Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Felix Bornier, Eline Zas, Damien Potheret, Maria-Halima Laaberki, Benedicte Coupat-Goutaland, Xavier Charpentier
Summary: This study found that the natural environment is a rich source of diverse amoebae with broad-spectrum predatory activities against human pathogens, including highly virulent and antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fernando Sanz-Garcia, Teresa Gil-Gil, Pablo Laborda, Luz E. Ochoa-Sanchez, Jose L. Martinez, Sara Hernando-Amado
Summary: The use and misuse of antibiotics have led to widespread antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant challenge to human health. Among these bacteria, opportunistic pathogens with an environmental origin are a growing concern in hospitals, showing low susceptibility to currently used antibiotics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Meirong Song, Ying Liu, Tingting Li, Xiaojia Liu, Zhihui Hao, Shuangyang Ding, Pharkphoom Panichayupakaranant, Kui Zhu, Jianzhong Shen
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of natural flavonoids from plants against multidrug resistant bacteria, with a focus on the structure-activity relationship analysis of two compounds, alpha-mangostin and isobavachalcone. These compounds show rapid bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and mechanism studies suggest they target bacterial membrane phospholipids. The efficacy of these natural products in infection or contamination models highlights them as a promising and underappreciated resource for combating antibiotic resistance.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zongqiang Wang, Bimal Koirala, Yozen Hernandez, Matthew Zimmerman, Steven Park, David S. Perlin, Sean F. Brady
Summary: A structurally diverse colistin congener (macolacin) has been discovered, which is active against bacteria with mcr-1 and phosphoethanolamine transferase genes, providing a potential solution for overcoming colistin-resistant pathogens.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kevin Roe
Summary: Several fungal pathogens are resistant to traditional treatments and some have become multidrug-resistant. Alternative treatments such as vaccines, monoclonal antibody injections, or mRNA injections can mask fungal surface proteins and target pathogenic proteins to combat infections. Combining antifungal drugs with mRNA instructions for patient synthesis of conventional or synthetic monoclonal antibodies offer potential advantages over existing treatments.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nini Sane, Malick Mbengue, Amandine Laffite, Serge Stoll, John Pote, Philippe Le Coustumer
Summary: Developing countries face challenges in municipal wastewater management, as untreated wastewater and sludge from septic tanks are often discharged into rivers without treatment. This study developed a wastewater treatment plant prototype that incorporates Moringa oleifera seeds treatment, which effectively reduces faecal indicator bacteria and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in domestic wastewater.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Gracie Hornsby, Temitope D. Ibitoye, Shivaramu Keelara, Angela Harris
Summary: The emergence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria is a major public health threat of the 21st century. The World Health Organization recognizes the importance of environmental surveillance in understanding and combating the global rise of antimicrobial resistance. A modified IDEXX assay was used to enumerate cefotaxime resistant E. coli in environmental reservoirs and showed promising results, making it a potential method for global monitoring efforts.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zi Yi Xu, Xiao Dong He, Lei Han, Xiao Hu Wang, Sha Li Huang, Jing Rong Chen, Li Qun Xu, Hong Qun Luo, Nian Bing Li
Summary: ThioCou35 is a compound with a specific chemical structure that can measure Hg2+ and Ag+ heavy metal ions separately, and it can be used for water quality assessment and live bacteria imaging. In addition, ThioCou35 can generate highly toxic reactive oxygen species under visible light irradiation, which has the potential for rapid killing of pathogenic bacteria. This molecule is of great significance for environmental quality monitoring and human health care.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maroun M. Sfeir
Summary: Hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by multidrug resistant pathogens are common and severe, with accurate diagnosis being crucial to initiating appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Conventional phenotypic and advanced molecular tests are available for diagnosing primary MDR pathogens and resistance genes causing pneumonia.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sen Pei, Fredrik Liljeros, Jeffrey Shaman
Summary: Research on transmission of antimicrobial-resistant organisms in healthcare settings using a data-driven model and contact networks to accurately identify colonization probability of patients, showing effectiveness in identifying asymptomatic carriers and supporting targeted interventions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Weijie Wang, Xiaoli Zhu, Huan Luo, Zheng Wang, Anjin Hong, Jie Zeng, Li Li, Dai Wang, Xianming Deng, Xilin Zhao
Summary: As the increase in antimicrobial resistance continues, the options for effectively treating multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative infections are decreasing. Finding ways to enhance the lethality of old agents with unique molecular targets is important, as new antimicrobial development is increasingly difficult. This study showed that the old antibiotic bicyclomycin has good bacteriostatic activity against multiple clinical isolates of MDR Gram-negative pathogens. Additionally, the combination of bicyclomycin with doxycycline showed enhanced efficacy in inhibiting bacterial growth and in vivo killing, suggesting the potential of bicyclomycin-containing regimens as new treatment options for MDR Gram-negative infections caused by specific pathogens.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Hua Zou, Xiaojiong Jia, Xiao He, Yan Su, Ligang Zhou, Yan Shen, Chenglin Sheng, Ang Liao, Chunli Li, Qiuhong Li
Summary: The study identified Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae as the main pathogens of neonatal sepsis in four Women and Children's hospitals in Southwest China. E. coli was predominant in early-onset sepsis, while late-onset sepsis was mainly caused by K. pneumoniae. The prevalence of MDR infection was significantly associated with late-onset sepsis and antibiotic exposure, underscoring the urgent need to control the further spread of these multi-resistant pathogens.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qiao Yi Chen, Max Costa
Summary: Arsenic, a naturally occurring metalloid that can be metabolized inside human body, is pervasive in nature and anthropogenic sources, leading to human exposure to this toxic and carcinogenic element. Approximately 200 million people worldwide are exposed to potentially toxic levels of arsenic, prompting substantial research and mitigation efforts to combat this extensive public health issue.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY, VOL 61, 2021
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mihaela Tertis, Oana Hosu, Bogdan Feier, Andreea Cernat, Anca Florea, Cecilia Cristea
Summary: Food safety and quality control are critical issues affecting consumers and public health, with unsafe food posing particular risks to certain populations. Peptide-based sensors have emerged as a promising alternative in food research, offering potential applications for rapid, non-destructive analysis of food samples and aiding in healthcare and economic systems strengthening.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ming Jiang, Xin-Hai Chen, Hui Li, Xuan-Xian Peng, Bo Peng
Summary: Multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a significant threat to public health. Through proteomic and metabolomic analyses, the study identified a correlation between L-Alanine metabolism and phagocytosis with mouse survival in Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection. Experimental validation showed that exogenous L-Alanine promoted phagocytosis of multidrug-resistant pathogens, revealing the underlying mechanism.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Takaaki Kobayashi, John Heinemann, Alexandra Trannel, Alexandre R. Marra, Mohammed Alsuhaibani, William Etienne, Lorinda L. Sheeler, Oluchi Abosi, Stephanie Holley, Mary Beth Kukla, Angelique Dains, Kyle E. Jenn, Holly Meacham, Beth Hanna, Bradley Ford, Karen Brust, Melanie Wellington, Patrick G. Hartley, Daniel J. Diekema, Jorge L. Salinas
Summary: This study describes COVID-19 cases among nonphysician healthcare personnel (HCP) by their work location. The highest proportion of HCP with COVID-19 was found in the emergency department, while the lowest proportion was among those working remotely. COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 units had similar proportions of HCP with COVID-19 (13%). Cases decreased across all work locations following COVID-19 vaccination.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Marin L. Schweizer, Loreen A. Herwaldt, Linda Boyken, Jean Pottinger, Rachel Quinn, Daniel J. Diekema, Fiona Armstrong-Pavlik, Melissa Ward, Poorani Sekar, Michael C. Willey
Summary: We evaluated the effectiveness of povidone-iodine decolonization and patient satisfaction among fracture-fixation surgery patients. The results showed that povidone-iodine significantly reduced S. aureus concentrations, and a majority of patients felt neutral or positive about their experience with povidone-iodine.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Linda G. Snetselaar, Joshua J. Cheek, Sara Shuger Fox, Heather S. Healy, Marin L. Schweizer, Wei Bao, John Kamholz, Tyler J. Titcomb
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of different dietary approaches in managing MS-related fatigue and quality of life. The findings suggest that the Paleolithic, low-fat, and Mediterranean diets may reduce fatigue and improve physical and mental QoL. However, the low quality of the included trials limits the strength of these conclusions.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
K. C. Coffey, Sara C. Keller, Deverick J. Anderson, Valerie M. Deloney, Anthony D. Harris, David Henderson, Aaron M. Milstone, Daniel J. Morgan, Clare Rock, Marin Schweizer, Kathleen Chiotos
Summary: In 2021, a survey involving 50 healthcare facilities was conducted to examine changes in infection prevention, control, and antibiotic stewardship practices. The findings revealed continued surveillance for multidrug-resistant organisms, but a decline in the utilization of human resource-intensive interventions compared to previous surveys conducted in 2013 and 2018 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Daniel J. Morgan, Preeti N. Malani, Daniel J. Diekema
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Nancy E. Cornish, Laura H. Bachmann, Daniel J. Diekema, L. Clifford McDonald, Peggy McNult, Jonathan Stevens-Garcia, Brian H. Raphael, Melissa B. Miller
Summary: COVID-19 has presented significant challenges to clinical and public health laboratories, affecting their day-to-day operations and ability to increase testing capacity due to uncertainty and shortages in supplies. Independent surveys conducted by various organizations have highlighted shortages in crucial testing supplies and trained personnel. These findings emphasize the importance of laboratory supply chains and qualified personnel in responding to public health emergencies.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pathology
Meredith G. Parsons, Daniel J. Diekema
Summary: Invasive fungal infections have become a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with changes in their epidemiology including the emergence of new pathogens, an expanding at-risk population, and increasing antifungal resistance. Human activity and climate change may contribute to these changes. The need for advances in fungal diagnostics is emphasized due to the limitations of existing testing methods, highlighting the crucial role of histopathology in early recognition of fungal disease.
Article
Immunology
Daniel J. Diekema, Priya Nori, Michael P. Stevens, Matthew W. Smith, K. C. Coffey, Daniel J. Morgan
Summary: The recently updated practice recommendations for MRSA prevention list contact precautions (CPs) as an essential practice, but we argue that the current evidence does not support this recommendation. We suggest that CP be considered an additional approach and implemented under specific circumstances.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Karen B. Brust, Takaaki Kobayashi, Daniel J. Diekema
Summary: Due to the decline in community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and severity of COVID-19, increased availability of vaccines and treatments, and better understanding of transmission pathways in healthcare settings, our hospital discontinued universal testing for all persons admitted to acute care hospitals. The decision was based on considerations of additional strain on resources, unintended adverse consequences for patients, and poor test performance for detection of infectiousness. No increase in hospital-onset COVID-19 has been observed since discontinuation of admission testing.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kavita K. Trivedi, Joshua K. Schaffzin, Valerie M. Deloney, Kathy Aureden, Ruth Carrico, Sylvia Garcia-Houchins, J. Hudson Garrett Jr, Janet Glowicz, Grace M. Lee, Lisa L. Maragakis, Julia Moody, Ann Marie Pettis, Sanjay Saint, Marin L. Schweizer, Deborah S. Yokoe, Sean Berenholtz
Summary: This article introduces and explains common implementation concepts and frameworks in healthcare epidemiology and infection prevention and control. It can be used as a standalone guide or paired with the SHEA/IDSA/APIC Compendium of Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute Care Hospitals: 2022 Updates. The article focuses on broad behavioral and socio-adaptive concepts and provides strategies for implementation using various conceptual models and frameworks.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kimberly C. Dukes, Heather Schacht Reisinger, Marin Schweizer, Melissa A. Ward, Laura Chapin, Timothy C. Ryken, Trish M. Perl, Loreen A. Herwaldt
Summary: This study investigated the implementation of surgical-site infection prevention bundles in 6 US hospitals. The results showed that the complexity of the bundles hindered implementation. Different barriers existed across departments, and successful strategies did not always apply universally. However, interprofessional collaboration facilitated implementation.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tsun Sheng N. Ku, Mayar Al Mohajer, James A. Newton, Marie H. Wilson, Elizabeth Monsees, Mary K. Hayden, Kevin Messacar, Jamie J. Kisgen, Daniel J. Diekema, Daniel J. Morgan, Costi D. Sifri, Valerie M. Vaughn
Summary: Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) aim to improve antibiotic use and reduce antimicrobial resistance. Diagnostic stewardship focuses on improving clinician diagnostic testing and test result interpretation. ASPs and diagnostic stewardship are synergistic and can work together to optimize antibiotic decision making.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hiroyuki Suzuki, Eli N. Perencevich, Stacey Hockett Sherlock, Gosia S. Clore, Amy M. J. O'Shea, Graeme N. Forrest, Christopher D. Pfeiffer, Nasia Safdar, Christopher Crnich, Kalpana Gupta, Judith Strymish, Gio Baracco Lira, Suzanne Bradley, Jose Cadena-Zuluaga, Michael Rubin, Marvin Bittner, Daniel Morgan, Aaron DeVries, Kelly Miell, Bruce Alexander, Marin L. Schweizer
Summary: This quality improvement study suggests that implementing a surgical site infection prevention bundle may be associated with decreased Staphylococcus aureus deep incisional or organ space surgical site infections after total joint arthroplasty. However, further research is needed to investigate this association outside of randomized trial settings.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Allan. R. R. Brasier, Shannon. L. L. Casey, Peggy Hatfield, Patrick. W. W. Kelly, Whitney. A. A. Sweeney, Marin Schweizer, Bo Liu, Elizabeth. S. S. Burnside
Summary: This study proposes a model for developing leadership in translational teams (TTs) from team formation to dissemination and implementation. It identifies the stable impact of leadership behaviors on team development and emphasizes the importance of ongoing reflection, evaluation, and practice to enhance leadership skills. The study also provides a comprehensive multi-level evaluation framework to track the growth of TT leadership skills.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)