All posts by Anna Białecka

CRISPR/CAS SYSTEM: AN EFFECTIVE TOOL AGAINST PATHOGENIC DISEASES


Shakira Aslam, Ali Umair, Zaid Aslam, Muhammad Zafar Saleem and Hamid Bashir

PDF

Abstract: Viral pathogens are major concern nowadays. Bacterial CRISPR/Cas systems help in defending the host body against differentpathogens including viruses too. This system contains restriction enzymes that introduce dsDNA breaks on target site to make the virusnon-functional by damaging its genes. Coronavirus, HIV and Herpes viruses are causing mortality all around the world. To control thespread of disease, early detection and treatment is required. CRISPR system due to its high efficiency provides a platform to restrictthe viral entry into host cell, viral genome editing and eliminate the latent infections. In this review, the CRISPR strategies against threemajor viral diseases are put under consideration: Coronavirus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and Herpesvirus associated dis-eases. Three CRISPR/Cas systems have been discussed including CRISPR/Cas12, CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPR/Cas13 that are used againstthe above listed viruses.

THE OCCURRENCE OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA) AROUND THE WORLD AND ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY FOR SELECTED INFECTIONS CAUSED BY MRSA


Kamila Wierzchowska

PDF

Abstract: Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium, which can cause serious bacterial infections in humans. It constitutes an important etiological factor of many diseases, for instance, soft tissue and skin infections (including skin boils and abscesses), as well as life-threatening necrotizing pneumonia or toxic shock syndrome. It is estimated that about 25–30% of people are carriers of S. aureus mainly in the anterior nostrils. A smaller percentage of people are carriers of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). In accordance with its definition, methicillin-resistant S. aureus is resistant to almost all β-lactam antibiotics. This phenomenon is mainly caused by the presence of penicillin-binding protein in the cell wall – PBP2a, which is the product of the mecA gene, which is part of the complex called SCCmec (staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) results in endemic in hospitals around the world and are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in society. Infections initiated by hospital strains of MRSA (health care-associated MRSA, HA-MRSA) concern mainly immunocompromised patients after surgery. In addition, there are populations of acommunity-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) strains and populations of livestock-associated MRSA (LA-MRSA) strains. The treatment of infections with MRSA etiology, after exhausting the possibilities of standard antibiotic therapy with the use of i.e. vancomycin, is based on treatment with new-generation antibiotics, such as dalbavacin.

1 6 7 8