{"title":"Molecular Typing and Drug Resistance of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in Shaoxing.","authors":"Meichun Liang, Meina Hu, Xiaojiao Zhang, Yaoqin Wang, Qiuli He, Yiqing Zhou, Yongchun Ruan, Guofeng Mao, Jianan Jin","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Staphylococcus aureus, commonly colonizing the mucous membranes and skin of humans, is a prevalent pathogen responsible for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (SSTIs), with a notably high prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The antimicrobial resistance profiles of MRSA vary across different regions, with differences in population structure and epidemiological characteristics over time and geography. Molecular typing is frequently employed to investigate the population structure and transmission features among strains. The purpose of this study is to investigate the molecular epidemiological characteristics, virulence genes, and drug resistance of MRSA isolated from patients with skin and soft tissue infections in the Shaoxing region. Seventy-seven MRSA strains isolated from patients with SSTIs in the Shaoxing area from 2017 to 2022 were subjected to drug sensitivity testing using the VITEK 2 Compact fully automated system. The study utilized next-generation sequencing to conduct Staphylococcal Chromosome Cassette mec (SCCmec) typing, Staphylococcal Protein A (SPA) typing, Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST), and investigate virulence genes in MRSA strains. The variations in antimicrobial resistance, virulence genes, and molecular typing among different genders and age groups were analyzed. The findings revealed that the resistance rate of MRSA to penicillin was 100%, while it was 61.04% for erythromycin and 59.74% for clindamycin. The resistance rate to other antibiotics was below 20%. MLST typing is mainly dominated by ST59 (22.08%) and ST398 (18.18%), while SCCmec typing is predominantly represented by IV (38 strains) and V (27 strains). SPA typing is mainly characterized by t437 (19.48%) and t34 (14.29%). The major clones of SSTIs in the Shaoxing area are ST59-t437-IV and ST398-t34-V. The strains carry 17 enterotoxin genes, with the highest detection rates found in sek and seq (32.47%), PVL (12.99%), and tst (7.79%).This study demonstrates that skin and soft tissue infections in the Shaoxing region are caused mainly by ST59-t437-IV and ST398-t34-V strains, which carry multiple virulence genes. PVL is identified as a significant virulence factor in MRSA strains.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"48 2","pages":"147-154"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145350065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fatimah Alhwiti, Mohammed Alshayie, Najah Alosaimi, Manal Alsubhi, Kamal Shaker, Saeed Banawas, Sultan Altarjami, Mohammed Alaidarous, Ahmed Abdel-Hadi
{"title":"Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections among Patients at King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Al Qassim City, KSA.","authors":"Fatimah Alhwiti, Mohammed Alshayie, Najah Alosaimi, Manal Alsubhi, Kamal Shaker, Saeed Banawas, Sultan Altarjami, Mohammed Alaidarous, Ahmed Abdel-Hadi","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant public health concern due to its resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Its prevalence varies widely across different regions and healthcare settings. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MRSA among patients hospitalised at King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Al Qassim City, Saudi Arabia, and identify the distribution of MRSA across various demographics and healthcare settings. This cross-sectional, hospital-based study involved 10,936 patients (63.6% male, 36.4% female), with ages ranging from infants (1-10 years) to older adults (≥88 years). The prevalence of MRSA was determined through clinical samples, and isolates underwent antibiotic sensitivity testing. The overall prevalence of MRSA was 25.3%. High MRSA prevalences were observed in wound infections (35.6%), nasal swabs (14.0%), and aerobic blood cultures (10.6%). Antibiotic sensitivity testing showed that 72.2% of samples were sensitive to the tested antibiotics, while 27.0% were resistant to antibiotics like Amikacin, Aztreonam, Cefepime, and various carbapenems. The mortality rate was 17.4% in the study population during the study period. These findings underscore the need for enhanced infection control measures, targeted antibiotic stewardship programs, and continuous surveillance to effectively manage and reduce MRSA infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"48 2","pages":"160-167"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145350066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Claudia Bartalucci, Laura Labate, Lucia Taramasso, Matteo Bassetti, Antonio Di Biagio
{"title":"Two-drug regimen with dolutegravir plus lamivudine for HIV treatment in children: a narrative review.","authors":"Claudia Bartalucci, Laura Labate, Lucia Taramasso, Matteo Bassetti, Antonio Di Biagio","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The treatment landscape for HIV is rapidly evolving, particularly with the advent of two-drug regimens (2DR). Traditionally, three-drug regimens (3DR) have been the standard, providing effective treatment but often at the cost of tolerability and increased pill burden. Recent studies demonstrate that 2DR can achieve non-inferior virological suppression compared to 3DR, while potentially offering enhanced safety and reduced long-term drug exposure. This review evaluates the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of dolutegravir (DTG) plus lamivudine (3TC) in both adult and pediatric populations. The pediatric population presents unique challenges due to complexities in treatment adherence and limited available options, underscoring the urgency for effective treatments tailored to their needs. Emerging data from ongoing clinical trials highlight the potential of DTG/3TC to maintain viral suppression with fewer side effects and improve treatment adherence through simplified regimens. The review highlights the need for further research to support the use of 2DR in children and adolescents, particularly regarding long-term safety and efficacy. With increasing focus on quality of life and affordability, the integration of 2DR into pediatric HIV care may represent a critical advance in improving treatment outcomes for this vulnerable population and warrants continued clinical investigation and careful implementation into practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"48 1","pages":"14-21"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144058420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Postoperative Meningitis Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens: A Case Report.","authors":"Fatih M Akıllı, Mustafa Ulukanlıgil","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Central nervous system infections are recognized as a serious complication in patients, particularly in those with external ventricular drains. Here, we report the case of a 76-year-old woman who presented with nausea, dizziness, and cerebral discomfort following meningioma resection surgery and subsequent external ventricular drain placement. Perioperative ceftriaxone was initiated. During her stay in the intensive care unit, the patient developed a loss of consciousness and respiratory distress, necessitating reoperation for ventricular drain placement. Initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed no white blood cells or bacteria, and the first CSF culture showed no growth. However, the patient's respiratory failure and oxygen desaturation progressively worsened. Escherichia coli was detected in deep tracheal aspirate culture, prompting a revision of treatment to piperacillin-tazobactam. Subsequently, Gram-negative coccobacilli were detected in the CSF, which was inoculated into blood culture bottles, yielding a positive signal within three hours. Multiplex PCR analysis using the Biofire BCID-2 sepsis panel identified Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, both harboring carbapenemase genes (OXA-48 and CTX-M in A. baumannii, KPC in K. pneumoniae). Identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using Vitek-2 and conventional disc diffusion methods. Urgent intraventricular colistin, in combination with meropenem administered by prolonged infusion, was initiated. This antibiotic regimen successfully eradicated the bacteria from the CSF. Despite microbiological clearance, the patient succumbed to systemic hypotension, worsening oxygen saturation, and uncontrolled complications of diabetes. This case underscores the critical risk of central nervous system infections caused by A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures, particularly those involving external ventricular drains. Moreover, it highlights the importance of vigilant postoperative monitoring and a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex complications following posterior fossa meningioma surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"48 1","pages":"84-88"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144042951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cervicovaginal microbiota in Chlamydia trachomatis and other preventable sexually transmitted infections of public health importance: a systematic umbrella review.","authors":"Marisa Di Pietro, Simone Filardo, Rosa Sessa","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A dysbiotic cervicovaginal microbiota, characterized by the overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, leads to bacterial vaginosis, known to increase the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections. The present umbrella review aims to summarize evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses on how cervicovaginal microbiota changes in relation to preventable sexually transmitted infections of public health importance, namely Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and human papillomavirus. The databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched with the following strategy: ((chlamydia trachomatis) OR (treponema pallidum) OR (HPV) OR (neisseria gonorrhoeae)) AND (((microbio*) OR (metagen*)) AND (genital)); a total of 12 studies were included. Overall, this umbrella review highlighted that a highly diverse cervicovaginal microbiota has been associated with C. trachomatis infection and can be considered a risk factor in pre-cancerous lesions/cervical cancer related to high-risk HPV infections, whereas the role of cervicovaginal microbiota in N. gonorrhoeae infection is still unclear. In conclusion, specific microbial profiles associated with a high risk for each sexually transmitted pathogen have not yet been identified, and, in the future, more advanced multi-omics approaches will be helpful to clearly describe the etiopathogenetic relationships between resident microorganisms and genital conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"48 1","pages":"5-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144041244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marina D'Isanto, Francesca Battista, Martina Cipollaro, Anna Balestrieri, Yolande T R Proroga, Rubina Paradiso, Giovanna Fusco, Giorgia Borriello, Salvatore Maddaluno
{"title":"Human bloodstream infection caused by a Colistin multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strain: a case report.","authors":"Marina D'Isanto, Francesca Battista, Martina Cipollaro, Anna Balestrieri, Yolande T R Proroga, Rubina Paradiso, Giovanna Fusco, Giorgia Borriello, Salvatore Maddaluno","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is an important pathogen causing healthcare-associated infections. The onset of Pan Drug Resistant (PDR) strains of A. baumannii, which are also resistant to colistin due to its excessive consumption, makes these strains difficult to eradicate. The appearance of new aggressive phenotypes among sentinel microorganisms in the control of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) requires the molecular approach to define a database of local nosocomial strains. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is a useful tool to monitor the emergence of new aggressive bacterial phenotypes among sentinel microorganisms for the control of HAI. We describe a case report of colistin-resistant A. baumannii strain isolated from a blood-stream infection and evaluate the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). A colistin-resistant, PDR A. baumannii strain was isolated from blood cultures, bile fluid and wound in a patient with bacteremia in \"Santa Maria delle Grazie Hospital\" , Pozzuoli Italy. The strain was characterized by both biochemical and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis. We identified a colistin-resistant strain of A. baumannii from a human bloodstream infection. WGS results were integrated with diagnostic procedures for a better characterization of the co-occurrence of several distinct antibiotic resistance mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"48 1","pages":"22-26"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143992460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elizabeth Iskandar, Nicola Ferraro, Fabiana G Secchi, Guglielmo Ferrari, Antonino M G Pitrolo, Paolo Rama, Fausto Baldanti, Caterina Cavanna
{"title":"Fungal Keratitis Caused by Scedosporium apiospermum in an Immunocompetent Patient: How Challenging Can Treatment get?","authors":"Elizabeth Iskandar, Nicola Ferraro, Fabiana G Secchi, Guglielmo Ferrari, Antonino M G Pitrolo, Paolo Rama, Fausto Baldanti, Caterina Cavanna","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This case report underscores the complexities in managing fungal keratitis caused by Scedosporium apiospermum, even in an immunocompetent patient. The pathogen's resistance to many antifungal agents, its ability to invade deep ocular structures, and the presence of posterior chamber involvement added to the treatment challenges. Effective management requires not only timely diagnosis and targeted antifungal therapy, such as voriconazole, but also careful consideration of adjunctive treatments like corticosteroids and surgical interventions to address inflammation and posterior chamber involvement. In such cases, timely diagnosis is critical. Given the challenges associated with accurate identification through routine mycological diagnostic methods and the limitations of reference spectral libraries for MALDI-TOF MS, the prompt application of molecular techniques should be regarded as the gold standard for Scedosporium spp. typing in instances of clinical suspicion. This approach facilitates rapid and targeted therapeutic interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"48 1","pages":"89-94"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144006262","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Children with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Refractory Pneumonia Caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.","authors":"Qing Tang, Hua Zhang, YuanJie Kang","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) has been reported to be a common cause of bronchial malformations, shortness of breath, and dyspnea in children in recent years. With improvement in diagnosis and treatment, the incidence of RMPP is increasing. It has been reported that some patients develop resistance to macrolide antibiotics, in which the mechanism of action is complex and the treatment is harsh. Two children with RMPP underwent rapid progression 1 week after onset to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Ventilator-assisted ventilation was initiated and fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed to assist in diagnosis and treatment. The treatment regimens were adjusted according to the rapid changes in status. The two children were cured and discharged from the hospital in stable condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"48 1","pages":"78-83"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144041302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Arwa A Zehairy, Sayed S Sohrab, Thamir A Alandijany, Ahmed M Hassan, Aymn T Abbas, Umama A Abdel-Dayem, Awatif A Al-Judaibi, Esam I Azhar
{"title":"Developing Indirect rRVFV-NP based ELISA Protocol for Detection of IgG Against Rift Valley Fever Virus.","authors":"Arwa A Zehairy, Sayed S Sohrab, Thamir A Alandijany, Ahmed M Hassan, Aymn T Abbas, Umama A Abdel-Dayem, Awatif A Al-Judaibi, Esam I Azhar","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic arbovirus that causes significant infectious diseases in humans and in a wide array of domestic livestock. A notable epidemic of RVFV occurred in Saudi Arabia and Yemen in 2000, resulting in severe public health ramifications and high mortality rates among both human and animal populations. Despite the urgency of the situation, no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for human use has been developed to date. There are currently no commercially available ELISA assays for RVFV. This study aims to develop an in-house ELISA utilizing purified recombinant nucleoprotein (NP) of RVFV. A total of 232 serum samples from slaughterhouse workers were employed to optimize this assay, which was validated against the SNT. The developed assay demonstrated a specificity of 96.64% and a sensitivity of 100% with a cut-off value of 0.36 when using the in-house RVFV-NP as the coating antigen. In comparison, a commercially available RVFV-NP-based ELISA exhibited a specificity of 96.23% and a sensitivity of 100% with a cut-off value of 0.37. Furthermore, the absorbance values of positive samples showed a significant correlation with their corresponding SNT titers. The in-house ELISA developed in this study offers a robust diagnostic and screening tool for RVFV. It provides a valuable mechanism for early detection, surveillance, and control of RVFV infections, thereby contributing to effective management and prevention of future outbreaks.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"48 1","pages":"60-69"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144055919","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Francesco Bassani, Gabriele Pagani, Marco Franzetti, Laura Pezzati, Luca Di Odoardo, Ilaria Lazzarini, Gennaro D'Anna, Serena Leva, Claudia Pavia, Paola Mirri, Stefano Rusconi
{"title":"Insidious clinical presentation of uncommon infective endocarditis caused by Cardiobacterium species.","authors":"Francesco Bassani, Gabriele Pagani, Marco Franzetti, Laura Pezzati, Luca Di Odoardo, Ilaria Lazzarini, Gennaro D'Anna, Serena Leva, Claudia Pavia, Paola Mirri, Stefano Rusconi","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Infective endocarditis (IE) is a fatal disease caused by a wide range of pathogens, with a strong prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria. In this paper we describe two peculiar cases of Cardiobacterium spp. endocarditis in young men. These case reports emphasize the insidious clinical presentation of HACEK IE and lead to a brief review of the literature and discussion on this uncommon cause of infective endocarditis. One case is a man with a prior diagnosis of myxomatous mitral valve, presenting with neurological symptoms and a mycotic aneurysm of the right anterior cerebral artery. The second case was a man with no prior medical history, presenting with fever, lumbar and right-leg pain, which led to a diagnosis of atrial myxoma. The presence of congenital cardiac malformations and an insidious onset with early presentation but unusual or non-specific symptoms are evidenced with a high prevalence in this group of patients. The diagnostic workup including cultural examinations are analyzed in the discussion. We noticed, in accordance with recent literature, a time to positivity of blood cultures longer than for typical agents, but mostly inferior to 5 days. The majority of the reported cases went to surgery, while therapeutical regimens alternative to cephalosporins, especially quinolones, are recently gaining interest. While mortality rates are lower than those observed in other cases of IE, Cardiobacterium spp. IE is characterized by a high burden of complications, leading to an often-atypical presentation.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"48 1","pages":"102-112"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144053939","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}