Emerging roles of bacteriophage-based therapeutics in combating antibiotic resistance

Amid the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance on a global scale, there has been a notable resurgence in bacteriophage-based treatments, signaling a shift in our approach to managing infections. Bacteriophages (BPs), bacterial predators of nature, present a promising alternative for tackling infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens. This review delves into the intricate relationship between bacteriophages and resistant bacteria, exploring various treatment strategies. Drawing upon both preclinical and clinical studies, the review highlights the effectiveness of bacteriophage therapy, particularly when integrated synergistically with conventional antibiotics. It discusses various treatment approaches for systemic and localized infections, demonstrating the adaptability of bacteriophage therapy across different clinical scenarios. Furthermore, the formulation and delivery of bacteriophages shed light on the various methods used to encapsulate and administer them effectively. It also acknowledges the challenge of bacterial resistance to bacteriophages and the ongoing efforts to overcome this hurdle. In addition, this review highlights the importance of the bacteriophage sensitivity profile (phagogram), which helps tailor treatment regimens to individual patients and specific pathogens. By surpassing the limitations of traditional antibiotics, bacteriophage-based therapies offer a personalized and potent solution against antibiotic resistance, promising to reshape the future of infectious disease management

Exploring the Anti-bacterial Potential of Orchid-derived Silver Nanoparticles

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized in an environmentally friendly manner using plant extracts from Luisia tristis. The formation of the nanoparticles was confirmed by a reddish-brown colour change and further characterized using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques. The average size of the particles was found to be 16–48 nm. The antimicrobial activity of the AgNPs was evaluated against harmful bacteria and compared to the commonly used antibiotic ciprofloxacin. The AgNPs were found to be highly effective, with a 24 mm zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli, and more effective than ciprofloxacin. Additionally, a minimum inhibitory concentration assay was performed with a concentration of 100 mg/mL of AgNPs, which were found to effectively inhibit the growth of selected pathogens. Overall, the study demonstrates the potential for using plant-derived AgNPs as a natural and eco-friendly alternative for antimicrobial and antioxidant applications. This method is a fast, cost-effective way to generate silver nanoparticles at room temperature and may be useful in creating environmentally friendly antibacterial solutions for biomedical applications

Therapeutic implications of current Janus kinase inhibitors as anti-COVID agents: A review

Severe cases of COVID-19 are characterized by hyperinflammation induced by cytokine storm, ARDS leading to multiorgan failure and death. JAK-STAT signaling has been implicated in immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 infection under different stages such as viral entry, escaping innate immunity, replication, and subsequent inflammatory processes. Prompted by this fact and prior utilization as an immunomodulatory agent for several autoimmune, allergic, and inflammatory conditions, Jakinibs have been recognized as validated small molecules targeting the rapid release of proinflammatory cytokines, primarily IL-6, and GM-CSF. Various clinical trials are under investigation to evaluate Jakinibs as potential candidates for treating COVID-19. Till date, there is only one small molecule Jakinib known as baricitinib has received FDA-approval as a standalone immunomodulatory agent in treating critical COVID-19 patients. Though various meta-analyses have confirmed and validated the safety and efficacy of Jakinibs, further studies are required to understand the elaborated pathogenesis of COVID-19, duration of Jakinib treatment, and assess the combination therapeutic strategies. In this review, we highlighted JAK-STAT signalling in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and clinically approved Jakinibs. Moreover, this review described substantially the promising use of Jakinibs and discussed their limitations in the context of COVID-19 therapy. Hence, this review article provides a concise, yet significant insight into the therapeutic implications of Jakinibs as potential anti-COVID agents which opens up a new horizon in the treatment of COVID-19, effectively

Clinical Study on Ocular Manifestations in Patients with Psoriasis, in Chennai, India

BACKGROUND We wanted to determine the prevalence of ocular manifestations assess the frequency and distribution of potential sight threatening complications in patients with psoriasis. METHODS This is a non interventional, observational hospital based study conducted at a tertiary health care centre which included 105 patients with psoriasis. A background history was taken regarding the duration of psoriasis and treatment taken. The prevalence of ocular manifestations were assessed by detailed ocular examination which involved the best corrected visual acuity using Snellen’s chart, examination of the anterior chamber using slit lamp, examination of the fundus, intraocular pressure measurement, dry eye evaluation including Schirmer’s test, tear film break up time test, and Rose Bengal stain test. RESULTS In total 105 patients with psoriasis were enrolled in this study. Among the 105 patients whose 210 eyes were examined, 77 % had psoriasis vulgaris, 14 % had scalp psoriasis, and 9 % had palmoplantar psoriasis. Among the 105 patients, 38 patients had symptomatic ocular manifestations. Out of the 38 % patients with symptomatic ocular manifestations, we found that 28 %, 25 %, 17 %, 2 % of the patients manifested with evaporative dry eye, blepharoconjunctivitis, redness and episcleritis respectively. CONCLUSIONS In our study, ocular manifestations were even seen among the asymptomatic patients. Hence a multi-disciplinary approach including effective screening and early detection of ocular manifestations followed by prompt treatment is essential to reduce the morbidity in patients with psoriasis. KEY WORDS Psoriasis, Dry Eye, Uveitis</jats:p

Genotype Distribution and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Clinical Isolates of Group B Streptococcus in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Puducherry, South India

Background. Streptococcus agalactiae apart from being a colonizer in the genital region is also associated with several other invasive infections in all age groups. With the varied distribution of serotypes across different regions of the world, universal vaccination is also unattainable. However, in India, the knowledge of group B Streptococcus (GBS) genotype distribution is deficient. Thus, this study was initiated to add data on this aspect. Methodology. A cross-sectional study was conducted using isolates of group B Streptococcus from all clinical specimens. Along with that, the clinical specimen type and the antibiotic resistance profile of the isolates were correlated with the genotypes recognized through a multiplex PCR assay. Results. Among the 86 isolates subjected to multiplex PCR for genotype identification, five genotypes were identified with genotype Ib as the predominant one (34.9%), followed by III (20.9%), II (16.3%), Ia (12.7%), and V (11.6%). Conclusion. The results demonstrated a correlation of types Ib and III with vaginal colonization and type II with urine specimens in the current study. This preliminary study exhibited the distribution of common genotypes and their antibiotic resistance profiles in various GBS isolates. However, multiple studies across the country with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings.</jats:p

Genotype Distribution and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Clinical Isolates of Group B Streptococcus in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Puducherry, South India

Background. Streptococcus agalactiae apart from being a colonizer in the genital region is also associated with several other invasive infections in all age groups. With the varied distribution of serotypes across different regions of the world, universal vaccination is also unattainable. However, in India, the knowledge of group B Streptococcus (GBS) genotype distribution is deficient. Thus, this study was initiated to add data on this aspect. Methodology. A cross-sectional study was conducted using isolates of group B Streptococcus from all clinical specimens. Along with that, the clinical specimen type and the antibiotic resistance profile of the isolates were correlated with the genotypes recognized through a multiplex PCR assay. Results. Among the 86 isolates subjected to multiplex PCR for genotype identification, five genotypes were identified with genotype Ib as the predominant one (34.9%), followed by III (20.9%), II (16.3%), Ia (12.7%), and V (11.6%). Conclusion. The results demonstrated a correlation of types Ib and III with vaginal colonization and type II with urine specimens in the current study. This preliminary study exhibited the distribution of common genotypes and their antibiotic resistance profiles in various GBS isolates. However, multiple studies across the country with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings

Empiric antibiotic and in-vitro susceptibility of urosepsis pathogens: do they match? The outcome of a study from south India

Introduction: Urosepsis is life threatening, unless treated immediately. Empirical treatment with appropriate antibiotics lowers the risk of a poor outcome. However, with increasing resistance among common uropathogens, there is a need for continuous review of the existing protocol to determine whether there is a correlation between empirical antibiotic therapy and in-vitro susceptibility pattern of the pathogens causing urosepsis.&#x0D; Methodology: A prospective study was carried out on 66 confirmed cases of urosepsis from January 2017 to December 2018 after obtaining ethical clearance. Demographic details, risk factors, length of hospital stay, bacteriological profile, empirical antibiotic given, and change in antibiotic following susceptibility report and outcome was recorded.&#x0D; Results: Among the 66 urosepsis cases 63 of them were started on empiric antibiotic. The correlation between the empirical antibiotic given and the in-vitro antimicrobial susceptibility was found to be significant with a p value &lt; 0.0001. Among the 63 for whom empiric antibiotics was started further escalation of antibiotic was done in 46 patients. The remaining 20% of cases were changed over to a different antibiotic, in line with susceptibility report. The mortality rate was (15.1%) with a confidence interval of (CI = 15 ± 3.5). The association between the risk factors for urosepsis and their effect on mortality rate was analyzed. Diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease were identified as important independent risk factors and had direct influence on the mortality rate with significant p value of 0.0281 and 0.0015 respectively.&#x0D; Conclusions: A significant correlation was identified between the empirical antibiotic given and in-vitro antibiotic susceptibility pattern.</jats:p