Review
Microbiology
Szilvia Neuhaus, Andrea T. Fessler, Ralf Dieckmann, Lara Thieme, Mathias W. Pletz, Stefan Schwarz, Sascha Al Dahouk
Summary: Disinfection is crucial in reducing infections, but the excessive use of disinfectants may contribute to antimicrobial resistance. However, there is currently no consensus on this matter. The lack of standardized procedures and criteria to evaluate bacterial susceptibility to disinfectants makes data analysis challenging. Therefore, standardization and adaptation of evaluation concepts are urgently needed.
Article
Infectious Diseases
David Attuy Vey da Silva, Ralf Dieckmann, Oliwia Makarewicz, Anita Hartung, Astrid Bethe, Mirjam Grobbel, Vitaly Belik, Mathias W. Pletz, Sascha Al Dahouk, Szilvia Neuhaus
Summary: Phenotypic susceptibility testing of ESBL and non-ESBL E. coli isolated from various sources showed differences in susceptibility to biocides and antimicrobials, with weakly positive correlations observed between biocide MICs/MBCs and antimicrobial MICs.
Review
Biology
Doris Rusic, Marino Vilovic, Josipa Bukic, Dario Leskur, Ana Seselja Perisin, Marko Kumric, Dinko Martinovic, Ana Petric, Darko Modun, Josko Bozic
Summary: The impact of the pandemic on antimicrobial resistance remains uncertain, but positive effects may be observed through general preventative measures. The pandemic has accelerated the development of new technologies that can be utilized to combat other diseases.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Chiradet Amphaiphan, Terdsak Yano, Manita Som-in, Phunnapha Kungwong, Kanruethai Wongsawan, Rosama Pusoonthornthum, Mo D. Salman, Sahatchai Tangtrongsup
Summary: The study found a high proportion of bacterial urinary tract infections in dogs and cats, with Staphylococcus and E. coli as the main pathogens in dogs, and Pseudomonas in cats. Most bacteria showed susceptibility to Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, but a high proportion of multidrug-resistant bacteria was also identified.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Sui-Lung Yim, Jessie Wing-Yi Cheung, Iris Yuk-Ching Cheng, Lewis Wai-Hong Ho, Suet-Yee Sandy Szeto, Pinky Chan, Yin-Ling Lam, Chi-Wai Kan
Summary: Healthcare workers in hospitals are at risk of infection from body fluids and bacteria. Traditional textile products provide a favorable environment for bacterial growth, increasing the risk of transmitting infectious diseases. This study found that healthcare uniforms treated with PHMB displayed durable antimicrobial properties and remained efficient after prolonged use and laundering cycles in a hospital environment. The use of PHMB-treated uniforms may reduce the transmission of infectious diseases in hospitals.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Adrian John Brink, Guy Antony Richards
Summary: Coordinated efforts are crucial in addressing antimicrobial resistance and controlling hospital-onset infections. The butterfly effect suggests that small events can have nonlinear impacts on complex systems. Combining antimicrobial stewardship programs with infection prevention control measures is more effective in reducing the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance bacteria than implementing stewardship programs alone.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qiu-Yan Li, Bin Liu, Lei Liu
Summary: The study investigated the effect of infection control programmes and antimicrobial stewardship on Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistance, showing that successful control of MDR-P. aeruginosa resistance was achieved by imposing comprehensive ICPs and AMS, leading to improvement in antimicrobial resistance trends.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY AND THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Kent Coombs, Cristina Rodriguez-Quijada, Jason O. Clevenger, Alexis F. Sauer-Budge
Summary: Antimicrobials, such as antibiotics and biocides, are important for controlling microbes. There is a concern about whether environments treated with biocides could lead to the development of antibiotic cross-resistance. Studies have shown conflicting results regarding biocide tolerance and antibiotic cross-resistance, possibly due to the lack of standardized testing.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eugenia Butucel, Igori Balta, Mirela Ahmadi, Gabi Dumitrescu, Florica Morariu, Ioan Pet, Lavinia Stef, Nicolae Corcionivoschi
Summary: This review discusses the biological mechanisms of biocides against foodborne pathogens, with a focus on the latest developments in their antipathogen effects. Understanding these mechanisms can aid in the selection of more efficient disinfection strategies.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andrea T. Fessler, Anissa D. Scholtzek, Angela R. Schug, Barbara Kohn, Christiane Weingart, Anne-Kathrin Schink, Astrid Bethe, Antina Luebke-Becker, Stefan Schwarz
Summary: A study of 114 Staphylococcus isolates from companion animals revealed variations in susceptibility to antimicrobial agents, with a proportion of isolates carrying resistance genes. However, no signs of biocide resistance were detected at present.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ana Rita Pereira, Ines B. Gomes, Manuel Simoes
Summary: Choline-based ionic liquids have demonstrated antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, although their effectiveness is lower than that of commonly used quaternary ammonium compounds. The mode of action of these ionic liquids involves the dysfunction and disruption of the bacterial outer layer. The combination of choline-based ionic liquids and quaternary ammonium compounds shows additive effects against biofilm formation.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malgorzata Brauncajs, Filip Bielec, Anna Macieja, Dorota Pastuszak-Lewandoska
Summary: Gram-negative fermenting and non-fermenting bacteria, especially those that produce carbapenemases, are important etiological factors of nosocomial and community infections. New antibiotics and treatment regimens offer hope against these infections.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Catarina Geraldes, Luis Tavares, Solange Gil, Manuela Oliveira
Summary: Enterococcus are opportunistic pathogens of increasing importance in clinical settings, particularly in terms of hospital-acquired infections. These bacteria exhibit intrinsic and extrinsic resistance to various classes of antibiotics, with a particular emphasis on vancomycin-resistant enterococci. In addition to resistance, enterococci possess other characteristics such as the ability to form biofilms and exchange genetic information, enhancing their survival in harsh environments. These traits, along with reports of decreased susceptibility to biocides, contribute to the persistent presence of enterococci in hospitals and their role in causing difficult-to-treat infections.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Francesca L. Short, Victor Lee, Rafa Mamun, Robert Malmberg, Liping Li, Monica Espinosa, Koushik Venkatesan, Ian T. Paulsen
Summary: The study found that the biocide benzalkonium chloride can reduce the sensitivity of Acinetobacter baumannii to aminoglycoside antibiotics and promote the emergence of resistant mutants. These effects occur at subinhibitory concentrations of the biocide, potentially in clinical and home environments, highlighting the need for careful management and stewardship of biocides.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Norelle L. Sherry, Claire L. Gorrie, Jason C. Kwong, Charlie Higgs, Rhonda L. Stuart, Caroline Marshall, Susan A. Ballard, Michelle Sait, Tony M. Korman, Monica A. Slavin, Robyn S. Lee, Maryza Graham, Marcel Leroi, Leon J. Worth, Hiu Tat Chan, Torsten Seemann, M. Lindsay Grayson, Benjamin P. Howden
Summary: This study investigated the feasibility and potential impact of utilizing genomics for hospital infection control. The findings showed that a genomics workflow can effectively identify MDRO transmission and provide opportunities for precision infection control interventions.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Thomas Y. Michaelsen, Marc Bennedbaek, Lasse E. Christiansen, Mia S. F. Jorgensen, Camilla H. Moller, Emil A. Sorensen, Simon Knutsson, Jakob Brandt, Thomas B. N. Jensen, Clarisse Chiche-Lapierre, Emilio F. Collados, Trine Sorensen, Celine Petersen, Vang Le-Quy, Mantas Sereika, Frederik T. Hansen, Morten Rasmussen, Jannik Fonager, Soren M. Karst, Rasmus L. Marvig, Marc Stegger, Raphael N. Sieber, Robert Skov, Rebecca Legarth, Tyra G. Krause, Anders Fomsgaard, Mads Albertsen
Summary: This study investigates the transmissibility, introduction, and onward transmission of the B.1.1.7 variant in Denmark using comprehensive data on testing, contact-tracing, and sequencing. The findings indicate a 58% higher transmissibility of B.1.1.7 compared to other lineages. The study highlights the significant role of early expansion and continuous introductions in driving the case numbers. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of balanced travel restrictions, self-isolation procedures, and comprehensive surveillance efforts in controlling the epidemic in the presence of emerging variants.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alexandra R. Rothlin Eriksen, Kamille Fogh, Rasmus B. Hasselbalch, Henning Bundgaard, Susanne D. Nielsen, Charlotte S. Jorgensen, Bibi F. S. S. Scharff, Christian Erikstrup, Susanne G. Saekmose, Dorte K. Holm, Bitten Aagaard, Jonas H. Kristensen, Cecilie A. Bodker, Jakob B. Norsk, Pernille B. Nielsen, Lars ostergaard, Svend Ellermann-Eriksen, Berit Andersen, Henrik Nielsen, Isik S. Johansen, Lothar Wiese, Lone Simonsen, Thea K. Fischer, Fredrik Folke, Freddy Lippert, Sisse R. Ostrowski, Steen Ethelberg, Anders Koch, Anne-Marie Vangsted, Tyra Krause, Anders Fomsgaard, Claus Nielsen, Henrik Ullum, Robert Skov, Kasper Iversen
Summary: The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among people experiencing homelessness (PEH) and associated shelter workers in Denmark was more than twice as high as that of the background population. These findings could be significant for determining the eligibility of PEH for vaccination as part of the Danish national SARS-CoV-2 vaccination program rollout.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Frederik Plesner Lyngse, Laust Hvas Mortensen, Matthew J. Denwood, Lasse Engbo Christiansen, Camilla Holten Moller, Robert Leo Skov, Katja Spiess, Anders Fomsgaard, Ria Lassauniere, Morten Rasmussen, Marc Stegger, Claus Nielsen, Raphael Niklaus Sieber, Arieh Sierra Cohen, Frederik Trier Moller, Maria Overvad, Kare Molbak, Tyra Grove Krause, Carsten Thure Kirkeby
Summary: This study compares the transmission dynamics of the Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants using household data from Denmark. The findings indicate that Omicron has a higher secondary attack rate, and that vaccinated individuals have a higher odds of infection with Omicron compared to Delta.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Frederik Plesner Lyngse, Carsten Thure Kirkeby, Matthew Denwood, Lasse Engbo Christiansen, Kare Molbak, Camilla Holten Moller, Robert Leo Skov, Tyra Grove Krause, Morten Rasmussen, Raphael Niklaus Sieber, Thor Bech Johannesen, Troels Lillebaek, Jannik Fonager, Anders Fomsgaard, Frederik Trier Moller, Marc Stegger, Maria Overvad, Katja Spiess, Laust Hvas Mortensen
Summary: This study investigates the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants BA.1 and BA.2 within households using nationwide Danish data. The results show that BA.2 is more transmissible than BA.1 and has increased susceptibility of infection for unvaccinated individuals. However, BA.2 does not increase the infectiousness of breakthrough infections from vaccinated individuals.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sylvere Bastien, Severien Meyers, Wilmara Salgado-Pabon, Stefano G. Giulieri, Jean-Phillipe Rasigade, Laurens Liesenborghs, Kyle J. Kinney, Florence Couzon, Patricia Martins-Simoes, Vincent Le Moing, Xavier Duval, Natasha E. Holmes, Niels Eske Bruun, Robert Skov, Benjamin P. Howden, Vance G. Fowler, Peter Verhamme, Paal Skytt Andersen, Coralie Bouchiat, Karen Moreau, Francois Vandenesch
Summary: Through a genome-wide association study and experimental animal models, it was found that specific S. aureus strains causing bloodstream infection do not necessarily cause infective endocarditis. Therefore, all S. aureus strains isolated from patients with bloodstream infection should be considered capable of causing this common and deadly infection.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Maarten van Wijhe, Kamille Fogh, Steen Ethelberg, Kasper Karmark Iversen, Henrik Nielsen, Lars Ostergaard, Berit Andersen, Henning Bundgaard, Charlotte S. Jorgensen, Bibi F. Ss Scharff, Svend Ellermann-Eriksen, Isik S. Johansen, Anders Fomsgaard, Tyra Grove Krause, Lothar Wiese, Thea K. Fischer, Kare Molbak, Thomas Benfield, Fredrik Folke, Freddy Lippert, Sisse R. Ostrowski, Anders Koch, Christian Erikstrup, Anne-Marie Vangsted, Anna Irene Vedel Sorensen, Henrik Ullum, Robert Leo Skov, Lone Simonsen, Susanne Dam Nielsen
Summary: This study assessed the burden of long COVID among nonhospitalized adults with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results showed that 25 out of 100 cases reported at least one long-COVID symptom. Infected individuals had worse general health, higher odds of various symptoms, particularly loss of taste and smell, and significantly reduced physical and mental health. Female sex and severity of infection were identified as major risk factors for long COVID.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Kamille Fogh, Alexandra R. R. Eriksen, Tine Graakjaer Larsen, Rasmus B. Hasselbalch, Henning Bundgaard, Bibi F. S. S. Scharff, Susanne D. Nielsen, Charlotte S. Jorgensen, Christian Erikstrup, Lars ostergaard, Svend Ellermann-Eriksen, Berit Andersen, Henrik Nielsen, Isik S. Johansen, Lothar Wiese, Lotte Hindhede, Susan Mikkelsen, Susanne G. Saekmose, Bitten Aagaard, Dorte K. Holm, Lene Harritshoj, Lone Simonsen, Thea K. Fischer, Fredrik Folke, Freddy Lippert, Sisse R. Ostrowski, Thomas Benfield, Kare Molbak, Steen Ethelberg, Anders Koch, Anne-Marie Vangsted, Tyra Grove Krause, Anders Fomsgaard, Henrik Ullum, Robert Skov, Kasper Iversen
Summary: This study investigated the immunity against COVID-19, risk factors, and behavior among employees in day care facilities and preschools (DCS) in Denmark. The study found that DCS staff had a higher risk of exposure within their own household than at their workplace. The study also found that most employees expressed fear of contracting COVID-19 and there was limited use of personal protective equipment at work.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Mette Damkjaer Bartels, Mona Katrine Alberthe Holm, Peder Worning, Bodil Stavad, Uffe Vest Schneider, Heidi Meiniche, Henrik Thiesen, Henrik Westh
Summary: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has greatly improved the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) transmission between people. Using WGS and core genome MLST (cgMLST), we describe the transmission of two unique MRSA clones among homeless people in Copenhagen. The study confirms the effectiveness of WGS and cgMLST in revealing MRSA outbreaks, and the use of ETHOS categorization to identify the primary source of spread in the homeless community.
Article
Microbiology
Malene Wollesen, Kasper Mikkelsen, Marie Selch Tvilum, Martin Vestergaard, Mikala Wang, Rikke L. Meyer, Hanne Ingmer, Thomas B. Poulsen, Thomas Torring
Summary: Polyether ionophores are complex natural products used in agriculture for their antimicrobial properties. However, their potential use in humans has been limited due to toxicity concerns. In this study, we found distinct differences among different polyether ionophores in their effects on Staphylococcus aureus, both in standard assays and in more complex systems. This provides valuable information for future investigations and optimization of these compounds.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Nithya Babu Rajendran, Fabiana Arieti, Carla Alejandra Mena-Benitez, Liliana Galia, Maela Tebon, Julio Alvarez, Beryl Primrose Gladstone, Lucie Collineau, Giulia De Angelis, Raquel Duro, William Gaze, Siri Goepel, Souha S. Kanj, Annemarie Kaesbohrer, Direk Limmathurotsakul, Estibaliz Lopez de Abechuco, Elena Mazzolini, Nico T. Mutters, Maria Diletta Pezzani, Elisabeth Presterl, Hanna Renk, Jesus Rodriguez-Bano, Oana Sandulescu, Federico Scali, Robert Skov, Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan, Cuong Vuong, Evelina Tacconelli
Summary: Strategic and standardised approaches are crucial for analyzing and reporting surveillance data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and informing antibiotic policies. This paper describes a multidisciplinary initiative involving experts from the human, animal, and environmental sectors to develop proposals for structuring and reporting full-scale AMR and antimicrobial consumption/antimicrobial residue surveillance data. The recommendations from this study can support national and regional plans to reduce resistance rates and promote a One Health approach to antimicrobial policy.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-EUROPE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mark P. Khurana, Sabiha Essack, Ghada Zoubiane, Nandini Sreenivasan, Gloria Cristina Cordoba, Erica Westwood, Anders Dalsgaard, Robinson H. Mdegela, Mirfin Mpundu, Rodrigo Scotini, Augustine B. Matondo, Alexanda Mzula, Nina Chanishvili, Dimitri Gogebashvili, Maia Beruashvili, Marika Tsereteli, Talant Sooronbaev, Jesper Kjaergaard, Joakim Bloch, Elvira Isaeva, Geoffrey Mainda, Geoffrey Muuka, Ntombi B. Mudenda, Fusya Y. Goma, Duc-Huy Chu, Duncan Chanda, Uchizi Chirwa, Kaunda Yamba, Kenneth Kapolowe, Sombo Fwoloshi, Lawrence Mwenge, Robert Skov
Summary: Despite the increasing burden of AMR, the global response has been insufficient, particularly in LMICs. The implementation of national action plans to combat AMR has been delayed due to resource constraints, coordination issues, and a lack of technical capacity. Tailored and sustainable AMR interventions require multidisciplinary IIR, which involves quantitative and qualitative approaches across different phases and domains. IR provides a practical framework for implementing evidence-based and sustainable AMR mitigation interventions.
JAC-ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anaelle Fait, Dan I. Andersson, Hanne Ingmer
Summary: The loss of resistance in vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) strains is correlated with an increase in fitness and is attributed to adaptive mutations. Upon re-exposure to vancomycin, these revertants evolve faster and reach higher levels of resistance than vancomycin-naive cells. This suggests that previous vancomycin adaptation should be considered a risk factor when deciding on antimicrobial chemotherapy.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Marie Sijp Just, Bolette Skive, Hanne Ingmer, Vibeke Mogelmose, Lene Lund Lindegaaard, Lis Alban
Summary: This study assesses the Salmonella exposure risk to consumers from bile-contaminated pig carcasses. The research found no Salmonella in 300 bile samples. The simulation model showed that the risk of consumers being exposed to Salmonella through bile-contaminated carcasses is negligible.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Jingxian Yang, Janine Zara Bowring, Janes Krusche, Esther Lehmann, Tom Grunert, Benjamin Svejdal Bejder, Stephanie Fulaz Silva, Martin Saxtorph Bojer, Andreas Peschel, Hanne Ingmer
Summary: Bacteria use quorum sensing to coordinate group behavior, and some phages also respond to quorum sensing. These interactions likely impact bacterial group behavior, microbial ecology, and the efficacy of phage therapies.
Article
Microbiology
Kasper Mikkelsen, Janine Zara Bowring, Yong Kai Ng, Frida Svanberg Frisinger, Julie Kjaersgaard Maglegaard, Qiuchun Li, Raphael N. Sieber, Andreas Petersen, Paal Skytt Andersen, Jakob T. Rostol, Nina Molin Hoyland-Kroghsbo, Hanne Ingmer
Summary: CRISPR-Cas is an adaptive immune system that protects bacteria and archaea against mobile genetic elements such as phages. In strains of Staphylococcus aureus, CRISPR-Cas is rare but when present, it is located within the SCCmec element, which encodes resistance to methicillin and other β-lactam antibiotics.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)