{"title":"Critically Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a Short Review on the Mechanisms of Resistance and Therapeutic Strategies","authors":"S. Sowmyanarayan, R.V. Kavitha","doi":"10.59393/amb23390302","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390302","url":null,"abstract":"Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a critically resistant pathogen that is responsible for the morbidity of immunodeficient patients throughout the world. The bacterium possesses unique resistance to several antibiotics. Numerous resistance mechanisms like reliable efflux pumps, reduced permeability of the cell membrane, inactivation of antimicrobial drugs by enzymatic mechanisms and modification of antibiotic target sites enable the survival of the bacteria in adverse conditions. The causes and extent of antibiotic resistance in this bacterial species have been elucidated clearly. The ability of the pathogen to express several mutations in crucial genes makes it lethal. The everlasting threat of intrinsic as well as acquired antimicrobial resistance in common bacterial species is studied extensively to devise newer and effective therapeutics for the general public. Several studies have worked on the methods to deal with P. aeruginosa infections. The highest level of the newest antibiotics along with combinatorial therapy is administered to severely affected patients. Modern therapeutic strategies of bacteriophage therapy have been tested preclinically. The problem statement of curing P. aeruginosa infections thoroughly is yet to be resolved constructively.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135736140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
I. Mahmutović-Dizdarević, N. Bektaš, S. Gazić, A. Jerković-Mujkić, M. Hukić, M. Avdić
{"title":"In Vitro Evaluation of Selected Essential Oils as Possible Antifungal and Antibiofilm Agents","authors":"I. Mahmutović-Dizdarević, N. Bektaš, S. Gazić, A. Jerković-Mujkić, M. Hukić, M. Avdić","doi":"10.59393/amb23390313","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390313","url":null,"abstract":"Microbial biofilms are organized consortiums of microorganisms in the self-produced matrix, characterized by increased resistance to antimicrobial agents. Candida albicans belongs to the regular human microbiota, but it could be highly pathogenic. Essential oils (EOs) are widely distributed secondary metabolites, proven for various biological activities. The main goal of this investigation was to evaluate the antifungal and antibiofilm properties of EOs from Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, C. reticulata Blanco, Nigella sativa L., and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. against C. albicans. Antifungal activity was evaluated through the disk diffusion method, followed by the determination of the minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). Antibiofilm assays were implemented through the tissue culture plate method and determination of the biofilm inhibition. Zones of inhibition were detectable for all tested EOs, with the greatest activity of N. sativa (28.30±1.50 mm to 39.30±1.10 mm). MIC values ranged from 62.50 μg/ml (N. sativa) to 125 μg/ml (C. limon), and 250 μg/ml (C. reticulata and F. vulgare). All tested EOs performed an impact on the biofilm-forming capacity of tested yeast. The antibiofilm activity was species-specific and concentration-dependent. The highest antibiofilm activity was recorded for F. vulgare. Obtained results suggest that investigated EOs possess antifungal and antibiofilm potential.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135736144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Prevalence of Proteus mirabilis isolated from different clinical specimens in Zakho City, Iraq","authors":"P.B. Abdullah, W.M.S. Mero, H.M. Khalid","doi":"10.59393/amb23390306","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390306","url":null,"abstract":"Proteus mirabilis is the most common species among the genus Proteus that has been associated with various infections in humans. In this study, the prevalence of P. mirabilis among outpatients with UTIs, ear, burns, wounds, respiratory tract infections, and vaginitis who attended the major hospitals and clinics in Zakho city has been investigated. Four hundred specimens were collected from both genders at different ages (≤1 year to over 50 years), from July 2021 to January 2022. All specimens were analyzed according to conventional bacteriological methods for detecting the presence of P. mirabilis. Also, a molecular method was used using species-specific ureR primer to confirm the presence of P. mirabilis among the isolates. From all collected specimens, 23.75% (95/400) were identified as P. mirabilis with a higher rate in males than females (52.63% vs 47.37). Among both genders, the age group ≤ 1-10 years showed the highest rate of infection (61.90%). Married patients had a higher rate (27%) than unmarried ones (16.92%). In terms of residency, rural inhabitants had the highest rate (31.25%) among other inhabitants. Furthermore, infections during the months of the year were at their maximum rate during August (52.27%), while reduced to 11.67% in October. ureR primer gives a precise and specific detection of P. mirabilis. This study highlights that; P. mirabilis is one of the remarkable bacteria that cause various infections in humans through various risk factors like anatomical abnormalities, gender, age, and chronic diseases that facilitate its spreading in the community.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135735925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of Different Concentrations of NaCl on Growth and Biochemical Characteristics of Red Microalga Porphyridium cruentum","authors":"J. Ivanova, T. Toshkova-Yotova, L. Kabaivanova","doi":"10.59393/amb23390316","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390316","url":null,"abstract":"The red microalga Porphyridium cruentum is a potential source of valuable biologically active compounds. This microalga is easily cultivated and could change its growth and biochemical composition in response to environmental variations. The effect of growth medium content, especially salinity (15, 20, and 27 gL -1 NaCl) on P. cruentum cell growth, biomass composition, and extracellular polysaccharides production was investigated in this study. The results showed that the highest biomass yield and phycoerythrin content was achieved when NaCl in a concentration of 20 gL -1 was introduced into the culture medium. The measured biomass was equal to 4.3±0.1 gL -1 compared to 3.3±0.1 gL -1 for the control sample at the end of the cultivation process. The amount of chlorophyll „a“ was also 1.33 times greater in the sample with 20 gL -1 NaCl compared to the control sample with 27 gL -1 , where the carotenoid content was higher. The highest amount of extracellular polysaccharide was accumulated by the microalga at 27 gL -1 NaCl. The measured viscosity was 3.35 mPa.sec - 1.4 times more than the sample with 20 gL -1 NaCl. The investigations conveyed lead to the conclusion that with only slight changes in the salt concentration, a targeted biosynthesis could be achieved, nevertheless, all other conditions remained the same. The study provides an opportunity to optimize growth and metabolite production using optimization in the cultivation process of the microalgae.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135736138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"History and Presence of Serratia marcescens","authors":"S. Radeva, M. Bozhkova, D. Niyazi","doi":"10.59393/amb23390303","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390303","url":null,"abstract":"Serratia marcescens is an important member of the order Enterobacterales, even though it was initially considered to be slightly virulent. Today it is an indisputable fact that Serratia is an important opportunistic pathogen responsible for a wide range of nosocomial infections. The main risk group is immunocompromised patients, both adults and newborns, and patients after different medical interventions such as bronchoscopy, central venous catheterization, urinal catheters, surgical drainage, tracheostomy, and mechanical ventilation. This species is documented as a causative agent of a variety of infections with different clinical presentations – bloodstream infections, respiratory and urinary tract infections, wound infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. In addition, S. marcescens is of high significance as an opportunistic pathogen due to its antibiotic resistance, which makes the treatment difficult. The types and the epidemiology of S. marcescens infections are presented and discussed in detail in this review.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135736143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Human Genetics of Malaria","authors":"I.J. Falade, O.N. Simeon","doi":"10.59393/amb23390301","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390301","url":null,"abstract":"Human genetic resistance to malaria is the inherited changes in the human DNA that increase resistance to malaria and lead to increased survival of people with these genetic changes. The evolutionary pressure exerted by the malaria parasite is likely what led to the existence of these genotypes. The impact of host genetics on susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum malaria has been widely studied over the past twenty years. It is now clear that the malaria Plasmodium parasites have imposed strong selective forces on the human genome in endemic regions. Different genes associated with different malaria-related phenotypes have been identified. Recent developments in human genome research technologies, like genome-wide association studies and genotyping tools, have enabled the discovery of several genetic polymorphisms and biomarkers. This review describes and analyses the human gene polymorphisms that have been revealed to be associated with resistance to P. falciparum malaria. Although some polymorphisms play important roles in susceptibility to malaria, several discoveries are inconclusive and conflicting and should be carefully examined. The discovery of genetic polymorphisms associated with resistance to malaria will enable the development of interventions or cures for the malaria disease.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135736145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Phytopathogenic Fungal Growth Inhibition by Actinomycetes Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)","authors":"E. Akponah, M. Ubogu","doi":"10.59393/amb23390312","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390312","url":null,"abstract":"The search for natural antimicrobial substances to mitigate the deleterious effects of pathogens is on the increase due to the spread of resistance. In the agricultural sector, the current focus is on natural, eco-friendly, and sustainable approaches to improve crop yield. In this study, sixty actinomycetes isolates belonging to 3 genera; Streptomyces, Nocardia, and Micromonospora, obtained from 30 lemon grass rhizosphere samples, were screened for antifungal activity using three common fungi phytopathogens; Fusarium solani, Aspergillus flavus and Alternaria alternata. Preliminary screening involving the in vitro dual culture assay and the agar well diffusion techniques were employed to investigate the inhibitory activities of actinomycetes isolates and the ethyl acetate extract of their metabolites against the phytopathogens. Results obtained revealed that mycelial extensions in the fungi were significantly inhibited, though, to varying extents. Among the 60 actinomycetes isolates screened, 19 (31.37%) demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against at least one of the three test fungi. Out of the 19 isolates, 5(26.3%) suppressed mycelial growth in all three test fungi with percent mycelial inhibitions ranging from 51.63 – 69.29 %. Also, the crude extracts of the metabolites of these five actinomycetes isolates produced mycelial inhibitions ranging from 75.45 - 89.31 %. Analysis of the crude extracts using gas chromatography, revealed the production of five antifungal compounds which include: Benzylaldehyde,2-nitro-diaminomethylidene hydrazine, [1,2,4] triazolo [1,5] pyrimidine -6-carboxylic acid, 1,2, - benzenediol,3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl), Benzo[h] quinolone,2,4-dimethyl-, and 2,4,6-cycloheptatrien-1-one, 3,5, bis-trimethylsilyl-. Therefore, the antifungal capabilities of these actinomycetes isolates make them efficient, natural, and ecologically friendly alternatives in the control of fungal phytopathogens.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135736146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N. Farooqi, A. Rahman, R. Ullah, Y. Ali, H. Muhammad
{"title":"Sero-prevalence of Brucellosis in Cattle and Related Human Population in District Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan","authors":"N. Farooqi, A. Rahman, R. Ullah, Y. Ali, H. Muhammad","doi":"10.59393/amb23390314","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390314","url":null,"abstract":"Brucellosis is one of the most widespread and contagious bacterial zoonotic diseases in the world posing a major threat to human health and animal husbandry. Sero-prevalence of brucellosis was investigated in District Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 886 blood samples were collected from animals (n=484) and humans (n=402). A total of 58 (11.98%) animal samples and human samples 25 (6.21%) were found positive for Brucellosis. The seropositive percentage was higher in buffaloes (12.02%) than in cows 7/60 (11.66%). In buffaloes, more females (12.07%) were found infected with brucellosis as compared to males (11.62%). Similarly, female cows showed higher seropositivity (13.20%) than male cows (0). The highest seroprevalence (19.23%) was observed in the age group 6–8 years. Seropositive animals with a history of previous abortion were (77.77%) while seropositive animals with no abortion history were (6.69%). In humans, prevalence percentage was greater in males (6.94%) than in females (5.81%). The age group 37-48 years showed the highest seroprevalence (9.91%). Aborted females showed higher seropositivity (45%) as compared to non-aborted females (2.52%). Sero-prevalence was recorded in 6.38% of individuals with animal contact and in 3.84% of individuals with no animal contact. Raw milk consumers (6.46%) and non-consumers (3.22%) were also found positive for Brucellosis. Different risk factors that may influence the prevalence of Brucellosis need to be considered for the control of the disease and to minimize its spreading in the population.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135736142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Z. Stoykova, T. Kostadinova, T. Todorova, L. Ivanova, K. Kalchev, I. Micheva
{"title":"Real Time Quantitative PCR as Detection Method for CMV Reactivation in Patients with Lymphomas – a Single-Center Experience","authors":"Z. Stoykova, T. Kostadinova, T. Todorova, L. Ivanova, K. Kalchev, I. Micheva","doi":"10.59393/amb23390208","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390208","url":null,"abstract":"Cytomegalovirus (CMV) becomes an important pathogen in individuals whose immune system is compromised like patients with various types of lymphomas. Our goal was to estimate the deal of CMV reactivation in RT PCR during the treatment course, considering the seroprevalence of 49 patients with lymphomas from the Clinic of Hematology “St. Marina” University Hospital, Varna. We used commercial ELISA and quantitative RT-PCR for CMV detection. We found 90% (95% CI: 78.9% - 97%) of the patients anti-CMV IgG positive. In addition, we found 10% (95% CI: 1.6% - 18.3%) of them PCR positive (range 2 332 - 5 688 IU/ml). The highest viral loads were detected in 3 patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), histologic variant “diffuse B-cell giant cell lymphoma”. In conclusion, approximately 10% of pa¬tients with ML reactivate their latent CMV infection during the treatment of the main disease. Because IgM alone cannot serve as a reactivation marker, qRT-PCR is a reliable method for early identification of CMV reactivation and would assist for better management and prevention of complications in this high risk group of patients.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135144759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Biodiversity and Biopharmaceuticals of Endophytic Fungi Associated with Medicinal Plants Therapeutic Activity: Case studies of Lamiaceae Crops","authors":"J. Mamangkey, A. Hartanto, C.G.P. Rumahorbo","doi":"10.59393/amb23390206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390206","url":null,"abstract":"Endophytes present a potential for the exploitation of many secondary metabolites. This paper dis¬cusses the biodiversity of endophytes and their biopharmaceutical prospects in the members of Lamiaceae. Several genera of fungal endophytes were predominant in Lamiaceae plants including Diaporthe, Stem¬phylium, Botryosphaeria, Talaromyces, Fusarium, Cephalotheca, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Phoma can produce many types of secondary metabolites. Such secondary metabolites produced by the endophytes are involved in antioxidant, antidiabetic, antifungal, anticandidal, antileishmanial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as mycopharmacological properties.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135144762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}