Journal Description
Antibiotics
Antibiotics
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on all aspects of antibiotics, published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, Embase, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Pharmacology & Pharmacy) / CiteScore - Q1 (General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 13.7 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.5 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
4.8 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.9 (2022)
Latest Articles
Flow Cytometry as a Rapid and Valuable Method in Investigation of Colistin Resistance in Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050418 - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Rapid detection of antimicrobial resistance is crucial for early initiation of appropriate therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether resistance to colistin, the last-resort antibiotic, in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) isolates can be detected accurately and rapidly by flow cytometry
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Rapid detection of antimicrobial resistance is crucial for early initiation of appropriate therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether resistance to colistin, the last-resort antibiotic, in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) isolates can be detected accurately and rapidly by flow cytometry (FCM). The VITEK 2 automated system was used to identify 85 K. pneumoniae strains and to determine their resistance to carbapenems. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for colistin in 85 CRKP strains were determined by broth microdilution (BMD), which is the reference method. In addition, FCM was used, combined with DiBAC4(3) fluorescent stain, to determine colistin susceptibility. The MIC₅₀ value of the strains, 80% of which were resistant to colistin by the BMD method, was 16 mg/L, and the MIC₉₀ value was 32 mg/L. When FCM was compared with the reference method, it was determined that the specificity was 94.1%, sensitivity was 100% of FCM, and Cohen’s kappa value was 0.96. Colistin susceptibility results with FCM were obtained within an average of 2 h. These findings suggest that FCM holds great promise as a rapid and reliable alternative method for detecting colistin resistance in CRKP strains.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Antibiotic Therapy in Infectious Diseases)
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Open AccessArticle
Occurrence of Antimicrobial-Resistant Enterococcus spp. in Healthy Chickens Never Exposed to Antimicrobial Agents in Central Italy
by
Giulia Cagnoli, Alessia Di Paolo, Fabrizio Bertelloni, Sonia Salvucci, Arianna Buccioni, Margherita Marzoni Fecia di Cossato and Valentina Virginia Ebani
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050417 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Enterococci are part of the natural flora of the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, including humans, birds and invertebrates. They can cause infection, mainly among hospitalized patients, as well as acquire and transfer antimicrobial resistance genes. The present study allowed the isolation of 98
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Enterococci are part of the natural flora of the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, including humans, birds and invertebrates. They can cause infection, mainly among hospitalized patients, as well as acquire and transfer antimicrobial resistance genes. The present study allowed the isolation of 98 Enterococcus (73.47% E. faecium, 23.47% E. faecalis, 3.06% E. avium) strains from 120-day-old healthy chickens that had never been treated with antimicrobials. Their antimicrobial resistance was evaluated by the agar disk diffusion method; high-level aminoglycoside (streptomycin and gentamicin) and vancomycin resistance were established using the microbroth dilution method. The highest percentages of resistant isolates were detected with quinupristin–dalfopristin (88.78%), rifampicin (64.29%), tetracyclines (45.92%), and enrofloxacin (41.84%). High percentages of susceptible strains were found with teicoplanin (100%), amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (97.96%), nitrofurantoin (94.90%), ampicillin (92.86%), chloramphenicol (90.82%), and linezolid (88.78%). About 60% of the strains were classified as MDR (multidrug-resistant). Moreover, PCR was carried out to investigate genes encoding for tetracyclines resistance determinants: tet(M), tet(L), tet(O), tet(K), and Int-Tn. Genes were detected in 68 (69.38%) strains: 36 were shown to be resistant with the agar disk diffusion method, while 28 were intermediate, and 2 were susceptible. The present study showed that chickens never treated with antimicrobials potentially harbor enterococci having phenotypic and genotypic characters of antimicrobial resistance.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection of Bacteria and Antibiotics Surveillance in Livestock)
Open AccessBrief Report
Comparative In Vitro Activity of Ceftazidime-Avibactam, Imipenem-Relebactam, and Meropenem-Vaborbactam against Carbapenem-Resistant Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
by
Anthony Sophonsri, Michelle Kalu and Annie Wong-Beringer
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050416 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Co-infection with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) is associated with poor outcomes and historically relied on combination therapy with toxic agents for management. However, several novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination agents have been developed, offering potential monotherapy options. Here, we compare
[...] Read more.
Co-infection with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) is associated with poor outcomes and historically relied on combination therapy with toxic agents for management. However, several novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination agents have been developed, offering potential monotherapy options. Here, we compare the in vitro activity of ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA), imipenem-relebactam (IRL), and meropenem-vaborbactam (MVB) against both CRKP and CRPA clinical isolates. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for each agent were determined using broth microdilution. Carbapenemase gene detection was performed for representative isolates of varying carbapenem resistance phenotypes. IRL demonstrated excellent activity against CRKP and CRPA with susceptibility rates at 95.8% and 91.7%, respectively. While CZA and MVB showed comparable susceptibility to IRL against CRKP (93.8%), susceptibility of CRPA to CZA was modest at 79.2%, whereas most CRPA strains were resistant to MVB. Of the 35 CRKP isolates tested, 91.4% (32/35) carried a blaKPC gene. Only 1 of 37 (2.7%) CRPA isolates tested carried a blaVIM gene, which conferred phenotypic resistance to all three agents. None of the CRKP strains were cross-resistant to all three agents. Source of infection and co-infection did not significantly influence antimicrobial activity for IRL and CZA; none of the CRPA isolates from co-infected patients were susceptible to MVB. Our results suggest that novel β-lactam agents with antipseudomonal activity and stability against carbapenemases, such as IRL and CZA, offer potential monotherapy options for the treatment of co-infection involving both CRKP and CRPA, but not MVB.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbapenemases in Gram-Negative Bacteria: A Global Health Threat and Therapeutic Challenge)
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Open AccessReview
Natural Antimicrobials in Dairy Products: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Trends
by
Maria Eduarda Marques Soutelino, Adriana Cristina de Oliveira Silva and Ramon da Silva Rocha
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050415 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
This review delves into using natural antimicrobials in the dairy industry and examines various sources of these compounds, including microbial, plant, and animal sources. It discusses the mechanisms by which they inhibit microbial growth, for example, by binding to the cell wall’s precursor
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This review delves into using natural antimicrobials in the dairy industry and examines various sources of these compounds, including microbial, plant, and animal sources. It discusses the mechanisms by which they inhibit microbial growth, for example, by binding to the cell wall’s precursor molecule of the target microorganism, consequently inhibiting its biosynthesis, and interfering in the molecule transport mechanism, leading to cell death. In general, they prove to be effective against the main pathogens and spoilage found in food, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp., Salmonella spp., mold, and yeast. Moreover, this review explores encapsulation technology as a promising approach for increasing the viability of natural antimicrobials against unfavorable conditions such as pH, temperature, and oxygen exposure. Finally, this review examines the benefits and challenges of using natural antimicrobials in dairy products. While natural antimicrobials offer several advantages, including improved safety, quality, and sensory properties of dairy products, it is crucial to be aware of the challenges associated with their use, such as potential allergenicity, regulatory requirements, and consumer perception. This review concludes by emphasizing the need for further research to identify and develop effective and safe natural antimicrobials for the dairy industry to ensure the quality and safety of dairy products for consumers.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates on Major Food-Related Pathogens: Antimicrobial Treatment, Drug Resistance, Inactivation, and Related Diseases)
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Open AccessArticle
Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate (BMD) Treatment Affects Spleen Proteome in Broiler Chicks Infected with Salmonella enteritidis
by
Adedeji Adetunji, Theresa Casey, Uma K. Aryal, Tunde Ogundare, Jackeline Franco and Yewande Fasina
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050414 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate (BMD), as a feed additive to poultry diets, enhances digestion, prevents Salmonella enteritidis (SE) colonization, and treats current infections. The objective of this study was to utilize a quantitative proteomic approach to determine the effect of BMD feed additive on
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Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate (BMD), as a feed additive to poultry diets, enhances digestion, prevents Salmonella enteritidis (SE) colonization, and treats current infections. The objective of this study was to utilize a quantitative proteomic approach to determine the effect of BMD feed additive on broiler chickens challenged with SE in the spleen proteome. At 1 d of age, chicks were randomly allocated into four groups: control with and without SE challenge (CON, n = 60; CON-SE, n = 60), BMD with and without SE challenge (BMD, n = 60; BMD-SE, n = 60). Birds in the CON-SE and BMD-SE treatment were administered SE inoculum by oral gavage. On day three and day seven post-gavage, the spleen was collected aseptically from birds in each treatment group (CON, n = 4/day; CON-SE, n = 4/day; BMD, n = 4/day; BMD-SE, n = 4/day). Proteomic analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) showed an increased abundance of 115 proteins and decreased of 77 due to the BMD. Proteins that decreased in abundance were enriched for fibrinogen complex and extracellular space, whereas proteins that increased in abundance were enriched for proteasome-mediated ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic process and mitochondrion. Analysis of the interaction between BMD and the Salmonella challenge found 230 differentially abundant proteins including proteins associated with RNA binding, spliceosome, protein transport, and cell adhesion among the upregulated proteins, and those associated with protein folding, carbon metabolism, biosynthesis of nucleotide sugars, response to oxidative stress, positive regulation of NIK/NF-kappaB signaling, and inflammatory response among the downregulated proteins. The impact of BMD treatment on spleen proteome indicates an anti-apoptotic effect. BMD also modified the response of the spleen to the SE challenge with a marked decrease in proteins that prompt cytokine synthesis and an increase in proteins involved in the selective removal of unfolded proteins.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Animal Diseases in Agricultural Production Systems, 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Antibiotic Cocktail Effects on Intestinal Microbial Community, Barrier Function, and Immune Function in Early Broiler Chickens
by
Waseem Abbas, Ruichen Bi, Muhammad Dilshad Hussain, Alia Tajdar, Fangshen Guo, Yuming Guo and Zhong Wang
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050413 - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of an antibiotic cocktail on intestinal microbial composition, mechanical barrier structure, and immune functions in early broilers. One-day-old healthy male broiler chicks were treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic cocktail (ABX; neomycin, ampicillin, metronidazole, vancomycin, and kanamycin, 0.5 g/L
[...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of an antibiotic cocktail on intestinal microbial composition, mechanical barrier structure, and immune functions in early broilers. One-day-old healthy male broiler chicks were treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic cocktail (ABX; neomycin, ampicillin, metronidazole, vancomycin, and kanamycin, 0.5 g/L each) or not in drinking water for 7 and 14 days, respectively. Sequencing of 16S rRNA revealed that ABX treatment significantly reduced relative Firmicutes, unclassified Lachnospiraceae, unclassified Oscillospiraceae, Ruminococcus torques, and unclassified Ruminococcaceae abundance in the cecum and relative Firmicutes, Lactobacillus and Baccillus abundance in the ileum, but significantly increased richness (Chao and ACE indices) and relative Enterococcus abundance in the ileum and cecum along with relatively enriched Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Enterococcus levels in the ileum following ABX treatment for 14 days. ABX treatment for 14 days also significantly decreased intestinal weight and length, along with villus height (VH) and crypt depth (CD) of the small intestine, and remarkably increased serum LPS, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IgG levels, as well as intestinal mucosa DAO and MPO activity. Moreover, prolonged use of ABX significantly downregulated occludin, ZO-1, and mucin 2 gene expression, along with goblet cell numbers in the ileum. Additionally, chickens given ABX for 14 days had lower acetic acid, butyric acid, and isobutyric acid content in the cecum than the chickens treated with ABX for 7 days and untreated chickens. Spearman correlation analysis found that those decreased potential beneficial bacteria were positively correlated with gut health-related indices, while those increased potential pathogenic strains were positively correlated with gut inflammation and gut injury-related parameters. Taken together, prolonged ABX application increased antibiotic-resistant species abundance, induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, delayed intestinal morphological development, disrupted intestinal barrier function, and perturbed immune response in early chickens. This study provides a reliable lower-bacteria chicken model for further investigation of the function of certain beneficial bacteria in the gut by fecal microbiota transplantation into germ-free or antibiotic-treated chickens.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Use of Antibiotics in Animals and Antimicrobial Resistance)
Open AccessCorrection
Correction: Lungu et al. Molecular Characterisation of Antimicrobial Resistance in E. coli Isolates from Piglets in the West Region of Romania. Antibiotics 2023, 12, 1544
by
Bianca Cornelia Lungu, Ioan Hutu and Paul Andrew Barrow
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050412 - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The authors Bianca Cornelia Lungu and Ioan Hutu did not state contributed equally [...]
Full article
Open AccessReview
The Ongoing Debate on the Use of Prophylactic Antibiotics in Acute Pancreatitis—Is There a Conclusion? A Comprehensive Narrative Review
by
Kai Siang Chan and Vishal G. Shelat
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050411 - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common but often self-limiting disease in the majority of patients. However, in the minority, who may progress to moderately severe or severe AP, high mortality risk has been reported. Infected pancreatitis necrosis (IPN) in necrotising pancreatitis has been
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Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common but often self-limiting disease in the majority of patients. However, in the minority, who may progress to moderately severe or severe AP, high mortality risk has been reported. Infected pancreatitis necrosis (IPN) in necrotising pancreatitis has been shown to result in more than twice the mortality rate compared with in sterile pancreatic necrosis. This raises the question on whether prophylactic antibiotics (PABs) should be given in subgroups of AP to prevent superimposed infection to improve survival outcomes. Despite numerous randomised controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and guidelines on the management of AP, there is a lack of strong evidence to suggest the use of PABs in AP. Additionally, use of PABs is associated with antimicrobial resistance. Considerable heterogeneity exists and limits the interpretation of results—subgroup of AP benefitting from PAB use, choice/class of PAB, and timing of administration from symptom onset and duration of PAB use. Only a minority of existing meta-analyses suggest mortality benefits and reduction in IPN. The majority of existing guidelines do not recommend the use of PABs in AP. More research is required to make more definitive conclusions. Currently, PAB should only be administered after multidisciplinary discussions led by pancreatology experts.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotic Use and the Emergence of Antibiotic Resistance in Clinical Settings)
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Open AccessReview
Linking S. aureus Immune Evasion Mechanisms to Staphylococcal Vaccine Failures
by
Irshad Ahmed Hajam and George Y. Liu
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050410 - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Vaccination arguably remains the only long-term strategy to limit the spread of S. aureus infections and its related antibiotic resistance. To date, however, all staphylococcal vaccines tested in clinical trials have failed. In this review, we propose that the failure of S. aureus
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Vaccination arguably remains the only long-term strategy to limit the spread of S. aureus infections and its related antibiotic resistance. To date, however, all staphylococcal vaccines tested in clinical trials have failed. In this review, we propose that the failure of S. aureus vaccines is intricately linked to prior host exposure to S. aureus and the pathogen’s capacity to evade adaptive immune defenses. We suggest that non-protective immune imprints created by previous exposure to S. aureus are preferentially recalled by SA vaccines, and IL-10 induced by S. aureus plays a unique role in shaping these non-protective anti-staphylococcal immune responses. We discuss how S. aureus modifies the host immune landscape, which thereby necessitates alternative approaches to develop successful staphylococcal vaccines.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Staphylococcal Biology and Pathogenesis)
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Open AccessArticle
The Genetic Landscape of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Enterococcus cecorum Broiler Isolates
by
Yue Huang, Filip Boyen, Gunther Antonissen, Nick Vereecke and Filip Van Immerseel
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050409 - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Enterococcus cecorum is associated with bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) in broilers. Prophylactic treatment with antimicrobials is common in the poultry industry, and, in the case of outbreaks, antimicrobial treatment is needed. In this study, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and epidemiological cutoff
[...] Read more.
Enterococcus cecorum is associated with bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) in broilers. Prophylactic treatment with antimicrobials is common in the poultry industry, and, in the case of outbreaks, antimicrobial treatment is needed. In this study, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and epidemiological cutoff (ECOFF) values (COWT) for ten antimicrobials were determined in a collection of E. cecorum strains. Whole-genome sequencing data were analyzed for a selection of these E. cecorum strains to identify resistance determinants involved in the observed phenotypes. Wild-type and non-wild-type isolates were observed for the investigated antimicrobial agents. Several antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were detected in the isolates, linking phenotypes with genotypes for the resistance to vancomycin, tetracycline, lincomycin, spectinomycin, and tylosin. These detected resistance genes were located on mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Point mutations were found in isolates with a non-wild-type phenotype for enrofloxacin and ampicillin/ceftiofur. Isolates showing non-wild-type phenotypes for enrofloxacin had point mutations within the GyrA, GyrB, and ParC proteins, while five amino acid changes in penicillin-binding proteins (PBP2x superfamily) were observed in non-wild-type phenotypes for the tested β-lactam antimicrobials. This study is one of the first that describes the genetic landscape of ARGs within MGEs in E. cecorum, in association with phenotypical resistance determination.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotics Resistance in Animals and the Environment)
Open AccessArticle
Adsorption of Macrolide Antibiotics and a Metabolite onto Polyethylene Terephthalate and Polyethylene Microplastics in Aquatic Environments
by
Carmen Mejías, Julia Martín, Laura Martín-Pozo, Juan Luis Santos, Irene Aparicio and Esteban Alonso
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050408 - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics are emerging pollutants widely found in aquatic environments, potentially causing environmental harm. MPs may act as carriers for antibiotics, affecting their environmental distribution. This study investigates the adsorption of four macrolide antibiotics and a metabolite onto two types of
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Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics are emerging pollutants widely found in aquatic environments, potentially causing environmental harm. MPs may act as carriers for antibiotics, affecting their environmental distribution. This study investigates the adsorption of four macrolide antibiotics and a metabolite onto two types of MPs: polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE). Results revealed a linear isotherm adsorption model, with higher adsorption to PET than to PE (R2 > 0.936 for PE and R2 > 0.910 for PET). Hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding could be the main adsorption mechanisms, with pore filling potentially involved. Reduced particle size enhances adsorption due to the increase of active adsorption sites. This increasement is more pronounced in PE than in PET, leading to an 11.6% increase in the average adsorption of all macrolides to PE, compared to only 5.1% to PET. Dissolved organic matter inhibits adsorption (azithromycin adsorption to PE was reduced from 12% to 5.1%), while salinity enhances it just until 1% salinity. pH slightly influences adsorption, with maximal adsorption at neutral pH. Results in real samples showed that complexity of the matrix decreased adsorption. Overall, these findings indicate that PE and PET MPs can be a vector of macrolides in aquatic environments.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Fate and Effects of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Genes)
Open AccessArticle
Fungal Bioremediation of the β-Lactam Antibiotic Ampicillin under Laccase-Induced Conditions
by
Bouthaina Ghariani, Abdulrahman H. Alessa, Imen Ben Atitallah, Ibtihel Louati, Ahmad A. Alsaigh, Tahar Mechichi and Héla Zouari-Mechichi
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050407 - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Due to widespread overuse, pharmaceutical compounds, such as antibiotics, are becoming increasingly prevalent in greater concentrations in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the capacity of the white-rot fungus, Coriolopsis gallica (a high-laccase-producing fungus), to biodegrade ampicillin under different cultivation conditions. The
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Due to widespread overuse, pharmaceutical compounds, such as antibiotics, are becoming increasingly prevalent in greater concentrations in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the capacity of the white-rot fungus, Coriolopsis gallica (a high-laccase-producing fungus), to biodegrade ampicillin under different cultivation conditions. The biodegradation of the antibiotic was confirmed using high-performance liquid chromatography, and its antibacterial activity was evaluated using the bacterial growth inhibition agar well diffusion method, with Escherichia coli as an ampicillin-sensitive test strain. C. gallica successfully eliminated ampicillin (50 mg L−1) after 6 days of incubation in a liquid medium. The best results were achieved with a 9-day-old fungal culture, which treated a high concentration (500 mg L−1) of ampicillin within 3 days. This higher antibiotic removal rate was concomitant with the maximum laccase production in the culture supernatant. Meanwhile, four consecutive doses of 500 mg L−1 of ampicillin were removed by the same fungal culture within 24 days. After that, the fungus failed to remove the antibiotic. The measurement of the ligninolytic enzyme activity showed that C. gallica laccase might participate in the bioremediation of ampicillin.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Fate of Antibiotics: Monitoring, Toxicity, Resistance, and Removal Methods)
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Open AccessReview
The Interplay between Antibiotics and the Host Immune Response in Sepsis: From Basic Mechanisms to Clinical Considerations: A Comprehensive Narrative Review
by
Martina Tosi, Irene Coloretti, Marianna Meschiari, Sara De Biasi, Massimo Girardis and Stefano Busani
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050406 - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Sepsis poses a significant global health challenge due to immune system dysregulation. This narrative review explores the complex relationship between antibiotics and the immune system, aiming to clarify the involved mechanisms and their clinical impacts. From pre-clinical studies, antibiotics exhibit various immunomodulatory effects,
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Sepsis poses a significant global health challenge due to immune system dysregulation. This narrative review explores the complex relationship between antibiotics and the immune system, aiming to clarify the involved mechanisms and their clinical impacts. From pre-clinical studies, antibiotics exhibit various immunomodulatory effects, including the regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, interaction with Toll-Like Receptors, modulation of the P38/Pmk-1 Pathway, inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinases, blockade of nitric oxide synthase, and regulation of caspase-induced apoptosis. Additionally, antibiotic-induced alterations to the microbiome are associated with changes in systemic immunity, affecting cellular and humoral responses. The adjunctive use of antibiotics in sepsis patients, particularly macrolides, has attracted attention due to their immune-regulatory effects. However, there are limited data comparing different types of macrolides. More robust evidence comes from studies on community-acquired pneumonia, especially in severe cases with a hyper-inflammatory response. While studies on septic shock have shown mixed results regarding mortality rates and immune response modulation, conflicting findings are also observed with macrolides in acute respiratory distress syndrome. In conclusion, there is a pressing need to tailor antibiotic therapy based on the patient’s immune profile to optimize outcomes in sepsis management.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Resistance and Infection Control in ICU)
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Open AccessArticle
Antifungal Activity of Brilacidin, a Nonpeptide Host Defense Molecule
by
David J. Larwood and David A. Stevens
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050405 - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Natural host defensins, also sometimes termed antimicrobial peptides, are evolutionarily conserved. They have been studied as antimicrobials, but some pharmaceutical properties, undesirable for clinical use, have led to the development of synthetic molecules with constructed peptide arrangements and/or peptides not found in nature.
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Natural host defensins, also sometimes termed antimicrobial peptides, are evolutionarily conserved. They have been studied as antimicrobials, but some pharmaceutical properties, undesirable for clinical use, have led to the development of synthetic molecules with constructed peptide arrangements and/or peptides not found in nature. The leading development currently is synthetic small-molecule nonpeptide mimetics, whose physical properties capture the characteristics of the natural molecules and share their biological attributes. We studied brilacidin, an arylamide of this type, for its activity in vitro against fungi (40 clinical isolates, 20 species) that the World Health Organization has highlighted as problem human pathogens. We found antifungal activity at low concentrations for many pathogens, which indicates that further screening for activity, particularly in vivo, is justified to evaluate this compound, and other mimetics, as attractive leads for the development of effective antifungal agents.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Broad-Spectrum In Vitro Activity of Nα-aroyl-N-aryl-Phenylalanine Amides against Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria and Comparative Analysis of RNA Polymerases
by
Markus Lang, Uday S. Ganapathy, Rana Abdelaziz, Thomas Dick and Adrian Richter
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050404 - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study investigates the in vitro activity of Nα-aroyl-N-aryl-phenylalanine amides (AAPs), previously identified as antimycobacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) inhibitors, against a panel of 25 non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). The compounds, including the hit compound MMV688845, were selected based on their structural
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This study investigates the in vitro activity of Nα-aroyl-N-aryl-phenylalanine amides (AAPs), previously identified as antimycobacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) inhibitors, against a panel of 25 non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). The compounds, including the hit compound MMV688845, were selected based on their structural diversity and previously described activity against mycobacteria. Bacterial strains, including the M. abscessus complex, M. avium complex, and other clinically relevant NTM, were cultured and subjected to growth inhibition assays. The results demonstrate significant activity against the most common NTM pathogens from the M. abscessus and M. avium complexes. Variations in activity were observed against other NTM species, with for instance M. ulcerans displaying high susceptibility and M. xenopi and M. simiae resistance to AAPs. Comparative analysis of RNAP β and β′ subunits across mycobacterial species revealed strain-specific polymorphisms, providing insights into differential compound susceptibility. While conservation of target structures was observed, differences in compound activity suggested influences beyond drug–target interactions. This study highlights the potential of AAPs as effective antimycobacterial agents and emphasizes the complex interplay between compound structure, bacterial genetics, and in vitro activity.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic and Microbiological Approaches for Combating Non-tuberculous Mycobacterial Infections)
Open AccessArticle
Antimicrobial Use in Pig Farms in the Midwestern Region of Minas Gerais, Brazil
by
Bruno César de Oliveira, Idael Christiano de Almeida Santa Rosa, Maurício Cabral Dutra, Felipe Norberto Alves Ferreira, Andrea Micke Moreno, Luisa Zanolli Moreno, Júlia da Mata Góes Silva, Simone Koprowski Garcia and Dalton de Oliveira Fontes
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050403 - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
The use of antimicrobials in swine production is an issue that concerns the whole world due to their impact on animal and public health. This study aimed to verify the antimicrobial use in 29 commercial full-cycle farms in the midwestern region of the
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The use of antimicrobials in swine production is an issue that concerns the whole world due to their impact on animal and public health. This study aimed to verify the antimicrobial use in 29 commercial full-cycle farms in the midwestern region of the state of Minas Gerais, since this region is a hub of intensive pig farming in Brazil, as well as the possible correlations between the use of antimicrobials, biosecurity, and productivity. A total of 28 different drugs used for preventive purposes were described. On average, the herds used seven drugs, exposing the piglets for 116 days and totaling 434.17 mg of antimicrobials per kilogram of pig produced. Just eight active ingredients made up 77.5% of the total number of drugs used on the studied herds. Significant differences were found between the variables, biosecurity score and number of sows, antimicrobial amount and number of drugs, number of drugs and number of sows, and between productivity and biosecurity scores. The use of antimicrobials was considered excessive in the swine farms in the state of Minas Gerais compared to what was reported in Brazil and in other countries. Educational measures and better control should be proposed to reduce the preventive use of antimicrobials.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health and Antibiotic Use in Veterinary Medicine)
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Open AccessEditorial
Molecular Characterization of Gram-Negative Bacteria: Antimicrobial Resistance, Virulence and Epidemiology
by
Theodoros Karampatakis
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050402 - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and pan-drug-resistant (PDR) Gram-negative bacteria constitute a huge public health problem [...]
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Characterization of Gram-Negative Bacteria: Antimicrobial Resistance, Virulence and Epidemiology)
Open AccessArticle
Characterisation of PVL-Positive Staphylococcus argenteus from the United Arab Emirates
by
Stefan Monecke, Sindy Burgold-Voigt, Sascha D. Braun, Celia Diezel, Elisabeth M. Liebler-Tenorio, Elke Müller, Rania Nassar, Martin Reinicke, Annett Reissig, Abiola Senok and Ralf Ehricht
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050401 - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Staphylococcus argenteus is a recently described staphylococcal species that is related to Staphylococcus aureus but lacks the staphyloxanthin operon. It is able to acquire both resistance markers such as the SCCmec elements and mobile genetic elements carrying virulence-associated genes from S. aureus
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Staphylococcus argenteus is a recently described staphylococcal species that is related to Staphylococcus aureus but lacks the staphyloxanthin operon. It is able to acquire both resistance markers such as the SCCmec elements and mobile genetic elements carrying virulence-associated genes from S. aureus. This includes those encoding the Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL), which is associated mainly with severe and/or recurrent staphylococcal skin and soft tissue infections. Here, we describe the genome sequences of two PVL-positive, mecA-negative S. argenteus sequence type (ST) 2250 isolates from the United Arab Emirates in detail. The isolates were found in a dental clinic in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Both were sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT). This demonstrated the presence of temperate bacteriophages in the staphylococcal genomes, including a PVL prophage. It was essentially identical to the published sequence of phiSa2wa_st78 (GenBank NC_055048), a PVL phage from an Australian S. aureus clonal complex (CC) 88 isolate. Besides the PVL prophage, one isolate carried another prophage and the second isolate carried two additional prophages, whereby the region between these two prophages was inverted. This “flipped” region comprised about 1,083,000 bp, or more than a third of the strain’s genome, and it included the PVL prophage. Prophages were induced by Mitomycin C treatment and subjected to transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This yielded, in accordance to the sequencing results, one or, respectively, two distinct populations of icosahedral phages. It also showed prolate phages which presumptively might be identified as the PVL phage. This observation highlights the significance bacteriophages have as agents of horizontal gene transfer as well as the need for monitoring emerging staphylococcal strains, especially in cosmopolitan settings such as the UAE.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Staphylococcus— Molecular Pathogenesis, Virulence Regulation and Antibiotics Resistance)
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Open AccessArticle
Prevalence of Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance of ESKAPE Group Bacteria Isolated from Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a County Emergency Hospital in Romania
by
Alina-Simona Bereanu, Rareș Bereanu, Cosmin Mohor, Bogdan Ioan Vintilă, Ioana Roxana Codru, Ciprian Olteanu and Mihai Sava
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050400 - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
The ESKAPE group (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp.) is a group of bacteria very difficult to treat due to their high ability to acquire resistance to antibiotics and are the
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The ESKAPE group (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp.) is a group of bacteria very difficult to treat due to their high ability to acquire resistance to antibiotics and are the main cause of nosocomial infections worldwide, posing a threat to global public health. Nosocomial infections with MDR bacteria are found mainly in Intensive Care Units, due to the multitude of maneuvers and invasive medical devices used, the prolonged antibiotic treatments, the serious general condition of these critical patients, and the prolonged duration of hospitalization. Materials and Methods: During a period of one year, from January 2023 to December 2023, this cross-sectional study was conducted on patients diagnosed with sepsis admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Sibiu County Emergency Clinical Hospital. Samples taken were tracheal aspirate, catheter tip, pharyngeal exudate, wound secretion, urine culture, blood culture, and peritoneal fluid. Results: The most common bacteria isolated from patients admitted to our Intensive Care Unit was Klebsiella pneumoniae, followed by Acinetobacter baumanii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Gram-positive cocci (Enterococcus faecium and Staphilococcus aureus) were rarely isolated. Most of the bacteria isolated were MDR bacteria. Conclusions: The rise of antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance among strains in the nosocomial environment and especially in Intensive Care Units raises serious concerns about limited treatment options.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Resistance and Epidemiological Study of Clinically Relevant Pathogens)
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Open AccessArticle
Microbiology of Prosthetic Joint Infections: A Retrospective Study of an Italian Orthopaedic Hospital
by
Virginia Suardi, Daniele Baroni, Abdelrahman Hosni Abdelhamid Shahein, Valentina Morena, Nicola Logoluso, Laura Mangiavini and Antonio Virgilio Pellegrini
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050399 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The most frequent cause of periprosthetic infections (PJIs) is intraoperative contamination; hence, antibiotic prophylaxis plays a crucial role in prevention. Modifications to standard prophylaxis can be considered if there is a high incidence of microorganisms resistant to current protocols. To date, very few
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The most frequent cause of periprosthetic infections (PJIs) is intraoperative contamination; hence, antibiotic prophylaxis plays a crucial role in prevention. Modifications to standard prophylaxis can be considered if there is a high incidence of microorganisms resistant to current protocols. To date, very few studies regarding microbial etiology have been published in Italy. In this single-center, retrospective study conducted at IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant’Ambrogio in Milan, we analyzed hip, knee, and shoulder PJIs in patients undergoing first implantation between 1 January 17 and 31 December 2021. The primary aim was to derive a local microbiological case history. The secondary aim was to evaluate the adequacy of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in relation to the identified bacteria. A total of 57 PJIs and 65 pathogens were identified: 16 S. aureus, 15 S. epidermidis, and 10 other coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), which accounted for 63% of the isolations. A total of 86.7% of S. epidermidis were methicillin-resistant (MRSE). In line with other case reports, we found a predominance of staphylococcal infections, with a lower percentage of MRSA than the Italian average, while we found a high percentage of MRSE. We estimated that 44.6% of the bacteria isolated were resistant to cefazolin, our standard prophylaxis. These PJIs could be prevented by using glycopeptide alone or in combination with cefazolin, but the literature reports conflicting results regarding the adequacy of such prophylaxis. In conclusion, our study showed that in our local hospital, our standard antibiotic prophylaxis is ineffective for almost half of the cases, highlighting the importance of defining specific antibiotic guidelines based on the local bacterial prevalence of each institution.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Therapeutics for Bone and Periprosthetic Joint Infection)
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