Detection of Antibiotic Resistance and Biofilm-Producing Ability of Staphylococcus Species in Clinical Isolates

Background: Staphylococci are responsible for life-threatening infections in hospitals and community. Their ability to produce multiple virulence factors and antibiotic resistance is an important reason of high mortality in staphylococcal infections. Biofilm production by these organisms makes it difficult to treat. Most of the treating antibiotics are failing and making it a matter of concern. Aims?This study aims to detect the increased antibiotic resistance in biofilm-producing Staphylococcus and to compare the performance of three potential methods of detection. Methods?A total of 81 isolates of staphylococci including coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNs), methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and methicillin sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) are included in this study. After the identification, an antibiotic sensitivity test was performed. Biofilm detection was done by three different methods: Congo red agar method, tube adherence method, and microtiter plate method. Result?Out of the 81 samples, 37 CoNs, 17 MRSA, and 27 MSSA were identified. Out of them we got 43 (53%) biofilm producers by Congo red agar method, 40 (49%) by tube adherence method, and 52 (64%) producers by tissue culture plate/microtiter plate method. Most of the biofilm producers showed multiple drug resistance. Conclusion?We found out that the microtiter plate method is sensitive and reliable as compared with the other two methods. Antibiotic resistance was found to be very common in biofilm producers. This was due to the resistance developed as a result of the matrix that does not let the antibiotic bind with the organisms. This can make the treatment of Staphylococcus very difficult in the future as the rate of drug resistance is faster as compared with newly emerging antibiotics.

Seroprevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae among Patients with Community Acquired Pneumonia in a Tertiary Care Hospital at Navi Mumbai.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is often clinically classified as typical or atypical. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the primary causative organism responsible for atypical pneumonia, which constitutes 10 to 20% of all pneumonia cases. Although prevalence studies have been performed extensively abroad, in India, such work has been seldom carried out. The present seroprevalence study carried out with this fact has shown 12.6% IgM and 16.0% IgG prevalence of the mycoplasma antibodies in the locality. These findings will encourage in undertaking further extensive study on this self-replicating unique bacterium.

Enhancement of Gentamicin Sensitivity in Enterococcus faecalis using Antidiabetic Molecule Gliclazide.

Enterococci, a low-grade pathogen, emerged as a potent nosocomial agent and have recently drawn the global attention because of resistance issues. To deal with this serious threat and reversal of drug sensitivity pattern, we made an attempt to sensitize the cells of Enterococcus faecalis with an oral hypoglycemic molecule gliclazide belonging to the class sulfonylurea. Interestingly, it was observed that results were quite encouraging as it was able to enhance gentamicin sensitivity by reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The decrease in MIC of gentamicin to E. faecalis is an indicator of reversibility of drug resistance. The findings have confirmed the concept that prior course or combination therapy of oral hypoglycemic drug with antibiotic gentamicin can be effective against Enterococci strains. However, auxiliary tests still need to be carried out further to understand the exact mechanism of the enhancement procured by gliclazide. The results have sowed the seeds of the concept of using gliclazide as a drug-resistant reversal molecule.