Masoomeh Rezanezhadi, Fahimeh Azadi, Shayan Marhamati, Hamid Reza Joshaghani,
Volume 17, Issue 6 (11-2023)
Abstract
Background: Herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are a common cause of dermal, oral, and genital infections worldwide. Rapid diagnosis of infected patients will prevent transmission to uninfected individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to detect HSV-1 and HSV-2 by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in patients from Golestan, Iran.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 645 suspected HSV patients hospitalized in the health centers of Golestan Province were selected between 2015 and 2020. Demographic data were collected, and DNA was extracted from the samples. Detection of HSV-1 and HSV-2 was performed by RT-PCR.
Results: Of the 645 samples tested by RT-PCR, 9 samples (1.39 %) were found to be positive for HSV-1/HSV-2, and the rest of the samples (98.6%) were negative. Of the 9 positive samples, 8 cases (88.8%) were HSV-1, of which 7 cases (77.7%) were from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and 1 case (12.5%) from the vagina. HSV-2 was seen only in 1 vaginal specimen (11.1%).
Conclusion: Early diagnosis of these viral infections is very important as it can lead to early treatment and avoid further symptoms and even death. Thus, molecular approaches can provide an option for quicker diagnosis.
Suresh Jaiswal, Bijay Subedi, Ashmita Sapkota, Pushpa Sharma, Manisha Timilsina, Maheshwor Timilsina, Bishnu Raj Tiwari,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Background: Intestinal infections with Helicobacter pylori mainly occur during childhood. If contracted, these infections may cause chronic gastritis, frequently leading to peptic ulcer disease in later life. This study aims to detect the prevalence of H. pylori infections in patients with active gastritis.
Methods: The study included 150 participants who were consuming daily anti-gastritis drugs to reduce the gas and were considered active gastritis patients and were recruited from Lekhnath 12, now known as Pokhara metropolitan-30, from May 2018 to March 2019. They were screened for H. pylori antibodies for detection of infection by the immunochromatographic rapid detection kit, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 2016.
Results: Serum anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies were used to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori in these participants. Among the 150 participants, 54 were males (36%) and 96 were females (64%). The results showed that 47 (31.3%) of the patients were positive for anti-Helicobacter pylori test. The age group 30 to 40 had the highest prevalence of 21 (14.0%). Using public water showed the highest prevalence with a P value of 0.04.
Conclusion: There should be an additional aspect required for the diagnosis and treatment of gastritis, which is the healthcare providers' and patients' awareness of the cause and most efficient treatments for this medical condition. Using only anti-gastritis drugs is not sufficient; treatment against Helicobacter pylori requires the right pathway of treatment by the use of several antibiotics.
Hina Rahangdale, Tejaswini Olambe, Priyanka Klabhor, Sangita Bhalavi, Varsha Wanjare, Sunanda Shrikhande,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common types of infections affecting people in community and hospital settings. Bacteria are the leading cause of UTIs, followed by fungi. 39% of all healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affecting all age groups are UTIs, causing high morbidity and mortality rates. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of causative organisms is changing due to improper antibiotic use. The study was conducted to determine the microbiological profile of both community and HAIs and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.
Methods: Clean-catch, mid-stream urine samples collected in the universal wide-mouthed sterile containers were transported to the laboratory. Samples were processed by standard conventional microbiological procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar plates.
Results: The most common causative organisms among gram-negative bacteria were E coli (26.05%), followed by Klebsiella spp (20.37%), and Enterococcus spp (12.81%) was more common among the gram-positive bacteria. Non-albicans Candida (64.10%) were more commonly isolated than Candida albicans (35.90%). E coli was highly susceptible to nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin, and Klebsiella spp and Enterococcus spp were similarly highly susceptible. Antibiotic resistance was more common among bacteria isolated in HAIs.
Conclusion: In both settings, E coli was the most common causative organism. The incidence of non-albicans Candida species has increased in comparison to Candida albicans. Antimicrobial susceptibility to empirical 3rd-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones has drastically decreased. Hospital-acquired UTIs are a rising threat to the healthcare system and community. Based on hospitals’ antimicrobial policy formulated by studying antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, empirical treatment should be chosen.
Bhawana Bajare, Akanksha Dhangar, Supriya Tankhiwale, Sunanda Shrikhande,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: Pyogenic infection is a significant cause of morbidity. Infection with multidrug-resistant strains poses a major difficulty in the treatment. The study was conducted to know the bacteriological profile of pyogenic infections and their antibiotic susceptibility.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from October 2021 to March 2022. Isolates from pus specimens were subjected to an antibiotic sensitivity test using the Kirby-Bauer method as per CLSI 2021.
Results: Out of 752 samples, etiology could be revealed in 510 (68.4%) specimens. Enterobacterales dominated the profile, with K pneumoniae isolated in the maximum number of specimens. Staphylococcus aureus was the culprit in 14% of the cases. Non-fermenters were isolated in 17% of the cases. Methicillin resistance in S aureus was 67%. Gram-positive cocci showed high sensitivity to linezolid. For both Piptaz and carbapenem, Enterobacterales and non-fermenters showed around 50% and 60% susceptibility, respectively.
Conclusion: Continuous surveillance of the aetiologic agents of pyogenic infections and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern needs to be done to design and implement the antibiotic policy for the infection in our set-up.
Samin Zamani, Sima Besharat, Nasser Behnampour, Armina Behnam, Negar Asgari, Nazanin Mortazavi,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) caused by abnormal immune responses, leading to inflammation and scarring in the large intestine. The bacteria Prevotella melaninogenica, found in the intestine and mouth, may contribute to UC. This study focuses on the detection of P. melaninogenica in the saliva of UC patients and compares them with the healthy control (HC) group.
Methods: The present study was a case-control study including 40 UC patients and 40 healthy controls (HCs) with an average age of 43.0 3± 10.3. This study used a real-time PCR test to investigate the frequency and average number of P. melaninogenica from the 16S rRNA gene sequence of P. melaninogenica in both groups.
Results: P. melaninogenica was more frequent in UC patients (77.5%) than HCs (45%) (p = 0.003). The patient group had more bacteria (339.31 ± 1082.29) than HCs (61.29 ± 154.03) (p = 0.005). Women in the UC group had more P. melaninogenica (492.35 ± 1427.61) than the control group (56.98 ± 123.50) (p = 0.0342). Similarly, men in the UC group (262.85 ± 664.97) had more bacteria than the control group (72.62 ± 222.76) (p = 0.015).
Conclusion: The current study showed that dysbiosis in P. melaninogenica, a bacterium in human saliva, could be important in the development of UC. Further investigation is needed to evaluate its use as a potential biomarker in the UC.
Kirandeep Kaur,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (5-2024)
Abstract
Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, responsible for 90% of all community-acquired infections and 50% of hospital-acquired infections, with opportunistic infections found in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The β-lactam antibiotics, which inhibit cell wall synthesis, are known for their high efficacy and broad-spectrum activity. They also have low toxicity and provide long-term effects, making them widely used drugs against Gram-negative bacteria. Bacteria develop resistance to β-lactams primarily through the expression of hydrolytic enzymes, called β-lactamases, which are divided into serine β-lactamases (Classes A, C, and D) and metallo-β-lactamases (Class B), based on their molecular mechanism. This study aimed to clarify the mechanism of action of β-lactams against Gram-negative bacilli and to emphasize the multidrug resistance of cephalosporins and carbapenems to E. coli.
Deepa Devhare, Sae Pol,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (5-2024)
Abstract
Background: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) has become a growing concern in healthcare settings as a major cause of many nosocomial infections worldwide. Risk factors associated with VRE are important to study. High-risk patients need to be screened and isolated to prevent the spread of infection and colonization. The present study aims to investigate the clinical spectrum, risk factors, and source of transmission of VRE in infected and colonized patients.
Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out for 1 year. A total of 200 Enterococcus species isolated from clinical samples such as urine, pus, blood, sterile body fluids, and stool from 200 patients without infection were included in the study. Stool samples were screened to measure the prevalence of VRE colonization. All samples were screened for vancomycin resistance using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Vancomycin MIC was detected using the macrobroth dilution method. Demographic and clinical history of the patients were recorded.
Results: Vancomycin resistance was detected in 7 (3.5%) of 200 enterococci isolates from clinical samples. Urinary tract infection (n = 5, 71.4%) was the most common clinical illness caused by VRE. Gut colonization was found in 12 (6%) out of 200 patients screened for VRE. A history of previous antibiotic exposure was a significant risk factor in the current study and was associated with VRE infection and colonization. Endogenous bloodstream infection caused by VRE was found in one patient with VRE colonization.
Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the significant burden of VRE on patients, both those infected and colonized. The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in healthcare settings, a consequence of inappropriate antibiotic use, is a serious concern that warrants further research and our continued attention.
Sonakshi Dwivedi, Vaishali Rahangdale, Swati Bhise, Sunanda Zodpey,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (5-2024)
Abstract
Background: Rampant and irrational use of antibiotics led to antimicrobial resistance in intensive care units, directly influencing the clinical outcome. The prior introduction of antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics, has been identified as a leading cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia. The present study aims to examine the existing scenario of antibiotic resistance due to multidrug-resistant organisms that are detected in mechanically ventilated patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Microbiology of a tertiary care hospital in Central India. A total of 410 endotracheal secretions were collected. The endotracheal aspirate of adult patients admitted to the medicine intensive care unit and on mechanical ventilation was received at the microbiology laboratory for processing by standard bacteriological techniques. Drug susceptibility testing was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to the indications mentioned in Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute 2021.
Results: Out of 410 collected endotracheal secretion samples, 332 (81 %) samples demonstrated bacterial growth. A total of 265 (80%) cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria. From 265 samples, 92 (34.7 %) patients were clinically and microbiologically confirmed as cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Over eighty percent of gram-negative bacilli were multidrug-resistant strains (Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa).
Conclusion: Real understanding of multidrug-resistant pathogens, early isolation as well as avoiding long-term antibiotic intake can reduce mortality levels currently linked with late-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Zaid Faris Hasan , Umut Safiye Şay Coşkun,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (7-2024)
Abstract
Background: Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) has emerged as the predominant etiological agent responsible for bloodstream infections among hospitalized patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate antibiotic resistance in A. baumannii isolates identified from blood cultures.
Methods: A retrospective cohort evaluation was conducted on 117 A. baumannii isolates obtained from blood cultures collected between 2018 and 2019 at the Microbiology Laboratory of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Hospital (Türkiye). The blood culture samples were incubated using the BACT-ALERT 3D system (bioMérieux, Durham, NC, USA). Microorganism identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK 2 (bioMérieux, France) automated system.
Results: Of the 117 samples, 59.8% were obtained from males and 40.2% from females. A total of 90.6% of blood culture samples were collected from the intensive care unit, and 88.9% of isolates were identified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). The highest resistance was observed against meropenem (99.1%), while the lowest resistance was noted for colistin (17.1%) and tigecycline (27.3%). Resistance to amikacin was 74.4%, while resistance levels to gentamicin, tobramycin, cefoxitin, and cefotaxime were within the range of 80–90%. Resistance to imipenem, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin/sulbactam, ceftazidime, cefepime, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, meropenem, and ertapenem exceeded 90%.
Conclusion: The increasing number of MDR A. baumannii isolates poses a significant threat to all hospitalized patients. However, colistin and tigecycline remain preferable options for the treatment of MDR A. baumannii infections. Considering the increasing prevalence of MDR A. baumannii isolates, periodic analysis of epidemiological data in healthcare centers is important for managing resistance to colistin and tigecycline.
Sujata Lall , Vivek Bhat, Sanjay Biswas, Navin Khattry ,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (7-2024)
Abstract
Background: Tigecycline susceptibility testing and reporting remain enigmatic due to the lack of established guidelines. Disc diffusion, as a method of performing susceptibility testing, is more widely accepted worldwide due to its ease of use. Limited published literature is available from India on the utility of this method, especially in a cancer care setting. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the performance characteristics of disc diffusion by comparing its results with those of the VITEK-2 COMPACT, considering the latter as the standard.
Methods: Disc diffusion was performed using Kirby-Bauer’s method on Mueller-Hinton agar with a HiMedia 15 mcg TGC disc, following FDA and EUCAST breakpoints. According to CLSI criteria, disc diffusion breakpoints can be considered acceptable when categorical agreement is ≥ 90%, the very major error is ≤ 1.5%, and the major error is ≤ 3%.
Results: Using Cohen’s kappa coefficient, the kappa value was 0.328, with a p-value of <0.05. The agreement percentage observed was 60.84%. Two strains reported as resistant by VITEK-2 COMPACT were misclassified as sensitive by disc diffusion, resulting in a very major error rate of 0.76%. A major error rate of 9.5% and a minor error rate of 27.7% were noted, as 25 strains reported as susceptible were identified as resistant.
Conclusion: Since poor agreement was observed, exceeding the acceptable performance rate, the disc diffusion method was unacceptable according to CLSI criteria. There is a gap in uniformity and a lack of streamlined, harmonized TST, which might become an alarming cause for concern.
Syed Majid Ali, Jalila Qayoom, Talat Masoodi, Azhar Shafi, Arshi Syed,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background: Post-operative wound infection has been a problem since surgery was started as a treatment modality and is the third most common cause of nosocomial infections with a reported incidence rate of 14-16%. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, isolate and identify aerobic pathogenic bacteria from surgical site infections (SSI) and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) pattern of pathogenic bacteria.
Methods: This study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology SKIMS-Medical College, Bemina Srinagar, over a period of six months from November 2021 to April 2022. In the study, 210 samples from patients with SSI were included. Isolation, identification, and AST of the isolates were performed by standard microbiological techniques.
Results: Out of 210 SSI samples, 163 bacterial isolates were recovered and infection rate was more in 21-30 years age group (24.2%). Gram-negative bacteria were isolated in 50.4% (82/163) cases and E. coli was the most common organism (59.75%, 49/82). Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to imipenem and none were resistant to polymyxin-B and colistin. E. coli was mostly resistant to cefoperazone, Acinetobacter and Klebsiella species were resistant to ceftazidime, Pseudomonas and Citrobacter were resistant to ceftriaxone. Gram-positive bacteria constituted 49.6% (81/163) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was a frequently isolated species (66.6%, 54/81). MRSA- and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) were mostly sensitive to amikacin, gentamycin, and tetracycline. Moreover, none of the Gram-positive isolates were resistant to linezolid, vancomycin, and teicoplanin. Enterococcus spp was mostly resistant to gentamycin.
Conclusion: This study developed an insight into post-operative wound infections and their incidence, organisms’ prevalence, and their antibiogram. Culture positivity in suspected cases of SSI was high (77.6%). MRSA and E. coli were frequently isolated from Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Elmira Shah Cheraghi, Mozhgan Ghiasian ,
Volume 18, Issue 6 (11-2024)
Abstract
Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a common causative agent of hospital-acquired infections and exhibits resistance to many antibiotics, including beta-lactams. One of the mechanisms of resistance to beta-lactams is the MexAB-OprM efflux pump. This study investigated the genetic pattern of resistant P. aeruginosa strains concerning the presence of the gene encoding the MexAB-OprM efflux pump
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted between 2022 and 2023 in Isfahan, and 110 strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from various clinical samples were identified. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolates was conducted using the disk diffusion method, and strains producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) were identified using the double disk diffusion method. The gene encoding the MexAB-OprM efflux pump in these strains was investigated using polymerase chain reaction.
Results: A significant proportion of the 101 P. aeruginosa isolates originated from the emergency department and ICU-2, highlighting the clinical significance of this pathogen in these settings. Meropenem demonstrated a high resistance rate (74%), while gentamicin exhibited lower resistance (33.33%). Resistance rates to amikacin, levofloxacin, cefepime, ceftazidime, tazocin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone were 40.4%, 68%, 65.34%, 66.33%, 57.42%, 71.42%, and 50%, respectively. The prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) was 29.7%, and the MexAB-OprM efflux pump gene was identified in 80% of ESBL-producing strains, suggesting a potential role in multidrug resistance.
Conclusion: Our findings reveal a strong association between the presence of the MexAB-OprM efflux pump and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production in P. aeruginosa. This observation suggests that the MexAB-OprM efflux pump plays a pivotal role in the development of multidrug resistance in this pathogen. Future studies should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation and function of this efflux system to inform the design of novel antimicrobial agents and combination therapies.
Tahereh Panahi , Leila Asadpour , Najmeh Ranji ,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (1-2025)
Abstract
Background: Infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) are a serious concern in hospitals around the world. Many β-lactamase genes are carried by integrons. This study was conducted to investigate the frequency of β-lactamase genes and characterize class 1 integrons in multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains in Guilan, northern Iran.
Methods: A total of 110 P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from different hospitals in 2021 and identified using standard microbiological methods. The isolates were studied for their antibacterial susceptibility and ESBL-producing ability by disk diffusion. All ESBL-producing isolates were investigated for the presence of β-lactamase resistance and integron genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Gene cassette screening was done based on sequence analysis of class 1 integrons.
Results: Based on antibiotic susceptibility testing, 40 isolates (37.4%) were ESBL producers. The frequency of β-lactamase genes, including VIM, SIM, IMP, SPM, and OXA2, was 10.3%, 1.9%, 20.6%, 14%, and 4%, respectively. GIM and OXA 10 genes were not found in any of the strains. Furthermore, the int1 gene was identified among 37 isolates (34.6%). The sequencing results of int1 showed 12 different types of gene cassettes among 13 strains. In this assay, blaOXA-2 was the only bla gene identified in int1.
Conclusion: The integrons carrying multidrug resistance genes are highly prevalent in P. aeruginosa isolates, and ESBL genes were also observed in these strains. Therefore, constant monitoring of drug resistance, especially ESBL producers, is critical to disease management in clinical settings.
Zahra Askari, Zeynab Mirzapour, Tooba Shafighi, Reyhaneh Ghorbanpour,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (1-2025)
Abstract
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) represent a significant global health concern. Virulence factors (VFs) expressed by UPEC strains play a crucial role in promoting bacterial pathogenicity within the urinary tract. Effective treatment of these infections is frequently complicated by the high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance exhibited by Escherichia coli. The objective of this study was to investigate the VFs and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of UPEC strains isolated in the northern region of Iran.
Methods: One hundred and five urine specimens were collected from female patients diagnosed with UTIs in Rasht, located in the north of Iran. These samples underwent culturing on both Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar and MacConkey agar. Following a 24-hour incubation period at 37°C, pure bacterial isolates were identified through Gram staining and a battery of standard biochemical assays. The prevalence of six VF genes - papC, sfa/foc, fimH, afa, ibeA, and neuC - within UPEC strains was determined utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequently confirmed via direct sequencing. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) was conducted using the disk diffusion method, adhering to the guidelines established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI M02).
Results: The study identified 65.71% of the isolates as Escherichia coli. Among the virulence genes examined, fimH exhibited the highest prevalence (100%), while afa was the least frequent (1.44%). Antibiotic resistance analysis revealed the highest rate against Cefazolin (66.66%) and the lowest against Gentamicin (24.63%). Notably, the prevalence of multi-drug resistance (MDR) was determined to be 73.91%.
Conclusion: This study underscored the significance of localized surveillance of UPEC isolates. This emphasis stems from the pathogen's considerable capacity for genetic mutation, coupled with the influence of environmental variables and individual patient characteristics. Understanding these dynamic factors at a local level is crucial for formulating the most effective strategies to combat UTIs.
Sae Pol, Pooja Shah, Vaishali Gaikwad, Sujata Dharmshale, Mansi Rajmane, Rajesh Karyakarte,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (1-2025)
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of the respiratory system that spreads when a patient coughs, sneezes, or spits. COVID-19, another respiratory disease, created havoc in 2020 and 2021. During this pandemic, the whole healthcare system was diverted into COVID-19 patient care. It is important to determine what the status of TB was during the COVID-19 period. This study was mainly undertaken to detect the occurrence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) and rifampicin resistance before, during, and after COVID-19 restrictions were fully released.
Methods: Pulmonary and extrapulmonary samples from 1st January 2018 till 31st December 2022 were included in the present retrospective study. The period was divided as- 2018, 2019 - Before COVID-19 2020, 2021 -COVID-19 period with restrictions (Such as use of masks, social distancing, avoiding gatherings) 2022 -COVID-19 period without restrictions. All samples received in TB section were subjected to Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT). The samples were processed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Results: There was no significant difference in samples received per year from 2018 to 2022. The positivity of M. tuberculosis decreased from 22.52% in the pre-COVID-19 period to 15.70% in the COVID-19 period with restrictions and increased again in 2022 (16.80%). Rifampicin resistance decreased from 10.40% to 6.89% in the COVID-19 period with restrictions. A decrease in positivity was not observed in extrapulmonary TB cases.
Conclusion: In the present study, total samples for TB received over five years were relatively the same. Restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 period could decrease TB and rifampicin resistance. Thus, imposing restrictions on TB-suspected and positive patients regularly can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Dr Bharati Dalal, Dr Moushmi Shinde, Dr Meera Modak,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Introduction:
Dermatophytes are group of fungi that cause superficial infections via enzymes that degrade keratin in human skin, hair and nails. Several factors, including, gender, age, lifestyle, human migration, cultural habits, and socioeconomic status influence the prevalence of dermatophyte infections. Hot and humid climate in tropical and subtropical countries like India makes Dermatophytosis a very common superficial fungal infection.
Aim/objective:
To isolate & identify dermatophytes from clinically diagnosed cases of Dermatophytosis.
Methods:
Samples from 100 clinically diagnosed cases of Dermatophytosis were processed by KOH mount and fungal culture.
Results:
Out of 100 clinically diagnosed cases, Tinea corporis 42 (42%) was the commonest clinical type followed by Tinea cruris 25 (25%), Tinea unguium 21 (21%). Out of 100 samples, 53 were culture positive. Out of 53 dermatophytes isolated, T. rubrum 16 (30%) was the commonest followed by T. mentagrophytes 11 (20%) and T. violaceum 7 (13.3%). Out of 53
isolates, 49 (92.45%) dermatophytes were isolated on SDA and 51 (96.22%) dermatophytes were isolated from Dermatophyte test medium (DTM).
Conclusion:
Isolation and identification of etiological agents of Dermatophytosis is essential for the correct diagnosis as it is important to initiate appropriate treatment and also important for epidemiological purposes. Accurate assessment of the prevalence and etiological agents is desirable to estimate the size of therapeutic problem and prevent the transmission of such infection.
Jithu Jacob, Swapna C Senan, Ramani Bhai,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Aim: The global distribution of Klebsiella pneumoniae that produce carbapenemase has been gradually increasing.This present study aimed to investigate the molecular characterization of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from various clinical samples. Materials and Methods: In this study, 401 bacteria of Klebsiella isolates were isolated from various clinical samples according to standard protocol. The twelve carbapenem-resistant genes of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were detected using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for identifying Class A β-lactamases producers (KPC), Class B β-lactamases producers (NDM), and Class D β-lactamases producers (OXA-48) were done. It was noted that 10 isolates expressed KPC followed by one isolate expressed NDM and one isolate expressed OXA-48. Conclusion: In the present study conclude that CP-CRK is a major health problem in the coming years and hence it is necessary to take all adequate measures to identify the resistant strains. Continuous monitoring of these resistant mechanisms is required to establish the changes in the prevalence and sensitivity pattern of MDR Klebsiella isolates. Urgent infection control measures coupled with antibiotic stewardship and strengthening of the healthcare infrastructure are to be instituted in our setting to prevent the spread of these Carbapenem-resistant genes of Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC). Larger multicenter studies are required to thoroughly assess risk variables and historical trends in order to comprehend the dynamics of spread and efficient management strategies.
