. Case report: This is a case of a 76-year-old male patient who developed pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae complicated by hydropneumothorax. He was managed conservatively with chest tube placement but denied surgical management and eventually died despite initial improvement. Conclusions: Early recognition and appropriate management of pneumonia complications, such as hydropneumothorax, including thoracic surgeon interventions, are crucial as this complication can be fatal. Factors like the patient’s overall status, preferences, and comorbidities may have a crucial effect on clinical decisions and outcomes. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dexamethasone and Tenoxicam on the Virulence Activities of Different Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates

by Heba E. AboElfarh, El-Sayed E. Habib and Mohamed M. A. El-Sokkary

GERMS 2023, 13(4), 321-331; https://doi.org/10.18683/germs.2023.1401 - 31 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 29

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to examine the effect of commonly used non-antibiotic drugs (dexamethasone and tenoxicam), on treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, antibiotic resistance and virulence in this pathogen. Methods: Four antibiotics (gentamicin, cefepime, ciprofloxacin and meropenem) were investigated. The proteolysis and hemolysis [...] Read more.

Introduction: This study aimed to examine the effect of commonly used non-antibiotic drugs (dexamethasone and tenoxicam), on treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, antibiotic resistance and virulence in this pathogen. Methods: Four antibiotics (gentamicin, cefepime, ciprofloxacin and meropenem) were investigated. The proteolysis and hemolysis were selected as virulence factors for investigation. In this work, we selected the following final concentrations: dexamethasone (0.0052 μg/mL) and tenoxicam (2.7 μg/mL) to be used in combination with antibiotics or alone for investigation of their effects on antibiotic resistance and virulence in P. aeruginosa isolates. Results: The drugs either increased or decreased antibiotic resistance in only 0–3 isolates, which indicates that the investigated drugs did not significantly affect the antibiotic resistance. Interestingly, our study demonstrated that both dexamethasone and tenoxicam increased the hemolytic activity of the investigated isolates. On the other hand, our results indicated that no overall final increasing or decreasing effect could be observed for dexamethasone on the proteolytic activity, while tenoxicam increased the proteolytic activity of the investigated isolates. Interestingly, by real-time PCR dexamethasone has shown significant down-regulation of virulence genes namely algD, plcH and toxA, apparently, in case of combination with ciprofloxacin and with gentamicin in one isolate. However, a negative influence was observed in another isolate. Unfortunately, in the case of tenoxicam the only positive effect was observed in the combination with gentamicin in one isolate. Conclusions: Resistance of P. aeruginosa against gentamicin and ciprofloxacin may be affected by combining these antibiotics with dexamethasone or tenoxicam. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Fosfomycin: A Potential Oral Option for Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections in Sri Lanka in the Context of High Antibiotic Resistance

by Nishadi Jayathilaka, Tharushi Pathirana, Chathurika Kumari, Varuna Navaratne, Samanmalee Gunasekara, Dilini Nakkawita and Thamarasi Senaratne

GERMS 2023, 13(4), 314-320; https://doi.org/10.18683/germs.2023.1400 - 31 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Introduction: Fosfomycin is an effective treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is not currently used in Sri Lanka to treat UTIs. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the fosfomycin susceptibility for E. coli in urinary isolates, with an aim to find [...] Read more.

Introduction: Fosfomycin is an effective treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is not currently used in Sri Lanka to treat UTIs. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the fosfomycin susceptibility for E. coli in urinary isolates, with an aim to find the usability of fosfomycin in the context of high antibiotic resistance. Methods: E. coli isolates were identified by the colony appearance and by performing biochemical tests for the urinary coliform isolates collected from two different hospitals in Western Province Sri Lanka, during the period of November 2021 to February 2022. Susceptibility to fosfomycin 200 μg disc was performed following the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) disc diffusion method. Results: A total of 101 E. coli isolates from both oncology patients (52.5%) and non-oncology patients (47.5%) were identified and included in the study. The study sample showed majority of females (63.3%). Ampicillin showed the highest resistance rate (72.2%) while fosfomycin was the only antibiotic that showed 100% in vitro susceptibility to all the tested clinical isolates. The overall presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and carbapenem-resistant (CR) E. coli were 47.5% and 9.9% respectively. Conclusions: Fosfomycin is a potential antibiotic option especially for MDR and CR organisms, with 100% in vitro susceptibility. Further studies involving multiple centers, with larger sample size and clinical efficacy studies would be important to assess the potential use of fosfomycin especially for the treatment of UTI-causing MDR and CR organisms. Full article

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Open AccessPerspective

Changing Clinical Patterns and Ear-Nose-Throat Complications of Seasonal Viral Respiratory Tract Infections

by Mihai Săndulescu and Oana Săndulescu

GERMS 2023, 13(4), 311-313; https://doi.org/10.18683/germs.2023.1399 - 31 Dec 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 29

Abstract

The epidemiology of viral respiratory tract infections has undergone important changes throughout and following the COVID-19 pandemic [...] Full article

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GERMS, Volume 13, Issue 4 (12 2023) – 13 articles , Pages 311-392

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