Analysis of microbiological profiles of Indian patients with peri-implantitis and periodontitis.

The microbial profile of patients with periimplantis to inqure any unique composition of microorganisms in them is of interest to dentists. Hence, we evaluated the microbial profile of patients with peri-implantitis, patients with periodontitis and normal healthy subjects. 180 subjects were included in this study. Plaque samples were collected from 60periodontically healthy (PH) participants, 60 periodontitis (PT) subjects, and 60 periimplantitis (PI) subjects. Final concentrations were obtained for seven most common periodontal pathogens namely Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus parainfluenzae. The abundance of microorganisms was represented in the form of Log10CFU (x103). The abundance of periopathogens evaluated in this research was different in periimplantitis patients, periodontitis patients and normal healthy subjects with slight greater abundance of peripathogens in patient with periimplantitis.

Kombucha with yam: Comprehensive biochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics.

Consumer demand for functional foods has increased, helping to popularize and increase the consumption of Kombucha. Other substrates have been used together with tea to improve the functional and sensory properties of the beverage. Thus, this study evaluated the comprehensive biochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of kombuchas fermented with green tea (Camellia sinensis) and different concentrations of yam (0, 10, and 20 % w/v). Based on pre-tests to detect the best concentration of yam in the beverage (10, 20, 30, and 40 %) and fermentation time (5, 7, and 14 days),the concentrations of 10 and 20 % of yam and five days of fermentation were selected through pH, °Brix, and sensory analysis. During the kombucha fermentation, there was a decrease in °Brix and pH. Sucrose, glucose, fructose, citric, and succinic acids were related to the beginning of fermentation, and lactic and acetic acids were more related to the end of fermentation in the treatment containing 20 % yam. The fermentation time did not change the color of the kombucha. Fatty acids, phenols, terpenoids, and alcohols were the volatile groups with the most compounds identified. Only two yeast genera were identified (Brettanomyces bruxellensis and Pichia membranifaciens), and bacteria of the genera Acetobacter, Lactobacillus, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, Azospirillum, and Enterobacter. The beverage control showed less turbidity and more clear. The fruity descriptor was more perceived in treatments with yam. However, the perception of the apple descriptor decreases as the yam concentration increases. The yam's concentration alters the kombucha's microbiota and sensory characteristics, mainly appearance and acidity. Kombucha fermentation using yam extract is viable, and the product is sensorially accepted. However, technological improvements, such as yam flour, could be made mainly for appearance and taste attributes.

Bile Culture May Guide Antibiotic Stewardship in Acute Bacterial Cholangitis.

BACKGROUND: Bile cultures are often sent with blood cultures in patients with acute bacterial cholangitis. AIMS: To assess the yield of blood and bile cultures in patients with cholangitis and the clinical utility of bile cultures in guiding therapy. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with cholangitis, based on the Tokyo 2013/2018 guidelines were recruited retrospectively over ten years. The clinical and investigation details were recorded. The results of bile and blood cultures including antibiotic sensitivity patterns were noted. The concordance of microorganisms grown in blood and bile cultures and their sensitivity pattern were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 1063 patients with cholangitis were included. Their mean age was 52.7 ± 14 years and 65.4% were males. Blood cultures were positive in 372 (35%) patients. Bile culture was performed in 384 patients with 84.4% being positive, which was significantly higher than the yield of blood culture (p < 0.001). Polymicrobial growth was more in bile (59.3%) than in blood cultures (13.5%, p < 0.001). E.coli, Klebsiella, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas were the four most common organisms isolated from both blood and bile. Extended spectrum betalactamase producing organisms were isolated in 57.7% and 58.8% of positive blood and bile cultures, respectively. Among 127 patients with both blood and bile cultures positive, complete or partial concordance of organisms was noted in about 90%. CONCLUSION: Bile and blood cultures have a similar microbial profile in most patients with cholangitis. As bile cultures have a significantly higher yield than blood cultures, they could effectively guide antimicrobial therapy, especially in those with negative blood cultures.

Microbial Profile, Antimicrobial Susceptibility, and Prevalence of MDR/XDR Pathogens Causing Medical Device Associated Infections: A Single Center Study.

Background: There is a scarcity of studies evaluating the microbial profile, antimicrobial susceptibility, and prevalence of MDR/XDR pathogens causing medical device-associated infections (MDAIs). The present study was sought in this regard. Materials and methods: An ambispective-observational, site-specific, surveillance-based study was performed for a period of 2 years in the intensive care unit (ICU) and high dependency unit (HDU) (medicine/surgery) of a Tertiary-care University Hospital. Three commonly encountered MDAIs including central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), were targeted. Results and conclusion: Of the total 90 patients, 46 (51.1%) were admitted to the ICU (medicine/surgery), and the remaining 44 (48.8%) were admitted to the HDU (medicine/surgery). The median (P25-P75) age of the total patients was 55 (43.1-62.3) years. Male 61 (67.8%) preponderance was observed. Sixty-two of 90 (68.9%) were immunocompromised. A total of 104 pathogens causing MDAIs were isolated. Staphylococcus epidermidis (CoNS), and Staphylococcus capitis were commonly isolated multi-drug resistant (MDR) gram-positive pathogens causing MDAIs. Similarly, carba-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and carba-resistant Acinetobacter baumanni were commonly isolated MDR gram-negative pathogens causing MDAIs. Five of 9 (55.5%) K. pneumoniae and three of 9 (33.3%) S. maltophilia isolates were found to be extensively drug resistant. Among Candida, C. parapsilosis was the most prevalent fungal pathogen causing CLABSI and CAUTI in patients admitted to ICU/HDU. How to cite this article: Suryawanshi VR, Pawar A, Purandare B, Vijayvargiya N, Sancheti S, Philip S, et al. Microbial Profile, Antimicrobial Susceptibility, and Prevalence of MDR/XDR Pathogens Causing Medical Device Associated Infections: A Single Center Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(2):152-164.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic: increase in complicated upper respiratory tract infections requiring ENT surgery?

PURPOSE: This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on complicated upper respiratory tract infections requiring surgical intervention in a tertiary referral center. The aim is to understand the consequences of pandemic-related measures and their subsequent relaxation on the incidence and characteristics of upper respiratory tract infection-related complications. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery as a complication of upper respiratory tract infections between December 2014 to February 2023 were included. Demographic information, surgical procedures, microbiological findings, and clinical outcomes were assessed and analyzed comparing pre-pandemic, pandemic and post-pandemic groups. RESULTS: 321 patients were enrolled, including 105 patients (32.7%) in the pediatric population. Comparison of pre-pandemic (n = 210), pandemic (n = 46) and post-pandemic periods (n = 65) revealed a statistically significant increase in complicated otologic infections requiring surgical intervention in the post-pandemic period compared to the pandemic period (p value = 0.03). No statistically significant differences in other surgical procedures or demographic parameters were observed. A statistically significant increase in urgent ear surgery in the pediatric population between the pandemic and the post-pandemic period (p value = 0.02) was observed. Beta-hemolytic group A streptococcal infections showed a statistically significant increase in the post-pandemic period compared with the pandemic period (p value = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Relaxation of COVID-19-related restrictions was associated with an increase of upper respiratory tract infection-related otologic infections requiring surgical intervention with an increasing rate of beta-hemolytic group A streptococcal infections. These findings highlight the importance of considering the impact of the pandemic on upper respiratory tract infection complications and adapting management strategies accordingly.

Evaluation of the Microbial Profile on the Polydioxanone Membrane and the Collagen Membrane Exposed to Multi-Species Subgingival Biofilm: An In Vitro Study.

Dehiscence in surgeries involving membranes often leads to bacterial contamination, hindering the healing process. This study assessed bacterial colonization on various membrane materials. Polydioxanone (PDO) membranes, with thicknesses of 0.5 mm and 1 mm, and a collagen membrane were examined. Packages containing polystyrene pins were crafted using these membranes, attached to 24-well plates, and exposed to oral bacteria from supra and subgingival biofilm. After a week's anaerobic incubation, biofilm formation was evaluated using the DNA-DNA hybridization test. Statistical analysis employed the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post hoc test. The biofilm on the polystyrene pins covered by the 0.5 mm PDO membrane showed a higher count of certain pathogens. The collagen membrane had a greater total biofilm count on its inner surface compared to both PDO membranes. The external collagen membrane face had a higher total biofilm count than the 0.5 mm PDO membrane. Furthermore, the 1 mm PDO membrane exhibited a greater count of specific pathogens than its 0.5 mm counterpart. In conclusion, the collagen membrane presented more biofilm and pathogens both internally and on its inner surface.

Partial replacement of soybean meal with full-fat black soldier fly larvae meal in plant-based nursery diets did not influence fecal Escherichia coli colony forming units or improve fecal consistency when pigs were weaned into non-disinfected pens.

At weaning, one hundred pigs (21 d of age; 6.96 ±â€…0.23 kg BW) were used to determine the effect of partially replacing soybean meal (SBM) in corn- and SBM-based nursery diets on growth performance, fecal scores, Escherichia coli (E. coli) colony forming units (CFU), and cecal mucosal microbial profile when weaned into non-disinfected nursery pens. Pens were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments (n = 5): high-complexity (contained highly digestible animal proteins and 10.8% SBM) with and without 3,000 ppm ZnO (HC + and HC-, respectively; representative of commercial diets), low-complexity (corn- and SBM-based; 31.8% SBM; LC), or LC with 30% inclusion of full-fat black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) to partially replace SBM (LCFL; 8.0% SBM). Diets were fed for 14 d (phase I), followed by 4 wk of a common corn-SBM diet (phase II). Fecal E. coli CFU and cecal mucosal microbial 16s rRNA community profiles were assessed 7 d after weaning. During phase I, pigs fed LC and LCFL had lower average daily gains (P < 0.05) than pigs fed HC + and HC-, which were not different. Average daily feed intake was not different for pigs fed LC and LCFL, but lower than for pigs fed HC- (P < 0.001); pigs fed HC + had greater feed intake in phase I vs. all other treatment groups (P < 0.001). Upon nursery exit, only pigs fed LCFL had lower BW than pigs fed HC- (P < 0.05), with intermediate values observed for HC + and LC. Day 3 fecal scores were greater for pigs fed LCFL vs. HC + (P < 0.05) and day 7 E. coli CFU were greater for all treatment groups vs. HC + (P < 0.001). Pigs fed HC- (P < 0.01), LC (P < 0.05), and LCFL (P < 0.05) had lower alpha diversity for cecal mucosal microbiota compared to HC+. At the genus level, pigs fed LC had lower Lactobacillus relative abundance vs. pigs fed HC + (P < 0.01). Therefore, BSFLM can partially replace SBM without sacrificing growth performance vs. nursery pigs fed corn- and SBM-based diets, but both groups had reduced phase I growth performance vs. pigs fed highly digestible diets containing animal proteins when weaned into non-disinfected pens. The BSFLM did not influence fecal E. coli CFU or improve fecal consistency after weaning and therefore, is less effective at minimizing digestive upsets vs. HC + diets.

Epidemiological and microbiological profiles of microbial keratitis in a tertiary eye center in Eastern India (Bihar).

Purpose: To determine the demography, risk factors, and causative organisms of microbial keratitis (MK) in Bihar, an eastern state of India. Design: Retrospective study. Methods: We reviewed the demographic, clinical, and microbiological data of 2303 patients with MK (non-viral) presenting between January 2019 and December 2022. Results: This study revealed a predominance of males (65.0%) compared to females (34.9%), with a mean age of 48.4 ± 16.5 years. The majority of patients (63.1%) presented after 2 weeks from the onset of symptoms. The most common risk factor observed was corneal injury (58.1%), followed by ocular surface diseases (13.6%) and diabetes mellitus (13.3%). The majority of patients (73.16%) were involved in agriculture. Prior to presentation, almost all patients (92%) had received topical antibiotics. Unsupervised use of topical corticosteroids was observed in 29.2% of the patients for the median duration of 3 days (odds ratio, 0.17). At presentation, the median size of corneal ulcers was 5 mm, the best-corrected visual acuity was less than 20/400 in 51.4% of patients, and corneal perforation was in 14% of patients. The smear and culture positivity rate were 75.4% and 47.9%, respectively. The common causative organism was fungus (48.8%), followed by bacteria (17.4%). Aspergillus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were the most commonly identified organisms; a quarter of the patients (24.5%) remained unidentified. All bacteria showed good sensitivity to vancomycin. Conclusion: MK is a significant cause of ocular morbidity in Bihar. The knowledge of epidemiology, risk factors, and microbiological profiles of MK can provide a valuable approach to disease prevention, diagnosis, and management.

Effect of Tea Seed Oil on In Vitro Rumen Fermentation, Nutrient Degradability, and Microbial Profile in Water Buffalo.

Tea seed oil (TSO) was investigated for its effects on rumen fermentation and in vitro parameters of bacterial communities in water buffalo diets containing Siraitia grosvenorii and soybean residues. TSO was added at rates of 0% (control group (CT)), 0.5% (T1), 1% (T2), and 2% (T3) of the in vitro fermentation substrate weight (dry matter (DM) basis). T2 and T3 had significantly lower acetate and total volatile fatty acid contents but a significantly higher microbial crude protein content than CT. The lowest NH3-N content was observed in T1 and T2. Treatment significantly increased DM digestibility, with the highest percentage observed in T2. T2 showed significantly higher crude protein digestibility than CT. TSO supplementation significantly increased the C18:2n6c, C18:2 trans-10, cis-12, and C20:4n6 concentrations compared to those in CT. The total number of bacteria was significantly lower in T2 than in CT. TSO supplementation decreased the total bacteria, fungi, and methanogen populations but increased rumen microorganism diversity and richness. In conclusion, TSO can regulate the number and flora of rumen microorganisms through antimicrobial activity, thereby affecting rumen fermentation patterns, reducing methane production, and improving nutrient digestibility, and an optimal supplementation rate appears to be achieved with 1% TSO (DM basis).

The microbial profile of infected endoprosthetic reconstructions after wide excision for patients with musculoskeletal tumors: A call for pathogen-based practices.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Periprosthetic infection is a devastating complication following endoprosthetic reconstruction. This study utilized a large database of endoprostheses to describe the incidence, risk factors, and microbial profile of such infections to better catalogue and understand these catastrophic events. METHODS: A retrospective review of endoprosthetic reconstructions for an oncologic indication from January 1, 1981 to December 31, 2020 was performed. Demographic, oncologic, procedural and outcome data was analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify potential risk factors for infection with significance defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS: Forty four out of 712 (6.2%) reconstructions resulted in infection at a mean time of 39.9 ± 44.5 months. Revision surgery (odds ratio [OR] 6.14, p < 0.001) or having a postoperative wound complication (OR 7.67, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with infection. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were the most commonly cultured organisms at a rate of 34.1% (15/44) and 22.7% (10/44), respectively. Ten infections resulted in amputation; five due to antimicrobial-resistant infections and three due to polymicrobial infections. CONCLUSION: Understanding the microbial profile of patients undergoing endoprosthetic reconstruction is paramount. This study demonstrates a relatively high rate of polymicrobial and antibiotic-resistant infections that portend worse outcomes, thus suggesting that pathogen-specific infectious practices may be warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort study, level III.

Combined use of strictly anaerobic MBBR and aerobic MBR for municipal wastewater treatment and removal of pharmaceuticals.

An integrated lab-scale wastewater treatment system consisting of an anaerobic Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (AnMBBR) and an aerobic Membrane Bioreactor (AeMBR) in series was used to study the removal and fate of pharmaceuticals during wastewater treatment. Continuous-flow experiments were conducted applying different temperatures to the AnMBBR (Phase A: 35 °C; Phase B: 20 °C), while batch experiments were performed for calculating sorption and biotransformation kinetics. The total removal of major pollutants and target pharmaceuticals was not affected by the temperature of the AnMBBR. In Phase A, the average removal of dissolved chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) was 86%, 91% and 96% while in Phase B, 91%, 96% and 96%, respectively. Removal efficiencies ranging between 65% and 100% were observed for metronidazole (MTZ), trimethoprim (TMP), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and valsartan (VAL), while slight (<30%) or no removal was observed for carbamazepine (CBZ) and diclofenac (DCF), respectively. Application of a mass balance model showed that the predominant mechanism for the removal of pharmaceuticals was biotransformation, while the role of sorption was of minor importance. The AeMBR was critical for VAL, SMX and TMP biodegradation; the elimination of MTZ was strongly enhanced by the AnMBBR. In both bioreactors, Bacteroidetes was the dominant phylum in both bioreactors over time. In the AnMBBR, Cloacibacterium and Bacteroides had a higher abundance in the biocarriers compared to the suspended biomass.

Bacteriological profile of wound swab and their antibiogram pattern in a tertiary care hospital, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the microbial profile of wound infection and their antibiogram pattern. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah Saudi Arabia between December 2021 and July 2022 comprising data related to demographic, microbial profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of wound infection-suspected cases. RESULTS: A total of 305 wound swabs were collected; of which 56.1% showed microbial growth. Among 187 microbial isolates, 62% were gram-negative bacteria, 30.5% were gram-positive bacteria and 7.5% were fungi. Staphylococcus aureus was the prevailing isolates 17.1%, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, each with 13.9% and Escherichia coli with 12.8 %. Providencia sp with 0.1% was the least isolated bacteria. Out of 173 bacterial isolates, 46.8% were sensitive to antimicrobial agents tested, while 53.2% were resistant to one and more drug tested. Of these isolates, 22% were found to be the MDR bacteria. The highest MDR percentages was noted among Acinetobacter baumannii (70%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (53.9%), Escherichia coli (25%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.2%) and the least by (12.5%) by Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSION: The microbial isolation rates from wound infection was high, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most prevalent. Considerable antimicrobial resistance rate to the commonly used antibiotics was discovered. Thus, regular monitoring of microbial profile and their antimicrobial sensitivity pattern in the study region in attempt to contain antimicrobial resistance is highly recommended.

Asymptomatic bacteriuria of pregnant women in a tertiary care centre.

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is commonly seen during pregnancy due to the various morphological, hormonal, and physiological changes the body undergoes. If left undiagnosed, it can lead to conditions such as pyelonephritis and preterm delivery which could culminate in causing maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence, risk factors, microbial profile, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns associated with ASB in a tertiary healthcare center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out where 150 urine samples were obtained from pregnant women within the gestational age of 13-36 weeks. Randomized stratified sampling was the method of sampling used. A questionnaire was also administered to them to determine potential risk factors. The samples were cultured and identified using biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were carried out by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square test. The graphs and tables were generated using Microsoft Excel and Word. RESULTS: Out of the 150 samples that were obtained, 8 samples had significant bacteriuria which is a prevalence of 5.33%. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated organism accounting to 45% of the isolates. The other organisms that were isolated were Enterococcus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Coagulase negative staphylococcus (CONS), Candida albicans, and Group B Streptococcus which measured to 11% of the total distribution each. In the antibiotic sensitivity tests, among the gram-negative isolates, marked resistance to Ampicillin and Amoxycillin along with sensitivity to Cotrimoxazole and Nitrofurantoin. Of the gram-positive isolates, there was sensitivity to Ampicillin and Nitrofurantoin. A positive correlation was seen between the age groups of 23-27 and the prevalence of ASB. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ASB in this study shows that ASB is not uncommon in the population. Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and National Health Mission recommendations to make urine check-ups a routine, it not carried out, possibly due to cost implications. However, it poses a risk for severe maternal and fetal outcomes and hence, should be screened for on a regular basis. Thus, this study emphasizes the importance of screening pregnant women for ASB for promoting better maternal and fetal health.

Effect of Bovine Colostrum Dietary Supplementation on Rabbit Meat Quality.

Bovine colostrum (BC) is rich in nutrients, antimicrobial, and antioxidant factors; for these reasons, it has been used as supplement in animal nutrition. However, its possible effects on meat quality have not been studied yet. Thirty-nine New Zealand White rabbits (n = 13/group) were assigned to three groups and fed until slaughter with a commercial standard diet, control group (C), and C supplemented with 2.5% and 5% (w/w) of BC (BC-2.5 and BC-5 groups, respectively). After slaughtering, the effect of dietary supplementation on microbiological and chemical characteristics of the rabbit loins was evaluated at 48 h postmortem (D0) and after 3 (D3) and 8 (D8) days of refrigerated storage. Results showed no difference in the microbiological parameters. In the supplemented groups, TBARS and TVBN values were lower and higher than in the C group, respectively (p < 0.01), and their fatty-acid profile was increased in SFA and decreased in MUFA (p < 0.05). In conclusion, research must continue to examine in depth the possible effects of BC byproduct reuse in animal nutrition on meat quality (e.g., antioxidant power, and physical and sensory characteristics).

Different creep compound feed formulations for new born piglets: influence on growth performance and health parameters.

The aim of this study was to compare the influence of different compositions of creep compound feed (CCF) (C-I - control group; TG-II - a CCF containing wheat bran extruded and fermented with L. paracasei; TG-III - a creep compound feed containing sugar beet pulp) on the piglets' growth performance, blood parameters, fecal microbial profile and physicochemical characteristics. Moreover, the fecal volatile compound (VC) profile was analyzed as a possible chemical marker related to changes in the fecal microbial profile and physicochemical characteristics. A 21-day experiment was conducted using 1-day-old 300 Large White/Norwegian Landrace piglets. The highest body weight (at the 21st day) was found in piglets of the TG-III group, and both treated groups showed lower feed conversion ratios. At the end of the experiment, significantly higher lactobacillus counts in the feces of both treated groups were found, and a correlation between fecal textural hardness and the lactobacillus count was established (r = 0.475). Significant correlations of piglets' individual fecal VC with microbiological parameters and fecal pH were established [lactobacilli with 3-n-nonadecanol-1; enterobacteria with butyric acid <2-methyl->; pentanoic acid, 4-methyl-; eicosene(E)-, etc.]. It can be concluded that local material could be successfully incorporated into CCF preparation without impairing animal metabolism.

Influence of Sugar Beet Pulp Supplementation on Pigs' Health and Production Quality.

Fibrous feedstuffs can have a variable effect on pig growth, health and meat quality. The effect of sugar beet pulp (SBP) supplementation in the diet on pork quality has not been widely reported. This study examines the effect of an SBP-supplemented (3%) diet (TG-I group) on 300 Large White/Norwegian Landrace pigs in terms of growth performance, blood parameters, microbial profiling of faeces, carcass parameters and meat quality, including the profiles of biogenic amines (BAs), fatty acids (FAs) and volatile compounds (VCs). After 163 days of the experiment, TG-I pigs had a significantly lower average daily gain and feed conversion ratio than pigs in the control group, as well as a significantly higher percentage of carcasses in the S and KN classes and a lower percentage in the E and U classes (p ≤ 0.05). Faeces of TG-I contained significantly more bacteria that are considered probiotic. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found in most of the blood parameters, FA, VC profile and emotional responses between the two groups. Higher drip loss, protein content and redness, as well as lower cooking loss, intramuscular fat content and lightness were observed in the meat of TG-I. Most of the sensory properties, as well as overall acceptability, were rated higher for the meat of TG-I. Based on the results, a diet containing 3% of SBP could be beneficial for the improvement of pigs' gut health and pork quality. However, further studies are needed to indicate which compounds of the SBP dietary fiber are responsible for these desirable changes.

Changes to the Bacterial Microbiome in the Rhizosphere and Root Endosphere of Persea americana (Avocado) Treated With Organic Mulch and a Silicate-Based Mulch or Phosphite, and Infested With Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Plant growth and responses of the microbial profile of the rhizosphere soil and root endosphere were investigated for avocado plants infested or not infested with Phytophthora cinnamomi and the changes were compared in plants grown with various soil additives or by spraying plants with phosphite. Soil treatments were organic mulches or silica-based mineral mulch. Reduction of root growth and visible root damage was least in the infested plants treated with phosphite or mineral mulch applied to the soil. Rhizosphere soils and root endospheres were analyzed for bacterial communities using metabarcoding. Bacterial abundance and diversity were reduced in infested rhizospheres and root endospheres. The presence or absence of mineral mulch resulted in greater diversity and larger differences in rhizosphere community composition between infested and non-infested pots than any other treatment. Some rhizosphere bacterial groups, especially Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, had significantly higher relative abundance in the presence of Phytophthora. The bacterial communities of root endospheres were lower in abundance than rhizosphere communities and not affected by soil treatments or phosphite but increased in abundance after infection with P. cinnamomi. These findings suggested that the addition of silicate-based mineral mulch protects against Phytophthora root rot, which may be partly mediated through changes in rhizosphere bacterial community composition. However, the changes to the microbiome induced by spraying plants with phosphite are different from those resulting from the application of mineral mulch to the soil.

The Microbial Profile and Resistance Pattern of Pathogens Isolated From Long COVID Pneumonia Patients and Their Correlation to Clinical Outcome: Our Experience From a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with persistent symptoms for at least four weeks in spite of being reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) negative for COVID infection are defined as long COVID (wherein pulmonary involvement is seen in a significant proportion of cases). The history of prolonged use of corticosteroids, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and associated comorbid conditions in these patients increases the possibility of infection with multidrug-resistant microbial strains. It may lead to a grave prognosis, hence appropriate microbiological evaluation and management at the earliest can have a better outcome. Methods A retrospective observational study was carried out among long COVID patients admitted to the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, a tertiary care hospital. Eighty-four patients admitted to the ICU or non-ICU ward in the hospital from April to October 2021 were included in the study. Antibiotics, as prescribed by our hospital antibiotic policy, were administered wherever required and were subsequently changed according to culture and sensitivity reports of the samples (sputum, endotracheal aspirates, or blood). An analysis of the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the pathogens isolated was performed. The outcome after optimum medical management was assessed for survivors, discharge, or death. Results Out of the total of 84 patients, 41 samples (sputum, endotracheal aspirates or blood) were collected and sent for culture, of which 32 (78.1%) were found to be culture positive for pathogens. Among the pathogens isolated, there were 22 (69%) drug-resistant and 10 (31%) sensitive organisms. Among the 22 resistant pathogen isolates, 18 were Gram-negative species, the most common species being Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumanii; two were Gram-positive species, one each from Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, and three were Candida tropicalis. Of five deaths reported among 22 cases with resistant isolates, extensively drug-resistant (XDR), multi-drug resistance (MDR), and pan drug resistance (PDR) strains were detected in three, one, and one cases, respectively, and were harboured by K.  pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and A. baumanii. Of the total eight deaths, there were two deaths among the 43 patients who received an empiric antibiotic in the wards, and six deaths were reported in the ICU. Despite raised biomarkers of inflammation, comorbid illnesses, renal impairment, and immunocompromised states, there was 91% survival and discharge, which was statistically significant (p-value = 0.00). Conclusion To conclude, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, A. baumanii, C. tropicalis, S. aureus, and E. faecalis were the most commonly isolated organisms among long COVID pneumonia cases, of which some were MDR, PDR and XDR strains. Early microbiological evaluation with targeted, proper antimicrobial usage along with optimized medical management and, wherever needed, critical care support in the ICU may lead to a better prognostic outcome in those groups of patients.

Identification of tissue-specific microbial profile of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by full-length 16S rDNA sequencing.

It was previously believed that the microbial community in the esophagus was relatively stable, but it has been reported that different esophageal diseases have different microbial community characteristics. In this study, we recruited patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and collected 51 pairs of tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues for full-length 16S rDNAsequencing and qPCR to compare the differences in microbial community structure. The results of sequencing in 19 pairs of tissues showed that Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Deinococcus-Thermus, and Actinobacteria were the main bacteria in tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues. At the genus level, the bacteria with the highest relative proportion in tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues were Streptococcus and Labrys, respectively. At the same time, it was observed that the complexity of microbial interactions in tumor tissues was weaker than that of adjacent non-tumor tissues. The results also found that the relative abundance of 24 taxa was statistically different between tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues. The findings of qPCR in 32 pairs of tissues further evidence that the relative proportions of Blautia, Treponema, Lactobacillus murinus, Peptoanaerobacter stomatis, and Fusobacteria periodonticum were statistically different in tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues. The findings of PIRCUSt2 indicated the lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and biotin metabolism in the microbiome of cancer tissues are more significant. This study supplements the existing information on the structure, function, and interaction of microorganisms in the esophagus in situ and provides a direction for the further exploration of the relationship between esophageal in situ microorganisms and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. KEY POINTS: • The structure of the microbial community in esophageal cancer tissue and adjacent non-tumor tissues at the phylum level is similar • Streptococcus and Labrys are the most important bacteria in esophageal tumor tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues, respectively • Microbial interactions in tumor tissues are stronger than in adjacent non-tumor tissues.

Microbial profile of burn wounds managed with enzymatic debridement using bromelain-based agent, NexoBrid®.

The antimicrobial properties of bromelain have been previously studied. However, the effect of enzymatic debridement on bacterial colonisation in burn wounds was not described in literature. In this study, we examine whether bromelain-based enzymatic debridement using NexoBrid® gel alters the microbiological pattern of burn wounds. Bacterial emergences in burn wounds that were enzymatically debrided at Pinderfields Regional Burns Centre, between July 2016 and February 2019, were studied and compared to the bacterial profile of burn wounds that were managed either by surgical debridement or dressings only during the same period. Our results showed that the microbial profile of burn wounds treated with NexoBrid® is similar to what is widely reported in cases treated without enzymatic debridement, at all stages of wound healing. This particularly showed in the predominance of Gram-positive organisms in the first week and Gram-negative in the second week.