Intragenomic diversity of the small subunit rDNA gene shows limited impact on the pathogenicity of Blastocystis infection in clinical patients.

The clinical significance of Blastocystis sp. remains to be fully elucidated. This study assesses whether Blastocystis subtype diversity can affect the outcome of the infection and the occurrence of clinical manifestations in infected individuals. Stool samples from 219 Blastocystis-positive patients by PCR targeting the ssu rDNA gene were fully genotyped by Sanger sequencing analyses. Co-infections by other parasitic, viral, and bacterial enteropathogens were identified by molecular and culture methods. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of six Blastocystis subtypes including ST1 (21.5 %), ST2 (17.8 %), ST3 (29.7 %), ST4 (22.8 %), ST6 (5.5 %), and ST7 (2.3 %), with a single sample harbouring a ST1+ST3 co-infection (0.5 %). Multivariate risk factor analyses using logistic regression models indicated that neither Blastocystis subtypes nor patient-associated variables including sex, country of origin, travelling history, and presence of nonspecific symptoms were positively associated with a higher likelihood of developing gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain and diarrhoea). However, being of a young age (p-value: 0.003) and experiencing skin pruritus (p-value < 0.001) and eosinophilia (p-value: 0.016) were found to increase the odds of presenting gastrointestinal symptoms. Blastocystis subtypes based on variability within the ssu rDNA gene do not seem to be the main drivers of clinical manifestations in the surveyed clinical population.

Global Dynamics of Gastrointestinal Colonisations and Antimicrobial Resistance: Insights from International Travellers to Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Gastrointestinal microorganism resistance and dissemination are increasing, partly due to international travel. This study investigated gastrointestinal colonisations and the acquisition of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes among international travellers moving between Spain and low- and middle-income countries (Peru and Ethiopia). We analysed 102 stool samples from 51 volunteers collected before and after travel, revealing significantly higher rates of colonisation by both bacteria and protists upon return. Diarrhoeagenic strains of E. coli were the most notable microorganism detected using RT-PCR with the Seegene Allplex™ Gastrointestinal Panel Assays. A striking prevalence of ß-lactamase resistance genes, particularly the TEM gene, was observed both before and after travel. No significant differences in AMR genes were found between the different locations. These findings highlight the need for rigorous surveillance and preventive strategies, as travel does not significantly impact AMR gene acquisition but does affect microbial colonisations. This study provides valuable insights into the intersection of gastrointestinal microorganism acquisition and AMR in international travellers, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and increased awareness.

Prenatal Screening for Chagas Disease in the Province of Guadalajara, Spain.

Introduction Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is endemic in 21 countries in Central and South America. Spain is the only nonendemic country with the highest number of Chagas disease cases outside the Americas. The only transmission mechanism in Spain is vertical transmission. Materials and methods We reviewed the records of pregnant women from endemic countries who underwent prenatal care at the Hospital Universitario de Guadalajara, from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2022, to determine the rate of Chagas disease screening and vertical transmission. Results Out of a total of 1,681 pregnant women from endemic countries, prenatal screening was conducted on 316 (18.7%) of them. According to our study, the prevalence of the disease in the population of pregnant women from endemic countries is 0.95% with a 95% confidence interval (ranging from 0.32% to 2.75%), with three out of the 316 screened women testing positive for the disease. All positive cases were among Bolivian women. Vertical transmission was not observed in any of the cases. However, because of the small sample size, this study cannot conclusively determine the vertical transmission rate in the province of Guadalajara. Conclusions Implementing regulated prenatal screening protocols for Chagas disease at regional or national levels is necessary to increase the rate of prenatal screening. Additionally, increasing awareness of this condition among healthcare professionals and at-risk populations could further improve prenatal screening rates and treatment adherence.

A New Guanidine-Core Small-Molecule Compound as a Potential Antimicrobial Agent against Resistant Bacterial Strains.

The guanidine core has been one of the most studied functional groups in medicinal chemistry, and guanylation reactions are powerful tools for synthesizing this kind of compound. In this study, a series of five guanidine-core small molecules were obtained through guanylation reactions. These compounds were then evaluated against three different strains of Escherichia coli, one collection strain from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) of E. coli ATCC 35218, and two clinical extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli isolates (ESBL1 and ESBL2). Moreover, three different strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were studied, one collection strain of P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and two clinical multidrug-resistant isolates (PA24 and PA35). Among Gram-positive strains, three different strains of Staphylococcus aureus, one collection strain of S. aureus ATCC 29213, and two clinical methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA1 and MRSA2) were evaluated. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) experiments were reported, and the drop plate (DP) method was used to determine the number of viable suspended bacteria in a known beaker volume. The results from this assessment suggest that guanidine-core small molecules hold promise as therapeutic alternatives for treating infections caused by clinical Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, highlighting the need for further studies to explore their potential. The results from this assessment suggest that the chemical structure of CAPP4 might serve as the basis for designing more active guanidine-based antimicrobial compounds, highlighting the need for further studies to explore their potential.

Comparison of fidaxomicin, metronidazole and vancomycin for initial episode and recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection - An observational cohort study.

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients attended in our area with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) (sustained cure, recurrence or death) in relation to treatment to normal or hypervirulent C. difficile as a risk factor and to describe the resistance profile to metronidazole and vancomycin antibiotics in our hospital over a one-year period. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional and observational study was conducted between June 2022 and June 2023 to compare the clinical cure and/or recurrence of CDI in adult patients treated in a Spanish secondary Hospital depending on the prescribed antibiotic treatment. In addition, we performed an antimicrobial susceptibility study to vancomycin and metronidazole in all C. difficile isolated in bacterial culture. Results: Out of 194 selected patients the treatments were as follow: 43.81 % vancomycin, 21.65 % metronidazole, 8.25 % a combination of both, 6.70 % fidaxomicin and 19.59 % were untreated. Vancomycin and fidaxomicin patients had higher odds ratio of prolonged hospitalization (p = 0.041 and p = 0.040, respectively). Fidaxomicin had increased odds of suffering another episode of C. difficile (p = 0.009) and it was inferior to metronidazole for recurrent CDI (rCDI) (p = 0.035).Resistance profile for C. difficile was 4.07 % for vancomycin and 3.49 % for metronidazole. Hypervirulent C. difficile was identified in 17 (8.76 %) patients with 29.41 % of mortality (5/17; p > 0.05). Conclusion: Fidaxomicin treated patients had statistically increased odds of rCDI. Compared to other treatments, fidaxomicin was inferior to metronidazole for rCDI in our cohort;Hypervirulent C. difficile was not associated with death.Vancomycin resistance of C. difficile statistically decreased, whereas metronidazole resistance did not vary during the studied period.

Perspectives of primary care physicians in Spain on malaria: a cross-sectional survey and retrospective review of cases.

BACKGROUND: In Spain, the risk of imported malaria has increased in recent years due to the rise in international travel and migration. Little is known about the knowledge, information sources, clinical practice, and specific needs of primary care physicians (PCPs) concerning malaria despite the pivotal role played by these professionals in managing the health of tourists. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of PCPs in Spain regarding malaria. METHODS: This research analyses data from (1) a cross-sectional nationwide survey assessing the knowledge and attitudes of PCPs regarding malaria, and (2) a retrospective review of 373 malaria cases appearing in primary care medical records (PCMRs) in the Madrid area over the past 15 years to determine how cases were documented, managed, or characterized in the primary care setting. RESULTS: The survey findings reveal a modest level of self-perceived familiarity with malaria (221/360, 57.6%), even though 32.8% of the practitioners reported having delivered care for confirmed or suspected cases of the disease, these practitioners had greater knowledge of malaria (80.4%) compared to physicians who reported not having delivered care for malaria (19.6%, p < 0.001). Ten percent of the survey participants did not know the name of the mosquito that transmits malaria, and only 40.7% would promptly request malaria testing for a traveller with symptoms after a trip to an endemic area. Responses provided by younger PCPs varied to a greater extent than those of their more experienced colleagues regarding prevention practices and patient management. A review of PCMRs showed that only 65% of all patients were recorded as such. Among those registered, only 40.3% had a documented malaria episode, and of those, only 16.6% received proper follow-up. Only 23.7% of the patients with a PCMR had a record that specifically indicated travel to an endemic country or travel classified as visiting friends and relatives (VFR). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study underscore the critical role of PCPs in the field of travel medicine, particularly given the increase in imported malaria cases. These results highlight the need for targeted training in travel medicine and the need to ensure optimal patient education in care settings.

Study of the antimicrobial activity of cationic carbosilane dendrimers against clinical strains of multidrug-resistant bacteria and their biofilms.

Introduction: Antimicrobial Resistance is a serious public health problem, which is aggravated by the ability of the microorganisms to form biofilms. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies need to be found, one of them being the use of cationic dendritic systems (dendrimers and dendrons). Methods: The aim of this study is to analyze the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of six cationic carbosilane (CBS) dendrimers and one dendron with peripheral ammonium groups against multidrug-resistant bacteria, some of them isolated hospital strains, and their biofilms. For this purpose, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) and minimum eradication biofilm concentration (MBEC) studies were carried out. In addition, the cytotoxicity on Hela cells of those compounds that proved to be the most effective was analyzed. Results: All the tested compounds showed in vitro activity against the planktonic forms of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and only the dendrimers BDSQ017, BDAC-001 and BDLS-001 and the dendron BDEF-130 against their biofilms. On the other hand, only the dendrimers BDAC 001, BDLS-001 and BDJS-049 and the dendron BDEF-130 were antibacterial in vitro against the planktonic forms of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but they lacked activity against their preformed biofilms. In addition, the dendrimers BDAC-001, BDLS-001 and BDSQ-017 and the dendron BDEF-130 exhibited a good profile of cytotoxicity in vitro. Discussion: Our study demonstrates the possibility of using the four compounds mentioned above as possible topical antimicrobials against the clinical and reference strains of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

The Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Rates of Enterobacterales in a Rural Hospital from the Eastern Region, Ghana: A Retrospective Study, 2022.

Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionate burden of antimicrobial resistance and often lack adequate surveillance due to a paucity of microbiological studies. In this 2022 study, our goal was to contribute to a more precise antimicrobial treatment by understanding the prevalence of resistance in a rural environment, promoting antibiotic stewardship, and raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance. We assessed the prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) and Extensively Drug-Resistant (XDR) Enterobacterales in clinical samples from 2905 patients being treated at Saint Dominic's Hospital, Akwatia, in the countryside of the Eastern Region, Ghana, in the year 2022. To this purpose, the samples were cultured on agar plates prepared in the laboratory using purified Oxoid™ Thermo Scientific™ agar (Thermo Fisher Scientific; Waltham, MA, USA). Cystine Lactose Electrolyte-Deficient (CLED) agar was used for urine samples, while blood agar, chocolate agar, and MacConkey agar were used for the rest of the specimens tested (HVS, blood, BFA, sputum). Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined on site using the disc diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer test). MDR bacteria accounted for more than half (53.7%) of all microorganisms tested for three or more antibiotics and 37.3% of these were XDR. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with acquiring MDR/XDR bacteria. The results showed an increased likelihood of MDR acquisition linked to being male (OR 2.39, p < 0.001 for MDR and OR 1.95, p = 0.027 for XDR), higher age (OR 1.01, p = 0.049 for MDR), non-sputum samples (OR 0.32, p = 0.009 for MDR), and urine samples (OR 7.46, p < 0.001 for XDR). These findings emphasize the urgency for surveillance and control of antimicrobial resistance; to this end, making accurate diagnostics, studying the microorganism in question, and conducting susceptibility testing is of the utmost importance.

Clinical Evolution and Risk Factors in Patients Infected during the First Wave of COVID-19: A Two-Year Longitudinal Study.

A limited number of longitudinal studies have examined the symptoms associated with long-COVID-19. We conducted an assessment of symptom onset, severity and patient recovery, and determined the percentage of patients who experienced reinfection up to 2 years after the initial onset of the disease. Our cohort comprises 377 patients (≥18 years) with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in a secondary hospital (Madrid, Spain), throughout March 3-16, 2020. Disease outcomes and clinical data were followed-up until August 12, 2022. We reviewed the evolution of the 253 patients who had survived as of April 2020 (67.1%). Nine died between April 2020 and August 2022. A multivariate regression analysis performed to detect the risk factors associated with long-COVID-19 revealed that the increased likelihood was associated with chronic obstructive lung disease (OR 14.35, 95% CI 1.89-109.09; p = 0.010), dyspnea (5.02, 1.02-24.75; p = 0.048), higher LDH (3.23, 1.34-7.52; p = 0.006), and lower D-dimer levels (0.164, 0.04-0.678; p = 0.012). Reinfected patients (n = 45) (47.8 years; 39.7-67.2) were younger than non-reinfected patients (64.1 years; 48.6-74.4)) (p < 0.001). Patients who received a combination of vaccines exhibited fewer symptoms (44.4%) compared to those who received a single type of vaccine (77.8%) (p = 0.048). Long-COVID-19 was detected in 27.05% (66/244) of patients. The early detection of risk factors helps predict the clinical course of patients with COVID-19. Middle-aged adults could be susceptible to reinfection, highlighting the importance of prevention and control measures regardless of vaccination status.

Reduction of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm growth and development using arctic berry extracts.

Introduction: Surgical site infection remains a devastating and feared complication of surgery caused mainly by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). More specifically, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infection poses a serious threat to global health. Therefore, developing new antibacterial agents to address drug resistance are urgently needed. Compounds derived from natural berries have shown a strong antimicrobial potential. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of various extracts from two arctic berries, cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus), on the development of an MRSA biofilm and as treatment on a mature MRSA biofilm. Furthermore, we evaluated the ability of two cloudberry seed-coat fractions, hydrothermal extract and ethanol extract, and the wet-milled hydrothermal extract of a raspberry press cake to inhibit and treat biofilm development in a wound-like medium. To do so, we used a model strain and two clinical strains isolated from infected patients. Results: All berry extracts prevented biofilm development of the three MRSA strains, except the raspberry press cake hydrothermal extract, which produced a diminished anti-staphylococcal effect. Discussion: The studied arctic berry extracts can be used as a treatment for a mature MRSA biofilm, however some limitations in their use exist.

Increased Prevalence of Symptomatic Human Intestinal Spirochetosis in MSM with High-Risk Sexual Behavior in a Cohort of 165 Individuals.

Human intestinal spirochetosis (HIS) can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, although asymptomatic infections have been described. Individuals from low-income countries, people living with HIV, and men who have sex with men (MSM) show increased risk. A retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with HIS (n = 165) between January 2013 and October 2020 at a tertiary hospital in Madrid, Spain, was performed to assess risk factors for symptomatic HIS, symptoms, and response to treatment. Most patients were male (n = 156; 94.5%), 86.7% were MSM, and 23.5% practiced chemsex, of whom most were symptomatic (p = 0.039). Most patients (78.4%) reported unprotected oral-anal intercourse. A total of 124 (81.1%) were symptomatic; diarrhea was the most common complaint (68.3%). Multivariable regression showed increased odds of symptoms associated with age under 41 (odds ratio 5.44, 95% CI 1.87-15.88; p = 0.002). Colonoscopy was normal in 153 (92.7%). Furthermore, 66.7% presented previous or concomitant sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Among the patients, 102 underwent testing for other gastrointestinal pathogens, with positive results in 20 (19.6%). All symptomatic patients without concomitant gastrointestinal infection presenting improvement on follow-up (42 of 53) had received either metronidazole or doxycycline (p = 0.049). HIS should be considered as a cause of chronic diarrhea in MSM with high-risk sexual behavior after other causes have been ruled out; treatment with metronidazole is recommended. Coinfection with other STDs is common.

Differences in Virulence Factors and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Uropathogenic Enterococcus spp. Strains in a Rural Area of Uganda and a Spanish Secondary Hospital.

Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium have become two of the most important agents of nosocomial diseases due to their constantly growing resistance. Enterococcal infections are associated with biofilms, which are intrinsically sensitive to antimicrobials. The main goal of this study was to compare and relate their capacity to form biofilm and their antimicrobial sensitivity, as well as their virulence factors and their implicated genes, of strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) in a rural hospital in Uganda and a secondary hospital in Spain. A prospective study was conducted with 104 strains of E. faecalis and E. faecium isolated from patients with suspected UTI and who presented leukocyturia at the Saint Joseph Kitgum hospital (Uganda) and at the Hospital Universitario Principe de Asturias (Spain). All microorganisms were identified in Spain by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility studies were carried out using the Vitek® 2 system (Biomériux, France). The biofilm formation capacity was studied by photospectrometry. Phenotypic and genotypic virulence factors were studied in all cases by PCR or expression techniques. In Uganda, we found a higher incidence of E. faecium (65.3%, n = 32), contrary to the situation found in Spain where most of the bacteria found belonged to E. faecalis (92.7%, n = 51). All E. faecalis strains were found to have very low levels of resistance to ampicillin, imipenem, and nitrofurantoin. However, E. faecium exhibited more than 25% resistance to these antibiotics. Although the esp gene has been shown in the results obtained to be an important initial agent in biofilm formation, we have also demonstrated in this study the intervention of other genes when esp is not present, such as the ace1 gene. No statistically significant relationships were found between the presence of agg and gelE genes and increased biofilm formation. The significant difference between the incidence of E. faecalis and E. faecium and biofilm formation, between samples from Spain and Uganda, shows us very different profiles between countries.

Comparison of chemiluminiscence versus lateral flow assay for the detection of Helicobacter pylori antigen in human fecal samples.

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes chronic gastric inflammation, which can lead to gastric neoplasia. Therefore, early diagnosis of H. pylori infection is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of complications. The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the STANDARD™ F H. pylori Ag FIA stool antigen test (SD Biosensor) with the LIAISON® Meridian H. pylori SA for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. A total of 133 stool samples from patients with suspected H. pylori infection were compared using the STANDARD™ F H. pylori Ag FIA stool antigen test (SD Biosensor), based on lateral flow assay, with the LIAISON® Meridian H. pylori SA. Of the 45 positive samples with LIAISON, 44 were also positive while 1 was negative in the STANDARD™ antigen test. However, this discrepant sample showed a chemiluminescence index of 1.18, very close to the cut-off point of 1. On the other hand, of 88 negative samples obtained with LIAISON, 83 were negative and 5 were positive in the STANDARD™ antigen test. Moreover, STANDARD™ F H. pylori Ag FIA assay has shown a sensitivity of 97.8% (95% CI: 88.2-99.9), a specificity of 94.3% (95% CI: 87.2-98.1), a PPV of 83.9% (95% CI: 68.9-92.4) and a NPV of 99.3% ((95% CI: 95.3-99.9). In conclusion, the STANDARD™ F H. pylori Ag FIA (SD Biosensor) on the STANDARD™ F2400 analyser is a highly sensitive, specific and suitable assay for the detection of H. pylori in stool samples.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis (microsporidia) in HIV-positive patients in central Spain.

Microsporidia are fungi-related eukaryotic intracellular parasites that opportunistically infect immunocompromised individuals such as those infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Among them, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are the most clinically relevant species. We investigated the occurrence and genetic diversity of microsporidial and protist infections in mostly immunocompetent HIV-positive patients in Madrid, Spain. A structured questionnaire was used to retrieve data on factors potentially associated with an increased risk of infection, including sexual attitudes and sex-risk behaviour. Faecal samples (n = 96) from 81 HIV-positive patients were collected and analysed by molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) methods. Two microsporidial pathogens were detected: Ent. bieneusi (2.5%, 95% CI: 0.3-8.6) and Enc.intestinalis (4.9%, 95% CI: 1.4-12.2). The two Ent. bieneusi isolates were identified as zoonotic genotype A. Among protists, Entamoeba dispar was the species most prevalently found (33.3%, 95% CI: 23.2-44.7), followed by Blastocystis spp. (19.8%, 95% CI: 11.7-30.1), Giardia duodenalis (13.6%, 95% CI: 7.0-23.0), and Cryptosporidium spp. and Entamoeba histolytica (2.5%, 95% CI: 0.3-8.6 each). Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cystoisospora belli were not detected. Subtypes ST1 (70.6%, 12/17) and ST3 (29.4%, 5/17) were identified within Blastocystis sp., sub-assemblages AII and BIII (50%, 1/2 each) within G. duodenalis, and Cry. parvum and canine-adapted Cry. canis (50%, 1/2 each) within Cryptosporidium spp. Microsporidial and protist parasites were frequent in well-controlled, mostly immunocompetent HIV-positive patients and should be included in diagnostic algorithms when diarrhoea is present.

Opportunistic microsporidial and protist intestinal infections were relatively common in well-controlled HIV-positive patients in Madrid, Spain. These agents should be suspected and appropriately diagnosed in HIV-positive patients presenting with diarrhoea regardless of their immunological status.

Synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activities of a heteroscorpionate derivative platinum complex against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the species with the greatest clinical importance and greatest impact on public health. In fact, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is considered a pandemic pathogen, being essential to develop effective medicines and combat its rapid spread. This study aimed to foster the translation of clinical research outcomes based on metallodrugs into clinical practice for the treatment of MRSA. Bearing in mind the promising anti-Gram-positive effect of the heteroscorpionate ligand 1,1'-(2-(4-isopropylphenyl)ethane-1,1-diyl)bis(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole) (2P), we propose the coordination of this compound to platinum as a clinical strategy with the ultimate aim of overcoming resistance in the treatment of MRSA. Therefore, the novel metallodrug 2P-Pt were synthetized, fully characterized and its antibacterial effect against the planktonic and biofilm state of S. aureus evaluated. In this sense, three different strains of S. aureus were studied, one collection strain of S. aureus sensitive to methicillin and two clinical MRSA strains. To appraise the antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC), and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) were determined. Moreover, successful outcomes on the development of biofilm in a wound-like medium were obtained. The mechanism of action for 2P-Pt was proposed by measuring the MIC and MBC with EDTA (cation mediated mechanism) and DMSO (exogenous oxidative stress mechanism). Moreover, to shed light on the plausible antistaphylococcal mechanism of this novel platinum agent, additional experiments using transmission electron microscopy were carried out. 2P-Pt inhibited the growth and eradicated the three strains evaluated in the planktonic state. Another point worth stressing is the inhibition in the growth of MRSA biofilm even in a wounded medium. The results of this work support this novel agent as a promising therapeutic alternative for preventing infections caused by MRSA.

Methacrylate Cationic Nanoparticles Activity against Different Gram-Positive Bacteria.

Nanotechnology is a developing field that has boomed in recent years due to the multiple qualities of nanoparticles (NPs), one of which is their antimicrobial capacity. We propose that NPs anchored with 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) have antibacterial properties and could constitute an alternative tool in this field. To this end, the antimicrobial effects of three quaternised NPs anchored with DMAEMA were studied. These NPs were later copolymerized using different methylmethacrylate (MMA) concentrations to evaluate their role in the antibacterial activity shown by NPs. Clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, S. lugdunensis and Enterococcus faecalis were used to assess antibacterial activity. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined at the different concentrations of NPs to appraise antibacterial activity. The cytotoxic effects of the NPs anchored with DMAEMA were determined in NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cultures by MTT assays. All the employed NPs were effective against the studied bacterial strains, although increasing concentrations of the MMA added during the synthesis process diminished these effects without altering toxicity in cell cultures. To conclude, more studies with other copolymers are necessary to improve the antibacterial effects of NPs anchored with DMAEMA.

Isolated central nervous system Whipple disease.

Background: Whipple disease (WD) is an infection caused by Tropheryma whipplei, which might present in three different forms: classical, localized, and isolated in the central nervous system (CNS). Methods: We report the result of a systematic review of the literature on WD unusually presenting with exclusively neurological symptoms, including two previously unpublished cases. A description of two cases with isolated CNS WD was performed, as well as a literature search in Cochrane, Scielo, and PubMed. Results: Two male adult patients presented with exclusively neurological symptomatology. Both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intracranial mass suggestive of brain tumor. The histopathological examination was consistent with WD, with no systemic involvement. In the review of the literature, 35 cases of isolated CNS WD were retrieved. The median age at diagnosis was 43.5 (IQR 31.5-51.5). In 13 patients, the MRI showed a brain mass consistent with a brain tumor. The most common finding in the biopsy was the periodic-acid Schiff-stained foamy macrophages. Only five cases presented the pathognomonic sign of oculomasticatory myorhythmia. Thirteen cases had an adverse outcome that resulted in death during follow-up, whereas another 13 improved. The other nine patients remained stable or presented moderate improvement. Conclusion: Isolated CNS WD is a rare disease that should be considered among the differential diagnosis of CNS mass lesions. Brain biopsy is necessary to establish the diagnosis. It is stressed in the literature that an extended antibiotic course is required to prevent relapses and to control the disease.

Silver Nanoparticles Produced by Laser Ablation and Re-Irradiation Are Effective Preventing Peri-Implantitis Multispecies Biofilm Formation.

Implant-associated infection due to biofilm formation is a growing problem. Given that silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have shown antibacterial effects, our goal is to study their effect against multispecies biofilm involved in the development of peri-implantitis. To this purpose, Ag-NPs were synthesized by laser ablation in de-ionized water using two different lasers, leading to the production of colloidal suspensions. Subsequently, part of each suspension was subjected to irradiation one and three times with the same laser source with which it was obtained. Ag-NPs were immobilized on the surface of titanium discs and the resultant materials were compared with unmodified titanium coupons. Nanoparticles were physico-chemically analysed to determine their shape, crystallinity, chemical composition, and mean diameter. The materials were incubated for 90 min or 48 h, to evaluate bacterial adhesion or biofilm formation respectively with Staphylococcus aureus or oral mixed bacterial flora composed of Streptococcus oralis, Actinomyces naeslundii, Veionella dispar, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Ag-NPs help prevent the formation of biofilms both by S. aureus and by mixed oral bacterial flora. Nanoparticles re-irradiated three times showed the biggest antimicrobial effects. Modifying dental implants in this way could prevent the development of peri-implantitis.

Urinary Tract Infection and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Bacterial Isolates in Saint Joseph Kitgum Hospital, Kitgum, Uganda.

A cross-sectional study of microorganisms isolated from mid-stream urine samples obtained from 139 patients with suspected urinary tract infection (UTI) who presented leukocyturia was conducted from April to June 2019 at Saint Joseph Kitgum Hospital (Uganda). All microorganisms were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in a laboratory in Spain. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined on site using the disc diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer test) and these results were subsequently compared with those obtained in Spain using the Becton Dickinson Phoenix M50 device. The overall prevalence of UTI with bacterial growth was 64.0% (n = 89) (95% CI, 56.1-72.0), and 11 presented mixed infection. As a result, 100 microorganisms were isolated. The most common uropathogens were Enterococcus spp. (57%) and Escherichia coli (28%). Nitrofurantoin was the most effective drug (81.7% in Gram-positive and 87.3% in Gram-negative bacteria), followed by imipenem (94.2% and 74.5%, respectively). The highest resistance rates were observed for amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin (66.2% and 44.6%, respectively). Given the increasing trend toward antibiotic resistance, there is a need for bacteriological cultures and continuous surveillance of uropathogen antibiotic susceptibility. Use of amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin as empirical treatments for UTIs should be discontinued in Uganda. The findings of this study may be useful for clinicians, as they may improve empirical treatment.