Mycological Profile of Candida tropicalis and its Virulence Factors from Candidemia Patients at A Tertiary Care Facility

Candida tropicalis is the fourth main infective agent of Candida species in several developing nations and leads to the greatest fatality rate among the non-albicans Candida (NAC) species that cause candidemia. Seventy clinically known Candida isolates are isolated in positively flagged blood samples from BacT/ALERT 3D from various wards. Virulence factors like hemolysin production, coagulase activity, phospholipase activity, and biofilm formation were studied and antifungal susceptibility testing was and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values were interpreted. Of the total 70 clinical Candida isolates, the most predominant organism isolated was found to be C. tropicalis 27 (38.57%) which is succeeded by 19 (27.14%) C. albicans, 13 (18.57%) C. parapsilosis, 6 (8.57%) C. glabrata, and 5 (7.14%) C. krusei respectively. Among the70 Candida isolates, 49 (70%) showed hemolysin production, 43 (61.42%) isolates demonstrated phospholipase activity, 34 (48.57%) showed coagulase activity and 55 (78.57%) isolates showed biofilm production by crystal violet assay. A high level of Fluconazole resistance has been observed in 23 (32.85%) Candida isolates in comparison with other antimicrobials utilized in this study. The higher MIC value of: ≥ 64 µg/mL Fluconazole was shown by 4 (57.14%) isolates of C. tropicalis by broth microdilution method. The interpretation of various virulence factors and antifungal drug resistance were seen mostly among NAC species, thus hence signifying its pivotal role in immunocompromised individual treatment

Monitoring the Spectrum of Candidemia and its Anti-fungal Resistance in A Tertiary Care Centre – An Emerging Global Alarm

Candidemia is caused by healthcare-associated bloodstream infections ranking as a fifth cause especially in the United States as well as in European countries among intensive care units (ICUs). Despite ongoing advances in diagnostics and medical interventions, it remains associated with high mortality rates, along with the prolonged duration of hospitalization and elevated health care costs. The aim of the study is to characterize Candida species and to investigate the antifungal resistance pattern from blood samples in a Tertiary Care centre. 53 known Candida isolates from blood samples of various wards and ICUs were collected. All isolates are processed and speciated by the conventional identification method demonstrating its various virulence factors phenotypically and AFST patterns were studied. In the present study, among 53 Candida isolates, 25 (47.16%) C. tropicalis is a predominant pathogen followed by 11 (20.75%) C. parapsilosis, 9 (16.98%) C. albicans, 4 (7.54%) C. glabrata and 4 (7.54%) C. krusei. Phospholipase activity was observed in 30 (56.60%) isolates, 36 (67.92%) showed hemolysin production. AFST showed 15 (28.30%) isolates being resistant to Fluconazole and 2 (3.77%) showed resistance to Amphotericin B. The prevalence of candidemia was high, the fatality rate was alarming and non-albicans Candida species were predominant and fluconazole was the least effective drug owing to the high level of resistance

Antimicrobial Resistance: A One Health Perspective in India

One health is a collaborative, multi-sectoral, trans-disciplinary approach used to achieve optimal health and well-being outcomes that recognize the interconnections among people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. This approach is crucial because animals and people are colonized by the same bacteria species and treated with the same antibiotic classes; the technique is instrumental in fighting antibiotic resistance. The microorganism developed antibiotic-resistant genes, which were transferred to the animal and human population via the environment. Human activities speed up the organism to acquire resistance rapidly. The primary sources of antimicrobial resistance from the environment were improper sewage and hospital waste sanitation, effluents from antibiotic production units, animal husbandry waste, agricultural manure use, livestock, and aquatic sources. This study analyzed the various routes by which antimicrobial-resistant gene is transferred into humans and their pathway in India. The study concludes that implementing strict regulation and monitoring regarding the irrational use of antibiotics in animals, sewage disposal, waste disposal, and hospital infection control practices, and providing awareness to the public regarding antibiotic resistance can reduce the rate of developing antibiotic resistance to some extent along with implementing antibiotic stewardship programmes for veterinary medicine

Therapeutic and Diagnostic Approaches by using Nanotechnology in SARS-CoV-2 Infections

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 infection is a universal threat in recent days, hence early diagnosis and treatment play a pivotal role in controlling the spread thereby preventing them to become endemic. A newer promising approach by Nanotechnology plays an essential role in targeting the specific pathogens for therapeutic and diagnosis of Viral infection. Certain Nano platforms like Microneedle array delivered Virus S1 subunit vaccines, spike protein nanoparticles, Lumazine synthase Nanoparticles, Silver Nanoparticles, Self-Assembling Protein Nanoparticles against Viral therapy are the upcoming applications as a therapeutic approach. Nucleic acid amplification techniques and Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy shows a high specificity with the immunoassay strategy. In recent days, Colloidal Gold – Nanoparticles and silicon nanoparticles have been widely used as a point of care for quick detection of IgG and IgM antibodies obtained from the virus as a diagnostic approach. Additionally, the Nanoparticles serve as a significant improvement in Personal Protective Equipment and protect against exposure to the virus. As a result of repurposing as well as for the development of the drug, apparently, Nanoparticles themselves and their concomitant therapy or their carriers will be advantageous in making a therapeutic and diagnostic approach against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 infections

Microbial Profile and Antibiogram Pattern Analysis of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections at a Tertiary Care Center in South India

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are the most common type of infection globally and also in India. Periodic evaluation of data on microbial profiling and antibiogram trend analysis is mandatory for creating a timely empirical treatment guideline and a proper antimicrobial cycling plan. In the current study, retrospective analysis of the data from 3,570 samples collected from suspected SSTI over one year was performed. Analysis was done on the clinical condition, causative agent/s identified and their antimicrobial susceptibility according to the standard guidelines. Seventy-three percent of samples yielded positive growth, with majority being unimicrobial infections. Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) were more commonly associated with infections from in-patients while Gram-positive cocci (GPC) were seen among out-patients. More than 70% of isolates among GNB were found susceptible to Carbapenems, piperacillin-tazobactam, amikacin and chloramphenicol. Among GPC, maximum sensitivity was seen to glycopeptides, linezolid followed by chloramphenicol, tetracycline, clindamycin and amikacin. Unusual resistance patterns like Penicillin resistant Ampicillin sensitive Enterococcus faecalis (PRASEF)strains, Multidrug resistance (MDR) and Extended drug resistance (XDR) were higher among Enterococci spp, MRSA, Acinetobacter spp and Klebsiella spp. Resistance to penicillin and cephalosporin drugs were high among GNB and GPC. Carbapenems, aminoglycosides, glycopeptides and broad-spectrum antibiotics are found sensitive and potential choices for empirical therapy. As prevalence of MDR and XDR strains were high and the trend analysis shows likelihood of few of the first and second line drugs becoming sensitive in future, we conclude that continued analysis of bacterial profiling and AMR pattern analysis among SSTI is essential

Metabolic consequences of alterations in gut microbiota induced by antidiabetic medications

The mutualistic relationship between human health and gut microbiota has gained growing attention as a result of its far-reaching consequences. Diabetes medications, essential for managing type 2 diabetes, which regulate glucose metabolism, have shown effects that go beyond glycemic control by receiving attention for their possible influence on gut microbiota. Notably, metformin, a cornerstone therapy, has received a lot of attention for its ability to influence the gut microbiota. Metformin administration has been linked to changes in the abundance of specific bacterial taxa, including an uprise in beneficial microbes like Akkermansia muciniphila. These modifications have been linked to increased insulin sensitivity and better metabolic outcomes. Other classes of diabetes drugs, in addition to metformin, have shown potential effects on the gut microbiota. SGLT-2 inhibitors, for example, may contribute to changes in gut microbial communities, which could explain their cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. However, the processes underlying these interactions, are complicated and not entirely understood. Direct interactions between the gut microbiota and drug, changes in intestinal permeability, and modulation of bile acid metabolism are all possible mechanisms. Individual differences and genetic factors complicate the relationship even more. Understanding the intricate interplay between diabetes drugs and gut microbiota holds promise for developing personalized diabetes management approaches. Taking advantage of these interactions could lead to novel therapeutic strategies that improve drug efficacy and overall metabolic health. More studies are required to determine the exact mechanisms underlying these effects and to capitalize on their potential for improved patient outcomes. This review provides a concise overview of the effects of diabetes medications on gut microbiota composition and its importance

Analysis of Robust Immune Response among Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Individuals against SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

The pandemic on SARS-CoV-2 infection has adversely impacted mankind all over the globe and more importantly, amidst individuals having Type-2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) as well as among those who produce SARS-CoV-2 intricacies. Humoral and T cell-mediated immunity are adaptive immunity has a pivotal role to play in removing pathogens, comprising SARS-CoV-2. The infected cells are being eliminated by the primarily cytotoxic CD8+ T cells as well as certain antibodies in opposition to SARS-CoV-2 among humoral immunological responses possess the capacity for neutralizing this virus or by eliminating the infected cells with the support of cytotoxic in order to manage the progression of the disease. This cross-sectional study was carried out between January 2022 to December 2022. The serum samples were used to analyze SARS-CoV-2 total Ab among individuals having and not having T2DM and several metabolic risk factors like hypertension using WANTAI SARS-CoV-2 Total Ab ELISA Kit. There were 354 individuals, of which 141 (39.8%) had T2DM and 213 (60.2%) were nondiabetic patients. T2DM showed reduced antibody levels (average 5 AU/ml) than those without diabetes (average 12 AU/ml). SARS-CoV2 total antibody levels are considerably lower in hypertension patients (8 AU/ml) over those who are normotensive (14 AU/ml). The present study implies that the continuous monitoring of the total antibody profile of SARS-CoV-2 that may be a practical strategy to help individuals with T2DM and hypertension to determine their need of precautionary doses for sustaining SARS-CoV-2 vaccines by producing immunity for protection against infections

Impact of telomere attrition on diabetes mellitus and its complications

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition marked by persistent hyperglycemia. It is a major issue of public health with wide-ranging effects. Telomeres are protective caps at chromosome ends, essential for preserving genomic stability and cellular integrity. Research highlights the complex link between diabetes and telomere biology and the potential interactions between the two. This review aims to present a summary of the relationship between diabetes and telomeres, highlighting significant discoveries and probable underlying mechanisms. Telomere shortening in those with diabetes and those at risk of getting the condition provides evidence that telomere dysfunction is linked to diabetes. It is said that telomere attrition, which is influenced by elements such as oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia, plays a major role in the pathophysiology of diabetes. Diabetes Mellitus's hallmark symptoms are chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, accelerating telomere shortening via pro-inflammatory cytokines production and reactive oxygen species, respectively. Telomere dysfunction is enhanced further by the long-term effects of insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. The onset of diabetic comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy has also been linked to telomere shortening. Understanding how telomeres contribute to these issues may offer new therapeutic ideas. Diabetes and its consequences may be treated with telomere-targeted medicines, such as telomerase activators, telomerase gene therapy, and treatments that target telomere-associated proteins. However, more investigation is required to assess these strategies' security, effectiveness, and long-term impacts

Efficacy of Green Synthesised Iron Oxide Nanoparticles against Various Uropathogens: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The shoot up of antimicrobial resistance leading to the Multidrug Resistance (MDR) phenomenon in clinical pathogens has forced us to develop novel technologies to cease this global threat immediately. Iron oxide nanoparticles can be a breakthrough solution to this dilemma due to its magnetic properties and biocompatibility. Non toxic and biocompatible applications of magnetic nanoparticles can be enriched further by special surface coating with organic or inorganic molecules. Aim: To determine the antibacterial activity of green synthesised iron oxide nanoparticles against various clinical isolates. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from June 2021 to April 2022. This study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (SRMMCH&RC), Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India. Nanoparticles underwent surface modifications and characterisation using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Ultraviolet (UV) Visible Absorption Spectra, and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) followed by charge characterisation through agarose gel electrophoresis. Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion method was used for screening the sensitivity and resistance pattern of 50 selected isolates and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was assessed using MIC Microbroth Dilution technique with the help of resazurin. Tukey post-hoc multiple comparisons test to analyse the zone of inhibition of antibacterial efficacy. Results: Out of the four different concentrations of bare and coated nanoparticles (0.0375 mg/mL, 0.07 mg/mL, 0.15 mg/mL, 0.3 mg/mL), bare nanoparticles inhibited the growth of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at 0.3 mg/mL while citrate coated nanoparticles inhibited the growth at 0.15 mg/mL, 0.018 mg/mL, 0.0375 mg/mL, 0.07 mg/mL, and 0.15 mg/mL dilutions were used in case of Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR K. pneumoniae) and MDR Escherichia coli, from which both organisms were inhibited at 0.15 mg/mL of bare and coated nanoparticles. Conclusion: Iron nanoparticles synthesised from the marine algae Chaetomorpha antennina could be used in the future as a drug carrier or as an antimicrobial agent