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Tube method and Congo red agar versus tissue culture plate method for detection of biofilm production by uropathogens isolated from midstream urine: Which one could be better?

A. M. Sultan, Y. Nabiel

 

Abstract

Background: Bacteria tend to live in assemblies called biofilms that aid bacterial virulence. Biofilms contribute to the development of antibiotic resistant urinary tract infection. Therefore, detection of biofilm production by urinary pathogens can assist the physicians to initiate the proper antimicrobial treatment.
Methods: We conducted a prospective study that included patients with suspected urinary tract infection. Collected midstream urine samples were processed by standard microbiological techniques. Detection of biofilm production by the isolated uropathogens was conducted by tissue culture plate method (TCPM), tube method (TM) and Congo red agar (CRA).
Results: A total of 43 (29.7%) isolated uropathogens showed positive biofilm formation by TCPM which was considered the gold standard for biofilm detection. When compared with the TCPM, TM truly identified 40 biofilm producers and 83 non-biofilm producers showing sensitivity and specificity of 93.0% and 81.4% respectively. The CRA truly identified 38 biofilm producers and 77 non-biofilm producers with sensitivity and specificity of 88.4% and 75.5% respectively.
Conclusion: The TM was superior to CRA in biofilm detection and demonstrated better sensitivity and specificity results. Out of the investigated three phenotypic biofilm detection methods, the TCPM was the ideal method for detection of biofilm formation by uropathogens isolated from midstream urine samples. It can be used routinely in the microbiology laboratory with good specificity results and less subjectivity errors.

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Tube method and Congo red agar versus tissue culture plate method for detection of biofilm production by uropathogens isolated from midstream urine Which one could be better?

 

 

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A two year old infected with Dicrocoelium dendriticum: a case report

J.O Okwuzu, T.A Gbaja-Biamila, A. E. Wapmuk, P.C Austin-Akaigwe, O.O Odubela, A.N, David, O.C. Ezechi

 

Abstract

Dicrocoelium dendriticum infection is rare in human and generally non-fatal unless infection of liver is severe. The disease could lead to biliary colic, digestive disturbances that include bloating and diarrhea. In heavy infections, bile ducts and the biliary epithelium may become enlarged with the generation of fibrous tissues around the ducts leading to hepatomegaly or inflammation of the liver (cirrhosis). This is a case presentation of a two-year old male child who is infected with Human Immune deficiency virus (HIV). BMI was 10.3kg/m2, which is below the fifth percentile. Child lost 1.5kg on retrospective review of case file and another 0.5kg after presentation with loss of appetite, cough and fever. Patient was reportedly fed with liver on several occasion. Stool examination revealed many Dicrocoelium dendriticum and Ascaris lumbricoidesova. Albendazole treatment was instituted and after three months, body weight improved to 10.5kg. It becomes important to screen underweight children for helminthiasis, particularly HIV/AIDS patients whose HIV treatment plan might be of priority to the physician.

Keywords: Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Child, Ascaris lumbricoides, HIV/AIDS, Albendazole.

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A two year old infected with Dicrocoelium dendriticum a case report

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High prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (blaCTX-M-15) and New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) genes among high-level carbapenem resistance Klebsiella pneumonia: an alarm for our health system

S. Yaghoubi, Z Baseri, A. Rasti, M. Gharani, Y. Erfani

 

Abstract

Background: The extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) carbapenems-resistant Klebsiella isolates are considered one of the most significant challenging in the treatment of patients in hospitals. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of important carbapenem resistance genes ESBL subtypes and between K. pneumoniae from patients at hospital in Tehran, Iran.
Methods: Fifty-four isolates of K. pneumoniae were isolated from Shariatee Hospital in Tehran from February 2013 to July 2016. Antibiotic testing was done by using the standard disk diffusion method and E-test MIC. The confirmation of carbapenemase activity was performed using an MHT and a new method called the carbapenem inactivation method test (CIM). Finally, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of related genes was performed.
Results: Our PCR data demonstrate that blaCTX-M group’s 40 (81.4%) genes were the most prevalent in our hospital followed by group genes blaCTX-M-3 (18.51%) and blaCTX-M-2 (20.38%). The distribution of the CTX-M group revealed that blaCTX-M-15 23 (42.6%) was the dominant subtype. The coexistence of multiple genes included blaTEM, CTX-M and blaSHV, and CTX-M The presence of blaNDM1, blaOXA-48, and blaKPC were identified in the carbapenem-resistant isolates, 22 (40.7%), 10 (18.5%), and 7 (12.9%) respectively.
Conclusion: Our research showed that a CIM test for the first time in Iran is possible and has a high facility for the fast identification of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella (CRK). We are encountered with the emergence of CTX-M, OXA-48, KPC, and NDM1 harboring CRK strains in our hospitals. Therefore, the treatment of patients infected with these isolates will be an important future concern in our clinical settings.

Running Head: Resistance genes among carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia

Keywords: New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Carbapenem, Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase

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High prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (blaCTX-M-15) and New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) genes among high-level carbapenem resistance Klebsiella

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INCIDENCE OF DERMATOPHYTE INFECTIONS AMONGST SOME OCCUPATIONAL AND SELECT GROUPS IN JOS

P.O. Nwadiaro

 

Abstract

Fifty-nine Agro farm workers, 265 inmates from Jos main prison, 60 hair weavers and 40 car washers were examined in Jos for dermatophyte infections. Dermatophyte isolates included Trichophyton and Microsporum species. The highest infection rate of 75% was recorded among the farm workers with toeweb infections due to T. mentagrophytes and M. canis. 25% of the other infections were from the groin region due to T. tonsurans and T. mentagrophytes. Fifty-nine percent of infection by T. mentagrophytes in prison inmates was restricted to the groin region. Other species of fungi isolated from the inmates were Trichosporon cutaneum and Aspergillus niger. Among the car washers, tinea manum, ringworm of the hand, and interdigital infections due to T.mentagrophytes were observed. There was no visible infection among either the female hair weavers or the female prison inmates.

Keywords: Dermatophytosis, T. mentagrophytes, T. tonsurans, M. canis, Tinea pedis, Tinea cruris.

(Af J Clinical & Exp Microbiology: 2003 4(2): 11-17)

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INHIBITION OF SWARMING BY UREA AND ITS DIAGNOSTIC IMPLICATIONS AMONG UROPATHOGENIC PROTEUS SPECIES FROM LAGOS, NIGERIA

B.A. Iwalokun, K.A. Akinsinde, N. Nkiruika

 

Abstract

The anti-swarming property of urea and effects on antibiotic susceptibility among 52 uropathogenic Proteus strains from Lagos, Nigeria were investigated. Urea caused a reduction in swarming and number of swarmed cells at 0.5% (n = 42, DOCZ = 15.5mm), 0.75% (n= 24, DOCZ = 10.7mm), 1% (n = 17, DOCZ = 3.4mm) and 1.25% (n = 8, DOCZ = 1.7mm).  Compared to DOCZ obtained at 0.5% urea, the further reduction in DOCZ at other urea concentrations was found to be significant (p < 0.05).  Urea at less than 0.75% allowed identification of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and S. saprophyticus in mixed cultures containing Proteus spp, while colonies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were distinctly identified at 1% urea with swarming restrained at 1.25% urea.  At 1.25% urea, antibiotic susceptibility testing by agar diffusion method revealed significant increase and decrease in the number of Proteus strains that showed resistance to amoxicillin and nitrofurantoin. Compared with the control, significant increases in the MICs of gentamicin or nitrofurantoin and streptomycin were found at $ 0.5% and $ 0.75% urea respectively (p<0.05). The identification of extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL) producing strains were unaffected by urea.  This study has demonstrated urea induced swarming inhibition of uropathogenic Proteus in vitro.  However, results suggest the use of urea with great caution in diagnostic practices for optimal clinical and public health benefits in Nigeria.

Keywords: Antibiotic susceptibility, anti-swarming, urea, uropathogenic proteus, Nigeria, DOCZ = Diameter of outermost colony zone mean value

(Af J Clinical & Exp Microbiology: 2003 4(2): 18-28)

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THE EFFECT OF SOME NIGERIAN LOCAL HERBS ON HELICOBACTER PYLORI

S. I. Smith, K.S. Oyedeji, B. Opere, B. A. Iwalokun, E. A. Omonigbehin

 

Abstract

Four Nigerian medicinal plants commonly used in the treatment of bacterial infections were tested for antimicrobial activity against twenty local strains of Helicobacter pylori recovered from patients with gastro-duodenal ulcers and gastritis. In vitro agar diffusion assay revealed anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of ethanolic extracts of C. papaya and M. lucida to 80% (16/20) of the isolates tested, while the ethanolic extracts of O. gratissimum and P. amarus inhibited the colonial growth of 35% (7/20) of these strains. The zones of inhibition ranged from 5 – 20 mm in diameter. Contrastingly, the aqueous extracts of these plants appeared to lack anti-Helicobacter pylori activity except in M. lucida and O. gratissimum where inhibition of a total of three isolates was observed. The present results suggest the presence of anti-Helicobacter pylori principles in ethanolic extracts of C. papaya and M. lucida and support their future use in the treatment of ulcers and gastritis in Nigeria.

(Af J Clinical & Exp Microbiology: 2003 4(2): 29-35)

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BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF SOBO DRINKS RETAILED WITHIN ILORIN METROPOLIS

A. O. Olowe, K.I.T. Eniola, A.O. Adeyeba, S. Awe

 

Abstract

Sobo drinks retailed within Ilorin metropolis were investigated for their bacteriological quality, in terms of the total bacterial count and types of bacterial species present. The sobo drinks were found to have an average pH of 3.2. The bacterial counts were generally high ranging from 5.0×104 to 24×104 CFU/ml. Six bacterial species; Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Klebsiella spp, Enterobacter spp, and Escherichia coli were isolated. Consideration of the distribution pattern showed that samples from Unilorin Main Campus and General Post Office contained all the isolates, while three of the isolates; Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus were common to all samples. Possible sources of the contaminants and their public health implications are discussed and suggestions offered on ways of ensuring safety of the sobo drinks.

(Af J Clinical & Exp Microbiology: 2003 4(2): 36-40)

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BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF CHRONIC OSTEOMYELITIS CASES IN ILE-IFE, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

A.K. Ako-Nai, I.C. Ikem, A. Aziba, A.A. Ajayi, O.A. Onipede

 

Abstract

The bacteriological examination of chronic osteomyelitis cases in Ile-Ife, revealed Proteus mirabilis as the predominant isolate encountered (23.1%). Staphylococci constituted 30.7% of the total bacterial isolates with Staphylococcus aureus accounting for only 10.2%. Other Gram-positive cocci cultured include, Staphylococcus spp (20.5%), coagulase negative staphylococci (CONS) (12.8%) and Streptococcus spp (1.2%). Gram-negative rods constituted 55.1% of the total isolates with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being 8.5%, Escherichia coli 5.1%, Citrobacter freundii and Salmonella spp 2.5% each. Antibiotic sensitivity test revealed all isolates to be multi-resistant to traditional antimicrobials, which is of epidemiologcal importance in treating cases of chronic osteomyelitis in this environment. The study suggests institution of aggressive therapeutic interventions to avert possible sequalae.

(Af J Clinical & Exp Microbiology: 2003 4(2): 41-51)

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STUDIES ON DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS IN PATIENTS AT JOS UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, NIGERIA

E.I. Ikeh, F. Peupet, C. Nwadiaro

 

Abstract

An epidemiologcal and microbiological studies of diabetic foot ulcers were carried out in our hospital, with a view to reducing the amputation and mortality rate associated with the disease. Wound swabs from 38 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) foot ulcer patients were investigated using culture methods for both strict aerobes and anaerobes. The bacterial isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility tests using the disc diffusion method. Baseline biochemical and haematological analysis were also carried out. The prevalence of the disease was stratified in relation to some clinical and laboratory parameters, gender, age, educational and occupational status of the patients. The prevalence of the disease was 24.7%, with amputation and mortality rates of 18.4% and 15.8% respectively. Only 13% had DM for less than 1 year, while 53% for more than 10 years. 28.9% have regular shoe-wearing habits. Duration of healing ranged from 2 weeks to 24 weeks (mean = 2.7months). 31% of the patients with marked periosteal reaction had lower extremity amputation or died before amputation could be done. Staphylococus aureus (31%), Proteus spp (16%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10%), Klebsiella spp (6%), Peptococcus spp (6%), Bacteroides fragilis (3%), Streptococcus pyogenes (3%), Escherichia coli (3%), Candida albicans (3%), Streptococcus viridans (1%), Flavobacterium spp (1.5%) and Bacteroides melaninogenicus (1%) were isolated. Most of the bacteria isolates were sensitive to pefloxacin. Our results demonstrate a very high rate of diabetic foot ulcer with the corresponding high rate of amputation and mortality. A multi-disciplinary approach to the management of DM foot ulcers is advocated. Efforts should be made to carry out cultures of samples from refractory ulcers to rule out yeast colonization, which if not treated will delay wound healing.

Key words: Diabetic foot ulcers, Microbial and antimicrobial surveillance, Refractory ulcers.

(Af J Clinical & Exp Microbiology: 2003 4(2): 52-61)

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AETIOLOGIC AGENTS OF DIARRHOEA IN CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS OF AGE IN OSOGBO, OSUN STATE

O.A. Olowe, A.B. Olayemi, K.I.T. Eniola, O.A. Adeyeba

 

Abstract

A survey of the aetiological agents of diarrhoea in children under 5 years of age was carried out in Osogbo, Osun State. A total of 135 patients visiting the outpatient and children emergency units of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital were examined. Strains of Shigella isolated were tested for antibiotic sensitivity. Consideration of the distribution showed that Escherichia coli was more prevalent in children aged between 3 to 5 years (57%) and was the most encountered of the organisms isolated (present in 77.8% of all samples) while Shigella spp was found in 16.3% of samples, Vibrio cholerae 0.7% and other coliforms 5.2%. Statistical analysis showed that E. coli was significantly associated with diarrhoea in the patients aged 3-5 years (P< 0.05). Shigella spp was shown to show some resistance to tetracycline and high sensitivity to ofloxacin.

(Af J Clinical & Exp Microbiology: 2003 4(2): 62-66)