scholarly journals Nomen est omen: why we need to rename ‘antimicrobial resistance’

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva M Krockow
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Critical Aspect ◽  
Public Health Communication ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
New Name ◽  
Single Term ◽  
Current Term ◽  
Concept Of Word ◽  
Psychology Literature ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract The naming of diseases is a critical aspect of public health communication. In light of the recent renaming of the ‘Wuhan novel coronavirus’ to COVID-19, the names of other health threats must be reviewed. In particular, a new name is urgently needed for the global challenge typically referred to as ‘antimicrobial resistance’. The current name is inconsistently used, difficult to pronounce and lacks meaning for lay audiences. It also fails to express the magnitude of the phenomenon’s potential consequences for human medicine. This article reviews and evaluates key findings from several cross-disciplinary streams of research on the psycholinguistic properties of names. These include early psychology literature pertaining to the concept of ‘word attensity’, recent cognitive research on ‘processing fluency’ in the context of word recognition, and relevant marketing literature examining the components of successful branding strategies. Three key criteria—pronounceability, meaningfulness and specificity—are found to influence the perception of names and these are discussed in the context of antimicrobial resistance. The article demonstrates that the current term of ‘antimicrobial resistance’ falls short with regard to all three criteria and concludes with specific recommendations for the creation of a new name. Only the strategic choice of a single term that is (i) short and easy to pronounce; (ii) intuitively meaningful to lay audiences and indicative of the existential threat linked to antimicrobial resistance; and (iii) uniquely associated with the topic of antimicrobial resistance is likely to bring about overdue change in the global discussion of antimicrobial resistance.

scholarly journals A case of neck abscess caused by rare hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae, capsular type K20 and sequence type 420

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Alexander McHardy ◽  
Vathshalan Selvaganeshapillai ◽  
Priya Khanna ◽  
Ashley Michael Whittington ◽  
Jane Turton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
East Asia ◽  
South East Asia ◽  
Neck Abscess ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background This case report describes a neck abscess caused by a strain of Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in a middle aged man with diabetes without a history of travel to East and South East Asia. This case report is of notable significance as Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae neck abscesses are rarely seen in the UK and are very infrequently documented in individuals who have not first travelled to the high prevalence areas of East and South East Asia. Case presentation This case report describes a 53 year old diabetic man who contracted a Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae neck abscess which led to the development of sepsis. Klebsiella pneumoniae was cultured from blood cultures and fluid aspirated from the abscess grew the pathogen with same antimicrobial susceptibility. Hypervirulence was demonstrated after the samples were analysed, at the Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections Reference Unit Public Health England Colindale, and found to contain the K20 (rmp)A and rmpA2 virulence genes. Discussion Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative, encapsulated, non-motile bacillus notable for its ability to metastatically spread and cause potentially life threatening infections in otherwise healthy adults, but especially in those with diabetes. Genes responsible for the production of hyperviscous mucoid polysaccharide capsules and siderophores, such as those isolated in this case, enable the bacteria to more efficiently evade the hosts immune system and disseminate and invade surrounding and distant tissues. Data from Public Health England shows Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae are rare in the UK. A review of current literature also showed Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae almost exclusively occur in those who have traveled to East and South East Asia. Conclusions This case reported a rare Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae neck abscess outside of, and without travel to, East and South East Asia. This raises concerns about future, potentially life threatening, Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae infections becoming more widespread without the need for endemic travel. This concern is further exacerbated by the growing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

scholarly journals Bioactive Terpenes and Their Derivatives as Potential SARS-CoV-2 Proteases Inhibitors from Molecular Modeling Studies

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 74
Author(s):  
Lúcio Ricardo Leite Diniz ◽  
Yunierkis Perez-Castillo ◽  
Hatem A. Elshabrawy ◽  
Carlos da Silva Maia Bezerra Filho ◽  
Damião Pergentino de Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Molecular Modeling Studies ◽  
Human Coronaviruses ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Chronic Comorbidities

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by a novel coronavirus; the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Millions of cases and deaths to date have resulted in a global challenge for healthcare systems. COVID-19 has a high mortality rate, especially in elderly individuals with pre-existing chronic comorbidities. There are currently no effective therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Therefore, the identification of effective therapeutics is a necessity. Terpenes are the largest class of natural products that could serve as a source of new drugs or as prototypes for the development of effective pharmacotherapeutic agents. In the present study, we discuss the antiviral activity of these natural products and we perform simulations against the Mpro and PLpro enzymes of SARS-CoV-2. Our results strongly suggest the potential of these compounds against human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals Combating the complex global challenge of antimicrobial resistance: what can Antimicrobial Stewardship contribute?

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan-Willem H. Dik ◽  
Alexander W. Friedrich ◽  
Dilip Nathwani ◽  
Bhanu Sinha
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
Global Challenge

Not available

scholarly journals Technologies to address antimicrobial resistance

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (51) ◽  
pp. 12887-12895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Baker ◽  
David J. Payne ◽  
Rino Rappuoli ◽  
Ennio De Gregorio
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Outer Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Bacterial Outer Membrane

Bacterial infections have been traditionally controlled by antibiotics and vaccines, and these approaches have greatly improved health and longevity. However, multiple stakeholders are declaring that the lack of new interventions is putting our ability to prevent and treat bacterial infections at risk. Vaccine and antibiotic approaches still have the potential to address this threat. Innovative vaccine technologies, such as reverse vaccinology, novel adjuvants, and rationally designed bacterial outer membrane vesicles, together with progress in polysaccharide conjugation and antigen design, have the potential to boost the development of vaccines targeting several classes of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, new approaches to deliver small-molecule antibacterials into bacteria, such as hijacking active uptake pathways and potentiator approaches, along with a focus on alternative modalities, such as targeting host factors, blocking bacterial virulence factors, monoclonal antibodies, and microbiome interventions, all have potential. Both vaccines and antibacterial approaches are needed to tackle the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and both areas have the underpinning science to address this need. However, a concerted research agenda and rethinking of the value society puts on interventions that save lives, by preventing or treating life-threatening bacterial infections, are needed to bring these ideas to fruition.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial Polymers: The Potential Replacement of Existing Antibiotics?

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 2747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nor Fadhilah Kamaruzzaman ◽  
Li Peng Tan ◽  
Ruhil Hayati Hamdan ◽  
Siew Shean Choong ◽  
Weng Kin Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
Direct Application ◽  
Antimicrobial Compounds ◽  
Antimicrobial Polymers ◽  
Synthetic Compounds ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Polymeric Carriers ◽  
Natural Peptides

Antimicrobial resistance is now considered a major global challenge; compromising medical advancements and our ability to treat infectious disease. Increased antimicrobial resistance has resulted in increased morbidity and mortality due to infectious diseases worldwide. The lack of discovery of novel compounds from natural products or new classes of antimicrobials, encouraged us to recycle discontinued antimicrobials that were previously removed from routine use due to their toxicity, e.g., colistin. Since the discovery of new classes of compounds is extremely expensive and has very little success, one strategy to overcome this issue could be the application of synthetic compounds that possess antimicrobial activities. Polymers with innate antimicrobial properties or that have the ability to be conjugated with other antimicrobial compounds create the possibility for replacement of antimicrobials either for the direct application as medicine or implanted on medical devices to control infection. Here, we provide the latest update on research related to antimicrobial polymers in the context of ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) pathogens. We summarise polymer subgroups: compounds containing natural peptides, halogens, phosphor and sulfo derivatives and phenol and benzoic derivatives, organometalic polymers, metal nanoparticles incorporated into polymeric carriers, dendrimers and polymer-based guanidine. We intend to enhance understanding in the field and promote further work on the development of polymer based antimicrobial compounds.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial resistance challenging professional learning in three LMICs

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heli Kaatrakoski ◽  
Allison Littlejohn ◽  
Koula Charitonos
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
National Level ◽  
Individual Responsibility ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Health Objectives

Purpose Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a huge global challenge calling for changes in learning and working in health-care settings. The purpose of this study is to examine tensions expressed by professionals involved in AMR in three low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) in Asia and Africa. Design/methodology/approach The qualitative study was based on 60 face-to-face or online interviews in three LMICs. The interviews were analyzed by thematic analysis and analysis of elements of an activity system. Findings A number of tensions within activity systems were analyzed revealing key issues inhibiting reconceptualization of object of work and moving toward new activity. The study suggests four opposing forces: (1) cost efficiency and good public health objectives; (2) historically and culturally developed hierarchies and good public health objectives; (3) individual responsibility and institutional responsibility; and (4) fragmented set ups and holistic view of activity as critical when developing learning and work activities in analyzed settings. Originality/value This study expands the analysis of learning needs beyond individual skills and knowledge by taking a systemic approach using the cultural-historical activity theory framework. It shows that learning around AMR is needed at individual, organizational and national level.

scholarly journals Emergency surgical care for patients with COVID-19 and tuberculosis coinfection at multispecialty hospital

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
MN Reshetnikov ◽  
DV Plotkin ◽  
ON Zuban ◽  
EM Bogorodskaya
Keyword(s):  
Psoas Abscess ◽  
Postoperative Mortality ◽  
Surgical Care ◽  
Surgical Patients ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Lung Involvement ◽  
Double Burden ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The double burden of the novel coronavirus infection and tuberculosis (TB) is a global challenge. The aspects of emergency surgical care for patients with COVID-19 and TB coinfection remain understudied. The aim of this study was to assess treatment outcomes in acute surgical patients with COVID-19 and preexisting TB coinfection. In 2020, our Center delivered surgical care to 465 patients with COVID-19 and preexisting TB; a total of 64 emergency surgeries were performed on 36 (5.6%) patients, of whom 16 had HIV. Thirteen patients (36.1%) were diagnosed with pulmonary TB; 23 patients (63.9%) had disseminated TB. Chest CT scans showed >25% lung involvement in 61.9% of the patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, 25–50% lung involvement in 30.6% of the patients, and 50–75% lung involvement in 5.6% of the patients. By performing abdominal CT, we were able to detect abdominal TB complications, including perforated tuberculous ulcers of the intestine, intestinal obstruction and tuberculous peritonitis, as well as tuberculous spondylitis complicated by psoas abscess. Of all surgical interventions, 28.2% were abdominal, 23.2% were thoracic, 15.6% were surgeries for soft tissue infection, and 32.8% were other types of surgery. Postoperative mortality was 22.2%. We conclude that COVID-19 did not contribute significantly to postoperative mortality among acute surgical patients with TB.

scholarly journals The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
Binta Suleman Abdullahi ◽  
Muhammad Iliyasu Baballe ◽  
Faisal Muhammad
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
The Past ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a serious global challenge that has tremendously impacted socio-economic, cultural, and educational lives over the past few months. It has lead to the worldwide recession, a stoppage in all fields of life.

Turning Calamity into Opportunity: COVID-19 & Dental Practice

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpit Sikri
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Options ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Preventive Methods ◽  
Viable Treatment

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains a global challenge. Even after extensive research going on globally, an effective vaccine and other viable treatment options have eluded investigators. Therefore, guidelines by the higher authorities and following the precautions as well as protocols provide the best approach in controlling the spread of the disease. In this article, various treatment modalities, preventive methods, and transmission routes of COVID-19 are discussed along with the impact of COVID-19 in dental practice and remedial measures to fight against the same.

scholarly journals Drivers of antibiotic use in Vietnam: implications for designing community interventions

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. e005875
Author(s):  
Shannon McKinn ◽  
Duy Hoang Trinh ◽  
Dorothy Drabarek ◽  
Thao Thu Trieu ◽  
Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Symptom Control ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Health Security ◽  
Global Challenge

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance is a global challenge that threatens our ability to prevent and treat common infectious diseases. Vietnam is affected by high rates of antimicrobial resistant infections, driven by the overuse of antibiotics and the Vietnamese government has recognised antimicrobial resistance as a health security priority. This study aimed to understand how people in Vietnam use antibiotics in community settings, and the factors that impact their practices and decision-making regarding antibiotics.MethodsWe conducted 43 qualitative in-depth interviews with 50 community members in two urban and two rural sites in Vietnam. We conducted iterative, inductive thematic analysis alongside data collection through a process of systematic debriefings based on detailed interview summaries. Through this process, we developed a coding framework that was then applied to transcribed interview data.ResultsFrequent and indiscriminate use of antibiotics was driven by the powerful appeal that antibiotics held for many Vietnamese consumers. Consumers were discerning in making decisions in their purchase and use of antibiotics. Consumers’ decisions were affected by perceptions of what constitutes high-quality medicine (effective, strong, accessible and affordable); privileging symptom control over diagnosis; social constructions of antibiotics as a trusted remedy with embodied evidence of prior efficacy, which is reinforced by advice from trusted sources in their community; and varied, generally incomplete, understanding of the concept of antibiotic resistance and its implications for individuals and for public health.ConclusionAntibiotic use at the community and primary care level in Vietnam is driven by community members’ social and economic response to what constitutes effective healthcare, rather than biomedical logic. Community-based interventions to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use need to engage with the entangled socio-structural factors that ‘resist’ current public health efforts to ration antibiotic use, alongside biomedical drivers. This study has informed the design of a community-based trial to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.

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