Community-onset Clostridioides difficile infection in south Serbia.

BACKGROUND: Data from the past decade indicates that Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is not only a nosocomial infection but is also increasingly recognized as a disease in the community. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to study community-onset (CO) CDI in the various age groups in south Serbia with its clinical characteristics, risk factors and microbiological characterization. METHODS: The study group included 93 patients with CO-CDI (median age 62). The control group consisted of 186 patients with community-onset diarrhea and stool samples negative tested for CDI. RESULTS: Of all CDI cases diagnosed with a community onset, 74.19% had a previous contact with a healthcare facility in the previous 12 weeks, but 34.40% have no record on hospitalization in the previous 12 months. Using a multivariate statistical regression model, the following risk factors for CO-CDI development were found; antacid usage (OR = 0.267, 95%C.I.:0.10-0.291, p < 0.01), chronic kidney disease (OR = 0.234, 95%C.I.:0.10-0.51, p < 0.01) and antibiotic use during the prior 2 months (OR = 0.061, 95%C.I.:0.02-0.17, p < 0.01), especially tetracycline's (OR = 0.146, 95% C.I.:0.07-0.22, p < 0.01) and cephalosporin's (OR = 0.110, 95%C.I.:0.14-0.42, p < 0.01). The most common ribotypes (RTs) detected in patients with CO-CDI were RT001 (32.3%) and RT027 (24.7%). All tested toxin producing C. difficile isolates were sensitive to metronidazole, vancomycin and tigecycline. A high rate of resistance to moxifloxacin (73.11%) and rifampicin (23.65%) was found. CONCLUSION: Patients with CO-CDI had frequently contact with healthcare facility in the previous 12 weeks. Restriction of antacid usage and of high-risk antibiotics in the community may help reduce the incidence of CO-CDI.

In vitro anti-clostridial action and potential of the spice herbs essential oils to prevent biofilm formation of hypervirulent Clostridioides difficile strains isolated from hospitalized patients with CDI.

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile is the most common causative agent of antibiotic-acquired diarrhea in hospitalized patients associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The global epidemic of CDI (Clostridioides difficile infection) began in the early 20th century with the emergence of the hypervirulent and resistant ribotype 027 strains, and requires an urgent search for new therapeutic agents. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the antibacterial activity of the three essential oils isolated from spice herbs (wild oregano, garlic and black pepper) against C. difficile clinical isolates belonging to 6 different PCR ribotypes and their potential inhibitory effect on the biofilm production in in vitro conditions. RESULTS: Wild oregano essential oil showed strong inhibitory activity in concentrations 0.02-1.25 mg/mL and bactericidal activity in concentrations from 0.08 to 10 mg/mL. Garlic essential oil was effective in the concentration range of 0.02-40 mg/mL, and 0.16 - > 40 mg/mL. MIC and MBC for black pepper oil ranged from 0.04 to 40 mg/mL, and 0.08 - > 40 mg/mL, respectively. All the tested oils reduced in vitro biofilm production, with the best activity of oregano oil. CONCLUSION: Essential oils of wild oregano, black pepper and garlic are candidates for adjunctive therapeutics in the treatment of CDI. Oregano oil should certainly be preferred due to the lack of selectivity of action in relation to the ribotype, the strength of the produced biofilm and/or antibiotic-susceptibility patterns.

The prevalence of Candida onychomycosis in Southeastern Serbia from 2011 to 2015.

Despite the increasing of onychomycosis caused by Candida spp., in referent literature, there is still data insufficiency about this nail infection. The objectives of this retrospective study were to determine epidemiological characteristics of Candida onychomycosis, the antifungal susceptibility of isolated species in vitro, and to compare the results of antifungal susceptibility testing with conducted treatment in period from 2011 to the end of March 2015. Out of 761 patients who were underwent clinical and mycological examinations, 137 had Candida species isolated from nails. The dominant species was Candida albicans (C. albicans) (36.59%) followed by C. parapsilosis (23.78%), C. krusei (9.76%), and C. guilliermondii (6.71%). Antifungal susceptibility in vitro testing showed good susceptibility to antimycotics, except C. krusei, which was resistance to fluconazole (FCZ) and isolates of C. tropicalis and C. glabrata which were dose dependent to itraconazole (ITZ) and fluconazole. Evaluation of medical histories determined that combined therapy, which included pulsed systemic regimen of ITZ with topical application of clotrimazole, had better clinical outcomes regarding the proscribed only topical application of clotrimazole. Multidisciplinary approach of dermatologists and mycologists is required in solving the problem of onychomycosis, which is the dominant nail disease.

Repurposing of monocyclic ß-lactams as anti-inflammatory agents - The case of new ferrocene-azetidin-2-one hybrids.

There is growing interest in developing monotherapy drugs that treat inflammation caused by microbial infections, focusing on dual antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents with minimal side effects and high safety margins. This study synthesized and characterized a library of novel cis-4-ferrocenylazetidin-2-ones, evaluating their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. These organometallic monocyclic ß-lactams showed moderate in vitro antimicrobial activity against various standard microbial strains, including yeasts and Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Some compounds overcame the resistance of clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Traditionally, monocyclic ß-lactams target Gram-negative bacilli, but adding a ferrocene moiety and substituting the COOH group near the N-1 position with a non-ionizable ester group (COOR) extended their activity spectrum. The anti-inflammatory properties were assessed in macrophage-based models, revealing non-cytotoxicity below 10 µM. Two compounds were shown to be strong and selective arginase inhibitors, while five others effectively suppressed excessive NO formation without affecting basal NO production. The presence of a phenoxy group at C-3 of the ß-lactam ring appeared to be crucial for selective NO inhibition. These hybrids did not scavenge NO but inhibited NO synthesis by suppressing iNOS expression. Overall, two novel hybrids were identified as promising hit candidates for treating infection-induced inflammatory reactions.

Platelet-rich fibrin: Basics of biological actions and protocol modifications.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) represents second generation of platelet concentrates, which has gained increasing awareness in recent years for regenerative procedures. This biologic additive is completely autologous, easy to prepare, has minimal expense, and possesses prolonged growth factor release, together with several other advantages over traditionally prepared platelet concentrates. Since its introduction, various protocols for PRF preparation have been proposed with different amounts of growth factors and other biomolecules necessary for wound healing. However, reference data about potential effect of some PRF components on hard and soft tissue healing are still conflicting. The current article intends to clarify the relevant advances about physiological role of certain PRF components and to provide insight into the new developmental approach. Also, this review summarizes the evolution of platelet concentrates and biologic properties of different modifications of PRF procedure.

A Stress Coping App for Hospitalized Pregnant Women at Risk for Preterm Birth.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women hospitalized with preterm labor (PTL) complications experience increased stress. Prior researchers have attempted to provide stress management strategies with use of various media players to deliver stress coping interventions. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of a mobile device delivered stress coping app designed to reduce stress in a sample of high-risk pregnant women hospitalized with complications of PTL. METHODS: A descriptive study using a prospective mixed methods one-group pre/posttest design. Fifteen pregnant women used the mobile device app for 8 consecutive days. The app included study measures, educational overview of concepts, four guided imagery audio files to be listened to daily, and a stress self-assessment scale to be used before and after each use. Measures included: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Visual Analog Stress Scale (VASS), Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES), and semistructured interviews. RESULTS: There was a significant drop in VASS scores when comparing scores before and after listening to the app (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between the baseline and Day 8 scores of PSS or CSES. All participants reported benefits from using the app and provided suggestions for improvement. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The intervention reduced immediate stress and provided a respite from the stress response in this population. Maternal child nurses may consider incorporating stress coping interventions as standard care practice.

Platelet Rich Plasma: a short overview of certain bioactive components.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) represents a relatively new approach in regenerative medicine. It is obtained from patient's own blood and contains different growth factors and other biomolecules necessary for wound healing. Since there are various protocols for PRP preparing, it usually results with PRP generation with different amounts of bioactive substances, which finally may modulate the intensity of wound healing. The reference data about potential effect of some PRP compounds on wound healing, in different tissues, are still controversial. This review summarizes recently known facts about physiological role of certain PRP components and guidance for further research. Also, this review discusses different procedure for PRP generation and potential effect of leukocytes on wound healing.

Surveillance and characterization of Candida bloodstream infections in a Serbian tertiary care hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Candida spp. frequently cause hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (BSI) with a high mortality rate (up to 70%). We analyzed the frequency, infection characteristics, potential predisposing factors, susceptibility to antifungal drugs, biofilm production and other virulence characteristics of Candida spp. isolates obtained from a tertiary care hospital in Nis, Serbia, during a one year period. METHODS: Medical histories, characteristics of isolated strains and drug susceptibility, as well as the effect on the function of isolated macrophages and other virulence features were evaluated. The obtained results were subjected to student's t-test and multivariate statistical analyzes. RESULTS: Herein we report an annual incidence of 3.65 cases of C. albicans, C. lusitaniae and C. lipolytica infections per 105 population. Out of eight isolated strains, two (25%) were shown to be strong biofilm producers, one (12.5%) caused hemolysis on blood agar and in two (25%) cases macrophages were able to completely eliminate the yeast colonies. Chronic kidney disease, diabetes, malignant and other diseases were present in 37.5, 62.5, 50 and 75%, respectively, in the study group. All patients with Candida BSI received antifungal therapy (amphotericin B), however, hospital mortality was observed in 25% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of local Candida epidemiology, antifungal susceptibility and virulence factors, as well as personalized patient risk factors are important for the surveillance of Candida BSI, especially in intensive care unit patients and may contribute to the improved options and outcome for patients with Candida BSI.

[Diarrhoea caused by Clostridium difficile in patients with postoperative subhepatic abscess].

BACKGROUND: Toxigenic strains of Clostridium difficile in the majority of cases cause disease of the intestinal tract of hospitalized patients. For a long time, Clostridium difficile was considered to produce both types of toxins (A+/B+ strain), however, the investigations conducted in the last ten years point to the existence of clinically significant isolates which produce only toxin B, i. e. toxin A negative/toxin B positive (A-/B+ strain) Clostridium difficile. CASE REPORT: We presented the case of a patient admitted to the Surgery Clinic, Clinical Center Nis due to the presence of calculus in the ductus choledochus. Twenty-four hours after the surgical intervention for calculus removal, the first signs of the operative wound infection began to appear. In the course of infection treatment, different antibiotics were administered (cefuroxine, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, imipenem). After making etiological microbiological diagnosis and application of antibiotics according to antibiogram results, the signs of the operative wound infection began to withdraw, but the patient reported the abdominal pain and liquid stools with traces of blood (up to 17 stools per day). By microbiological examination, Clostridium diffidile was cultivated and the presence of toxin B was detected in the stool samples. The patient was sent to the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, where the causal therapy of mitronidazol was administered. Liquid and electrolytes were made up by substitution therapy. After the eight-day-treatment, the patient felt much better, and diarrheas stopped on the 10th day of the therapy application. CONCLUSION: Our results have shown that toxingen strains Clostridium difficile are present in our country so this bacterium sort have to be considered in differential causal diagnosis of diarrhoea syndrome. Considering that it can cause difficult form of the disease, it is an obligation to establish the presence of some toxins of Clostridium difficile in stool samples of patients and/or production of some toxins in liquid culturate of isolates to provide data for the presence of strains which produce only toxin B.

[Clinical importance of Clostridium difficile finding in hospitalized patients].

INTRODUCTION: Clostridium difficile infections predominatelly occur among hospitalized patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of finding the isolate of Clostridium difficile cultured from the stool of hospitalized patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Material consisted of 100 patients with at least one liquid stool samples and control group with form stool. Every patient spent minimum 48h in hospital before the sampling. The material was immediately cultured on mediums for isolation of enteric pathogens, and on selective CCFA medium (Biomedics) for Clostridium difficile in anaerobic condition. Diagnosis of Clostridium difficile toxin in stool samples was achieved by ELISA-RIDASCREEN Clostridium difficile Toxin A/B test (R-Biopharm). RESULTS: One-hundred forty one stool samples of patients in Clinical Centre Nis were cultivated and examined for C. difficile. The bacteria was isolated in seven patients from the clinical group. In four (57.14%) patients, the presence of C difficile toxin in stool was established The bacteria was diagnosed from the stool samples of five patients from the control group, but the toxin was not found in their stool samples. DISCUSSION: The results performed at the Institute for Public Health Nis are in accordance with previously published results that all patients with positive findings of Clostridium difficile toxin in stool samples were on antibiotic treatment longer than 14 days. By analysing the patient's stay in hospital and duration of antibiotic treatment, we observed the statistically significant difference in findings between the patients with CDAD and the patients from the control group with positive bacteria. CONCLUSION: The study confirms the importance of finding Clostridium difficile associated disease in four (4%) hospitalized patients.

[Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus isolated from bloodculture--causes or contaminants?].

INTRODUCTION: According to the results of different investigations, the opinion that isolate of coagulase-negative staphylococci by bloodcultures represents the blood infection in 10-12% patient. The aim of the work was to determine the number of patients with blood infection-sepsa induced coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated by bloodcultures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was done at the Institute for Public Health in Nis. The basic group consisted of 56 patients and coagulase-negative staphylococci were segregated form their bloodcultures. The growth of microorganisms was monitored by the computerized apparatus "Bactec 9120". Coagulase-negative staphylococci were identified by the standard microbiologic method and Vitec AMS system. RESULTS: Eight patients (14.28%) were found to have minimum two signs of blood infection. S. epidermis was isolated in four patients. S. saprophyticus was isolated in the patients on hemodialysis with implanted urinary catheter. S. capitis was isolated in the patients with infarctus miocardi. S. auricularis was isolated in child who was administered the immunosuppressive therapy before and during hospitalization due to an acute asthmatic attack. The isolate of S. simulans was cultivated from samples of the patients hospitalized due to the febrile state. DISCUSSION: A correct interpretation of coagulase-negative staphylococci findings in bloodcultures is an overriding part of medical treatment. The best laboratory indicators of the presence of coagulase-negative staphylococci in blood would be to segregate those of the same kind from two samples at the same time but from different anatomic sites in the presence of clinical signs of blood infection. CONCLUSION: In the investigation conducted at the Public Health Institute-Nis, we determined that bloodcultures isolated coagulase-negative staphylococci represent the blood infection on 14.28% patient.

Clinical importance and representation of toxigenic and non-toxigenic Clostridium difficile cultivated from stool samples of hospitalized patients

The aim of this study was to fortify the clinical importance and representation of toxigenic and non-toxigenic Clostridium difficile isolated from stool samples of hospitalized patients. This survey included 80 hospitalized patients with diarrhea and positive findings of Clostridium difficile in stool samples, and 100 hospitalized patients with formed stool as a control group. Bacteriological examination of a stool samples was conducted using standard microbiological methods. Stool sample were inoculated directly on nutrient media for bacterial cultivation (blood agar using 5% sheep blood, Endo agar, selective Salmonella Shigella agar, Selenite-F broth, CIN agar and Skirrow's medium), and to selective cycloserine-cefoxitin-fructose agar (CCFA) (Biomedics, Parg qe tehnicologico, Madrid, Spain) for isolation of Clostridium difficile. Clostridium difficile toxin was detected by ELISA-ridascreen Clostridium difficile Toxin A/B (R-Biopharm AG, Germany) and ColorPAC ToxinA test (Becton Dickinson, USA). Examination of stool specimens for the presence of parasites (causing diarrhea) was done using standard methods (conventional microscopy), commercial concentration test Paraprep S Gold kit (Dia Mondial, France) and RIDA®QUICK Cryptosporidium/Giardia Combi test (R-Biopharm AG, Germany). Examination of stool specimens for the presence of fungi (causing diarrhea) was performed by standard methods. All stool samples positive for Clostridium difficile were tested for Rota, Noro, Astro and Adeno viruses by ELISA - ridascreen (R-Biopharm AG, Germany). In this research we isolated 99 Clostridium difficile strains from 116 stool samples of 80 hospitalized patients with diarrhea. The 53 (66.25%) of patients with diarrhea were positive for toxins A and B, one (1.25%) were positive for only toxin B. Non-toxigenic Clostridium difficile isolated from samples of 26 (32.5%) patients. However, other pathogenic microorganisms of intestinal tract cultivated from samples of 16 patients. Examination of cultivated colonies revealed that most of cultivated species belonged to genera of Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Candida spp.. In control group, toxigenic Clostridium difficile cultivated from stool samples of two patients (2%) and non-toxigenic Clostridium difficile from samples of five patients (5%). This research confirmed clinical importance of toxigenic Clostridium difficile found in liquid stool samples of hospitalized patient, and the possibility of asymptomatic carriage in 2% of patients with formed stool.

[High-density cervical Ureaplasma urealyticum colonization in pregnant women as a risk factor for premature rupture of membranes].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Ureaplasma urealyticum, a common commensal of the female lower genital tract, has been observed as an important opportunistic pathogen during pregnancy. The aims of this study were to determine the degree of cervical colonization with U. urealyticum in pregnant women with risk pregnancy and in pregnant women with normal term delivery and to evaluate the correlation between high-density cervical U. urealyticum colonization and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) as well. METHODS: This research was conducted on the samples comprizing 130 hospitalized pregnant women with threatening preterm delivery and premature rupture of membranes. The control group consisted of 39 pregnant women with term delivery without PROM. In addition to standard bacteriological examination and performing direct immunofluorescence test to detect Chlamydia trachomalis, cervical swabs were also examined for the presence of U. urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis by commercially available Mycofast Evolution 2 test (International Microbio, France). RESULTS: The number of findings with isolated high-density U. urealyticum in the target group was 69 (53.08%), while in the control group was 14 (35.90%). Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) occurred in 43 (33.08%) examinees: 29 were pPROM, and 14 were PROM. The finding of U. urealyticum > or = 10(4) was determined in 25 (58.14%) pregnant women with rupture, 17 were pPROM, and 8 were PROM. There was statistically significant difference in the finding of high-density U. urealyticum between the pregnant women with PROM and the control group (chi2 = 4.06, p < 0.05). U. urealyticum was predominant bacterial species found in 62.79% of isolates in the PROM cases, while in 32.56% it was isolated alone. Among the 49 pregnant women with preterm delivery, pPROM occurred in 29 (59.18%) examinees, and in 70.83% of pregnant women with findings of high-density U. urealyticum pPROM was observed. CONCLUSION: Cervical colonization with U. urealyticum > or = 10(4) is more frequent in pregnant women with risk pregnancy than in pregnant women with normal term delivery. High-density cervical U. urealyticum colonization should be observed as a possible etiological factor for PROM.

[Punishment--"the work of God"--forensic accounts of crime and punishment]. / Narod kaze--"ima boga"--sudbinska povezanost izmedu zlocina i kazne.

INTRODUCTION: This paper deals with coincidental deaths of persons previously engaged in violent behaviour. In victimology, violent deaths rest on legal authorities and public prosecutor. In some cases the clearance of circumstances is "sui generis", as a consequence of "vis maior". However, in some cases, depending of circumstances, perpetrators are uncovered without further investigations. CASE REPORT: This paper presents some of the most interesting cases from our Forensic practice: infanticides, "jealousy" killing, other murders. All crimes were recovered and sanctioned. History is full of cases like these described. Man is the only primate who kills and tortures other men. Nothing can fill the soul as hatred. Hatred is stronger than love. Love can easily lead to hate. Man is afraid of being killed, but often acts like a victim. The man proves himself worthy through his life, not death.