ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIHEMOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF AVERRHOA BILIMBI EXTRACT

Objectives: The  present  investigation  attempts  to  study  the  antioxidant  and  antihemolytic  activity  of  ethyl  acetate  fraction  of  the  bilimbi  extract (BE)  and  determine  the  contributory  phytochemicals.Methods: Fresh fruits of Averrhoa bilimbi were dried and subjected to 60% aqueous methanol extraction followed by biphasic extraction with ethyl acetate and water. The ethyl acetate fraction (BE) underwent phytochemical screening, analyzed using RP- HPLC and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS.+) radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, RBC protection activity and DNA protection activity.Results: In phytochemical screening analysis, we detected lipids while alkaloids, flavanoids, saponins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, reducing sugars and amino acids were not detected. HPLC analysis showed prominent peaks at 23, 27 and 37 min under 310 nm. The fraction expressed ABTS.+ radical scavenging activity,  hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, RBC protection activity and DNA protection activity wherein TEAC value was 11.5 µM, IC50 value of hydroxyl RSA and antihemolytic activity were 49 and 47 µg/ml respectively.Conclusion: The ethyl acetate fraction of bilimbi predominantly comprised of lipids which exhibited significant antioxidant and protective properties. Key words: Antioxidant, DNA protection activity, antihemolytic activityy.Â

Therapeutic options for extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), AmpC β-lactamases producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. isolated from various clinical samples

Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. are the predominant species isolated from clinical samples. Recent and proper understanding of the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and AmpC β-lactamases (AmpC) producing E. coli and Klebsiella sp. will prevent the distribution and future incidence of ESBL and AmpC. We designed this study to understand antibiotic susceptibility patterns of ESBL and AmpC producing E. coli and Klebsiella sp. isolated from a tertiary care hospital in North India. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2021 to February 2022. Guring this period, various clinical samples were collected and further tested for ESBL producing E. coli and Klebsiella sp. by using the Double disc Synergy test, whereas AmpC was detected by the Boronic acid disk potentiation method. Their antibiotic susceptibility patterns were noted. Various clinical specimens were collected, in which 37.95% were shown growth of bacteria. Among them, 46.67% of E. coli and 25.21% of Klebsiella sp. were identified by standard laboratory protocol. ESBL producing isolates were 44.37% and 34.20% in E. coli and Klebsiella sp., respectively. Whereas AmpC production was detected in 18.27% of E. coli and 29.36% of Klebsiella sp. ESBL and AmpC producing E. coli and Klebsiella sp. isolated from pus, blood, and sputum samples showed the highest sensitivity towards colistin, tigecycline, and imipenem while in urine samples imipenem, meropenem showed the highest sensitivity. Susceptibility patterns of ESBL and AmpC producing E. coli and Klebsiella sp. from various clinical specimens enhance hospital infection management and help clinicians to prescribe the appropriate antibiotics. The carbapenem, nitrofurantoin, colistin and tigecycline were showed highest susceptible against ESBL and AmpC producing E. coli and Klebsiella sp

Counter effect of sucrose on ethanol-induced aggregation of protein

The present paper is an attempt to study the mechanism of ethanol induced aggregation of chicken egg albumin and to stabilize the protein against ethanol induced aggregation. The protein aggregation was determined by monitoring the light scattering of protein aggregates spectrophotometrically. The protein undergoes certain structural changes in water-ethanol solution and the degree of aggregation was found to be linearly depending upon the concentration of alcohol used. The intrinsic fluorescence study showed a large blue shift in the λ(max) (16 nm) in the presence of 50% ethanol. The ANS fluorescence intensity was found to be gradually increasing with increasing concentration of ethanol. This indicates an increase in the hydrophobic cluster on the protein surface and as a result the hydrophobic interaction is the major driving force for the aggregate formation. Addition of sucrose significantly reduced the ethanol-induced protein aggregation. In presence of 50% sucrose the ethanol the aggregation was reduced to 5%. The study reveals that addition of sucrose brings out changes in the solvent distribution and prevents the structural changes in protein which lead the aggregation

Non-Fermenting Gram Negative Bacteria in blood culture: A menace in intensive care unit settings: Non-Fermenting Gram Negative Bacteria

Introduction: One of the major cause of blood stream infections (BSI) are non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) which results in increased morbidity and mortality in patients Aim: To know the prevalence of NFGNB isolated from blood culture specimens and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern in intensive care units. Material and Methods: A total of 3393 blood samples during one year were received from patients admitted in various ICUs. 5-7 mL blood was aseptically collected and added in BACTEC bottles and then subsequently incubated in BD BACTECTM (FX40) fluorescent series instrument for up to five days. After incubation period positive samples were processed for gram stain and subsequently subcultured on blood agar and MacConkey agar. These plates were incubated at 37oC for 24 hours. Further identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of NFGNB was carried out by Vitek-2 Compact (Biomerieux India) as per the standard operating procedures. Results: Out of 3393 samples 696 samples showed growth, out of which 96 (13.79%) were Gram positive cocci (GPC), 36 (5.17%) were Candida spp. and 564 (81.03%) were Gram negative bacilli. Among 564 GNB, 453(80.31%) were Lactose fermenter and 111(19.68%) were Non-lactose fermenters. 1 (0.53%) isolate of Aeromonas hydrophila were excluded from this study. Among 110 NFGNB, Acinetobacter baumannii Complex (41.66%) was the most predominant followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (32.72%). Amikacin was the most sensitive drug for all the NFGNB isolates followed by Piperacillin/Tazobactam. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia showed excellent susceptibility to minocycline (83.33%) followed by ceftazidime (66.66%). Burkholderia cepacia showed good susceptibility to Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole. Conclusion: Increasing antimicrobial resistance in NFGNB and their intrinsic or acquired resistance to many antibiotics makes them more lethal. It is therefore recommended to have quality guidelines on the ‘rational use of antibiotics’ which need to be implemented strictly

In vitro Antibacterial Potency of Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera against NFGNB Isolated from UTI Patients and their Plasmid Profiling

Non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria (NFGNB) endeavouring as major pathogen in infectious disease, predominantly in urinary tract infection (UTI) and increased resistance in NFGNB are matter of concern. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of NFGNB, antibiotics resistance pattern, plasmid profiling, and antibacterial efficacy of Moringa oleifera against NFGNB. NFGNB were isolated from clinically suspected UTI patients. Identification of isolates and their antibiotics sensitivity pattern were analyzed according to conventional method, and Vitek 2 automated system. Moreover, NFGNB were evaluated for biofilm production and presence of plasmid. Furthermore, antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera was evaluated against NFGNB. P. aeruginosa (86.0%), and A. baumannii (10.0%) were the most frequent NFGNB followed by Providencia rettgeri 2.0%, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia 1.0%, myroides species 1.0%. 68.6% P. aeruginosa and 60.0% A. baumannii were biofilm producers whereas imipenem and meropenem were the most effective antibiotics. Isolated NFGNB showed multiple bands of plasmid. Furthermore, Moringa oleifera leaves extract showed antibacterial activity against tested NFGNB. MDR-NFGNB presents challenges in treatment and Moringa oleifera leaf extract may be used as an alternative medicine. However, the therapeutic role of specific ingredients present in extract needs further investigation and purification

Persistent Health Issues, Adverse Events, and Effectiveness of Vaccines during the Second Wave of COVID-19: A Cohort Study from a Tertiary Hospital in North India

Background There is paucity of real-world data on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness from cohort designs. Variable vaccine performance has been observed in test-negative case-control designs. There is also scarce real-world data of health issues in individuals receiving vaccines after prior COVID-19, and of adverse events of significant concern (AESCs) in the vaccinated. Methods: A cohort study was conducted from July 2021 to December 2021 in a tertiary hospital of North India. The primary outcome was vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 during the second wave in India. Secondary outcomes were AESCs, and persistent health issues in those receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors of COVID-19 outcomes and persistent health issues. Results: Of the 2760 health care workers included, 2544 had received COVID-19 vaccines, with COVISHIELD (rChAdOx1-nCoV-19 vaccine) received by 2476 (97.3%) and COVAXIN (inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine) by 64 (2.5%). A total of 2691 HCWs were included in the vaccine effectiveness analysis, and 973 COVID-19 events were reported during the period of analysis. Maximum effectiveness of two doses of vaccine in preventing COVID-19 occurrence was 17% across three different strategies of analysis adopted for robustness of data. One-dose recipients were at 1.27-times increased risk of COVID-19. Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection was a strong independent protective factor against COVID-19 (aOR 0.66). Full vaccination reduced moderate–severe COVID-19 by 57%. Those with lung disease were at 2.54-times increased risk of moderate–severe COVID-19, independent of vaccination status. AESCs were observed in 33/2544 (1.3%) vaccinees, including one case each of myocarditis and severe hypersensitivity. Individuals with hypothyroidism were at 5-times higher risk and those receiving a vaccine after recovery from COVID-19 were at 3-times higher risk of persistent health issues. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination reduced COVID-19 severity but offered marginal protection against occurrence. The possible relationship of asthma and hypothyroidism with COVID-19 outcomes necessitates focused research. With independent protection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and high-risk of persistent health issues in individuals receiving vaccine after recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection, the recommendation of vaccinating those with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection needs reconsideration