Photodynamic Therapy in Endodontics: A Helpful Tool to Combat Antibiotic Resistance? A Literature Review

Background: Antibiotic resistance has become a growing global problem where overprescription is a contributing factor for its development. In the endodontics field, complementary treatments, such as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), have been described to eliminate residual bacteria from the root canal space and reduce complications. The aim of this review is to describe the literature evidence up to now regarding the advantages, efficiency, and clinical outcomes of this therapy in endodontics as a possible tool to combat antibiotic resistance. Methods: A review of the literature from 2010 to 2021 was carried out using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Two steps were taken: First, articles were compiled through the terms and MeSH terms “Photochesdmotherapy” and “endodontics.” Then, a second search was conducted using “photodynamic therapy” and “antibiotic resistance” or “drug resistance, microbial.” Results: A total of 51 articles were included for evaluation: 27 laboratory studies, 14 reviews, and 10 clinical studies. Laboratory studies show that aPDT achieves significant bacterial elimination, even against antibiotic-resistant species, and is also effective in biofilm disruption. Clinical studies suggest that aPDT can be considered a promising technique to reduce bacterial complications, and reviews about the issue confirm its advantages. Conclusion: The benefits of aPDT in reducing complications due to its antibacterial effects means a possible decrease in systemic antibiotic prescription in endodontics. In addition, it could be an alternative to local intracanal antibiotic therapy, avoiding the appearance of possible antibiotic resistance, as no bacterial resistance with aPDT has been described to date.

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An Overview on Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus Complex Isolates: Identification to the Species/Subspecies Level and Antibiotic Resistance

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms20030480 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 480 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Arianna Pompilio ◽

Giovanni Di Bonaventura ◽

Giovanni Gherardi

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Streptococcus Bovis ◽

Accurate Identification ◽

Carriage Rate ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Resistant Species ◽

Subspecies Level ◽

Resistance Rates ◽

Group D ◽

Streptococcus Equinus

Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex (SBSEC), a non-enterococcal group D Streptococcus spp. complex, has been described as commensal bacteria in humans and animals, with a fecal carriage rate in humans varying from 5% to over 60%. Among streptococci, SBSEC isolates represent the most antibiotic-resistant species—with variable resistance rates reported for clindamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and levofloxacin—and might act as a reservoir of multiple acquired genes. Moreover, reduced susceptibility to penicillin and vancomycin associated with mobile genetic elements have also been detected, although rarely. Since the association of SBSEC bacteremia and colon lesions, infective endocarditis and hepatobiliary diseases has been established, particularly in elderly individuals, an accurate identification of SBSEC isolates to the species and subspecies level, as well as the evaluation of antibiotic resistance, are needed. In this paper, we reviewed the major methods used to identify SBSEC isolates and the antimicrobial resistance rates reported in the scientific literature among SBSEC species.

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The Activity of Alkanna Species in vitro Culture and Intact Plant Extracts Against Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612825666190716112510 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (16) ◽

pp. 1861-1865 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Naira Sahakyan ◽

Margarit Petrosyan ◽

Armen Trchounian

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Antibacterial Agents ◽

Bacterial Resistance ◽

Antimicrobial Agents ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Plant Origin ◽

Bacterial Strains ◽

Biotechnological Production ◽

Antibiotic Resistant

Overcoming the antibiotic resistance is nowadays a challenge. There is still no clear strategy to combat this problem. Therefore, the urgent need to find new sources of antibacterial agents exists. According to some literature, substances of plant origin are able to overcome bacterial resistance against antibiotics. Alkanna species plants are among the valuable producers of these metabolites. But there is a problem of obtaining the standardized product. So, this review is focused on the discussion of the possibilities of biotechnological production of antimicrobial agents from Alkanna genus species against some microorganisms including antibiotic resistant bacterial strains.

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Sewer biofilm microbiome and antibiotic resistance genes as function of pipe material, source of microbes, and disinfection: field and laboratory studies

Environmental Science Water Research & Technology ◽

10.1039/d0ew00265h ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (8) ◽

pp. 2122-2137

Author(s):

William R. Morales Medina ◽

Alessia Eramo ◽

Melissa Tu ◽

N. L. Fahrenfeld

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Microbial Ecology ◽

Resistance Genes ◽

Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Pipe Material ◽

Laboratory Studies ◽

Material Source ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Wastewater Systems

Wastewater systems are recognized pathways for the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria, but relatively little is known about the microbial ecology of the sewer environment.

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Prevalence of Diversified Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria within Sanitation Related Facilities of Human Populated Workplaces in Abbottabad

10.1101/2020.05.05.078485 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jawad Ali ◽

Malik Owais Ullah Awan ◽

Gulcin Akca ◽

Iftikhar Zeb ◽

Bilal AZ Amin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Bacterial Resistance ◽

Bacterial Species ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Beta Lactam ◽

Bacterial Strains ◽

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria ◽

Sensitivity Testing ◽

Antibiotic Resistant

AbstractAntibiotics discovery was a significant breakthrough in the field of therapeutic medicines, but the over (mis)use of such antibiotics (n parallel) caused the increasing number of resistant bacterial species at an ever-higher rate. This study was thus devised to assess the multi-drug resistant bacteria present in sanitation-related facilities in human workplaces. In this regard, samples were collected from different gender, location, and source-based facilities, and subsequent antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed on isolated bacterial strains. Four classes of the most commonly used antibiotics i.e., β-lactam, Aminoglycosides, Macrolides, and Sulphonamides, were evaluated against the isolated bacteria.The antibiotic resistance profile of different (70) bacterial strains showed that the antibiotic resistance-based clusters also followed the grouping based on their isolation sources, mainly the gender. Twenty-three bacterial strains were further selected for their 16s rRNA gene based molecular identification and for phylogenetic analysis to evaluate the taxonomic evolution of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Moreover, the bacterial resistance to Sulphonamides and beta lactam was observed to be the most and to Aminoglycosides and macrolides as the least. Plasmid curing was also performed for MDR bacterial strains, which significantly abolished the resistance potential of bacterial strains for different antibiotics. These curing results suggested that the antibiotic resistance determinants in these purified bacterial strains are present on respective plasmids. Altogether, the data suggested that the human workplaces are the hotspot for the prevalence of MDR bacteria and thus may serve the source of horizontal gene transfer and further transmission to other environments.

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Use of Germicides in the Home and the Healthcare Setting Is There a Relationship Between Germicide Use and Antibiotic Resistance?

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1086/507964 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 27 (10) ◽

pp. 1107-1119 ◽

Cited By ~ 47

Author(s):

David J. Weber ◽

William A. Rutala

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Bacterial Resistance ◽

Scientific Literature ◽

Test Organism ◽

Healthcare Setting ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Altered Level ◽

Healthcare Facilities

Background.The spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens represents an increasing threat in healthcare facilities. Concern has been expressed that the use of surface disinfectants and antiseptics may select for antibiotic-resistant pathogens.Objective.To review the scientific literature on whether there is a link between use of germicides (ie, disinfectants and antiseptics) and bacterial resistance to antibiotics. In addition, we will review whether antibiotic-resistant bacteria exhibit altered susceptibility to germicides that are recommended for use as disinfectants or antiseptics.Design.A review of the appropriate scientific literature.Results.In the laboratory, it has been possible to develop bacterial mutants with reduced susceptibility to disinfectants and antiseptics that also demonstrate decreased susceptibility to antibiotics. However, the antibiotic resistance described was not clinically relevant because the test organism was rarely a human pathogen, the altered level of antimicrobial susceptibility was within achievable serum levels for the antibiotic, or the antibiotic tested was not clinically used to treat the study pathogen. Similarly, wild-type strains with reduced susceptibility to disinfectants (principally, quaternary ammonium compounds) and antiseptics (principally, triclosan) have been reported. However, because the concentration of disinfectants used in the healthcare setting greatly exceeds the concentration required to kill strains with reduced susceptibility to disinfectants, the clinical relevance of these observations is questionable.Conclusion.To date, there is no evidence that using recommended antiseptics or disinfectants selects for antibiotic-resistant organisms in nature. Disinfectants and antiseptics should be used when there are scientific studies demonstrating benefit or when there is a strong theoretical rationale for using germicides.

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Evolution and Impact of Bacterial Drug Resistance in the Context of Cystic Fibrosis Disease and Nosocomial Settings

Microbiology Insights ◽

10.4137/mbi.s10792 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. MBI.S10792 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Dinesh Sriramulu

Keyword(s):

Cystic Fibrosis ◽

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Bacterial Resistance ◽

Avirulent Strain ◽

Chronic Infections ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Acute Infections ◽

Bacterial Drug Resistance ◽

Resistant Strains ◽

The Impact

The use of antibiotics is unavoidable in trying to treat acute infections and in the prevention and control of chronic infections. Over the years, an ever increasing number of infections has escalated the use of antibiotics, which has necessitated action against an emerging bacterial resistance. There seems to be a continuous acquisition of new resistance mechanisms among bacteria that switch niches between human, animals, and the environment. An antibiotic resistant strain emerges when it acquires the DNA that confers the added capacity needed to survive in an unusual niche. Once acquired, a new resistance mechanism evolves according to the dynamics of the microenvironment; there is then a high probability that it is transferred to other species or to an avirulent strain of the same species. A well understood model for studying emerging antibiotic resistance and its impact is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen which is able to cause acute and chronic infections in nosocomial settings. This bacterium has a huge genetic repertoire consisting of genes that encode both innate and acquired antibiotic resistance traits. Besides acute infections, chronic colonization of P. aeruginosa in the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients plays a significant role in morbidity and mortality. Antibiotics used in the treatment of such infections has increased the longevity of patients over the last several decades. However, emerging multidrug resistant strains and the eventual increase in the dosage of antibiotic(s) is of major concern. Though there are various infections that are treated by single/combined antibiotics, the particular case of P. aeruginosa infection in CF patients serves as a reference for understanding the impact of overuse of antibiotics and emerging antibiotic resistant strains. This mini review presents the need for judicious use of antibiotics to treat various types of infections, protecting patients and the environment, as well as achieving a better treatment outcome.

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Characterization of Environmental and Cultivable Antibiotic-Resistant Microbial Communities Associated with Wastewater Treatment

10.20944/preprints202103.0140.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Alicia Sorgen ◽

James Johnson ◽

Kevin Lambirth ◽

Sandra Clinton ◽

Molly Redmond ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Wastewater Treatment ◽

Bacterial Resistance ◽

Compositional Data ◽

Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽

Treated Wastewater ◽

Plate Count ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Bacterial Populations ◽

Antibiotic Resistant

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a growing global concern, threatening human and environ-mental health, particularly among urban populations. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are thought to be “hotspots” for antibiotic resistance dissemination. The conditions of WWTPs, in conjunction with the persistence of commonly used antibiotics, may favor the selection and trans-fer of resistance genes among bacterial populations. WWTPs provide an important ecological niche to examine the spread of antibiotic resistance. We used heterotrophic plate count methods to identify phenotypically resistant cultivable portions of these bacterial communities and charac-terized the composition of the culturable subset of these populations. Resistant taxa were more abundant in raw sewage and wastewater before the biological aeration treatment stage. While some antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) were detectable downstream of treated wastewater re-lease, these organisms are not enriched relative to effluent-free upstream water, indicating effi-cient removal during treatment. Combined culture-dependent and culture-independent analyses revealed a stark difference in community composition between culturable fractions and the envi-ronmental source material, irrespective of culturing conditions. Higher proportions of the envi-ronmental populations were recovered than predicted by the widely accepted 1% culturability paradigm. These results represent baseline abundance and compositional data for ARB commu-nities for reference in future studies addressing the dissemination of antibiotic resistance associ-ated with urban wastewater treatment ecosystems.

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Antibiotic resistance of Enterococcus species isolated from raw foods of animal origin in South West part of Slovakia

Czech Journal of Food Sciences ◽

10.17221/246/2010-cjfs ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 29 (No. 6) ◽

pp. 654-659 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

M. Kročko ◽

M. Čanigová ◽

V. Ducková ◽

A. Artimová ◽

J. Bezeková ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Tetracycline Resistance ◽

Animal Origin ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Resistant Species ◽

West Part ◽

Enterococcus Spp ◽

Gentamicin Resistance ◽

Vancomycin Resistant ◽

Raw Foods

We determined the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of enterococci isolated from raw foods of animal origin. All samples were positive for enterococci. The lowest count of enterococci was found in pork (2.00 log CFU/cm<sup>2</sup>), while bryndza cheese contained the highest count (4.99 log CFU/g). Among the 349 Enterococcus isolates, 49% were E. faecalis, 29% E. faecium, and 13% Enterococcus spp. Tetracycline and gentamicin resistance was the most common. We found the highest tetracycline resistance levels (91%) in isolates from poultry samples. The isolates from the poultry samples also displayed multidrug resistance to all antibiotics tested. The most common vancomycin-resistant species in poultry and milk was E. faecalis. In contrast, the pork samples contained vancomycin-resistant E. faecium isolates. It is interesting to note that vancomycin resistance in the pork and poultry samples was found only in combination with either four (28%) or all five (14%) of the tested antibiotics. Our results suggest that raw products of animal origin are possible reservoirs of multi-antibiotic resistant enterococci in the food chain.

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Characterization of Environmental and Cultivable Antibiotic-Resistant Microbial Communities Associated with Wastewater Treatment

Antibiotics ◽

10.3390/antibiotics10040352 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 352

Author(s):

Alicia Sorgen ◽

James Johnson ◽

Kevin Lambirth ◽

Sandra M. Clinton ◽

Molly Redmond ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Wastewater Treatment ◽

Bacterial Resistance ◽

Compositional Data ◽

Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽

Treated Wastewater ◽

Plate Count ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Bacterial Populations ◽

Antibiotic Resistant

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a growing global concern, threatening human and environmental health, particularly among urban populations. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are thought to be “hotspots” for antibiotic resistance dissemination. The conditions of WWTPs, in conjunction with the persistence of commonly used antibiotics, may favor the selection and transfer of resistance genes among bacterial populations. WWTPs provide an important ecological niche to examine the spread of antibiotic resistance. We used heterotrophic plate count methods to identify phenotypically resistant cultivable portions of these bacterial communities and characterized the composition of the culturable subset of these populations. Resistant taxa were more abundant in raw sewage and wastewater before the biological aeration treatment stage. While some antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) were detectable downstream of treated wastewater release, these organisms are not enriched relative to effluent-free upstream water, indicating efficient removal during treatment. Combined culture-dependent and -independent analyses revealed a stark difference in community composition between culturable fractions and the environmental source material, irrespective of culturing conditions. Higher proportions of the environmental populations were recovered than predicted by the widely accepted 1% culturability paradigm. These results represent baseline abundance and compositional data for ARB communities for reference in future studies addressing the dissemination of antibiotic resistance associated with urban wastewater treatment ecosystems.

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Modelling the impact of urban and hospital wastewaters eco-exposomes on the antibiotic-resistance dynamics.

10.1101/2021.12.17.473112 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Paul Henriot ◽

Elena Buelow ◽

Fabienne Petit ◽

Marie-Cecile Ploy ◽

Christophe DAGOT ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Simple Model ◽

Bacterial Resistance ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Animal Populations ◽

Before And After ◽

Longitudinal Sampling ◽

Hospital Wastewaters ◽

The Impact

Antibiotic-resistance emergence and selection have become major public health issues globally. The presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) in natural and anthroposophical environments threatens to compromise the sustainability of care in human and animal populations. This study was undertaken to develop a simple model formalizing the selective impact of antibiotics and pollutants on the dynamics of bacterial resistance in water and use the model to analyze longitudinal spatiotemporal data collected in hospital and urban wastewaters. Longitudinal-sampling data were collected between 2012 and 2015 in four different locations in Haute-Savoie, France: hospital and urban wastewaters, before and after water-treatment plants. Three different exposure variables: 1) heavy metals 2) antibiotics and 3) surfactants; and normalized abundance of 88 individual genes and mobile genetic elements, mostly conferring resistance to antibiotics, were simultaneously collected. A simple hypothesis-driven model describing the weekly ARB dynamics was proposed to fit available data by assuming normalized gene abundance to be proportional to ARB populations in water. Compounds impacts on the dynamics of 17 genes found in multiple sites were estimated. We found that while mercury and vancomycin had relevant effects on ARB dynamics, respectively positively affecting the dynamics of 10 and 12 identified genes, surfactants antagonistically affected genes dynamics (identified for three genes). This simple model enables analyzing the relationship between resistance-gene persistence in aquatic environments and specific compounds inherent to human activities. Applying our model to longitudinal data, we identified compounds that act as co-selectors for antibiotic resistance.

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