Bloodstream infections in cancer patients in central India: study of pathogens and trend of antimicrobial resistance over five years
Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a prevalent complication with a high fatality rate in cancer patients. Over time and in different countries there are noticeable changing trends in the epidemiology of BSI. With this context our goal was to investigate the antibiogram and distribution of bacterial pathogens causing BSI in central Indian cancer patients. This single-center retrospective observational study was conducted in an Indian cancer hospital that offers tertiary care. Patients with solid organ and haematological cancers in both adults and children who had blood cultures sent to the microbiology laboratory were all included. In accordance with the recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) blood cultures were processed using the BacT/ALERT 3D system (BioMerieux France) and identification of bacteria to species level and antimicrobial susceptibility (AST) was carried out using the Vitek 2 compact system (BioMerieux France). Electronic medical records and microbiology lab records were used to retrieve the demographic and microbiological data. Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Excel RRID: SCR_016137) was used to enter and tabulate the data while SPSS (RRID: SCR_002865) was used to conduct the statistical analysis. Hemato-lymphoid cancer had a higher culture positive rate than solid organ cancer. In cancer patients BSI was more frequently caused by gram-negative bacteria.
An improved genome editing system for Sphingomonadaceae
The sphingomonads encompass a diverse group of bacteria within the Sphingomonadaceae family with the presence of sphingolipids on their cell surface instead of lipopolysaccharide as their main common feature. They are particularly interesting for bioremediation purposes due to their capability to degrade or metabolise a variety of recalcitrant organic pollutants. However the research and development of their full bioremediation potential has been hampered because of the limited number of tools available to investigate and modify their genome. Here we present a markerless genome editing method for Sphingopyxis granuli which can be further optimised for other sphingomonads. This procedure is based on a double recombination triggered by a DNA double strand break in the chromosome. The strength of this protocol lies in forcing the second recombination rather than favouring it by pressing a counterselection marker thus avoiding laborious re-streaking or passaging screenings. Additionally we introduce a modification with respect to the original protocol to increase the efficiency of the screening after the first recombination event. We show this procedure step by step and compare our modified method with respect to the original one by deleting ecfG2 the master regulator of the general stress response in S. granuli. This adds onto the genetic tool repertoire that can be applied to sphingomonads and stands as an efficient option for fast genome editing of this bacterial group.
Seroprevalence of Herpes simplex virus Type-1 IgG antibodies among pregnant women with recurrent abortions
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) is a nuclear replicating enveloped virus usually acquired through direct contact with infected lesions or body fluids (typically saliva). The prevalence of HSV-1 infection increases progressively from childhood and inversely related to socioeconomic background. The infections among children are either asymptomatic or following an incubation period of about 1 week gives rise to mucocutaneous vesicular eruptions. Herpetic gingivostomatitis typically affects the tongue lips gingival buccal mucosa and the hard and soft palate. The main aim of this study is to study the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type-1 IgG antibodies among pregnant women with recurrent abortions. The study demonstrated a 29 (58%) were positive HSV-1-IgG and 21 (42%) were negative among cases (pregnant women) while 25 (100%) in control subject were negatives and the possible risk factors i.e. age Abortion Blood transfusion Contraceptive Rash have been examined in this study and showed no effect except previous history of TORCH test examination. The study concluded more than half pregnant women was found to be infected in our study and we recommended to screen both IgM and IgG followed by viral detection and load by molecular technique in case of positive ELISA.
Invasive Streptococcus pyogenes Infection: A case report
The Group A Streptococcus also known as Streptococcus pyogenes is a human pathogen causing various infections ranging from mild such as tonsillitis and impetigo to severe and invasive conditions like septicemia and necrotizing fasciitis. Despite a decline in incidence and severity during the 20th century due to antibiotics there has been a reported increase in severe cases since the 1980s in industrialized countries.
Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) is a human pathogen with a natural reservoir in the 26 pharynx and skin exhibits asymptomatic carriage in various body sites. It is responsible for a 27 spectrum of clinical manifestations from asymptomatic carriage to severe invasive infections. 28 Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets or direct contact with skin lesions. 29 Bacteriologically S. pyogenes is a gram-positive β-hemolytic streptococcus. This summary highlights a case of invasive Group A Streptococcus infection in a 28-year-old diagnosed at the microbiology laboratory of the Mohammed V Military Training Hospital in Rabat Morocco.
A 28-year-old patient with a history of chickenpox presented with acute febrile oligoarthritis. Following a recent flu-like syndrome and febrile tonsillitis the patient experienced asymmetric inflammatory oligoarthralgia affecting the left knee left ankle and right shoulder accompanied by functional impairment of the left lower limb. Upon admission clinical examination revealed swelling positive patellar tap and sternal involvement. Laboratory and imaging findings indicated an abscessed collection in the left knee and anterior mediastinitis. Emergency aspirations revealed Group A Streptococcus specifically Streptococcus pyogenes leading to a diagnosis of septic arthritis. Dual antibiotic therapy and knee joint drainage resulted in symptom resolution after 45 days.
The rise in severe Group A Streptococcus infection underscores the need for early detection and treatment. Widely sharing the French High Council for Public Health’s antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations is crucial for awareness. Collaborating between clinicians and microbiologists is essential for effective management.
Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of ESBL Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates in a Moroccan hospital
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) are a major public health problem in hospitals and in the community. The objective of this work was to describe the epidemiology of ESBL enterobacteria to study their resistance profile and to determine the genes encoding the ESBL phenotype.
This is a retrospective study conducted in the bacteriology laboratory of the Military Hospital of Instruction Mohamed V of Rabat and covering all isolates of Enterobacteriaceae from 01/01/2018 to 31/12/2020. The molecular study of ESBL genes involved a representative sample of all ESBL isolates.
The overall prevalence of ESBLs in isolated Enterobacteriaceae (1402/10268) is 13.65%. The urinary tract was the main site of isolation of ESBL (61%). The bacterial species most concerned are essentially Escherichia coli (419%) Klebsiella pneumoniae (422%) and Enterobacter cloacae (119%). The study of antibiotic susceptibility showed a resistant profile marked mainly by 100% resistance to C1G and C3G 55% to piperacillin-tazobactam 16% to imipenem 87% to fluoroquinolones. Molecular typing of ESBL strains showed a prevalence of CTX-M (95%) SHV (50%) and TEM (56%). The CTX-M-1 and the CTX-M-9 groups were the most common (9619% and 762 % respectively) and CTX-M15 was found in 7810% CTX-M-1 ESBL positive isolates. Most strains had more than two coexisting resistance genes.
The prevalence rate of ESBL-E is critical and preventive action at different levels (prescriber biologist hospital patient etc.) is necessary in order to limit their spread and to manage a better therapeutic strategy.
Molecular characterization of HBV infected Nigerians reveal diverse mutational profiles within the BCP/PC regions
Background; Hepatis B virus (HBV) is the most implicated cause of severe liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Studies have shown that the basal core protein (BCP) and pre-core protein (PC) of HBV play a significant role in HBV related carcinogenesis. There is paucity of data on type and effect of BCP and PC mutations in Nigeria. This study aims to genotype HBV and investigate any mutations within the BCP and PC among HBV patients in Ibadan Nigeria.
Methods; Forty HBV DNA positive were recruited into this study viral load assay and genotyping by nested multiplex PCR was done. The partial X gene region was amplified and Sanger sequenced. The BPC and PC genomic regions were then analyzed using bioinformatics.
Results; Twenty-three participants recorded HBV DNA viral load of >20000 International Units (IU) while 17 had <20000 IU while 28 samples were genotyped. Five genotypes A B C D and E and 4 mixed genotypes AC AD ACD and ABCD were detected. Genotype AC was the most frequently encountered while genotypes E and B were the least encountered. Mutation was highest in ages 34 to 45 years. Double mutation A1762T and G1764A within the BCP region was the most encountered mutation.
Conclusions; We report a diverse HBV genetic landscape with mixed infections between genotypes with BCP double mutation A1762T/G1764A signaling the likelihood of poor HBV related liver disease prognosis. Our findings contribute to our understanding of the molecular characteristics of HBV and its potential implications for disease progression and management among HBV infected Nigerians.
Comparative genome analyses of Staphylococcus aureus from platelet concentrates reveal rearrangements involving loss of type VII secretion genes
Staphylococcus aureus has been involved in transfusion-transmitted fatalities associated with platelet concentrates (PCs) due to its heightened pathogenicity enhanced by genome-encoded virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. This may be facilitated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that can cause rearrangements. Several factors contribute to S. aureus virulence including the type VII secretion system (T7SS) which is comprised of twelve genes six of which form the T7SS core and are conserved across S. aureus strains. In this study we conducted comparative genome analyses of five S. aureus isolates from PCs (CI/BAC/25/13/W PS/BAC/169/17/W and PS/BAC/317/16/W were detected during PCs screening with the BACT/ALERT automated culture system and ATR-20003 and CBS2016-05 were missed during screening and caused septic transfusion reactions). Multiple alignments of the genomes revealed evidence of rearrangements involving phage ɸSa3 in PS/BAC/169/17/W and PS/BAC/317/16/W. While the former had undergone translocation of its immune evasion cluster (IEC) the latter had lost part of the phage leaving behind the IEC. This observation confirms S. aureus genome plasticity. Unexpectedly strain CBS2016-05 was found to encode a pseudo-T7SS that had lost five of the conserved core genes (esxA esaA essA esaB and essB) and contained a 5’ truncated essC. Since these genes are essential for the function of the T7SS protein transport machinery which plays a key role in S. aureus virulence CBS2016-05 probably compensates by recruiting other export mechanisms and/or alternative virulence factors such as neutralizing immunity proteins. This study unravels genome rearrangements in S. aureus isolated from PCs and reports the first S. aureus isolate lacking conserved T7SS core genes.
Trends and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of diarrhoeal pathogens - an experience of fourteen years in Southern India
INTRODUCTION:
Enteric pathogens contribute largely to morbidity in a developing country like India. Early and prompt diagnosis of diarrhoeal diseases can reduce the mortality rate particularly in children. The pattern of sensitivity to antimicrobials for the common pathogens can vary from time to time. The present study was conducted to study the pathogen distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern during the study period (January 2010 to December 2023).
HYPOTHESIS/GAP STATEMENT:
Studying the changing trend in the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of diarrhoeal pathogens over a decade can help to plan future treatment options.
AIM:
This study was undertaken to provide insight into the changing pattern of pathogen distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of enteric pathogens over 14 years.
METHODS:
A retrospective observational cohort analysis was conducted on all the stool pathogens isolated from the samples received in the Microbiology department of a tertiary care hospital from the year 2010 to 2023. The demographic details stool microscopy culture reports and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were noted.
RESULTS:
18336 stool specimens were received in the Microbiology laboratory between January 2010 to December 2023. A total of 591 Salmonella 471 Shigella181 Vibrio and 80 Aeromonas species were isolated. 93% of Salmonella species 89% of Shigella species and 95 % of Vibrio species were susceptible to Ceftriaxone.91% of Aeromonas isolates were susceptible to Chloramphenicol. Some major parasites were also observed on microscopy.
CONCLUSION:
Timely diagnosis of diarrhoeal pathogens can be life-saving for patients belonging to extremes of age. Pathogens can exhibit a changing susceptibility pattern to antibiotics which should be regularly observed to plan future therapy.
Effect of CHIKV capsid protein nucleolar localisation on host gene modulation
Host cell nuclear localisation of alphaviral proteins has been shown to be important for host transcriptional shut off antagonising type I interferon induction and inhibiting the antiviral response. Our previous studies demonstrate that mutation of the nucleolar localisation sequence (NoLS) of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) capsid protein significantly attenuates CHIKV replication. However the reason for this attenuation remains unclear. In this study we investigated the impact of CHIKV capsid protein on host gene expression using Nanostring analysis and determined whether nucleolar localisation of capsid protein is required for host gene modulation. Little significant change in differential gene expression (adjusted p value <0.05) was observed in Capsid-WT-EGFP and mutant Capsid-NoLS-EGFP transfected HEK293T cells compared to mock EGFP transfected cells. To explore minor changes to host gene modulation in response to capsid protein differential gene expression analysis was performed under a reduced arbitrary threshold (unadjusted P value < 0.01). Results suggest that expressed as a recombinant protein CHIKV capsid has limited impact on host gene expression regardless of its ability to localise to the nucleolus. Results further suggest that attenuation of CHIKV resulting from mutation of the capsid protein NoLS is largely dependent on viral rather than host factors.
Multiple novel Caliciviruses identified from stoats (Mustela erminea) in the United Kingdom
The Caliciviridae family comprising positive-sense RNA viruses is characterised by its non-enveloped small virions broad host range and notable tendency for host switching. These viruses are primarily associated with gastroenteric disease though they can lead to haemorrhagic or respiratory infections. Our study employed a metagenomics analysis of faecal samples from Stoats (Mustela erminea) identifying two novel Calicivirus species tentatively named Stoat vesivirus and Stoat valovirus. Stoat vesivirus was identified in three samples (ST008 ST006 ST004) exhibiting a genome wide nucleotide identity of approximately 92%. The complete coding sequences of these samples were 8471 (ST004) and 8322 (ST006) nucleotides in length respectively. Each comprised three open reading frames (ORF) closely resembling the Vesivirus mink calicivirus (China/2/2016) with 70-72% similarity in ORF1 61-62% in ORF2 and 71% in ORF3. Phylogenetic analysis robustly supported Stoat vesivirus as belonging within the Vesivirus genus. The second Calivicirus (Stoat valovirus) detected solely in sample ST008 was 6527 nucleotides in length and with complete coding sequences present. It shared highest similarity with St-Valerien swine virus and Marmot norovirus HT16 showing 39.5% and 38.8% protein identity with ORF1 and 43.3% and 42.9% for VP1. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that while Stoat valovirus is borderline for new genus demarcation criteria with greater than 60% divergence at ORF1 it clusters basally within the Valovirus genus supporting its inclusion in this genus.
First Case Report of Disseminated Gonococcal Arthritis in Newfoundland & Labrador
Introduction: Disseminated gonococcal infections (DGIs) are a rare but often debilitating complication of N. gonorrhoeae infections. Often presenting as arthritis-dermatitis syndrome true suppurative joint infections are an even more rare form of DGI. Here we present the first known case of DGI in Newfoundland and Labrador in over 10 years.
Case report: A 50-year-old man who is known to inject drugs with multiple housing and social challenges presented to the emergency department with a two-day history of an isolated painful erythematous knee. After being assessed by orthopedics and undergoing an operative debridement intraoperative cultures grew N. gonorrhoeae. He was treated with IV ceftriaxone and his course in hospital was complicated by inadequate pain control and a lack of stable housing.
Conclusion: DGIs while rare need to remain on any clinician’s differential for septic arthritis given the increasing prevalence of gonorrheal infections in Canada and in Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition patients who are at risk of delaying accessing care such as people who inject drugs and unhoused individuals are at higher risk of complicated hospital stays.
Modelling SARS-CoV-2 infection in a human alveolus microphysiological system
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of physiologically relevant in vitro models to assist preclinical research. Here we describe the adaptation of a human alveolus microphysiological system (MPS) model consisting of primary human alveolar epithelial and lung microvascular endothelial cells to study infection with SARS-CoV-2 at Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) facility. This infection model recapitulates breathing-like stretch and culture of epithelial cells at the air-liquid interface (ALI) and resulted in clinically relevant cytopathic effects including cell rounding of alveolar type 2 cells (AT2) and disruption of the tight junction protein occludin (OCLN). Viral replication was confirmed by immunocytochemical nucleocapsid staining in the epithelium and increased shedding of SARS-CoV-2 virus within two days post-infection associated with changes in innate host immune responses. Together these data demonstrate that under the experimental conditions used in this work this human alveolus MPS chip can successfully model SARS-CoV-2 infection of human alveolar lung cells.
Epidemiological and virological characteristics of people living with HIV on antiretroviral treatment for more than six months in virological failure in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
Introduction Virological failure is one of the major causes of treatment failure and better management of HIV infection requires understanding and controlling the factors that contribute to this phenomenon. The main objective was to characterize the patients of the active file of the Brazzaville Outpatient Treatment Center in virological failure in order to identify predictive factors that lead to virological failure.
Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted between June and December 2020. Patients enrolled were HIV-1 infected patients from the Brazzaville Outpatient Treatment Center receiving a potent combination therapy for at least 6 months but experiencing virological failure. Viral load was determined with the automated Abbott Real-time HIV-1 m2000rt System. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from a computerized patient record software called Santia. Statistical analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of virological failure.
Results A total of 109 patients with virological failure were recruited. The median age of the patients was 45 years (IQR: 37-52 years) and women were more represented (74%). More than half of the patients had WHO stage IV HIV and the median duration on ARV treatment was 96 months. The most followed treatment regimen was AZT+3TC+EFV (or NVP) with 48% while the median viral load was 12985 copies/mL.
Conclusion In our study we did not identify any sociodemographic or clinical variables predictive of virological failure. However we felt that it would be desirable to carry out a study with temporal follow-up and the possibility of sequencing in order to identify the different circulating genotypes and resistance mutations.
HIV-DRIVES: HIV Drug Resistance Identification, Variant Evaluation, & Surveillance Pipeline
The global prevalence of resistance to antiviral drugs combined with antiretroviral therapy (cART) emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring to better understand the dynamics of drug-resistant mutations to guide treatment optimization and patient management as well as check the spread of resistant viral strains. We have recently integrated next-generation sequencing (NGS) into routine HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) monitoring with key challenges in the bioinformatic analysis and interpretation of the complex data generated while ensuring data security and privacy of patient information. To address these challenges here we present HIV-DRIVES (HIV Drug Resistance Identification Variant Evaluation and Surveillance) an NGS-HIVDR bioinformatics pipeline that has been developed and validated using Illumina short-reads FASTA and Sanger ab1.seq files.
Reducing Blood Culture Contamination Rates: Introduction of a Combined Education and Skin Antisepsis Intervention
Background Blood culture contamination (BCC) is an important quality concern in clinical microbiology as it can lead to unnecessary antimicrobial therapy in patients and increased workload for laboratory scientists. The Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute recommend BCC rates to be <3% and recently updated guidelines have set a new goal of 1%. The aim of this project was to design and implement interventions to reduce BCC rates at our institution.
Methods We introduced a combined education and skin antisepsis intervention in a large Model 4 academic teaching hospital in the South of Ireland. BD ChloraPrep™ skin antisepsis applicators (2% chlorhexidine gluconate/70% isopropyl alcohol) licensed for use for blood culture collection were introduced replacing Clinell® (2% chlorhexidine gluconate/70% isopropyl alcohol) wipes. In addition a multimodal education programme was designed and delivered. This consisted of a video demonstrating the recommended blood culture collection technique using the new applicators as well as simulation training for all interns. The video was uploaded to the intranet as an educational resource available to all staff.
Results The interventions were implemented in July 2022 and BCC rates pre- and post-intervention were calculated. The average BCC rate for the 12 months preceding the intervention (July 2021-July 2022) was 2.56% with highest rates in the emergency department. This compared to an average rate of 2.2% in the 12 months post-intervention (July 2022-July 2023). In comparing the two rates the reduction in BCC rates between the two periods was not statistically significant (p=0.30).
Conclusion Overall BCC rates reduced but the difference between the two periods did not reach statistical significance. The resource intensive nature of providing regular and timely feedback of contamination rates and the larger impact of in–person education and training over virtual modalities may explain the modest reduction. Further investments in these areas particularly in the emergency department will be necessary to further reduce rates in line with new recommendations.
Virucidal activity of olanexidine gluconate against SARS-CoV-2
Antiseptics have been used for infection control against SARS-CoV-2. Ethanol (EtOH) was effective against SARS-CoV-2 while chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) was less effective. Therefore there may be differences in virucidal activity between classes of antiseptic agents. Aim: In this study we evaluated the efficacy of antiseptics against SARS-CoV-2 and identified effective agents for infection control. Methods: The following antiseptics were used in this study: 1.5% olanexidine gluconate (OLG); 80% EtOH; 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO); 0.2% benzalkonium chloride (BKC); 1% povidone-iodine (PVP-I); 0.5% 1% and 1.5% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG); and 0.5% alkyldiaminoethylglycine hydrochloride (AEG). Virucidal activity was evaluated at 0 30 s 1 2 and 3 min according to EN14476. Results: After 30 s of exposure 1.5% OLG 80% EtOH 1% NaClO 0.2% BKC and 1% PVP-I inactivated SARS-CoV-2 below the detection limit. In contrast the virus was survived in 0.5% CHG 1% CHG and 0.5% AEG after 3 min of exposure. However the virucidal activity of 1.5% CHG was insufficient after 30 s of exposure. Conclusion: This study showed that the virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2 differs depending on the class of antiseptic agent. Despite belonging to the same class of biguanide antiseptics OLG was more effective against SARS-CoV-2 than CHG.
Gummatous mitral valve endocarditis from tertiary syphilis
A 50-year old Romanian gentleman presented with fever myalgia and 30kg weight loss. He was treated for syphilis previously after acquiring it from his ex-wife 16 years ago. On examination there was a pansystolic murmur in the axilla and the patient had an ataxic gait. Blood tests showed raised inflammatory markers. However standard investigations for infective endocarditis including multiple blood cultures serological titres for fastidious organisms and antibody tests were negative.
CT of the chest abdomen and pelvis demonstrated hepatosplenomegaly with multiple splenic infarcts. MRI of the head with contrast showed multiple punctate enhancement in the bilateral hemispheres with leptomeningeal enhancement. Transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated large vegetation leading to severe mitral regurgitation. Serum treponemal antibodies were positive; TPPA was positive at 1:1280 and RPR: 1:4 Treponemal IgM was negative; lumbar puncture syphilis serology was negative. The patient was treated with an extensive period of intravenous antibiotics in addition to a prosthetic metallic valve replacement where unusual ragged calcified valvular tissue was observed.
Tertiary syphilis is a difficult diagnosis to confirm since it can often be indolent and occur in areas of the body where they may go unnoticed. In our case a diagnosis of syphilitic endocarditis was made from a combination of the history an initial increase in size of the lesion following antibiotic therapy and observation of likely gumma on the mitral valve during surgery. In such cases surgery in addition to optimal antimicrobial therapy is necessary for effective treatment.
Antimicrobial activity of CO2 and Er:YAG lasers against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
The antimicrobial effect of CO2 and Erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) lasers against Escherichia coli Staphylococcus aureus and a mixed culture of both organisms was assessed. Bacterial isolates were exposed to lasers utilising a range of parameters. Both lasers demonstrated a reduction in bacterial viability with increased number of passes and increased power. Against the individual bacterial cultures the CO2 laser demonstrated greater a reduction in bacterial numbers with higher density and pulse durations. At a lower power and pulse duration the CO2 laser demonstrated a complete reduction against combined bacterial species with increased passes. Use of the Er:YAG laser against the individual bacterial species demonstrated that the reduction in bacterial viability was increased with an increased overlap. The Er:YAG laser was the most effective at reducing the bacterial co-cultures and was influenced by the power overlap and number of passes. Throughout this study S. aureus was more difficult to eradicate than E. coli. The findings from this work showed promising antimicrobial effects of both the CO2 and Er:YAG lasers and demonstrates that the use of such instruments is one potential avenue to be explored to develop effective novel therapies to reduce bacterial viability in infections.
Bacillus subtilis comparative genomics
As a producer of industrial enzymes and secondary metabolites Bacillus subtilis is generally considered to be more beneficial for humans animals and notably industry. Consequently it is imperative to investigate various Bacillus spp at the genome level. The comparative genomics of Bacillus spp is the subject of this manuscript. Wherein various Bacillus spp genomes were collected and examined. The sources of the bacteria included fermented foods soil and liquid wastes. A wide range of bioinformatics resources and tools were used in the study for genome annotation assembly and comparison. The isolate B. subtilis S2 is closely linked to the B. subtilis SRCM103571 and B. subtilis SRCM104005 species cluster according to the phylogenetic tree analysis. The WGS is also unique in that it produces two bacteriocins Sublancin and Subtilosin A according to antiSMASH & BAGEL-4 analysis. Subsequent investigation revealed that it has the fewest rRNA -just nine-and tRNA -72. However at 4438 it has the highest number of genes which makes the S2 strain distinct at the genome level. We conclude by noting the different nature of B. subtilis S2.
Phenotypic Characterization of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Presumptive Tuberculosis Patient across One Health Interface
Introduction: Globally Nigeria remains one of the 30 countries highly burdened with tuberculosis (TB) TB/Human immunodeficiency virus and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). Objective: This study aimed to characterize carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in presumptive tuberculosis patients across one health interface. Methods: Sixty-six sputum samples from presumptive tuberculosis patients fecal samples of animals loitering the hospital and environmental soil samples were collected and characterized. Isolated Enterobacteriaceae were screened for multidrug resistance and characterized for carbapenemase production. Result: Fifty-seven enterobacteriaceae were isolated from 66 samples of sputum fecal and soil samples. The frequency of occurrence of Klebsiella pneumoniae was 66.7% and 100% in sputum and fecal samples respectively while 60% of the soil sample was Proteus mirabilis. Multidrug resistance was exhibited with ceftizidime showing the highest resistance of 100% augumentin (95.7%) and nitrofurantoin (59.6%) in sputum samples. Animal and fecal samples showed similar resistance patterns to antibiotics with gentamicin cefixime augementin and nitrofurantin. Majority (70.2%) were carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae while only 34% were producing metallo-beta lactamase from sputum samples. Conclusions: The interconnectivity and frequency of CRE occurrence was found to be high in this study across the three pillars of One Health.