All posts by Anna Białecka

WHAT DO WE KNOW SO FAR ABOUT GES CARBAPENEMASES, AND WHAT THREAT DO THEY POSE?


Rutkowski K., Osnytskyy A., Ślifierska M., Jarząbek P., Bielec F., Pastuszak-Lewandoska D., Brauncajs M.

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Abstract: Carbapenemases, classified as bacterial enzymes, have the ability to hydrolyze carbapenems – important broad-spectrum antibiotics. This work attempts to summarize the information on the diversity of Guiana Extended-Spectrum (GES) subgroup of carbapenemases, and highlights the serious threat posed by infections caused by bacteria capable of producing these enzymes. The structure, functional characteristics, classification of different types of GES carbapenemases and diagnostic methods are discussed in detail. There are 59 GES-type carbapenemases, which have different amino acid sequences of the protein chains as well as activity against various antibiotics. Currently, bacterial strains with antibiotic resistance of the GES type are treated with: cefiderocil belonging to the cephalosporins, eravacycline belonging to the tetracyclines, lefamulin belonging to the pleuromutulins, colistin, fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin, tobramycin, amikacin, imipenem with relebactam, meropenem with waborbactam, ceftazidime with avibactam and plazomycin. In addition, the following drugs are under study: durlobactam with sulbactam, taniborbactam and cefepime with enmetazobactam This paper aims to summarize the current knowledge on GES-type carbapenemases, their diagnosis and treatment.

THE ROLE OF VOLUNTARY COUNSELLING AND TESTING POINTS (VCTs) IN HIV DIAGNOSTICS – ANALYSIS OF VCTs ACTIVITY IN POLAND IN THE CONTEXT OF LOCAL AND EUROPEAN EPIDEMIOLOGY


Szczepański A., Klesiewicz K., Ankiersztejn-Bartczak M., Olechowska-Jarząb A., Brzychczy-Włoch M.

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Abstract: Screening tests are now readily accessible, quick and highly sensitive. Diagnostics of HIV infections involves serological testing followed by confirmation tests by molecular biology methods (NAAT). Fast, accurate, anonymous and free HIV testing has been provided by Voluntary Counselling and Testing Points (VCTs) for over 20 years to any adult in Poland, regardless of nationality. Additionally, the educational activities are conducted aimed at informing people from various social backgrounds about HIV prevention and diagnostic possibilities, as well as other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The aim of the article was to present the procedures for the operation of VCTs in Poland, their location, testing scheme and a summary of the activities that promote such points in the medical community. Between 2019 and 2023, 157,833 people registered for HIV testing in VCTs in Poland, of which 10,177 (6.45%) were foreigners. In the analyzed period, the number of tests among foreigners visiting VCTs in Poland almost doubled, from 1,552 in 2019 to 2,827 in 2023. In addition, a higher percentage of positive results was recorded among foreigners – 5.08% compared to Poles – 1.24%. The frequency analysis of positive results detection reported in VCTs vs. National Institute of Public Health NIH – National Research Institute showed that, on average 26% (2,342/8,891) of positive results in Poland from 2019–2023 were detected in the framework of tests carried out in VCTs. The operation of VCT points in Poland enables the reaching of a larger group of people, especially key adult populations. It is a valuable complement to routine diagnostics outside the health care system.

ZOONOTIC DISEASES IN NORTHEN CYPRUS: CURRENT AND FUTURE THREATS


Güvenir M. and Arikan A.

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Abstract: Diseases transmitted naturally between animals and humans are referred to as zoonoses. Zoonotic diseases are responsible for many pathogenic infections in humans, especially in endemic regions. In recent years, emerging and re-emerging zoonotic infections have become widespread and pose a threat worldwide. Transmitted such bacterial, viral and parasitic infections have been detected in Northen Cyprus over the years. Climate change and human migration are increasing essentially, making such infections potentially more dangerous. To quickly detect these pathogens and limit their spread, it is crucial for the island to control their animal reservoirs. In addition, continued and expanded research is essential for global surveillance.
This review aimed to provide an overview of the etiology of the most recorded zoonotic diseases in Northen Cyprus, their impact on human health, and measures to control their spread better.

KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE – TAXONOMY, OCCURRENCE, IDENTIFICATION, VIRULENCE FACTORS AND PATHOGENICITY


Ochońska D. and Brzychczy-WłochM.

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Abstract: Gram-negative bacilli Klebsiella pneumoniae are among the most important pathogens responsible for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). These bacteria often have high pathogenic and epidemic potential, contributing to infection outbreaks worldwide. K. pneumoniae is part of the natural microbiota of humans. At the same time, as an opportunistic microorganism, when the host organism is weakened, it can cause serious infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, septic infections and intra-organ abscesses. Widespread distribution in nature and exceptional adaptability provide K. pneumoniae with the opportunity to master new niches in the hospital environment, which poses a threat to hospitalized patients. Also, the bacteria are increasingly causing life-threatening infections in the non-hospital environment. The pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae is determined by the presence of many virulence factors such as capsular polysaccharide (CPS, K antigen), lipopolysaccharid (LPS, O antigen), fimbrial and non-fimbrial adhesins, siderophores (aerobactin, enterobactin, salmochelin and yersiniabactin), heat-stabile and heat-labile enterotoxins, cytotoxins and biofilm-forming ability. Currently, hypervirulent strains of K. pneumoniae (hvKp) equipped with new virulence traits constitute a significant danger. The paper presents these bacteria concerning the global threat arising from the dynamic spread of hvKp strains in hospitals in Poland and worldwide.

INFECTIONS CONNECTED WITH ORGAN AND TISSUE TRANSPLANTATION


Agnieszka E. Laudy and Stefan Tyski

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Abstract: Transplantology is a branch of medicine that is developing rapidly. Transplanted whole organs or segments of organs may be recovered from either living or deceased donors. New methods of preserving transplanted solid organs, including the kidney, liver, heart, lung, and pancreas, as well as tissues, such as the cornea and skin, are being developed. Preservation fluid, which is used to perfuse and store the donated organ or tissue, should reduce biological deterioration of organs and tissue, attenuate ischemia/reperfusion-induced cell/tissue injury, and protect against damage. Lowering the storage temperature of organs significantly reduces the risk of damage. Efforts are also made to shorten the time between collecting the organ or tissue from the donor and transplanting it in the recipient. However, during transplantation, the recipient may become infected, primarily with bacteria and fungi. Infections of organ recipients occur most often due to unhygienic organ collection, improper handling and transport, and inappropriate preservation conditions, especially contamination of preservation fluid. The literature on contamination of organ preservation fluid and infections in graft recipients is very diverse, both in terms of the isolated bacterial and fungal species and the number of incidents. A large percentage of contaminating microorganisms belong to the generally non-pathogenic skin microbiota, but there are also cases of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Besides, the transplanted organs themselves may pose a danger. They may contain latent microorganisms, mainly viruses and parasites, that could be activated in a patient who has been subjected to immunosuppression to reduce the risk of organ rejection.

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