Pathogen Detection on Inanimate Surfaces in Healthcare Institutions: Phenotype and Genotype Detection Methods | Chapter 3 | Medicine and Medical Research: New Perspectives Vol. 12

Aims: The persistence and transmission of microorganisms, especially in hospitals and other healthcare-associated facilities, are critical concerns in addressing healthcare-associated infections (HCAI). This comprehensive chapter addresses various facets of environmental hygiene and pathogen detection. Emphasis has been made on the importance of effective sanitation practices and advanced detection methods in mitigating healthcare-associated infections based on the results of 10 of our previously published studies on the detection and survival of pathogens on surfaces.

Methods: Studies on the detection of pathogens on surfaces are conducted using various phenotype and genotype methods using different databases. For the detection of pathogenic bacteria and fungi on surfaces, several incubation-based methods like contact plates, swabbing, elution, and some other methods can be used. In contrast, genotype methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) offer a rapid alternative to phenotype incubation methods. The detection of viruses is mainly conducted using PCR for gene amplification, followed by virus isolation in cell cultures.

Results and Discussion: Hospital surfaces can harbour microorganisms for extended periods, significantly contributing to nosocomial infections. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding surface contamination by SARS-CoV-2 became paramount. Implementing rigorous sanitation measures and continuous hygiene monitoring, including regular employee education on hand hygiene are crucial in preventing recontamination. Hospital laundries are potential hotspots for pathogen transmission if textiles are not properly disinfected and handled. Microorganisms can survive on surfaces for various periods at different temperatures. Traditional methods for assessing surface cleanliness, involving surface sampling and classical incubation, are time-consuming methods that may take 2-4 days to analyse the results.

Conclusion: This chapter emphasizes the critical need for robust environmental hygiene protocols, advanced detection methods, and continuous monitoring to mitigate the risk of HCAIs. Implementing stringent sanitation measures, educating healthcare workers, and utilizing sensitive detection technologies are some of the essential strategies for the ongoing battle against healthcare-associated pathogens.

 

Author (s) Details

Sabina Fijan
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Žitna Ulica 15, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia.

 

Urška Rozman
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Žitna Ulica 15, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia.

 

Sonja Šostar Turk
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Žitna Ulica 15, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia.

 

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mmrnp/v12/2626

Growing Relevance of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci in Neonates: A Rising Thunder in Intensive Care Units | Chapter 4 | Recent Updates in Disease and Health Research Vol. 1

Background: Neonatal septicemia is a severe life-threatening bacteremia in which multiplying bacteria release toxins into the blood stream which increases production of cytokines causing clinical manifestations like fever, chills, tissue anoxia, reduced blood pressure, collapse etc. Enterococci are one of the important global pathogens in neonatal septicemia and were considered colonizers in the past. Their gaining resistance has been highlighted mainly to Vancomycin and high level aminoglycosides.

Aim: This study was carried out to emphasize the growing relevance of multi-drug-resistant Enterococci in newborns, which were previously solely non-harmful colonists.

Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective study in which blood culture samples from the neonatal intensive care unit received in the laboratory were considered. Processing of samples and identification of organisms were done as per standard guidelines.

Results: Enterococci accounted for 16% of the isolation rate. 78% of them showed early onset septicemia with male predominance. Vancomycin resistance Enterococci (VRE)was observed in only one isolate (11%) while high level aminoglycoside resistance was observed in 80% of them. Clinical history suggested low birth weight, prematurity, fever, catheterization and raised C- reactive protein levels.

Conclusions: The study shows an upsurge of VRE and highlevel aminoglycoside resistance (HLAR) in neonatal septicemia with the need for periodic training and active surveillance culture program for rapid identification of colonizers as the main cause of bacteremia and increase awareness amongst the health care workers about the rising multi drug resistant infectious incidence of Enterococci.

Author(s) Details:

Manali Hitenbhai Shah,
Government Medical College, Surat, India.

Summaiya Abdulvahed Mullan,
Government Medical College, Surat, India and M.P. Shah Medical College, Jamnagar, India.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RUDHR-V1/article/view/13212

The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Sutherlandia frutescens (Unwele) and Benzathine Penicillin on Enterococcus faecalis| Chapter 6 | Challenges and Advances in Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 10

 Therapeutic plants have existed used, for many age, traditionally for situation of infections. The mounting tumor of antimicrobial resistance, now, has led to chemists exploring their decontaminating activity to form an essential part of alternative situations.Aim: To assess the operation of the combination of the liquid extracts of Sutherlandia frutescens (S. frutescens) and benzathine penicillin on Enterococcus faecalis (E faecalis) utilizing disc spread and microdilution methods.Method: Leaf extract, of S. frutescens, were prepared in accordance with modified form of the German Homeopathic Pharmacopoea. The antibacterial endeavor of the combination, of the plant extract and benzathine medicine, was evaluated utilizing the disk diffusion test. The consolidation, of plant extract and penicillin, was in the percentage of 1:1. Results showing some form of inhibition were rooted, by the minimum inhibitory concentration assays, utilizing the agar dilution form. Bacterial sensitivity experiment was performed similarly modified Kirby-Bauer antimicrobial sympathy test. The combination and penicillin were all proven against E faecalis and, the results were compared to decide the synergistic or opposing activity.Results: Benzathine medicine inhibited the microorganisms producing a zone of hindrance which was effective 27 mm. The zones of inhibition for the alliance of extract and benzathine penicillin, against E faecalis, was 21 mm. The minimum inhibitory aggregation, of the combination, was 0% growth for 1 in 2 to 1 in 16 dilutions. This plainly indicates an opposing activity.Conclusion: The potential for evolving antimicrobials from plants, in vitro, supports a platform for phytomedicine and pharmacological studies.

Author(s) Details:

N. W. Nsele,
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi, South Africa.

S. Moodley,
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi, South Africa.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/CAPR-V10/article/view/8800

Determination of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Typing an Enterococcus sp.| Chapter 1 | Research Aspects in Biological Science Vol. 8

 The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) method was employed in the current study to classify Enterococcus sp. It was taken out of a hospital in an effort to provide a standardised method for identifying and classifying enterococci. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is a quick and affordable technique to characterise chemical cell characteristics and identify the functional groups present in the cell wall (FTIR). Based on their vibration patterns at various infrared wave numbers, functional groups in organic compounds can be identified using the well-established method of infrared spectroscopy. Due to the advent of vancomycin resistance, Enterococcus species, one of the major causes of nosocomial infections, are difficult to treat. Studies on Enterococcus isolates are essential for epidemiological research. Typing of enterococci frequently involves both genotypic and phenotypic methods. In this study, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used as a novel phenotypic approach for typing Enterococci. FTIR spectroscopy data were compared to results from PCR amplification of the vancomycin gene and tests for antibiotic sensitivity; the study revealed that 6 isolates were positive for the van gene (4 of VanA, 1 of VanB and 1 VanA plus VanB). VanB was shown to be susceptible, but three of VanA and VanA plus VanB were resistant to every antibiotic tested (Ampicillin, Teicoplanin, and Vancomycin). The isolates were classified into 8 groups using FTIR spectroscopy (first derivatives). The remaining 13 Enterococcus isolates were classified into 3 clusters, with 3 groups of VanA (4 isolates), 1 group of VanB (one isolate), and 1 group of VanA + VanB (one isolate). It is possible to identify certain physical and chemical features by examining the numerous molecules and organic substances that make up the cell structure. According to the study, some Enterococci bacterial species produce organic compounds that can be used to identify their species. Because of this, clinical microbiologists believe that FTIR has a lot of potential in this field.

Author(s) Details:

Mohammad I. Abu Taha,
Physics Department, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestinian Territories.

Hatem K. Eideh,
Medical Laboratory Sciences Department, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestinian Territories.

Sameeh M. Saed,
Iskander Khoury Secondary School, Bethelehem, Palestinian Territories.

Hazem Jaber,
Medical Laboratory, Al-Maqased Hospital, Jerusalem, Palestinian Territories.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RABS-V8/article/view/8190

Study about Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy | Chapter 2 | Innovations in Microbiology and Biotechnology Vol. 6

In the current study, an effort was made to provide a standardised method for the separation and characterisation of enterococci by using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy [FTIRS] to type Enterococcus sp. that was isolated from a hospital. One of the most frequent causes of nosocomial infections, the Enterococcus genus can be challenging to treat due to the emergence of Vancomycin-resistant strains. For epidemiological research, the examination of Enterococcus isolates is essential. Enterococci are typically typed using conventional phenotypic and genotypic methods. FTIR spectroscopy data were compared to results from PCR amplification of the vancomycin gene and tests for antibiotic sensitivity; the study revealed that 6 isolates were positive for the van gene (4 of VanA, 1 of VanB and 1 VanA plus VanB). VanB was shown to be susceptible, but three of VanA and VanA plus VanB were resistant to every antibiotic tested (Ampicillin, Teicoplanin, and Vancomycin). The isolates were classified into 8 groups using FTIR spectroscopy (first derivatives). The remaining 13 Enterococcus isolates were classified into 3 clusters, with one group each of VanA (4 isolates), VanB (1 isolate), and VanA + VanB (1 isolate). In comparison to other approaches, the study showed that FTIR spectroscopy has a good ability for discrimination and a high level of reproducibility. This finding also suggests that certain Enterococci bacterial species produce organic molecules that may be used to classify them, and it is thought that FTIR has a lot of promise for use in this kind of clinical microbiology.

Author(s) Details:

Mohammad I. Abu Taha,
Department of Physics Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestinian Territories.

Hatem K. Eideh,
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestinian Territories.

Sameeh M. Saed,
Iskander Khoury Secondary School, Bethelehem, Palestinian Territories.

Hazem Jaber,
Medical Lab, Al-Maqased Hospital, Jerusalem, Palestinian Territories.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/IMB-V6/article/view/7242