Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Eman M. E. Dokla, Nader S. Abutaleb, Sandra N. Milik, Ezzat A. E. A. Kandil, Omar M. Qassem, Yehia Elgammal, Maha Nasr, Martin J. McPhillie, Khaled A. M. Abouzid, Mohamed N. Seleem, Peter Imming, Mai Adel
Summary: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a serious threat to modern medicine and human life. A study has found that compound 25d, a novel benzimidazole derivative, exhibits potent antibacterial activity against tolC-mutant Escherichia coli without significant cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. Formulation of compound 25d as lipidic nanoparticles further enhances its antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacterial strains.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Qi Zhang, Shang Chen, Xiaojia Liu, Wenhan Lin, Kui Zhu
Summary: The combination of marine antibiotic equisetin and colistin shows a strong synergistic effect against Gram-negative bacteria, especially multi-drug resistant strains. Colistin promotes the intracellular accumulation of equisetin, leading to quick bacteria killing. Equisetin also restores colistin activity in an infection model, providing an alternative approach to combat Gram-negative pathogens in clinics.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Harald Seifert, Marie-Louise Von Linstow, Hester Janssen, Michael Dowzicky
Summary: The study evaluated antimicrobial resistance rates and phenotype distribution in Gram-negative isolates among pediatric patients in Europe from 2004-2012 and 2013-2018. Results showed a decrease in ESBL production in Escherichia coli and an increase in Klebsiella pneumoniae, with the highest carbapenem resistance observed in Acinetobacter baumannii. Resistance rates increased significantly in Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, highlighting the importance of continued surveillance and awareness for improving treatment quality in pediatric patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Rajeshwari Kundar, Karuna Gokarn
Summary: This article discusses the pathogenesis of Gram-negative bacteria, the emergence of antimicrobial drug resistance, treatment failures, and the current status of the CRISPR-Cas system in diagnosing and treating Gram-negative bacterial infections.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Andrew Henderson, Evan Bursle, Adam Stewart, Patrick N. A. Harris, David Paterson, Mark D. Chatfield, Mical Paul, Yaakov Dickstein, Jesus Rodriguez-Bano, John D. Turnidge, Gunnar Kahlmeter
Summary: This study analyzed 32 randomized controlled trials and found that most trials conducted local AST, but did not report quality control, with a common practice of post-hoc referral to reference laboratories for AST. When comparing patients with infections caused by susceptible and non-susceptible pathogens in different trial groups, some antimicrobials showed better patient outcomes in cases of higher susceptibility, but there were also exceptions.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Farooq Ahmed Wani, Altaf Bandy, Mohammed Jayed S. Alenzi, Abdulaziz Ibrahim Alzarea, Abdullah S. Alanazi, Mohammed Ubaidullah Sayeed, Ashokkumar Thirunavukkarasu, Bilal Tantry, Mushtaq Dar
Summary: Intensive care units are complex environments that favor high resistance in microorganisms, particularly Gram-negative bacteria. This study found that a majority of infections in intensive care patients are caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, with high resistance rates observed for third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, carbapenems, and fluoroquinolones. Amikacin was identified as the most effective antibiotic, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Review
Microbiology
Alan S. S. Cross
Summary: Infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria pose a growing threat to various medical procedures and conditions, such as surgeries, organ transplants, and cancer treatment. The development of new antimicrobials is limited, therefore, vaccines targeting antimicrobial-resistant Gram-negative bacteria may be a valuable alternative to reduce antimicrobial usage and prevent bacterial transmission.
MICROBIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marta Palombo, Federica Bovo, Stefano Amadesi, Paolo Gaibani
Summary: Limited treatment options contribute to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, and new therapeutic agents are needed for the treatment of certain pathogens. The combination of antibiotics is an effective strategy to combat multidrug-resistant infections.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nityanand Jain, Inese Jansone, Tatjana Obidenova, Raimonds Simanis, Janis Meisters, Dagnija Straupmane, Aigars Reinis
Summary: This study conducted a retrospective analysis of microbiological data from a large public hospital in Latvia from 2017 to 2020, investigating antimicrobial resistance trends for 19 gram-negative bacterial genera. It found that carbapenems were most effective against GNBs while some bacteria showed significant increases in resistance rates against certain antibiotics. Despite lower prescription levels of penicillin group antimicrobials compared to the European average, GNBs exhibited high average resistant rates, indicating the role of ESBL+ isolates in resistance rates. Constant vigilance and proper infection control measures are necessary to track emerging trends in AMR in GNBs.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Emilia Cercenado, Laura Cardenoso, Rocio Penin, Christopher Longshaw, Anne Santerre Henriksen, Alvaro Pascual
Summary: High proportion of clinical isolates in Spain showed susceptibility to cefiderocol, including activity against meropenem-resistant isolates.
JOURNAL OF GLOBAL ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
(2021)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Abdulaziz Alqasim
Summary: Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) pose a significant health threat globally, with increasing antimicrobial resistance leading to the need for colistin treatment. Saudi Arabia's annual mass religious gatherings heighten the risk of infectious disease transmission. While colistin remains effective locally, high resistance has been observed among major GNB, and the role of mass gatherings in triggering colistin resistance is concerning.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Geetika Dhanda, Riya Mukherjee, Debajyoti Basak, Jayanta Haldar
Summary: This article discusses the prospects and challenges of combination therapy with membrane-targeting compounds in the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, as well as the structural influence on membrane perturbation, activity, and toxicity of antibiotic potentiators or adjuvants. By incorporating cyclic hydrophobic moieties, antibiotic adjuvants with weak membrane perturbation and negligible in vitro toxicity but good potentiating ability have been developed. Aryl or adamantane functionalized derivatives showed better potentiation, increasing the sensitivity of critical Gram-negative superbugs to multiple classes of antibiotics. The mechanism of potentiation involved weak outer-membrane permeabilization, membrane depolarization, and efflux inhibition. This concept of weakly perturbing the membrane through chemical design has the potential to revitalize the effectiveness of obsolete antibiotics for the treatment of complicated Gram-negative bacterial infections.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Hongyan Yang, Lan Wang, Libo Yuan, Heng Du, Boyuan Pan, Kui Lu
Summary: In this study, a series of hybrid peptides were designed by connecting an antimicrobial peptide Ce(1-8) with a lipopolysaccharide-targeting peptide Lf(28-34) via different linkers. The results showed that the linkers played a crucial role in the antimicrobial activity of the hybrid peptides against Gram-negative bacteria. Among these hybrid peptides, peptide CL5 with a dipeptide rigid linker exhibited excellent activity and selectivity against Gram-negative bacteria. It was found that the interaction of the peptides with LPS was crucial for their antimicrobial activity. Mechanistic studies revealed that peptide CL5 disrupted the integrity of bacterial membranes, leading to the death of Gram-negative bacterial cells. This study highlights the importance of linker selection in the design of hybrid peptides and provides a foundation for the development of antimicrobial peptides.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Enrico Maria Trecarichi, Gabriele Giuliano, Chiara Cattaneo, Stelvio Ballanti, Marianna Criscuolo, Anna Candoni, Francesco Marchesi, Marica Laurino, Michelina Dargenio, Rosa Fanci, Mariagiovanna Cefalo, Mario Delia, Angelica Spolzino, Laura Maracci, Valentina Bonuomo, Alessandro Busca, Maria Ilaria Del Principe, Rosa Daffini, Edoardo Simonetti, Giulia Dragonetti, Maria Elena Zannier, Livio Pagano, Mario Tumbarello
Summary: Bloodstream infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in patients with hematological malignancies are associated with high mortality rates. A multicenter cohort study found a reduction in fluoroquinolone prophylaxis and increased susceptibility rates to ciprofloxacin among Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter cloacae isolates compared to a previous survey. There was also an increased susceptibility of P. aeruginosa isolates to ceftazidime, meropenem, and gentamicin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Sanket Shah, Ritam Das, Bhakti Chavan, Urmi Bajpai, Sarmad Hanif, Syed Ahmed
Summary: The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has led to a rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing a serious global threat. Natural or engineered phage-encoded lysins (enzybiotics) show promise as alternative antibacterial agents. While there have been advancements in using lysins against Gram-positive bacteria, the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria presents a challenge. This review discusses the potential and challenges of lysins, particularly for priority Gram-negative pathogens, and the regulatory framework for developing them as therapeutics.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jeremy F. Weinberger, Chanu Rhee, Michael Klompas
Summary: Management of critically ill COVID-19 patients has changed significantly during the pandemic. A study investigated rates and causes of ventilator-associated events in COVID-19 patients in 4 Massachusetts hospitals during the late versus early stages of the pandemic. The study found that rates per episode decreased, rates per ventilator day were stable, and most cases were caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Michael Klompas, Caroline McKenna, Aileen Ochoa, Wenjing Ji, Tom Chen, Jessica Young, Chanu Rhee
Summary: Pneumonia is a common indication for antibiotics in hospitalized patients but is often overdiagnosed. This study found that normal oxygenation levels may be an indicator for early discontinuation of antibiotics. Treatment with antibiotics for 1-2 days or 5-8 days resulted in similar outcomes for patients.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Chanu Rhee, Meghan A. Baker, Michael Klompas
Summary: This study assessed COVID-19 infection control policies at leading US medical centers during the initial wave of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant. The results showed substantial variations in infection control practices among the hospitals, indicating a need for clearer public health guidance and more transparency in hospital policies to establish consistent national standards.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Roshni Mathew, Jorge L. Salinas, Heather E. Hsu, Robert Jin, Chanu Rhee, Grace M. Lee
Summary: Among 287 US hospitals reporting data between 2015 and 2018, pediatric surgical site infection rates varied between different types of surgeries. Colon surgeries had the highest infection rate, while appendix and ventricular-shunt surgeries showed a decrease in infection rates with greater surgical volumes.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah E. E. Stern, Matthew A. A. Christensen, McKenna R. R. Nevers, Jian Ying, Caroline McKenna, Shannon Munro, Chanu Rhee, Matthew H. H. Samore, Michael Klompas, Barbara E. E. Jones
Summary: Comparing electronic surveillance criteria with manual assessments and diagnoses, we found that automated surveillance of non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) using electronic health record data is feasible and correlated moderately with manual surveillance criteria. The use of electronic surveillance allows for increased consistency and efficiency in monitoring NV-HAP.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Claire N. Shappell, Michael Klompas, Christina Chan, Tom Chen, Chanu Rhee
Summary: This study aims to examine the impact of commonly used case definitions for COVID-19 hospitalizations on case counts and outcomes. The retrospective analysis of adult patients hospitalized at 5 Massachusetts acute-care hospitals between March 1, 2020, and March 1, 2022, showed that different definitions resulted in variable case counts and outcomes. Better surveillance definitions are needed to accurately capture and differentiate COVID-19-associated hospitalizations.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Brett M. Biebelberg, Shangyuan Ye, Rui Wang, Michael Klompas, Chanu Rhee
Summary: Hospital-acquired Aspergillus rates among COVID-19 patients were initially higher at a hospital with high negative-pressure room utilization compared to a similar hospital with low utilization. After the index hospital decreased negative-pressure utilization, rates at the 2 hospitals converged.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Claire N. N. Shappell, Michael Klompas, Chanu Rhee
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Mohammad Alrawashdeh, Chanu Rhee, Michael Klompas, Marc R. R. Larochelle, Russell E. E. Poland, Jeffrey S. S. Guy, Simeon D. D. Kimmel
Summary: This study investigated the association between early opioid withdrawal management strategies and patient-directed discharges (PDD). The use of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) was associated with a decreased risk of PDD, while adjunctive treatment alone increased the risk, and treatment with opioid analgesics alone had a similar risk.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Rosa Rodriguez-Monguio, Enrique Seoane-Vazquez, John H. Powers
Summary: The US Congress has passed legislation since 1980 to provide incentives for the development and approval of new drugs, with a focus on antibiotics. A study was conducted to analyze the long-term trends and characteristics of drug approvals and discontinuations by the US FDA, as well as the reasons for discontinuations. The results showed that a significant number of drugs had been discontinued, including antibiotics, and the FDA has implemented measures to address the issue of antibiotic resistance.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yoona Rhee, Mary K. Hayden, Michael Schoeny, Arthur W. Baker, Meghan A. Baker, Shruti Gohil, Chanu Rhee, Naasha J. Talati, David K. Warren, Sharon Welbel, Karen Lolans, Bardia Bahadori, Pamela B. Bell, Heilen Bravo, Thelma Dangana, Christine Fukuda, Tracey Habrock Bach, Alicia Nelson, Andrew T. Simms, Pam Tolomeo, Robert Wolf, Rachel Yelin, Michael Y. Lin, CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Summary: This study aims to assess whether the measurement and feedback of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) skin concentrations can improve CHG bathing practice in multiple intensive care units (ICUs). The results showed that the measurement and feedback of CHG skin concentrations can be an important tool to improve CHG bathing practice.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
David C. Classen, Chanu Rhee, Raymund B. Dantes, Andrea L. Benin
Summary: This paper outlines the future electronic reporting system for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and discusses its impact on HAI reporting.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ettie M. Lipner, Joshua P. French, Rachel A. Mercaldo, Stephen Nelson, Adrian M. Zelazny, Julia E. Marshall, Michael Strong, Joseph O. Falkinham, D. Rebecca Prevots
Summary: This study investigates the influence of water-quality constituents on the risk of non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary infection in individuals with cystic fibrosis. The findings suggest that the concentration of sulfate, vanadium, and molybdenum in surface water is associated with increased risk of infection with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and Mycobacterium abscessus.
ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Critical Care Medicine
Meghan Cook, Brian Schuler, Michael Schontz, Kevin McLaughlin, Kenneth Lupi, Jeremy DeGrado, Chanu Rhee
CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Noelle M. Cocoros, Sheryl A. Kluberg, Sarah J. Willis, Susan Forrow, Bradford D. Gessner, Cameron T. Nutt, Alejandro Cane, Nathan Petrou, Meera Sury, Chanu Rhee, Luis Jodar, Aaron Mendelsohn, Emma R. Hoffman, Robert Jin, John Aucott, Sarah J. Pugh, James H. Stark
Summary: This study compared claims based algorithms with notifiable disease surveillance and found that the claims based algorithm provided higher and more accurate estimates of Lyme disease incidence. The algorithm was applied to an administrative claims database in Massachusetts, and the results showed that it could be used to identify Lyme disease cases and supplement traditional surveillance data.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
