Journal Of Infection In Developing Countries[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Distribution of non-tuberculous Mycobacteria strains and analysis of drug resistance in Lishui City, China.
Xu H, Liu Z, Lai C … +5 more , Lin L, Guo J, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Z
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990064 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the distribution and drug resistance of clinically isolated Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) strains in Lishui City, and to provide a basis for the development of NTM disea...
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the distribution and drug resistance of clinically isolated Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) strains in Lishui City, and to provide a basis for the development of NTM disease prevention and control strategies in the region. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective cross-sectional study was performed using NTM-positive clinical specimens collected from patients at a sentinel tuberculosis hospital in Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, China, between January 2023 and December 2024. The isolated NTM strains were identified using a gene chip-based method. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the microbroth dilution method. Statistical analyses were applied to evaluate the isolation rate, species distribution, and drug-resistance patterns of the strains. RESULTS: The isolation rate of NTM among clinical patients at the sentinel hospital was 18.09% (157/868); The rate was significantly higher in women (26.97%, 72/267) than in men (14.14%, 85/601) (χ2 trend = 20.518, p < 0.001); Nine common NTM species were identified, with Mycobacterium intracellulare being the most prevalent (68.79%, 108/157), followed by Mycobacterium avium (11.46%, 18/157) and Mycobacterium chelonae/abscessus (8.28%, 13/157). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed high resistance rates to several drugs, including imipenem (94.27%, 148/157), doxycycline (94.27%, 148/157), rifampicin (91.72%, 144/157), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (91.08%, 143/157), meropenem (89.81%, 141/157), cefoxitin (87.90%, 138/157), minocycline (85.99%, 135/157), and ciprofloxacin (85.99%, 135/157). Species-specific differences in resistance patterns were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of clinically isolated NTM strains in Lishui City was dominated by Mycobacterium intracellular, Mycobacterium avium, and Mycobacterium chelonae/abscessus. These isolates demonstrated high levels of resistance to commonly used antimicrobial agents, highlighting the need for improved treatment and control strategies.
Knowledge and practice regarding antibiotic usage in dogs among pet owners in a district in South India.
Elsa Sam S, Das R, Vyas N
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990063 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobials are vital for human and animal health; however, their improper use leads to antimicrobial resistance. Shared living spaces and close bonds between humans and pets raise concerns about transfe...
INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobials are vital for human and animal health; however, their improper use leads to antimicrobial resistance. Shared living spaces and close bonds between humans and pets raise concerns about transferring resistant pathogens from pets to humans. This study assessed antibiotic usage among dog owners in a South Indian district to understand their knowledge and practices. METHODOLOGY: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 427 dog owners in a district in South India using snowball sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered using telephonic interviews. The responses were expressed in frequencies and percentages, and Chi-square analyses were performed to establish significant associations between variables. RESULTS: Most of the respondents were aware of antibiotics, less than half were aware of antibiotic resistance, and 4% were aware of antibiotic stewardship. More than half of the respondents followed correct practices in accessing, using, and storing antibiotics. The majority said that the use of antibiotics in dogs would not affect them indirectly, but scientific evidence shows a causal effect between antibiotic use and the development of antibiotic resistance. A significant association was found between awareness about antibiotics and socio-demographic factors such as education, area of residence, and years of experience as a pet owner. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the urgency of educating dog owners about antibiotic usage and resistance. It warns against the risks of inappropriate antimicrobial use in pets, stressing its impact on public health and promoting responsible antibiotic stewardship to curb antimicrobial resistance in both veterinary and human medicine.
Biofilm-associated genes and their role in antibiotic resistance among clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates.
Mohsin AS, Ali MR, Alsakini AH
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990062 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen known for its ability to form biofilms, which enhances survival under adverse conditions. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying biofilm...
INTRODUCTION: Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen known for its ability to form biofilms, which enhances survival under adverse conditions. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying biofilm formation in clinical S. aureus isolates, focusing on key biofilm-associated genes and their correlation with antibiotic resistance (ABR). METHODOLOGY: A total of 40 clinical S. aureus isolates were collected from Medical City Teaching Hospital, Baghdad. Biofilm production was assessed using the microtiter plate assay. Biofilm-related genes (icaB, icaC, crtM, crtN) were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, and genes was correlated with resistance profiles. RESULTS: A significant variation in biofilm production was observed, with 80% of isolates classified as non-biofilm formers, 12.5% as weak, 5% as moderate, and 2.5% as strong biofilm producers. Genetic testing revealed that all investigated isolates had a high percentage of icaB and icaC, with 95 % possessing crtM. A significant prevalence of mecA (97.5 %) was observed; however, an increased prevalence of mecA did not correlate significantly with enhanced biofilm formation. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report from Baghdad demonstrating the prevalence of these biofilm-associated genes and their link to ABR, offering potential targets for future therapeutic interventions. These results highlight the importance of biofilm-associated genes in the persistence and reinfection potential of S. aureus within clinical settings. Additionally, the common occurrence of icaB with icaC suggests that both genes could serve as new targets for developing treatments aimed at preventing biofilm formation and enhancing therapy effectiveness.
Long-term follow-up of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with interstitial lung involvement.
Özdemir Ö, Polat G, Gayaf M … +3 more , Güldaval F, Serçe Unat D, Şimşek T
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990061 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Data regarding the residual lung findings persisting beyond 12 months from acute infection in patients with COVID-19 with pulmonary involvement are scarce. This study investigates the long-term radiological...
INTRODUCTION: Data regarding the residual lung findings persisting beyond 12 months from acute infection in patients with COVID-19 with pulmonary involvement are scarce. This study investigates the long-term radiological and functional findings of previously hospitalized COVID-19 patients who had residual pulmonary involvement at 3-6-month follow-up. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective cohort study was an extended analysis of a previously published study, including patients with COVID-19 pneumonia hospitalized between June 2020 and March 2021. Residual lung involvement due to COVID-19 pneumonia was classified according to the presence of ground glass opacities, honeycombing, traction bronchiectasis, reticulations, and parenchymal bands. RESULTS: 51 out of the 157 patients with abnormal chest findings in high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans at 3-6-month follow-up were included. Mean age of the study population was 60.5 ± 10.5 years; 35 subjects were male (68.6%). HRCT controls were obtained 25.7 ± 6.36 months after the diagnosis. There was regression of predefined radiological involvement in 39 patients (76.5%), whereas 11 patients (21.6%) exhibited stable findings, and one patient had progressive lung involvement with a usual interstitial pneumonia pattern. Persistent residual parenchymal bands were found mostly in ICU-admitted patients (p = 0.04), and reticulations were seen in patients with a CT severity score > 18 (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In most patients with pulmonary sequelae, lesions showed improvement after 18 months, with complete resolution in about one third of patients after a 6-month follow-up. There was a correlation between initial severity and persistence of lung abnormalities.
Exogenous colonization of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in preterm infants: a PFGE-based molecular epidemiology study.
Aktaş A, Tanriverdi ES, Demirkalp T … +2 more , Otlu B, Nakipoğlu Y
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990060 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) pose significant threats in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) due to their high transmission potential and l...
INTRODUCTION: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) pose significant threats in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) due to their high transmission potential and limited treatment options. Identifying the source of colonization and detection of predominant antibiotic-resistant genes are crucial for effective infection control measures. METHODOLOGY: In this study, we analyzed 20 carbapenem-susceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae (CSKP) and 20 Vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus (VSE) of meconium versus 20 CRKP and 20 VRE of rectal swabs isolates, respectively, from 20 preterm infants hospitalized in the NICU. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and arbitrarily primed PCR (AP-PCR) were used for molecular epidemiological analysis. The presence of carbapenemase (blaOXA-48, blaNDM, blaKPC) and Vancomycin-resistance (vanA, vanB, vanC) genes was investigated by multiplex PCR. RESULTS: No predominant outbreak strain was detected, and isolates exhibited high genetic diversity, indicating an exogenous source of colonization of both CRKP and VRE. PFGE analysis revealed 24 distinct genotypes among CRKP and 25 among VRE isolates, with a clustering rate of 57.5%. The most commonly detected resistance gene in CRKP isolates was blaOXA-48 (50%), followed by blaNDM (35%) and blaKPC (10%). Among VRE isolates, only the vanA gene was present (85%). CONCLUSIONS: The absence of a clonal outbreak and the detection of resistance genes primarily on plasmids indicate healthcare-associated transmission rather than endogenous selection. This highlights the critical role of hand hygiene and strict infection control measures in preventing multidrug-resistant pathogen colonization in vulnerable preterm infants.
Comparative efficacy of Lianhua Qingwen capsules combined with standard care versus standard care alone in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.
Yang YM, Zhou M
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990059 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a search for effective treatments. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Lianhua Qingwen capsules combined with standard care for treating patients with mild to...
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a search for effective treatments. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Lianhua Qingwen capsules combined with standard care for treating patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in China between 1 March 2023 and 31 December 2023. The medical records of 284 patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 were analyzed; 142 patients who received Lianhua Qingwen capsules plus standard care were compared with 142 matched controls who received standard care alone. Propensity score matching was used to minimize selection bias. The primary outcomes included time to symptom improvement, time to viral clearance, 14-day clinical recovery rate, improvement in chest computed tomography (CT) findings, and quality of life scores. Secondary outcomes included changes in inflammatory markers, immune function improvement, and adverse event rates. RESULTS: The Lianhua Qingwen group showed a significantly shorter time to symptom improvement (hazard ratio [HR] 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-1.69, p < 0.001), faster viral clearance (HR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.28-1.80, p < 0.001), higher 14-day clinical recovery rate (91.5% vs 82.4%, p = 0.024) and more pronounced chest CT improvements (78.9% vs 64.8%, p = 0.009). Quality of life scores, inflammatory markers, and immune function improved more in the treatment group. Adverse event rates were similar (12.7% vs 13.4%, p = 0.856). CONCLUSIONS: Lianhua Qingwen capsules, when combined with standard care, demonstrated superior efficacy compared with standard care alone in treating mild to moderate COVID-19, with a favorable safety profile. These findings suggest that Lianhua Qingwen capsules could be a valuable adjunct therapy for COVID-19 management.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections in intensive care units: a prospective and international ID-IRI study.
Çaşkurlu H, Çağ Y, Ankaralı H … +46 more , Tahmaz A, Vatansever G, Aybar Bilir Y, Yürük Atasoy P, Taşbakan M, Eser Karlıdağ G, Şenol A, Aldemir Ö, Lengerova G, Amer F, Almessabi A, Durdu B, Evren H, Albayrak Y, Ganeshan RS, Gürbüz E, Tanova R, Özdemir M, Pekok AU, Çölkesen F, Karslıoğlu M, Şahinoğlu MS, Sağmak Tartar A, Öncü S, Alıcı Ö, Özer Balin Ş, Dumitru IM, Gad MA, Alkan S, Belitova M, Stefanov C, Erdem İ, El-Kholy A, Pandya N, Rahimi BA, Almajid F, Baljic R, Catalina L, Liskova A, Şenel İ, Vieceli T, Sarı M, Vural Akbal H, İnal Yılmaz F, Utepbergenova GA, Erdem H
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990058 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. Maltophilia) is a multidrug-resistant pathogen causing severe infections in intensive care units (ICUs). This study aimed to identify the risk factors influencing 30-day mor...
INTRODUCTION: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. Maltophilia) is a multidrug-resistant pathogen causing severe infections in intensive care units (ICUs). This study aimed to identify the risk factors influencing 30-day mortality and evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in ICU patients with S. maltophilia infections. METHODOLOGY: A prospective, multicenter, international observational study was conducted between 15 October 2023 and 15 April 2024, in 36 ICUs across 12 countries. Adult patients (≥ 18 years) with S. maltophilia isolated from blood, urine, or respiratory cultures were included if isolates were considered clinically consistent with infection. Colonized or coinfected patients were excluded. Clinical, laboratory data were collected prospectively. Thirty-day outcome was defined as survival or death after the first positive culture. RESULTS: A total of 207 patients were included; 109 (52.7%) died within 30 days. The primary infection sites were pneumonia (28.5%) and bloodstream infections (38.0%). Resistance rates were 7.2% for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), 10.4% for levofloxacin, and 27% for ceftazidime. None of the patients received effective empiric therapy. Older age (p = 0.030), acute renal failure (p = 0.016), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; p = 0.008), malignancy (p = 0.001), and sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) ≥ 2 (p = 0.001) were independently associated with higher mortality. Repeat culturing and antimicrobial modification according to susceptibility testing reduced mortality (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: S. maltophilia remains a lethal ICU pathogen. Early risk assessment, cultures, susceptibility testing, and therapy changes are vital. TMP-SMX and levofloxacin stay effective; but surveillance, infection control, and prudent antibiotic use remain essential.
Impact of COVID-19 on the treatment outcomes of secretory otitis media.
Zhang J, Zhao W, Zhang T … +3 more , Wu Q, Di J, Mao X
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990057 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization (WHO) officially lifted the global emergency designation for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in May 2023. Nonetheless, the long-term repercussions of the pandemic-referred...
INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization (WHO) officially lifted the global emergency designation for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in May 2023. Nonetheless, the long-term repercussions of the pandemic-referred to as 'long COVID'-have persisted. It is also highly likely for the disease to be complicated by secretory otitis media (SOM). This study aimed to determine if there is anything particularly distinctive about SOM associated with long-COVID, and could it affect the therapeutic outcomes of the latter. METHODOLOGY: A total of 102 patients diagnosed with COVID-19-associated SOM between December 2022 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Pre- and post-treatment pure-tone audiometry thresholds were assessed to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. Follow-up assessments were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months' post treatment, and the findings were compared with those of a control group of 98 patients who had SOM but not COVID-19 infection during the same time frame. RESULTS: All patients showed normal hearing thresholds post treatment. A comparative analysis using a two-sample t-test revealed no statistically significant difference in the average speech-hearing thresholds between the two groups post-treatment (t = 0.099, p = 0.92). No recurrence was observed in either group during the year-long follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Although COVID-19 is commonly associated with SOM, patients can expect satisfactory recovery of their hearing function with proactive treatment strategies.
Evaluation of β-lactam monotherapy and conventional anti-staphylococcal combination therapy for polymicrobial MSSA infections.
Akbulut G, Tin K, Sapozhnikov J … +1 more , Chahin A
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990056 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Staphylococcus aureus (SA) remains a major pathogen in both community-acquired and healthcare-associated infections, necessitating effective treatment strategies. Management of infections involving methicil...
INTRODUCTION: Staphylococcus aureus (SA) remains a major pathogen in both community-acquired and healthcare-associated infections, necessitating effective treatment strategies. Management of infections involving methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) has traditionally included the use of targeted anti-staphylococcal antibiotics in combination with broad-spectrum agents. Recent evidence suggests that beta-lactam antibiotics may provide equivalent or superior outcomes in MSSA infections, challenging conventional treatment paradigms. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective cohort study evaluated adult patients with polymicrobial infections involving MSSA across multiple healthcare facilities from January 2019 to December 2023. Patients receiving beta-lactam monotherapy were compared with those receiving beta-lactam therapy plus a traditional anti-staphylococcal agent. Primary outcomes included treatment failure, defined as recurrence or escalation of infection within 90 days. Secondary outcomes were 90-day hospital readmission rates and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Of 1,000 patient records reviewed, 108 met the inclusion criteria. Beta-lactam monotherapy was associated with a significantly lower treatment failure rate compared with combination therapy (1.6% vs. 17.0%, p = 0.035). Hospital readmission rates (24.6% vs. 51.1%, p = 0.093) and all-cause mortality (11.5% vs. 19.1%, p = 0.784) were lower in the beta-lactam group, though the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Beta-lactam monotherapy demonstrated comparable or superior efficacy to traditional anti-staphylococcal combination regimens for polymicrobial infections with MSSA. These findings support the potential for simplifying treatment regimens, reducing unnecessary antibiotic exposure, and enhancing antibiotic stewardship. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results and inform clinical practice guidelines.
Microbiology and antibiotic resistance of diabetes-related foot infections in Brazil: a systematic review.
Santos VP, Dos Santos CF, Castelli V … +3 more , Prado N, Caffaro RA, Alves CAS
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990055 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot infections are the main cause of lower limb amputations. Knowing the microbiology of these infections is important because the most effective empirical antibiotic therapy varies by region due...
INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot infections are the main cause of lower limb amputations. Knowing the microbiology of these infections is important because the most effective empirical antibiotic therapy varies by region due to differences in the prevalence of causative pathogens. This study aimed to identify the microbiological profile and antimicrobial resistance patterns of diabetes-related foot infections in Brazil. METHODOLOGY: The study followed a systematic literature review methodology. Manuscripts in the electronic databases PubMed, SciELO and VHL were searched through November 2022. Eligible studies were retrieved using the MeSH terms "diabetic foot" AND "Brazil". Two independent evaluators selected the articles. Of the 466 titles identified, 10 observational studies met the eligibility criteria. RESULTS: All 10 studies had observational design and covered 7 Federative Units of Brazil. The sample size varied between 17 and 320 cases, and hospital inpatients predominated (9 studies). Two studies performed anaerobic cultures. Among the 1,506 isolates, more than half were Gram-negative (836/55.5%) followed by Gram-positive (624/41.4%) and anaerobic bacteria (46/3.1%). The 3 most common species were Staphylococcus aureus (251), Enterococcus faecalis (112), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (97). Forty percent (40%) of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were methicillin-resistant (MRSA). A fifth (20%) of the Pseudomonas spp isolates were resistant to carbapenems. The prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing (ESBL-producing) was 43%, 33%, and 26% for K. pneumoniae, Proteus spp, and E. coli respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In Brazil, the microbiology of foot infections in persons with diabetes showed Gram-negative predominance. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated species with a high prevalence of MRSA.
Clinical and laboratory characteristics of critically ill COVID-19 patients with chronic lung disease.
Yavuz T, Sarac O, Alpdogan O … +2 more , Yeniay H, Celik D
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990054 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Chronic lung diseases (CLD) are associated with increased susceptibility to respiratory infections and may influence COVID-19 outcomes. This research aims to assess the clinical, laboratory findings, and pr...
INTRODUCTION: Chronic lung diseases (CLD) are associated with increased susceptibility to respiratory infections and may influence COVID-19 outcomes. This research aims to assess the clinical, laboratory findings, and prognostic outcomes in critically ill COVID-19 patients with and without CLD, and to explore differences between various CLD types. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 406 critically ill COVID-19 patients, comparing those with CLD and those without. Clinical characteristics, laboratory markers, and mortality rates were assessed. Subgroup analyses evaluated differences between COPD, asthma, and other CLD types. RESULTS: Patients with CLD were older and had significantly lower lymphocyte and platelet levels than those without CLD (p values were 0.034, 0.021, and 0.013, respectively). The mean age, urea level, and platelet count in the COPD group showed significant differences compared to the other groups. Among critically ill COVID-19 patients, mortality rates were observed to be higher in the CLD group compared to those without CLD, and in the COPD group compared to other CLD types; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Systemic steroid use was associated with reduced 3-month (OR: 0.403, 95% CI: 0.226-0.719, p = 0.002) and 1-year mortality (OR: 0.513, 95% CI: 0.288-0.914, p = 0.023). Inhaled corticosteroid use did not increase mortality and was predominantly utilized for symptom management. Laboratory markers such as lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia were significantly associated with worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: CLD and its subtypes were not independently linked to mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients; however, their association with older age and worse laboratory profiles highlights their clinical significance.
Serotyping, drug resistance, virulence, and antibiotic resistance genes of Salmonella isolated from contaminated food.
Motassim EH, Skenndri S, Mouahid M … +7 more , Bouchrif B, Dahani S, Bouchriti N, Derkaoui S, Karib H, Abdellaoui Maane I, Nassik S
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990053 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Antibiotic resistance (AMR) is a serious problem for veterinary and human health. Its progression is leading to therapeutic failures and risks taking humanity back to the era before the discovery of antimic...
INTRODUCTION: Antibiotic resistance (AMR) is a serious problem for veterinary and human health. Its progression is leading to therapeutic failures and risks taking humanity back to the era before the discovery of antimicrobials. The impact of AMR on the economy is considerable. This study was carried out to assess the extent of AMR in Salmonella isolated from food products. METHODOLOGY: The European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) standard method and the recommendations of the Antibiotic Susceptibility Committee of the French Society of Microbiology (CA-SFM) version 2023 V.1.0. 19 were used to test antibiotic susceptibility. A total of 41 antimicrobials were tested on the isolates. Virulence genes fimA and stn, and the antibiotic resistance gene CMY-2 were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on bacterial DNA extracted using the MacheryNagel RNA viral nucleospin extraction kit. The integrated search engine on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website was used to search for the primer sequence of interest for the predefined genes. RESULTS: All the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, while 90% of isolates were multiresistant (resistant to at least 3 antimicrobial agents). All strains tested positive for the presence of the stn and fimA virulence genes, with the exception of one isolate. Similarly, with the exception of one strain, all strains tested positive for CMY-2. CONCLUSIONS: These results point to the progression of AMR, which is increasingly gaining ground, and to the danger of Salmonella virulence as a major agent of food-borne illness in Morocco.
Prevalence of silent plasmid-mediated fosfomycin-resistance genes among clinical isolates of fosfomycin-susceptible Escherichia coli.
Albazaz RI, Hasan HS, Yassin NA
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990052 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Infections caused by Escherichia coli place a considerable burden on both patients and healthcare facilities. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and molecular detection of silent plasmid-mediated...
INTRODUCTION: Infections caused by Escherichia coli place a considerable burden on both patients and healthcare facilities. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and molecular detection of silent plasmid-mediated fosfomycin-resistance (PMFR) genes among fosfomycin-sensitive, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESβL)- producing E. coli isolates. METHODOLOGY: Clinical samples of E. coli were collected from various sources and hospitals in Duhok' Iraq' from December 2020 to April 2021. Standard microbiological techniques and the Vitek II system were used to identify E. coli, which was further confirmed through species-specific genes. The Kirby-Bauer method was employed for antimicrobial sensitivity testing, followed by the detection of targeted PMFR and genes using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: High resistance levels were observed against ampicillin, ceftriaxone, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin, whereas a lower resistance rate was detected for carbapenems. Notably, all the isolates were susceptible to fosfomycin. Four isolates tested positive for fosA3, four were positive for fosA, and 16 were positive for the blaCTX-M9 gene. Within the isolates, three co-harbored fosA3, fosA, and blaCTX-M9 genes, while one isolate co-expressed fosA3 and blaCTX-M9 genes. The distribution of these genes, both individually and co-harbored, was observed across all clinical samples analyzed, except those derived from blood and sputum. CONCLUSIONS: The dissemination of silent PMFR genes could pose a future risk for public health under the selective pressure of antibiotics, especially extended-spectrum beta-lactams, for a long time, or transfer to other bacteria, potentially leading to the activation of these genes.
Risk factors linked to surgical site infections: a prospective survey on an Albanian population following abdominal surgery.
Kaçani A, Lilaj K, Shpata V … +5 more , Mulgeci F, Ferizaj S, Xure I, Sulku E, Durro V
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990051 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Despite global improvements in perioperative care, surgical site infections (SSIs) continue to pose a significant burden, and data from Albania remain limited. This study aimed to determine the incidence of...
INTRODUCTION: Despite global improvements in perioperative care, surgical site infections (SSIs) continue to pose a significant burden, and data from Albania remain limited. This study aimed to determine the incidence of SSIs following abdominal surgery in an Albanian tertiary hospital and identify associated risk factors, microbiological profiles, and antimicrobial resistance patterns. METHODOLOGY: A prospective observational study was conducted at the University Hospital Centre "Mother Theresa" in Tirana. A univariate and multivariate logistic regression adjusted for confounders was performed to identify factors associated with the development of SSIs. RESULTS: 1179 patients were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 57.80 ± 16.16 years (range, 19-92 years), and 51.23% were male. 64 patients (5.43%) developed surgical site infections following abdominal surgery. The most frequently isolated microorganisms from infected surgical wounds were Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis, identified in 39.0% and 22.0% of cases, respectively. The rate of SSIs was higher in patients undergoing lower gastrointestinal surgery compared to those having upper gastrointestinal procedures. As risk factors for developing SSIs in univariate regression analysis, age ≥ 50 years (OR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.25-5.78), comorbidities (OR: 2.71, 95% CI: 1.53-4.83), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.59-5.56) were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Although the rate of SSIs after abdominal surgery has decreased, it remains a significant concern in Albania. Age, comorbidities, and lower gastrointestinal surgery are important risk factors. The findings emphasise the need for improved infection control and antimicrobial stewardship to reduce postoperative complications.
Comparison of lymphocyte populations, cytokine, and autoantibody profile in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a study of cases with COVID-19 and controls without COVID-19.
Arias-Aponte J, Acelas-Gonzalez GE, Parra-Medina R … +8 more , Monsalve-Córdoba ML, Rojas-Villarraga A, Nieto-Zambrano PD, Cortés-Osma MC, Restrepo-Guerrero HF, Villarreal L, Santos-Moreno P, Gómez-López A
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990050 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is associated with the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and post-COVID syndrome (PCS). PSC has been linked to autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthr...
INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is associated with the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and post-COVID syndrome (PCS). PSC has been linked to autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a condition characterized by chronic joint pain driven by dysregulated immune response. This study aims to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on patients with RA. METHODS: A total of 300 RA patients were included in the study, categorized into two groups: patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 148) and without prior COVID-19 infection (control group; n = 152). Demographic information, comorbidities, treatments, autoantibodies, cell populations, and cytokines were assessed. RESULTS: A majority of the patients included in this study were female. A high percentage of patients completed the COVID-19 vaccination schedule. The mean age at RA diagnosis was 44.71 years, with most patients presenting with low disease activity. Patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection reported headache, cough, and fatigue more often. A proportion of these symptoms persisted beyond 12 weeks, consistent with PCS. Autoantibody analysis revealed a high seropositivity rate in both groups, with no statistically significant differences related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Similarly, the evaluation of immune system cell populations showed no significant variations between groups. Cytokine level analysis also demonstrated no statistically significant differences between cases and controls. However, IL-6 data were unavailable for 37% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up did not demonstrate statistically significant alterations in the immunological profile of RA patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nevertheless, further prospective studies are required to elucidate potential long-term immunological effects in this population.
Prevalence and molecular identification of protozoan parasites in cancer patients in Jordan.
Almashakbeh R, Hijjawi N, Abu Suilike H … +2 more , Sughayer M, Al-Radaideh A
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790923 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Parasitic infections are prevalent in developing countries, and cancer patients with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. This study examined the prevalence of protozoan parasites among canc...
INTRODUCTION: Parasitic infections are prevalent in developing countries, and cancer patients with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. This study examined the prevalence of protozoan parasites among cancer patients. METHODOLOGY: A total of 300 stool and heparinized plasma samples were collected from cancer patients at the King Hussien Cancer Center (KHCC). Cryptosporidium, Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis were detected by microscopy. Immunodiagnostic tests included electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) for Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies in plasma samples, and the ImmunoCard STAT Cryptosporidium/Giardia Kit for G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium detection in stool. DNA extraction from stool samples was followed by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm the presence of intestinal parasites. RESULTS: Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium, G. duodenalis, and Blastocystis were detected. T. gondii was found in 22% of patients via IgG antibodies and in 2.7% via IgM, with the highest IgG seropositivity in multiple myeloma and uterine cancer patients (50%), and the highest IgM seropositivity in multiple myeloma patients (12.5%). The prevalence of Cryptosporidium varied depending on the detection method: 8.3% by microscopy, 11% by immunodiagnostic tests, and 12.3% by PCR. The highest infection rate was among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Giardia duodenalis was detected at rates of 1.7% by microscopy, 2.0% by immunodiagnostic testing, and 0.7% by PCR. Blastocystis was most prevalent in CRC patients, with detection rates of 31.0% by microscopy and 48.3% by PCR. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the significance of protozoan parasitic infections among cancer patients, emphasizing the need for screening and management to improve patient outcomes.
Procalcitonin: the bacterial and non-bacterial sepsis marker.
Aravindh A, Gupta A, Garg J … +3 more , Das A, Sen M, Agarwal J
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790922 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of procalcitonin (PCT) in differentiating causative agents of bacterial sepsis, and sepsis from non-bacterial causes (viral, fungal, and parasitic). METHODOLOG...
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of procalcitonin (PCT) in differentiating causative agents of bacterial sepsis, and sepsis from non-bacterial causes (viral, fungal, and parasitic). METHODOLOGY: This study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology (April 2023 to March 2024) and included 1,346 clinically suspected cases of bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections confirmed through various diagnostic methods. Serum/plasma samples were collected from the participants and healthy controls, and PCT levels were measured. PCT concentration of < 2 ng/mL was classified as low, while levels ≥ 2 ng/mL were considered high, serving as threshold for sepsis diagnosis. RESULTS: PCT levels were significantly higher in sepsis caused by Gram-negative bacteria compared to Gram-positive bacteria, and showed a notable increase in Plasmodium infections (p < 0.0001). No significant association was observed between PCT levels and Candida albicans infections; however, cases involving non-albicans Candida species showed significantly elevated PCT levels (p = 0.0265). Infections with Cryptococcal species, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C showed a marked decrease in PCT levels. PCT levels were low in all cases involving skin commensals, with a more pronounced reduction in the case of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus compared to diphtheroids. CONCLUSIONS: PCT levels showed a significant elevation in infections caused by non-bacterial agents, including Plasmodium and non-albicans Candida. A notable decline in PCT levels was observed in systemic infections caused by viruses and Cryptococcus. PCT is emerging as a universal biomarker for both bacterial and non-bacterial sepsis, making it a potential universal marker for sepsis.
Utilizing metagenomic next-generation sequencing to diagnose central nervous system infections after craniotomy.
Wang J, Jiang B
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790921 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Postoperative central nervous system (CNS) infections in craniotomy patients diagnosed through clinical signs and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bacterial culture, pose a challenge due to the morbidity and morta...
INTRODUCTION: Postoperative central nervous system (CNS) infections in craniotomy patients diagnosed through clinical signs and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bacterial culture, pose a challenge due to the morbidity and mortality of bacterial meningitis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in diagnosing CNS infections post craniotomy. METHODOLOGY: A prospective study compared mNGS with traditional diagnostics from January 2021 to October 2023. Patients with suspected post-craniotomy intracranial infections were enrolled, following guidelines and regulations. RESULTS: mNGS and traditional culture diagnosed 111 patients with suspected intracranial infections. mNGS showed higher sensitivity (62.5% vs. 25%). Traditional culture excelled in specificity and positive predictive value. Of the 18 mNGS-positive samples, 12 were culture-negative. mNGS detected pathogens such as Candida albicans (2 cases), Enterobacter cloacae (1 case), Enterococcus faecalis (1 case), Klebsiella pneumoniae (2 cases), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1 case), Staphylococcus aureus (2 cases), Staphylococcus epidermidis (2 cases), and Streptococcus haemolyticus (1 case). Some pathogens were likely missed due to prior antibiotic use and fastidious growth requirements. Physicians adjusted treatments based on mNGS pathogen detection for culture-negative patients. Empirical therapy continued for patients with negative results until more diagnostic information was available. CONCLUSIONS: mNGS detects post-neurosurgery CNS infections, especially hard-to-cultivate microorganisms. While mNGS has advantages, traditional culture's higher positive predictive value confirms infections and remains indispensable. Combining mNGS with traditional methods provides a comprehensive diagnostic strategy, aiding physicians in accurately identifying infections, reducing misdiagnosis, and offering personalized treatment plans to improve outcomes and quality of life.
Climate and health in Asia: a scoping review of vulnerability and community adaptation.
Dharmayanti I, Azhar K, Purwana R … +2 more , Tjandrarini DH, Soesilo TEB
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790920 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Climate change intensifies environmental risks across Asia, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and exacerbating health disparities. However, evidence on community adaptation strategies and...
INTRODUCTION: Climate change intensifies environmental risks across Asia, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and exacerbating health disparities. However, evidence on community adaptation strategies and the integration of health dimensions into adaptation policies remains fragmented. This scoping review aimed to map climate-sensitive health risks, evaluate the equity and effectiveness of community adaptation measures, and examine theoretical frameworks for vulnerability assessments across Asia. METHODOLOGY: Guided by the PRISMA-ScR checklist, this scoping review analyzed 21 peer-reviewed studies on climate-health interactions and adaptation strategies in Asia published between 2008 and 2024. Data were systematically charted and synthesized thematically. RESULTS: Five cross-cutting themes emerged: physical and socioeconomic exposure, gender-related vulnerability, community-based and informal adaptation, climate-related health impacts, and institutional and policy gaps. Adaptation strategies rely heavily on community-led practices with limited attention to gender and health in national plans. The review also highlights challenges to equity in community adaptation and critiques existing vulnerability frameworks. This review underscores the need for justice-oriented, integrated approaches to climate and health. CONCLUSIONS: This review underscores the importance of integrating community knowledge and gender-sensitive approaches into climate-health frameworks. Strengthening health systems and formalizing local adaptation practices are essential for reducing inequities. Future research should adopt longitudinal and interdisciplinary perspectives to capture long-term health outcomes and policy implementation barriers in rapidly urbanizing environments.
Rapid detection of carbapenem resistance genes using multiplex LAMP and melt curve analysis in clinical specimens.
Naik VV, Kumar S, Thrimurthy T … +2 more , Channareddy V, Shaw T
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790919 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae have become a major clinical and public health challenge due to the need for rapid administration of effective antimicrobials and implementation of supplemental infec...
INTRODUCTION: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae have become a major clinical and public health challenge due to the need for rapid administration of effective antimicrobials and implementation of supplemental infection control practices. Identifying genes associated with carbapenem resistance is crucial for managing these cases. The timely initiation of effective antimicrobial therapy and infection control interventions to prevent spreading are critical. Therefore, rapid diagnostic tests for detecting carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CP-CRE) are necessary. METHODOLOGY: This study aimed to evaluate the use of LAMP and melting curve analysis in real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to identify carbapenem resistance genes New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) and oxacillinase (OXA) in clinical specimens. RESULTS: This study emphasized the benefits of the LAMP strategy in comparison to traditional methods, demonstrating its effectiveness and practicality. LAMP was proven to be more sensitive than RT-PCR and conventional multiplex PCR, with a detection rate of 96.7% and 91.6% respectively. While LAMP had a slightly lower specificity rate of 88.7%, it remains a promising method for rapid and accurate identification. Furthermore, the study found that LAMP could detect bacterial DNA even in low quantities, with a limit of detection of 102 CFU/mL for both K. pneumoniae and E. coli. This capability is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment in settings where multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are prevalent. CONCLUSIONS: RT-PCR systems that combine melting curve analysis with LAMP offer promise for quick and precise identification of carbapenem resistance genes in clinical specimens. This approach can enhance the diagnosis and management of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
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