Increasing antimicrobial resistance of Vibrio cholerae OI biotype E1 tor strains isolated in a tertiary-care centre in India

The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns are on constant change with the recent emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of most bacteria. Results of recent studies in India showed that most isolates of Vibrio cholerae O1 were resistant to the commonly-used antibiotics. The study was conducted to determine the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of V. cholerae O1 isolated during 2008-2010 at the hospital of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India. In total, 154 strains of V. cholerae O1 from 2,658 stool specimens were reported during January 2008-December 2010--34 in 2008, 2 in 2009, and 118 in 2010. The isolates of V. cholerae O1 were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer method. The antibiotic disks tested were tetracycline (30 microg), furazolidone (100 microg), ampicillin (10 microg), ceftriaxone (30 microg), and ciprofloxacin (5 microg). Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 was used as the control organism. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline were determined using the agar dilution method for all the strains. The E-test method was used for the strains which had either intermediate resistance or were resistant to the antibiotics by the agar dilution method. The results of the agar dilution corroborated the results of the E-test. The MIC of ceftriaxone in 151 strains was <2 microg/mL while it was 16 microg/mL in three strains; the latter three strains were resistant to ceftriaxone by the disc-diffusion test. The MIC of ciprofloxacin in 150 strains was <0.5 microg/mL while the MIC of tetracycline was <1 microg/mL. In the remaining four strains, the MIC of tetracycline was >32 microg/mL, and the MIC of ciprofloxacin was >8 microg/mL. These four strains were resistant to both tetracycline and ciprofloxacin by the disc-diffusion test and were exclusive of the three ceftriaxone-resistant strains. The majority of the isolates were obtained from children aged 0-5 year(s)-70.3% (83 of 118) and 41.2% (14 of 34) were reported in 2010 and 2008 respectively. Since treating severe cases of cholera with antibiotics is important, the continuing spread of resistance in V. cholerae to the most important agents of therapy is a matter of concern. Also, chemoprophylaxis with antimicrobial agents is likely to become even more difficult.     

Increasing spectrum in antimicrobial resistance of Shigella isolates in Bangladesh: resistance to azithromycin and ceftriaxone and decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin

Antimicrobial resistance of Shigella isolates in Bangladesh, during 2001-2002, was studied and compared with that of 1991-1992 to identify the changes in resistance patterns and trends. A significant increase in resistance to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (from 52% to 72%, p < 0.01) and nalidixic acid (from 19% to 51%, p < 0.01) was detected. High, but unchanged, resistance to tetracycline, ampicillin, and chloramphenicol, low resistance to mecillinam (resistance 3%, intermediate 3%), and to emergence of resistance to azithromycin (resistance 16%, intermediate 62%) and ceftriaxone/cefixime (2%) were detected in 2001-2002. Of 266 recent isolates, 63% were resistant to > or =3 anti-Shigella drugs (multidrug-resistant [MDR]) compared to 52% of 369 strains (p < 0.007) in 1991-1992. Of 154 isolates tested by E-test in 2001-2002, 71% were nalidixic acid-resistant (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] > or =32 microg/mL) and had 10-fold higher MIC90 (0.25 microg/mL) to ciprofloxacin than that of nalidixic acid-susceptible strains exhibiting decreased ciprofloxacin susceptibility, which were detected as ciprofloxacin-susceptible and nalidixic acid-resistant by the disc-diffusion method. These strains were frequently associated with MDR traits. High modal MICs were observed to azithromycin (MIC 6 microg/mL) and nalidixic acid (MIC 128 micdrog/mL) and low to ceftriaxone (MIC 0.023 microg/mL). Conjugative R-plasmids-encoded extended-spectrum beta-lactamase was responsible for resistance to ceftriaxone/cefixime. The growing antimicrobial resistance of Shigella is worrying and mandates monitoring of resistance. Pivmecillinam or ciprofloxacin might be considered for treating shigellosis with caution.     

Ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella enterica Typhimurium and Choleraesuis from pigs to humans, Taiwan

We evaluated the disk susceptibility data of 671 nontyphoid Salmonella isolates collected from different parts of Taiwan from March 2001 to August 2001 and 1,261 nontyphoid Salmonella isolates from the National Taiwan University Hospital from 1996 to 2001. Overall, ciprofloxacin resistance was found in 2.7% (18/671) of all nontyphoid Salmonella isolates, in 1.4% (5/347) of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium and in 7.5% (8/107) in S. enterica serotype Choleraesuis nationwide. MICs of six newer fluoroquinolones were determined for the following isolates: 37 isolates of ciprofloxacin-resistant (human) S. Typhimurium (N = 26) and Choleraesuis (N = 11), 10 isolates of ciprofloxacin-susceptible (MIC <1 mg/mL) (human) isolates of these two serotypes, and 15 swine isolates from S. Choleraesuis (N = 13) and Typhmurium (N = 2) with reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (MIC >0.12 microg/mL). Sequence analysis of the gryA, gyrB, parC, parE, and acrR genes, ciprofloxacin accumulation, and genotypes generated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis with three restriction enzymes (SpeI, XbaI, and BlnI) were performed. All 26 S. Typhimurium isolates from humans and pigs belonged to genotype I. For S. Choleraesuis isolates, 91% (10/11) of human isolates and 54% (7/13) of swine isolates belonged to genotype B. These two genotypes isolates from humans all exhibited a high-level of resistance to ciprofloxacin (MIC 16-64 mg/mL). They had two-base substitutions in the gyrA gene at codons 83 (Ser83Phe) and 87 (Asp87Gly or Asp87Asn) and in the parC gene at codon 80 (Ser80Arg, Ser80Ile, or Ser84Lys). Our investigation documented that not only did these two S. enterica isolates have a high prevalence of ciprofloxacin resistance nationwide but also that some closely related ciprofloxacin-resistant strains are disseminated from pigs to humans.     

Beta-lactam resistance and Enterobacteriaceae, United States

Extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC) are an important drug class for treating severe Salmonella infections. We screened the human collection from the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System 2000 for ESC resistance mechanisms. Of non-Typhi Salmonella tested, 3.2% (44/1,378) contained blaCMY genes. Novel findings included blaCMY-positive Escherichia coli O157:H7 and a blaSHV-positive Salmonella isolate. CMY-positive isolates showed a ceftriaxone MIC > or =2 microg/mL.     

Human Salmonella and concurrent decreased susceptibility to quinolones and extended-spectrum cephalosporins

The National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System monitors susceptibility among Enterobacteriaceae in humans in the United States. We studied isolates exhibiting decreased susceptibility to quinolones (nalidixic acid MIC >32 microg/mL or ciprofloxacin MIC > or =0.12 microg/mL) and extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ceftiofur or ceftriaxone MIC > or =2 microg/mL) during 1996-2004. Of non-Typhi Salmonella, 0.19% (27/14,043) met these criteria: 11 Senftenberg; 6 Typhimurium; 3 Newport; 2 Enteridis; and 1 each Agona, Haifa, Mbandaka, Saintpaul, and Uganda. Twenty-six isolates had gyrA mutations (11 at codon 83 only, 3 at codon 87 only, 12 at both). All Senftenberg isolates had parC mutations (S801 and T57S); 6 others had the T57S mutation. The Mbandaka isolate contained qnrB2. Eight isolates contained bla(CMY-2); 1 Senftenberg contained bla(CMY-23). One Senftenberg and 1 Typhimurium isolate contained bla(SHV-12); the Mbandaka isolate contained bla(SHV-30). Nine Senftenberg isolates contained bla(OXA-1) contained bla(OXA-9). Further studies should address patient outcomes, risk factors, and resistance dissemination prevention strategies.     

Novel substituted quinoxaline 1,4-dioxides with in vitro antimycobacterial and anticandida activity

Thirty-six 6(7)-substituted-3-methyl- or 3-halogenomethyl-2-phenylthio-phenylsulphonyl-chloro-quinoxaline 1,4-dioxides belonging to series 3-6 were synthesised and submitted to a preliminary in vitro evaluation for antimycobacterial, anticandida and antibacterial activities. Antitubercular screening showed a generally good activity of 3-methyl-2-phenylthioquinoxaline 1,4-dioxides (3d,e,h-j) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and exhibited MIC between 0.39 and 0.78 microg mL(-1) (rifampicin MIC=0.25 microg mL(-1)), whereas in compounds 4d,e, 5a,b,d,e,l and 6b-e,j,l MIC ranged between 1.56 and 6.25 microg mL(-1). Results of the antibacterial and anticandida screening showed that 6e and 6l exhibited MIC=0.4 and 1.9 microg mL(-1), respectively, against Candida krusei (miconazole MIC=0.9 microg mL(-1)), and 4i, 5b,d, 6e, MIC=3.9 microg mL(-1) against Candida glabrata (miconazole MIC=0.4 microg mL(-1)), while compounds 3d,l, 5e,l, and 6b,d,e,l showed MIC=15.6 microg mL(-1) against Vibrio alginolyticus.     

Fluoroquinolone resistance linked to GyrA, GyrB, and ParC mutations in Salmonella enterica typhimurium isolates in humans

We report two cases of infection with clonally unrelated, high-level ciprofloxacin-resistant, b-lactamase-producing strains of Salmonella enterica Typhimurium. Resistance was caused by four topoisomerase mutations, in GyrA, GyrB, and ParC and increased drug efflux. Ciprofloxacin treatment failed in one case. In the second case, reduced susceptibility to third-generation cephalosporins occurred after initial treatment with these drugs and may explain the treatment failure with ceftriaxone.     

Changes in Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Streptococcus pneumonia after 7-Valent Conjugate Vaccination, Spain

Among 4,215 Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates obtained in Spain during 2006, 98 (2.3%) were ciprofloxacin resistant (3.6% from adults and 0.14% from children). In comparison with findings from a 2002 study, global resistance remained stable. Low-level resistance (30 isolates with MIC 4–8 μg/mL) was caused by a reserpine-sensitive efflux phenotype (n = 4) or single topoisomerase IV (parC [n = 24] or parE [n = 1]) changes. One isolate did not show reserpine-sensitive efflux or mutations. High-level resistance (68 isolates with MIC ≥16 μg/mL) was caused by changes in gyrase (gyrA) and parC or parE. New changes in parC (S80P) and gyrA (S81V, E85G) were shown to be involved in resistance by genetic transformation. Although 49 genotypes were observed, clones Spain^9V-ST156 and Sweden^15A-ST63 accounted for 34.7% of drug-resistant isolates. In comparison with findings from the 2002 study, clones Spain¹⁴-ST17, Spain^23F-ST81, and ST88^19F decreased and 4 new genotypes (ST97^10A, ST570¹⁶, ST433²², and ST717³³) appeared in 2006.     

2017-2018年包头地区耐喹诺酮大肠埃希菌临床分离株的耐药特征与机制分析

目的了解内蒙古包头地区临床分离的耐喹诺酮大肠埃希菌的耐药特征以及机制。方法收集2017-2018年内蒙古包头地区11所参与全国细菌耐药监测网医院的大肠埃希菌临床分离株,采用纸片扩散法或自动化仪器法按统一技术方案进行药敏试验,采用酶抑制剂增强试验测定超广谱β-内酰胺酶(ESBLs),分析病原菌耐药性。并且随机从大肠埃希菌喹诺酮类耐药(环丙沙星或/和左氧氟沙星耐药)组中筛选60株作为试验菌株,采用微量肉汤稀释法测定环丙沙星最低抑菌浓度(MIC)值,采用聚合酶链反应检测GyrA、GyrB、ParC、ParE、qnrA、qnrB、qnrS、aac(6′)-Ib以及qepA基因,限制性酶切反应确定aac(6′)-Ib-cr基因型。结果共收集上述医院非重复大肠埃希菌临床分离株4 262株。耐喹诺酮大肠埃希菌分离率居前3位的医院分别为包头市肿瘤医院(79.37%)、内蒙古包钢医院(74.45%)和包头市第八医院(72.52%);前3位科室分别为泌尿科(90.74%)、呼吸内科(87.58%)和肿瘤科(77.87%);前3位标本分别为尿液(73.77%)、痰液等呼吸道标本(65.63%)和引流液(63.27%)。4 262株大肠埃希菌中喹诺酮类耐药组和喹诺酮类非耐药组占比分别为66.31%和33.69%,喹诺酮类耐药组对绝大部分所测抗菌药物的耐药率和产ESBLs的检出率均高于喹诺酮类非耐药组(P<0.05)。60株试验菌株:GyrA、GyrB、ParC和ParE基因的阳性率均为100.00%;GyrA、ParC和ParE亚基突变发生率均为100.00%,GyrB亚基突变发生率为16.67%;发生最多的氨基酸取代种类是Ser83→Leu(100.00%),其次依次为Ser80→Ile(96.67%)和Asp87→Asn(91.67%);质粒介导的喹诺酮类耐药(PMQR)基因阳性率为18.33%,其中检出率由高到低分别为aac(6′)-Ib-cr基因(15.00%)、qnrS基因(6.67%)和qepA基因(3.33%)。在GyrA亚基双突变的基础上,发生ParC亚基单位点(Ser80或Glu84)突变的菌株对环丙沙星的MIC值多在32~64μg/ml范围内;发生ParC亚基双位点(Ser80和Glu84)突变的菌株对环丙沙星的MIC值多为128μg/ml。在所有发生ParE亚基Ser458→Ala突变的菌株中均检测到含有GyrA和ParC亚基突变,与无ParE亚基Ser458→Ala突变的菌株相比,含有ParE亚基Ser458→Ala突变的菌株对环丙沙星的MIC值更高。结论内蒙古包头地区为耐喹诺酮大肠埃希菌高流行地区,且耐药水平高,常呈多药耐药。编码DNA促旋酶和拓扑异构酶Ⅳ这两种药物作用靶蛋白的基因上喹诺酮类耐药决定区(QRDRs)存在多个位点突变是引起本地区大肠埃希菌对喹诺酮类抗菌药物产生高水平耐药的主要原因。     

Synthesis, characterization and pharmacological properties of some 4-arylhydrazono-2-pyrazoline-5-one derivatives obtained from heterocyclic amines

The synthesis of a new series of 4-arylhydrazono-2-pyrazoline-5-ones 7-24 and 22a is described. Structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed using UV, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and EI-mass spectral data. These compounds were tested in vitro against one Gram-positive and two Gram-negative bacterial strains, two mycobacterial strains and a fungus, Candida albicans. Compound 22 was found to be more active against Staphylococcus aureus than the other compounds at a concentration of 15.6 microg/mL. Some related compounds were evaluated for anticonvulsant activity. Compound 11 showed 40% protection against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in albino Swiss mice. In vitro antituberculosis activity of 4-arylhydrazono-2-pyrazoline-5-ones 7-12, 14-24, 22a and coupling products 6a-f were tested on Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Of these compounds, only 24, which exhibited > 90% inhibition in the primary screen at 12.5 microg/mL against this strain was re-examined for determination of its actual MIC. However, level II assay revealed that the MIC value was not less than 12.5 microg/mL. The same compound was also tested against Mycobacterium avium, which was observed not to be susceptible to 24.     

Re-emergence of meningococcal disease in Taiwan: circulation of domestic clones of Neisseria meningitidis in the 2001 outbreak

The annual incidence of meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) in Taiwan was 0.94/10(5) population in 1953. It then declined to below 0.001 from 1980 to 1987, and re-emerged in 2000 with a rate of 0.07/10(5) population. In 2001 there was a further increase in incidence (43 cases, 0.19/10(5)). Of 43 isolates of Neisseria meningitidis available for this study, including 41 from patients treated in 2001, three (7.0%) were penicillin insensitive (MIC > or = 0.12 microg/ml), though all were beta-lactamase negative: 16 (37.2%) were resistant to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (MIC > or = 4/76 microg/ml). Serogrouping and genotype analysis revealed nine domestic clones. None of the 43 patients had any relationship (travel or contact history) with the 2000 or 2001 Hajj pilgrimage. Epidemiological information and typing results suggested wide dissemination of a limited number of domestic clones of N. meningitidis, manifesting as serogroups W-135, B and Y. Two clones of serogroup W-135 involved in the outbreak were genetically distinct from the 2000 or 2001 Hajj-related W-135 clone.     

Antimicrobial susceptibility and serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from patients with community-acquired pneumonia and molecular analysis of multidrug-resistant serotype 19F and 23F strains in Japan

A nationwide study was undertaken to determine the susceptibility to penicillin and serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Japan. S. pneumoniae was isolated from 114 adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia over 22 months at 20 hospitals and medical centres in different regions in Japan. All but five isolates were from sputum. Forty-eight isolates (42.1%) were susceptible, 40 (35.1%) showed intermediate resistance (MIC, 0.12-1.0 microg/ml) and 26 (22.8%) were resistant (MIC, >or=2.0 microg/ml) to penicillin G. All isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone (breakpoint 1 microg/ml), imipenem (4 microg/ml) and vancomycin (4 microg/ml). Most were resistant to erythromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin; only two were resistant to levofloxacin. Differences were found in the distribution of serotypes among isolates showing susceptibility to penicillin (predominant types 3, 6B, and 19F), intermediate resistance (6B, 14, 19F, and 23F) and full resistance (19F and 23F). PFGE typing showed that 14 of the 25 strains of serotype 19F had a single DNA profile, pattern A, a pattern closely similar to that of the Taiwan multidrug-resistant 19F clone. Twelve pattern A strains were not susceptible to penicillin but carried the macrolide resistance gene mef(A). The DNA profiles of the 15 strains of 23F were also heterogeneous but six were highly similar (pattern b) yet distinct from the Spanish multidrug-resistant 23F clone although possibly related to the Taiwan multidrug-resistant 23F clone. The pattern b strains were not susceptible to penicillin and also harboured either mef(A) or erm(B). Our results indicate that multidrug-resistant pneumococci are spreading rapidly in Japan. Efforts to prevent the spread of the pandemic multidrug-resistant serotypes should be intensified.     

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of nitroaryl thiadiazole-gatifloxacin hybrids

A number of gatifloxacin analogues containing a nitroaryl-1,3,4-thiadiazole moiety attached to the piperazine ring at C-7 position were prepared and evaluated as antibacterial agents against a panel of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Among synthesized compounds, nitrofuran analog 6a exhibited more potent inhibitory activity against gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus epidermidis (MIC=0.0078 microg/mL), Bacillus subtilis (MIC=0.0039 microg/mL), Enterococcus faecalis (MIC=0.125 microg/mL) and Micrococcus luteus (MIC=0.125 microg/mL), with respect to other synthesized compounds and reference drug gatifloxacin. The target compounds were also assessed for their cytotoxic activity against normal mouse fibroblast (NIH/3T3) cells using MTT assay. The results indicated that these compounds exhibit antibacterial activity at non-cytotoxic concentrations.     

Ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium, China

We characterized 44 Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium isolates from Tongji Hospital outpatients in Wuhan, China, May 2002-October 2005. All 31 ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates were also resistant to > or = 8 other antimicrobial drugs and carried > or = 2 mutations in GyrA and 1 mutation in ParC. Class 1 integrons were identified in 37 isolates.     

Analysis of fecal microbial flora for antibiotic resistance in ceftiofur-treated calves

To evaluate the impact of ceftiofur treatment in calves on fecal shedding of ceftriaxone-resistant bacteria, 3 female Holstein dairy calves were treated by intramuscular injection with EXCENEL RTU (ceftiofur hydrochloride, Pharmacia and Upjohn) at a therapeutic dosage of 2.2 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days following label directions. Three untreated calves were housed separately and served as controls. One to 3 days following the initial administration of ceftiofur, there was a 14% and 2% increase of fecal bacteria resistant to 16 and 64 microg ceftriaxone/mL, respectively. This response remained unchanged from days 6 to 13, and increased resistance was seen at day 17. Randomly selected isolates of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with elevated resistance to ceftriaxone (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) >or=64 microg ceftriaxone/mL) were isolated from calf feces and identified. In vitro conjugation experiments revealed that both the ceftriaxone-resistance gene bla (CMY-2) and class 1 integron were transferred from two bacterial species to Salmonella spp. at a frequency of 10(7) to 10(5). MIC data revealed that Salmonella transconjugants acquired either reduced susceptibility or resistance to ceftriaxone as well as to multiple antibiotics. This genetic transfer occurred both within and between genera. Treatment of calves with therapeutic dosages of ceftiofur can significantly increase for at least 17 days following the initial treatment the fecal excretion of ceftriaxone-resistant bacteria, including Salmonella species.     

Bacterial resistance to ciprofloxacin in Greece: results from the National Electronic Surveillance System. Greek Network for the Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance.

According to 1997 susceptibility data from the National Electronic System for the Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance, Greece has high rates of ciprofloxacin resistance. For most species, the frequency of ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates (from highest to lowest, by patient setting) was as follows: intensive care unit > surgical > medical > outpatient. Most ciprofloxacin-resistant strains were multidrug resistant.     

阿维巴坦联合头孢他啶、氨曲南或美罗培南对耐碳青霉烯类肺炎克雷伯菌的体外抗菌活性

 目的 研究阿维巴坦(固定浓度为4 μg/mL)联合β-内酰胺类抗生素对耐碳青霉烯类肺炎克雷伯菌(CRKP)的体外抗菌活性。方法 收集某院临床分离的非重复CRKP,采用微量肉汤稀释法测定头孢他啶/阿维巴坦、氨曲南/阿维巴坦、美罗培南/阿维巴坦对CRKP的最低抑菌浓度(MIC)和最低杀菌浓度(MBC),采用聚合酶链反应(PCR)方法测定碳青霉烯酶等耐药基因。结果 63株CRKP菌株,57株携带bla_KPC基因,5株携带金属酶基因,1株未检出常见碳青霉烯酶耐药基因。57株bla_KPC基因阳性的CRKP菌株,头孢他啶/阿维巴坦、氨曲南/阿维巴坦、美罗培南/阿维巴坦对其MIC均分别≤ 8/4、4/4、0.5/4 μg/mL,阿维巴坦使头孢他啶、氨曲南及美罗培南对其MIC₅₀及MIC₉₀值明显下降。5株金属酶基因阳性的CRKP菌株,阿维巴坦未使头孢他啶、美罗培南MIC₉₀值有所下降,但阿维巴坦可使氨曲南MIC₉₀下降达99.8%。三种阿维巴坦的复方制剂对63株CRKP的MBC₅₀值与MIC₅₀值相同,其MBC₉₀值与MIC₉₀值相同。结论 阿维巴坦与三种常见β-内酰胺类抗生素(头孢他啶、氨曲南、美罗培南)联合对表达KPC-2型碳青霉烯酶的CRKP菌株具有较好的抗菌效果,与头孢他啶或美罗培南联合对携带金属酶的CRKP菌株无抑制作用,但联合氨曲南对携带金属酶的CRKP菌株具有较好的抗菌效果。     

Synthesis and evaluation of novel 1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-[(4-substitutedphenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-propan-2-ols as antifungal agents

A series of 1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-[(4-substitutedphenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-propan-2-ols have been designed and synthesized on the basis of the structure-activity relationships and antimycotic mechanism of azole antifungal agents. Their structures were confirmed by elemental analysis, IR, MS, (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR. Results of preliminary antifungal tests against six human pathogenic fungi (Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida tropicalis, inherently fluconazole-resistant Candida krusei, Candida glabrata) in vitro showed that all title compounds exhibited activity against fungi tested to some extent except against C. tropicalis. Compound 5b showed higher activity against C. albicans, C. parapsilosis and C. krusei than fluconazole, and its MIC values were determined to be 0.5microg/mL, 1microg/mL and 4microg/mL, respectively. Compound 5k showed higher activities against Torulopsis glabrata than fluconazole (with the MIC value of 2microg/mL). Compounds 5a, 5c, 5f, 5g, 5i exhibited higher activities against C. parapsilosis than fluconazole (with the MIC values of 2microg/mL, 2microg/mL, 2microg/mL, 1microg/mL and 2microg/mL, respectively).     

Annual report of the Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme, 2005

The Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme monitors the antibiotic susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated in all States and Territories. In 2005 the in vitro susceptibility of 3,886 isolates of gonococci from public and private sector sources was determined by standardised methods. Different antibiotic susceptibility patterns were again seen in the various jurisdictions and regions. Resistance to the penicillins nationally was 29.5 per cent and, with the exception of the Northern Territory, ranged between 14 and 47 per cent. Quinolone resistance in gonococci increased with resistance to this agent found in all jurisdictions and in a larger proportion of strains and with higher minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Nationally, 30.6 per cent of all isolates were ciprofloxacin-resistant and most of this resistance was at high MIC levels. All isolates remained sensitive to spectinomycin. Slightly more than one per cent of isolates showed some decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone (MIC 0.06 mg/L or more). A high proportion of gonococci examined in larger urban centres were from male patients and rectal and pharyngeal isolates were common. In other centres and in rural Australia the male to female ratio of cases was lower, and most isolates were from the genital tract.     

Antibacterial activity of vegetables and juices

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the antibacterial activities of various fruit and vegetable extracts on common potential pathogens including antibiotic-resistant strains. METHODS: Standardized bacterial inocula were added to serial dilutions of sterile vegetable and fruit extracts in broth, with final bacterial concentrations of 10(4-5) cells/mL. After overnight incubation at 35 degrees C, antibacterial activity was measured by minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal dilutions (for raw juices) or concentrations (for tea). RESULTS: Among the vegetable and fruit extracts tested, all green vegetables showed no antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus epidermidis and Klebsiella pneumoniae. All purple and red vegetable and fruit juices had antibacterial activities in dilutions ranging from 1:2 to 1:16. Garlic juice had significant activity, with bactericidal action in dilutions ranging up to 1:128 of the original juice. Tea also had significant activity, with bactericidal action in concentrations ranging up to 1.6 mg/mL, against a spectrum of pathogens including resistant strains such as methicillin- and ciprofloxacin-resistant staphylococci, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, and ciprofloxacin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CONCLUSIONS: Tea and garlic have the potential for exploration of broader applications as antibacterial agents.