Browsing tag: epidemiology

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE: MECHANISMS, EPIDEMIOLOGY, AND EMERGING THREATS


Dorota Ochońska and Monika Brzychczy–Włoch

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Abstract: Currently, one of the most serious threats to public health is the rapid spread of multidrug–resistant (MDR) and highly virulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp). In these strains, various antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are frequently detected, including several novel ones first identified in this bacterial species, such as carbapenemases of the KPC, NDM–1, and OXA–48 types. The widespread prevalence of environmental ARGs, which can be transferred between microbiota, particularly among clinical pathogens and human commensals, has significantly contributed to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in K. pneumoniae. Resistance is caused by mechanisms such as drug inactivation, increased efflux, or altered binding to target sites. Moreover, this resistance is further enhanced by the production of various beta-lactamases, mainly extended–spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), or by biofilm formation. Particularly concerning in K. pneumoniae, the main species representing the carbapenemase–producing Enterobacterales (CPE) group, is the emergence of plasmid–mediated resistance to carbapenems and polymyxins, which are considered “last–resort drugs” for treating infections caused by these pathogenic microorganisms. The growing resistance of K. pneumoniae to antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents remains one of the most important problems in epidemiological surveillance, microbiological diagnostics, and the global treatment of infections. The high mortality rate among infected patients and the difficulty in treating infections caused by MDR K. pneumoniae have led to this bacterium being classified as one of the most common and dangerous human pathogens in both Polish and global healthcare. This article characterizes the factors determining antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae, both in terms of biochemical mechanisms and molecular features. In addition, the current epidemiological situation regarding the spread of invasive, resistant K. pneumoniae isolates in Europe and Poland is described, and treatment regimens for infections caused by these high–alert pathogens are presented.

BRUCELLOSIS: CURRENT STATUS OF THE DISEASE AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

BRUCELLOSIS: CURRENT STATUS OF THE DISEASE AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
Sulaiman Mohammed Abu Sulayman, Roop Singh Bora, Jamal S.M. Sabir, Mohamed Morsi M. Ahmed

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Abstract: Brucellosis is a transmissible bacterial zoonotic disease caused by Gram-negative coccobacillus bacteria of the genus Brucella. The disease severely hinders the livestock industry and human health. In several instances, infected animals act as carriers for the crossspecies transmission of brucellosis. Social issues, poor husbandry practices, irregularities in the marketing and movement of domestic animals, and lack of coordination between veterinary and human health services are some of the key factors responsible for the transmission and prevalence of Brucellosis. Human contact with infected domestic animals is often the transmission route of Brucellosis infection.
Therefore, human brucellosis could be eradicated globally by eradicating animal brucellosis. This review describes the current status of brucellosis and the risk factors of the disease in animals and the human population. In addition, there is a further discussion of the various issues related to the control and prevention of brucellosis in domestic animals and humans.
1. Introduction. 2. Historical background of Brucellosis. 3. Prevalence of brucellosis 4. Taxonomy 5. Epidemiology of Brucellosis 6. Risk factors for brucellosis 7. Transmission. 8. Clinical Symptoms. 9. Human brucellosis. 10. Diagnosis of brucellosis 11. Detection of
Brucella organisms. 12. Serological tests. 13. Molecular diagnostic methods. 14. Control and prevention of brucellosis