Medical Microbiology Commons^™

Epstein–Barr Virus Common And Rare Complications In Iraq: Review Paper, Ameer Mohammed Kadhim, M. Jafar Zainaldeen, Zainab Haider Abdulmajeed

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) is a highly ubiquitous herpesvirus found globally, it is associated to both a wide range of condition including common, pervasive infections and severe, rare diseases. In Iraq, despite a significant increased incident of chronic illnesses and viral- related malignancies, the local overview of EBV-associated complications remains fragmented. Aim: This review synthesizes the current available Iraqi literature to delineate the dual nature of EBV’s impact, distinguishing between common epidemiological manifestations and its role in severe clinical complications in local cohorts. Key Findings: high seroprevalence (~80%) of EBV in healthy Iraqi population, with noteworthy association observed in autoimmune …

Nano Zinc Oxide Against Bacteria Isolated From Burn Infection, Mohammed Jaafar Al-Anssari, Mohammed Sahib Al-Hamami, Hayder Razzaq Al-Ameedee, Rabab Abdul Razzaq Kasema, Hawraa Majid Mahdi

Al-Bahir

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of bacteria that is found commonly in the environment, like in soil and in water. This bacteria can cause infections in the blood, lungs (pneumonia), or other parts of the body after surgery. These bacteria are constantly finding new ways to avoid the effects of the antibiotics used to treat the infections they cause. Zinc oxide nanoparticles' (ZnO-NPs') or Nano zinc oxide antibacterial properties have drawn a lot of attention from around the world, especially since nanotechnology has been used to create particles in the nanometer range. Because of their larger specific surface area and …

Investigating Corollaries Between Streptococcus Gallolyticus Subsp. Gallolyticus Virulence And Colorectal Cancer, Tyler G. Myers

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (Sgg) is a gram-positive, non-beta-hemolytic bacterium that belongs to the Lancefield group D of streptococcal pathogens. For the past several decades, associations between Sgg bacteremia and colorectal cancer (CRC) have been apparent, with gastroenterologists routinely recommending colonoscopies for positive cases of Sgg in either blood or stool samples. However, current research has not wholly established whether Sgg acts as a causative agent of CRC or if pre-existing cancers make the lumen of the colon more hospitable to its colonization. Regardless, Sgg has been implicated in the modulation of host inflammatory pathways and subsequent remodeling …

A Case Of Fatal Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus And Encephalitis In An Immunocompetent Host With A Review Of Literature, Kellyn E. Wilkes, Rutwik Pradeep Sharma, Laurie Proia

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Herpes zoster is a common disease that can have several complications. Here, we present a case of herpes zoster ophthalmicus with coexisting encephalitis that unfortunately resulted in patient mortality. A 70-year-old male with a past medical history of Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia presented to the emergency department after being found altered at home. Physical exam was notable for left-sided crusted facial rash, left conjunctival injection, and purulent drainage coming from the right eye. Given the location and appearance of his rash, he was diagnosed with herpes zoster ophthalmicus. There was suspicion for encephalitis given his altered mental status but unfortunately, …

Mycobacterium Shimoidei: A Case Report Of A Rare Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection In An American Patient With A Favorable Outcome, Madison Baker, Farah Majdoub, Asad Nasir

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are common environmental pathogens, but they are an uncommon cause of illness. One such mycobacteria, Mycobacterium shimoidei, was discovered in 1968 and found to cause a respiratory illness in 1975. Since then, fewer than 100 cases have been reported worldwide. Symptoms can include cough, fever, weight loss, and hemoptysis This report describes an American patient with no travel history who was found to have significant pulmonary disease caused by this rare non-tuberculous mycobacteria.

A Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Salmonella-Shigella (Ss) Agar And Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate (Xld) Agar In Supporting The Growth Of Salmonella Sp. And Shigella Sp., Ika Ningsih, Kharisma Winnie Chryssantium Tiro

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Diarrheal diseases caused by Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp. are among the most significant public health challenges worldwide, especially among children. To identify these bacteria, Salmonella-Shigella (SS) and Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate (XLD) agar media are used, which are selective and differential for Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp. Although these media share similar properties and functions for growing Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp., results from previous studies differ from those obtained in tests conducted by the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia. This laboratory-based experimental study used serial dilution with three replicates (triplicate). Based on SNI 2897 of …

Elucidating The Relationship Between Water Quality And Antibiotic Resistance Of Rainwater Microbes Across Western Humboldt County, Theo P. Murphy, Eve Wendley, Justice Laskowski, Tyler Paredes

Humboldt Journal of Microbiology

Limited studies have been conducted regarding the fecal contamination and microbial dispersal through rainwater, with no known studies investigating the potential connection between antibiotic resistant microbes and water quality in rainwater. This study seeks to identify the presence of a correlation between water quality and incidence of antibiotic resistance in rainwater microbes. We hypothesize that there will be a correlation between these two variables. We additionally anticipate a high incidence of fecal contamination across rural and urban collection sites alike, with fecal contamination being more prevalent in rural areas than urban locals. To determine water quality, we measured the concentration …

Evaluation Of Anti-Bacterial Efficacy Of Ginger, Resin Gum, And Nigella Sativa Irrigants Against Enterococcus Faecalis: An In Vitro Study, Iman El Ghazzawy, Leen Imad Hasbini, Reem Chamseddine, Wael Betbout, Roula Abiad

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of Ginger, Resin Gum, and Nigella Sativa, against Enterococcus Faecalis.

Methods: Thirty-eight extracted single-rooted premolars were inoculated with E.faecalis, except the negative control, and incubated for 4 weeks. After instrumentation samples were divided into 4 groups (n=7) according to final irrigation: NaOCl+EDTA (Group A), Nigella sativa (B), Resin Gum (C), Ginger (D), plus 2 control groups (n=5): Saline (E), and Saline without bacterial inoculation (F). Cultures were collected at baseline and after irrigation.

Results: One-way ANOVA showed that in groups A-D a statistically significant reduction of bacterial load was observed at …

Multivalvular Native Valve E. Coli Endocarditis, Madison Baker, Jose Reyes, Natasha Singh, Samir Shah, Rohail A. Baig, Justin Nistico

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

E. coli is a rare cause of infective endocarditis. This report describes an 81-year-old-woman with a history of aortic stenosis and recurrent urinary tract infections who presented in sepsis secondary to E. coli urinary tract infection which was complicated by multivalvular infective endocarditis of the aortic and tricuspid native valves identified on transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). The patient was managed medically with ceftriaxone, and resolution of both vegetations was seen on TEE without the need for cardiothoracic surgery. Literature review did not yield prior cases of multivalvular E. coli endocarditis.

The Effect Of Temperature For Producing Thayer-Martin Agar Media Using Sheep Blood On Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Growth With Various Inoculums, Ika Ningsih, Kayla Adyapratista Sumadiyo

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a Gram-negative bacterium in the form of diplococci that infects mucous membranes through direct inoculation, is fastidious, and requires special media for growth because it is susceptible to heating and dryness, so it cannot survive long outside its host. Thayer-Martin agar media is a selective culture medium for the diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterial infections enriched with sheep blood. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimum temperature for various temperature variations of making Thayer-Martin agar when mixing with sheep blood, compared to the temperature according to the manufacturer's procedure. Determining this ideal temperature may …

Phytochemical Analysis And Antimicrobial Activity Of Micromeria Barbata Leaf And Stem Extracts Against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa: Insights From Molecular Docking And In Vitro Assays, Shiraz Rawas, Dalia El-Badan, Nawal Al Hakawati

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

The present study provides the characterization of the phytochemical content and the antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts from the leaves (LM) and stems (SM) of Micromeria barbata (M.barbata) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Important functional groups were determined by analyzing the FTIR spectra of LM and SM. The phytochemical profiles were analyzed by GC-MS, and these characterized the chemicals according to retention periods and peak regions. The binding affinities of discovered compounds with the P. aeruginosa LasR and PqsD proteins were evaluated using molecular docking approach. Assays for biofilm formation, MIC, MBC, and agar well diffusion were used to assess the …

Knowledge Of Hiv Transmission And Prevention Among University Students In Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study, Muhammad Saleem, Sajid Masood, Shahid Hussain

Journal of Bioresource Management

HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health problem internationally, with young adults being especially at risk because of behavioral and knowledge deficits. In Pakistan, cultural inhibitions and suboptimal health education are the main reasons for limited awareness, particularly among university students. This study had the objectives of determining the knowledge level about HIV transmission and prevention among undergraduate students in Kohsar University Murree (KUM) and to investigate correlations with salient demographic variables. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 510 students aged 18-27 years through a pre-validated, standardized questionnaire with 12 knowledge-based items. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were utilized to …

The Medicine From Nature; Finding The Antibacterial Power Of Essential Oils, Josi Maness, Seoyeon Kim, Eric T. Gillock

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Essential oils are known to have pharmaceutical effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties. These days, there are various types of essential oils that are commonly used for coughing or to promote good sleep.

We prepared 19 different essential oils to find the essential oil that has the most antibiotic properties by putting drops of oil on a soy agar plate with Serratia marcescens. As a result, cinnamon cassia essential oil was most effective, and five of them didn't have antibiotic properties.

We also tested with six different types of antibiotics, and as a result, only three of them …

Dengue Cases In Hanoi, Vietnam: Unseasonal Surge Foreshadows Increased Incidence That Demands Organized Preventive Action, Andrew W. Taylor-Robinson

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Letter to the Editor - Abstract not required.

Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, And Examination Of Corynebacterium Diphtheriae, Ika Ningsih, Muhammad Iqbal Safrullah

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a rod-shaped bacterium, Gram-positive (purple), growth requires the presence of oxygen or can live with oxygen or without oxygen, nonmotile, non-capsular, non-sporing, catalase positive. Most species ferment carbohydrates such as fructose, galactose, glucose, maltose, and mannose and produce an exotoxin called diphtheria toxin (DT) which can cause diphtheria, a respiratory infection characterized by sore throat and the production of a thick layer / gray pseudomembrane and generally affects children aged 15 years and under and is very vulnerable in people who are not immunized and in low immune systems. Diphtheria is a dangerous and life-threatening disease if …

Trends Of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infections Among Thai Pediatric Patients, Pintip Suchartlikitwong, Nopphon Wuthinantiwong, Watsamon Jantarabenjakul, Noppadol Wacharachaisurapol, Jiratchaya Sophonphan, Tanittha Chatsuwan, Thanyawee Puthanakit

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background While reductions in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections have been reported, vancomycin prescription rates have remained high.

Objectives We aimed to update trends in pediatric prevalence and antibiotic susceptibilities of MRSA infections.

Methods We conducted a retrospective study in patients aged S. aureus infections during 2016-2022 at a Thai tertiary-care hospital. MRSA was defined when resistant to cefoxitin or oxacillin MIC of >4 µg/mL. Patients with MRSA infections and their first isolates were classified into HA-MRSA or CA-MRSA based on surveillance definitions. Antibiotic susceptibilities were tested using the VITEK 2XL automated system and disk diffusion. The annual prevalence of …

Medmicromaps, A Novel Decision-Tree Guide For Infectious Diseases Differential Diagnoses, And Evaluation Of Pre- And Post-Pandemic User Engagement By Preclinical Medical Students, Jason Ceballos, Tavsimran Luthra, Lucia Garces-Torres, Valerie Lentz, Jack Nelson, Claudia Carceles-Roman, Ian Holyoak, Jane Harrington

International Journal of Emerging and Disruptive Innovation in Education : VISIONARIUM

Background: Medical education has undergone major changes in the past 5 years to adapt to the digital-centered student population with diverse learning preferences. To address the challenges of shifting delivery modalities, multimedia resources were created to provide interactive e-learning material on infectious diseases for year 2 medical students.

Methods: Medical students at a USA-accredited Caribbean medical school were provided with supplemental e-learning materials including animations, illustrations, diagnostic algorithms aka MedMicroMaps, and Case-Based tutorials. Participants were classified by semester and lecture delivery: In-person: Cohort 1 (n=526); Virtual: Cohort 2 (n=651); and Hybrid: Cohort 3 ( …

Headache And Vision Loss As Initial Symptoms For An Acute Invasive Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis, Thanh Le Od, Gregg Wentworth Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Acute invasive rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a rare fungal infection commonly caused by Rhizopus species. It occurs in immune- compromised individuals who have acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), leukemia, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, or organ transplant patients who are on immunosuppressive therapy. Diagnosing invasive ROCM is challenging because its clinical presentation can be nonspecific, and it is not frequently observed in ophthalmic practices. Case Report: A 66-year-old Hispanic male with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus presented with the complaint of severe headache and retrobulbar pain in the right eye. An ophthalmic examination revealed normal ocular health in both eyes. Computerized tomography …

Rare Case Of Mycobacterium Avium Complex Peritonitis In A Patient With Multiple Myeloma Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis, Sacide S. Ozgur, Nida Ansari, Dhruv Patel, Ryan Rahman, Raymond Shih

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections can present as a variety of severe diseases. While it has a predilection for immunocompromised patients such as those with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), it can also affect immunocompetent patients as well. One of the rare yet severe diseases that MAC infections can present is MAC peritonitis. Often hard to distinguish from other causes of peritonitis, high clinical suspicion should be maintained for those who are susceptible. Here we present an 85-year-old female with a past medical history of end-stage renal disease on peritoneal dialysis who presented with nausea and vomiting. She was found to …

Oral Dosages Of The Nsaid Aspirin Decreased The Growth Rate Of Species Found In The Human Gut Microbiome Including Akkermansia Muciniphila, Bacteroides Fragilis, Clostridium Sordellii, And Clostridium Difficile, Wyatt H. Greenbaum, Garrett J. Greenbaum, Anna Spiezio

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

Over past few decades, new insight has been revealed in the scientific community about the importance of the human gut microbiome relating to general health. It is known that imbalances in the species that reside in the human gut can cause organism-wide problems in humans. When prescribing or injecting oral medications, the thought of the downstream effects on the gut microbiome are not always considered. By exposing known healthy members of the gut; Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium sordellii, and Clostridium difficile to the Aspirin, this study attempted to provide insight into the effects of the drug on bacterial growth. …

Severe Covid-19 Following Rituximab And Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir Treatment In A Patient With Mctd, Case Report, Rohail A. Baig, Faieja Chowdhury, Omar Siddiqui, Adnaan Sheikh, Varun Mehta, Pranjali Dakwale

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

This is an article about how the use of medications such as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir can cause rebound COVID-19 and how the use of Rituximab, a biologic agent, can prolong the duration and increase severity of symptoms of COVID-19 in patients with pre-disposed autoimmune diseases that are on chronic pharmacotherapy.

Lessons Learned Creating Microbiology Laboratory Demonstration Videos, Marnie Imhoff, Linsey Donner

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Microbiology laboratory classes are designed to allow students to apply knowledge gained during lectures and become proficient in laboratory skills. Students are introduced to procedures for working with and identifying microorganisms. Instructors must prepare students to perform and interpret the necessary testing procedures to be successful. Laboratory demonstration videos provide students with a first-person, unobstructed demonstration on how to perform laboratory techniques. The videos can be used as a visual learning tool to supplement courses with an in-person laboratory session or as a component in online learning. This article describes the creation of instructional microbiology laboratory demonstration videos.

Covid-19 Vaccine Effectiveness In Preventing Severe Infections And Mortality Among Patients In Kerala, India., Surag Mk, Sarin S. M, Sarosh Kumar K K, Udaya A

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

ABSTRACT

Background:

India has a top status among world countries, related to the COVID-19 mortality that had crossed the 3-lakh level. The second wave of COVID19 had ravaged the world countries, created havoc of the highest order, leaving many hapless, thanks to the low availability of oxygen, ICU facilities, vaccines and counselling prospects.

There is a lack of information about how COVID-19 vaccines have affected mortality in specific geographic areas.

Method:

A Retrospective record-based design. Patients were matched for age, sex, ethnicity, co-morbidities and grouped into fully immunized, partially immunized and non-immunized.

The primary outcome was in-hospital deaths and secondary …

Follow-Up Blood Cultures In Gram-Negative Bacteremia: How Do They Impact Outcomes?, Azza Elamin, Faisal Khan, Rajasekhar Jagarlamudi

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Introduction: Several studies have questioned the utility of obtaining follow-up blood cultures in Gram-negative bacteremia, but the impact of this practice on clinical outcomes is not fully understood. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted with Gram-negative bacteremia over a two year period, to compare outcomes in those with and without follow-up blood cultures obtained. Data collected included demographics, comorbidities and presumed source of bacteremia. White blood cell count and presence of fever or hemodynamic compromise on the day of follow-up blood culture were recorded. The primary objective was to compare 30-day mortality between the two groups. Secondary …

Presence Of Blaper-1 And Blaveb-1 Beta-Lactamase Genes Among Isolates Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa From Burn And Trauma Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan, Suleman Khan, Samiyah Tasleem, Alfarah Rehmat Ullah,, Sarwat Moon, Saad Alghamdi, Raina Saad Suliman, Muhammad Ateeq, Muhmmad Salman, Anas S. Dablool,, Banan Atwah, Farkad Bantun

Journal of Bioresource Management

Pseudomonas aeruginosa spp are the most prevalent bacteria that cause nosocomial infections in hospitals. Most antibiotics, including novel new β-lactams, are already resistant to them, and they can become resistant during treatment, which can make the treatment fail. P. aeruginosa isolates from ICU patients who had Per-1 and VEB-1 were the main focus of this study. These two ESBLs are the two most common in ICU patients who had them. 50 isolates were gathered from Peshawar's LRH ICU facilities in the year 2021. The antibiotic susceptibility test was conducted in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute's standards (CLSI). …

A Case Report Of Pulmonary Actinomycosis: A Diagnostic Quagmire, Sarah Akbani, Aderinsola O. Ademiluyi, Jonathan Dean, Vinita Mathur

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

The implications of misdiagnosis can be drastic, especially when the correct diagnosis is treatable. Pulmonary actinomycosis is one of the complications of infection with actinomyces, an anaerobic gram-positive organism that is usually found as a part of the normal flora in the human body infection. It is a very rare disease and is frequently mistaken with other diagnoses owing to its nonspecific presentation. In this report, we present a 67-year-old male with a mass like lesion on a CT scan of his chest that was done due to progressively worsening productive cough, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms could have …

An Investigation Into The Prevalence Of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Within An Irish Hospital, Dylan Casey

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are well-recognised nosocomial pathogens that pose a significant threat to public health. Associated with poorer clinical outcomes than their vancomycin-sensitive counterparts, the prevalence of VRE in Ireland has increased in recent times, with the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network reporting that out of 29 countries, Ireland demonstrated the highest rates of vancomycin resistance among invasive Enterococcus faecium isolates between 2011 and 2014 (2011; 34.9%, 2012; 44.0%, 2013; 42.7%, 2014; 45.1%). Herein, we investigate VRE prevalence in the Mercy University Hospital (MUH) – an acute care hospital in southern Ireland. A total of 21 first-time VRE infections were …

Intestinal Dysbiosis – A New Treatment Target In The Prevention Of Colorectal Cancer, Florinela-Andrada Dumitru, Sergiu Ioan Micu, Roxana Emanuela Popoiag, Marilena Musat, Andreea Daniela Caloian, Valentin Calu, Vlad Denis Constantin, Daniela Gabriela Balan, Cornelia Nitipir, Florin Enache

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The gastrointestinal microbiome contains at least 100 trillion microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi), whose distribution varies from the mouth to the rectum spatially and temporally throughout one's lifetime. The microbiome benefits from advancing research due to its major role in human health. Studies indicate that its functions are immunity, metabolic processes and mucosal barrier. The disturbances of these functions, dysbiosis, influence physiology, lead to diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity and colon tumorigenesis. The third most common form of cancer, colorectal cancer, is the result of many factors and genes, and although the link between dysbiosis and this type of cancer is …

Prion Disease: A Challenging Diagnosis, Jeffrey F. Spindel, Anita M. Fletcher, William T. Smith, Rodrigo Cavallazzi

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Introduction: Human prion diseases are a group of rare encephalopathies resulting in rapidly progressive dementia and ultimately death. While there are no effective treatments for any form of prion disease, prompt and efficient diagnosis is essential to prevent the spread of the self-propagating protein, which may occur through aerosols, and avoid unnecessary or invasive testing. Diagnosis relies largely on physical examination, with many nonspecific findings, and laboratory testing, which has wide ranges of reported accuracy and high false positive rates with diseases such as Alzheimer’s dementia.

Methods: Patients who underwent testing for prion disease were retrospectively identified from the electronic …

Microbial Influence On Alzheimer's Disease, Ashley N. Hamby

The Cardinal Edge

No abstract provided.