Preliminary Data Regarding the Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Isolation from Clinical Specimens, from Human PatienTS, in Iași County

The nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) represents a large group ofubiquitous environmental mycobacterial species, with more than 160 members that can pose a threat for human health, especially for the immunocompromised hosts. The aim of the current study was the collection of data regarding the frequency of NTM isolation from human clinical specimens, thus providing preliminary data regarding the infection prevalence in Iași County, Romania.Between May 2015 and March 2017 epidemiological data regarding NTM isolatesin the Bacteriology Laboratory at the Clinical Hospital of Pneumology in Iasi were analyzed. A total of 63 mycobacteria strains were isolated and identified as nontuberculous (by smear microscopy, culture on solid and liquid media and immunochromatographic assay). Out of the total number of samples that were submitted in the laboratory for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, during the studied period, 0.25% of them were identified as NTM. The prevalence for 2015 was estimated at 0.18%, and 0.34% for 2016. Given the challenging diagnostic procedures and the absence of notifiable status of NTM in most European Union countries, the epidemiological situation is broadlyunknown. This emphases the need of regular recording and reporting of NTM isolation frequency for awareness of the risk of associated mycobacterial infections

New isoniazid derivatives with improved pharmaco-toxicological profile: Obtaining, characterization and biological evaluation

Tuberculostatic drugs are the most common drug groups with global hepatotoxicity. Awareness of potentially severe hepatotoxic reactions is vital, as hepatic impairment can be a devastating and often fatal condition. The treatment problems that may arise, within this class of medicines, are mainly of two types: adverse reactions (collateral, toxic or hypersensitive reactions) and the initial or acquired resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to one or more antituberculosis drugs. Prevention of adverse reactions, increase treatment adherence and success rates, providing better control of tuberculosis (TB). In this regard, obtaining new drugs with low toxicity and high tuberculostatic potential is essential. Thus, in this work, we have designed or synthesized new derivatives of isoniazid (INH), such as new Isonicotinoylhydrazone (INH-a, INH-b and INH-c). These derivatives demonstrated good biocompatibility, antimicrobial property similar to that of parent isoniazid and last but not least, a significantly improved Pharmacotoxicological profile compared to that of isoniazid