scholarly journals The Role of Sensor-Activated Faucets in Surgical Handwashing Environment as a Reservoir of Legionella

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Mazzotta ◽  
Luna Girolamini ◽  
Maria Rosaria Pascale ◽  
Jessica Lizzadro ◽  
Silvano Salaris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Risk Environment ◽  
Culture Techniques ◽  
Critical Areas ◽  
Standard Culture ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Mean Concentration

Surgical handwashing is a mandatory practice to protect both surgeons and patients in order to control Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). The study is focused on Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination in Surgical Handwashing Outlets (SHWOs) provided by sensor-activated faucets with Thermostatic Mixer Valves (TMVs), as correlated to temperature, technologies, and disinfection used. Samples were analyzed by standard culture techniques, comparing hot- and cold-water samples. Legionella isolates were typed by an agglutination test and by mip sequencing. Legionella contamination showed the same distribution between hot and cold samples concerning positive samples and mean concentration: 44.5% and 1.94 Log10 cfu/L vs. 42.6% and 1.81 Log10 cfu/L, respectively. Regarding the distribution of isolates (Legionella pneumophila vs. Legionella non-pneumophila species), significant differences were found between hot- and cold-positive samples. The contamination found in relation to ranges of temperature showed the main positive samples (47.1%) between 45.1–49.6 °C, corresponding to high Legionella concentrations (2.17 Log10 cfu/L). In contrast, an increase of temperature (>49.6 °C) led to a decrease in positive samples (23.2%) and mean concentration (1.64 Log10 cfu/L). A low level of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found. For SHWOs located in critical areas, lack of consideration of technologies used and uncorrected disinfection protocols may lead to the development of a high-risk environment for both patients and surgeons.

scholarly journals Humidifier-associated paediatric Legionnaires' disease, Israel, February 2012

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (41) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Moran-Gilad ◽  
T Lazarovitch ◽  
M Mentasti ◽  
T Harrison ◽  
M Weinberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Fatal Case ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Free Standing ◽  
Legionnaires Disease

We report a fatal case of community-acquired Legionnaires' disease in an infant aged under six months. Epidemiological and microbiological investigations suggested that a free-standing cold water humidifier using domestic tap water contaminated with Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 served as a vehicle for infection. These findings were corroborated by sequence-based typing (SBT). Humidifier-associated Legionnaires' disease can be prevented by appropriate control measures. This case also illustrates the emerging role of SBT in the investigation of legionellosis.

scholarly journals Healthcare-associated Legionnaires’ disease: Limitations of surveillance definitions and importance of epidemiologic investigation

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 307-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laila M Castellino ◽  
Shantini D Gamage ◽  
Patti V Hoffman ◽  
Stephen M Kralovic ◽  
Mark Holodniy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Sequence Type ◽  
Significant Morbidity ◽  
Urinary Antigen ◽  
Epidemiologic Investigation ◽  
Urinary Antigen Testing ◽  
Legionnaires Disease ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Antigen Testing

Healthcare-associated Legionnaires’ disease (HCA LD) causes significant morbidity and mortality, with varying guidance on prevention. We describe the evaluation of a case of possible HCA LD and note the pitfalls of relying solely on an epidemiologic definition for association of a case with a facility. Our detailed investigation led to the identification of a new Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 sequence type, confirmed a healthcare association and helped build the framework for our ongoing preventive efforts. Our experience highlights the role of routine environmental cultures in the assessment of risk for a given facility. As clinicians increasingly rely on urinary antigen testing for the detection of L. pneumophila, our investigation emphasises the importance of clinical cultures in an epidemiologic investigation.

Role of Anaerobes in Chronic Sinusitis: Will Polymerase Chain Reaction Solve the Debate

2002 ◽  
Vol 127 (5) ◽  
pp. 384-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan H. Ramadan ◽  
Peter H. Mathers ◽  
Heather Schwartzbauer
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Rhinosinusitis ◽  
Chronic Sinusitis ◽  
Anaerobic Bacteria ◽  
Sinus Surgery ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Culture Techniques ◽  
Standard Culture ◽  
Polymerase Chain

BACKGROUND: Bacteriology of chronic sinusitis continues to be a matter of debate, particularly the role of anaerobes. Some authors suggest that anaerobes play a significant role whereas others suggest a minimal role. Those who suggest a significant role argue that standard culture techniques are the culprits. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on sinus specimens for the presence of anaerobes and to compare them with standard culture techniques. METHODS: Sixty-four samples were obtained in a sterile fashion during sinus surgery and were sent for standard anaerobic cultures as well as anaerobic PCR analysis. RESULTS: Anaerobic bacteria were demonstrated in 5% of culture specimens, which is similar to recently published data. PCR identified anaerobic bacteria in 19% of the specimens ( P = 0.01) CONCLUSION: PCR analysis of surgical samples obtained during endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis identified a significantly higher incidence of anaerobes (x4) compared with standard anaerobic culture technique. Chronic rhinosinusitis is one of the most common chronic diseases that affects individuals in the United States. It is estimated that >25 million office visits are made for sinusitis. 1 The financial impact of chronic sinusitis includes not only the direct medical costs of treatment but also the millions of hours of lost productivity caused by the disease. 1 Chronic rhinosinusitis is defined as the signs and symptoms of sinus inflammation that last longer than 12 weeks associated with documented sinus inflammation with imaging techniques ≥4 weeks after appropriate antibiotic therapy. 2 There is agreement in the literature regarding the bacterial etiology of acute rhinosinusitis. However, the etiology of chronic rhinosinusitis is still unclear despite numerous articles about the bacteriology of chronic rhinosinusitis. 3–10 The role of aerobes is more clear than the role of anaerobes in chronic rhinosinusitis; many conflicting reports have been published about the role of anaerobes as etiologic factors in chronic rhinosinusitis. 3–10 The incidence of anaerobes obtained on standard cultures from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis ranges from 0% to 56%. 3–10 The reports that show a high yield of anaerobes argue that the technique used to obtain the specimens, the method of transportation, and even specimen collection are reasons why other reports did not yield high levels of anaerobes. 4–5 With increasing numbers of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and with increasing bacterial resistance to antimicrobials, which is blamed on the improper use of antimicrobials, knowledge of the bacteriology becomes important in the treatment. The role of aerobes was addressed in a prior publication 11 ; the role of anaerobic bacteria as an etiologic cause of chronic rhinosinusitis is addressed in this report. The goal of this study was to test specimens, using 2 different techniques, obtained during endoscopic sinus surgery from individuals who had chronic rhinosinusitis.

Role of rhizobia in suppressing the root rot and root knot disease of chili used alone or with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gulnaz Parveen ◽  
Faizah Urooj ◽  
Hafiza Asma Shafique ◽  
Afshan Rahman ◽  
Syed Ehteshamul Haque
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Root Rot

Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Acinetobacter

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 46-59
Author(s):  
A.G. Salmanov ◽  
O.M. Verner ◽  
L.F. Slepova
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Immunocompromised Host ◽  
Clinical Problem ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Opportunistic Bacteria ◽  
Acinetobacter Spp ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Major Clinical Problem

Species of the Acinetobacter represent opportunistic bacteria with a growing clinical significance for Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). In this literature review, we focus on the current role of Acinetobacter in infectious pathology and describe taxonomy, pathogenicity, and antibiotic resistance of these bacteria. Pathogenesis and regulation of virulence factors in Acinetobacter spp. are described in detail. The majority of acinetobacterial infections are associated with A. baumannii and occur predominantly in an immunocompromised host. Usually, acinetobacterial  infections  are characterized by local purulent inflammation; in severe cases, meningitis and sepsis may develop. Antibiotic resistance of Acinetobacter is a major clinical problem; therefore we give special attention to laboratory testing of resistance to antibiotics as well as identification of Acinetobacter.

scholarly journals Sub-Inhibitory Concentrations of Ciprofloxacin Alone and Combinations with Plant-Derived Compounds against P. aeruginosa Biofilms and Their Effects on the Metabolomic Profile of P. aeruginosa Biofilms

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 414
Author(s):  
Didem Kart ◽  
Tuba Reçber ◽  
Emirhan Nemutlu ◽  
Meral Sagiroglu
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Inhibitory Concentration ◽  
Molecular Level ◽  
Metabolomic Profile ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
New Agents ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
Metabolomic Approach

Introduction: Alternative anti-biofilm agents are needed to combat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. The mechanisms behind these new agents also need to be revealed at a molecular level. Materials and methods: The anti-biofilm effects of 10 plant-derived compounds on P. aeruginosa biofilms were investigated using minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) and virulence assays. The effects of ciprofloxacin and compound combinations on P. aeruginosa in mono and triple biofilms were compared. A metabolomic approach and qRT-PCR were applied to the biofilms treated with ciprofloxacin in combination with baicalein, esculin hydrate, curcumin, and cinnamaldehyde at sub-minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) concentrations to highlight the specific metabolic shifts between the biofilms and to determine the quorum sensing gene expressions, respectively. Results: The combinations of ciprofloxacin with curcumin, baicalein, esculetin, and cinnamaldehyde showed more reduced MBICs than ciprofloxacin alone. The quorum sensing genes were downregulated in the presence of curcumin and cinnamaldehyde, while upregulated in the presence of baicalein and esculin hydrate rather than for ciprofloxacin alone. The combinations exhibited different killing effects on P. aeruginosa in mono and triple biofilms without affecting its virulence. The findings of the decreased metabolite levels related to pyrimidine and lipopolysaccharide synthesis and to down-regulated alginate and lasI expressions strongly indicate the role of multifactorial mechanisms for curcumin-mediated P. aeruginosa growth inhibition. Conclusions: The use of curcumin, baicalein, esculetin, and cinnamaldehyde with ciprofloxacin will help fight against P. aeruginosa biofilms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind to define the effect of plant-based compounds as possible anti-biofilm agents with low MBICs for the treatment of P. aeruginosa biofilms through metabolomic pathways.

scholarly journals The MarR-Type Regulator PA3458 Is Involved in Osmoadaptation Control in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 3982
Author(s):  
Karolina Kotecka ◽  
Adam Kawalek ◽  
Kamil Kobylecki ◽  
Aneta Agnieszka Bartosik
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Transcriptional Profiling ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Transcriptional Regulators ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Chronic Infections ◽  
Environmental Signals ◽  
Regulatory Systems

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a facultative human pathogen, causing acute and chronic infections that are especially dangerous for immunocompromised patients. The eradication of P. aeruginosa is difficult due to its intrinsic antibiotic resistance mechanisms, high adaptability, and genetic plasticity. The bacterium possesses multilevel regulatory systems engaging a huge repertoire of transcriptional regulators (TRs). Among these, the MarR family encompasses a number of proteins, mainly acting as repressors, which are involved in response to various environmental signals. In this work, we aimed to decipher the role of PA3458, a putative MarR-type TR from P. aeruginosa. Transcriptional profiling of P. aeruginosa PAO1161 overexpressing PA3458 showed changes in the mRNA level of 133 genes; among them, 100 were down-regulated, suggesting the repressor function of PA3458. Concomitantly, ChIP-seq analysis identified more than 300 PA3458 binding sites in P. aeruginosa. The PA3458 regulon encompasses genes involved in stress response, including the PA3459–PA3461 operon, which is divergent to PA3458. This operon encodes an asparagine synthase, a GNAT-family acetyltransferase, and a glutamyl aminopeptidase engaged in the production of N-acetylglutaminylglutamine amide (NAGGN), which is a potent bacterial osmoprotectant. We showed that PA3458-mediated control of PA3459–PA3461 expression is required for the adaptation of P. aeruginosa growth in high osmolarity. Overall, our data indicate that PA3458 plays a role in osmoadaptation control in P. aeruginosa.

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