Bacterial resistance has become a global concern for public health agencies. Various resistance mechanisms found in Staphylococcus aureus strains grant this bacterium resistance to a wide range of antibiotics, contributing to the rise in human mortality worldwide. Resistance mediated by efflux pumps is one of the most prevalent mechanisms in multi-resistant bacteria, which has aroused the interest of several researchers in the search for possible efflux pump inhibitors. In view of the aforementioned considerations, it is important that new strategies, such as the synthesis of chalcones, be made available as a viable strategy in antimicrobial therapy. In this study, the synthesized chalcone (2E)-1-(3'-aminophenyl)-3-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one was tested for its antibacterial activity, focusing on antibiotic modification and the inhibition of the MepA efflux pump present in S. aureus strain K2068. The broth microdilution method, using microdilution plates, was employed in microbiological tests to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of the chalcone, antibiotics, and ethidium bromide. The results show that while the chalcone did not exhibit direct antibacterial activity, it synergistically enhanced the effects of ciprofloxacin and ethidium bromide, as evidenced by the reduction in MICs. In addition, computer simulations of molecular docking demonstrate that the tested chalcone acts on the same binding site as the efflux pump inhibitor chlorpromazine, interacting with essentially the same residues. These data suggest that the chalcone may act as a MepA inhibitor.

• MeSH
• Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology   chemistry   chemical synthesis   MeSH
• Bacterial Proteins * metabolism   genetics   chemistry   antagonists & inhibitors   MeSH
• Chalcone * pharmacology   chemistry   MeSH
• Chalcones * pharmacology   chemistry   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Membrane Transport Proteins * metabolism   genetics   chemistry   MeSH
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
• Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins * metabolism   genetics   chemistry   MeSH
• Molecular Docking Simulation MeSH
• Staphylococcus aureus * drug effects   genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Elevated levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood are one of the major risk factors for coronary heart disease, which is the foremost leading cause of death across the world. The aims of this study were to isolate and verify the potential probiotic strain and cholesterol-lowering capability from goat milk. The C03B-STR isolate had a broad-spectrum antibacterial property and exhibited remarkable bacteriostatic activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883 (27.00 ± 1.73 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (19.33 ± 0.57 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 10832 (19.00 ± 1.00 mm) by agar well diffusion assay. This isolate is closely related to the 16S rDNA sequence of Acidipropionibacterium acidipropionici. Acidipropionibacterium acidipropionici C03B-STR can survive under acidic conditions (60.51 ± 0.02% of survival rate at pH 3.0 for 3 h) and was as bile-tolerant strain (> 80% of survival rate at 0.30% bile salts after 3 h of incubation). Furthermore, it showed significantly high cell surface hydrophobicity (74.36 ± 0.23%) and aggregation capability (> 83%) (p ≤ 0.05) but displayed low to moderate co-aggregation ability (44-61%). This strain can also be regarded as strongly adhesive (73.69 ± 0.74%) and inhibit pathogen attachment to the Caco-2 cell lines (39.20 ± 0.59-69.01 ± 0.29%). A. acidipropionici C03B-STR appeared to be safe (non-haemolytic) and controllable (sensitive to various antibiotics). Notably, it had the potential to suppress cholesterol uptake in Caco-2 cells (approximately 45%) and also reduced cholesterol level above 84% during the exponential phase under acidic conditions. Thus, A. acidipropionici C03B-STR from goat milk may be a promising novel potential cholesterol-lowering probiotic strain for application in functional foods and biotherapeutics.

• MeSH
• Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology   MeSH
• Antibiosis MeSH
• Anticholesteremic Agents * pharmacology   MeSH
• Caco-2 Cells MeSH
• Cholesterol * metabolism   MeSH
• Hydrogen-Ion Concentration MeSH
• Goats MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
• Milk * microbiology   MeSH
• Probiotics * isolation & purification   pharmacology   MeSH
• RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics   MeSH
• Bile Acids and Salts MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Cíl: Úraz elektrickým proudem z vysokého napětí je jedním z nejzávažnějších úrazů, se kterými se můžeme v moderní medicíně setkat. Často bývá spojený s více následky a vysokou náchylností k infekčním komplikacím. Tito pacienti jsou přijímáni do specializovaných popáleninových center a vyžadují rozsáhlou multidisciplinární spolupráci. V této studii se snažíme odhalit prevalenci, typy a charakteristiky mikrobiálních infekcí, které se vyvíjejí po vysokonapěťovém elektrotraumatu, a identifikovat rizikové faktory, které mohou přispívat k náchylnosti pacientů k infekcím. Materiál a metodika: Pro účely této publikace byla zpracována data všech 37 pacientů hospitalizovaných na jednotce intenzivní péče Kliniky popálenin a plastické chirurgie FN Brno s diagnózou úraz elektrickým proudem vysokým napětím v letech 2006–2016. Otisky a stěry z exfoliovaných oblastí byly opakovaně odebírány k mikrobiální analýze spolu s tracheobronchiálním aspirátem, sputem nebo bronchoalveolární laváží, močí a periferní krví. Získaná data byla zpětně analyzována. Výsledky: Mezi 37 pacienty byl medián věku 31,9 s průměrnou dobou hospitalizace 44,3 dne a úmrtností 8,1 %. Na umělé plicní ventilaci bylo závislých celkem 28 osob. Výskyt infekčních komplikací se v průběhu hospitalizace liší podle místa kultivace odběru a doby strávené v nemocnici. U 97,3 % pacientů se vyvinula infekce alespoň v jednom tělesném kompartmentu. V 88,8 % případů byla multipatogenní a ve 41,6 % se rozvinul septický stav. V naší studijní kohortě dominovaly G+ nad G-kmeny. Nejčastějšími zástupci z G+ spektra byli koaguláza negativní stafylokoky (97 %), Staphylococcus aureus (57 %), Enterococcus fecalis et faecium (51 %). V G-spektru bylo pořadí následující: Klebsiella pneumoniae (46 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (41 %), Escherichia coli (35 %) a Acinetobacter baumannii (18,9 %). Nejčastější pozorovanou infekcí byla infekce popálenin (BWI), následovaná infekcemi krevního řečiště (BSI), infekcemi dolních cest dýchacích (LRTI) a infekcemi močových cest (UTI), primárně způsobené G+ patogeny. Je pozoruhodné, že delší doba hospitalizace byla spojena s rostoucí prevalencí G-patogenů, zejména K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa a A. baumannii, které vykazovaly vysoký stupeň antimikrobiální rezistence. Závěr: Tato studie poskytuje podrobný pohled na výskyt a následky úrazů elektrickým proudem s vysokým napětím na Moravě v průběhu desetiletí. Faktory významně ovlivňující přežití a závažnost výsledků zahrnovaly celkovou plochu popálenin, popáleniny v celé tloušťce, inhalační poranění a potřebu tracheostomie. Studie je však limitována relativně malou velikostí vzorku, dlouhou dobou sběru dat s potenciálními změnami v klinické praxi a jednocentrovým designem, což může ovlivnit zobecnění nálezů. K ověření těchto výsledků a zpřesnění strategií prevence infekcí u této populace pacientů jsou zapotřebí další multicentrické studie.

Background and Aim: High voltage electrotrauma is one of the most serious injuries we can encounter in modern medicine, often associated with multiple disabilities and high susceptibility to infectious complications. These patients are admitted to specialized burn centers and require extensive multidisciplinary collaboration. In this study, we aim to uncover the prevalence, types and characteristics of microbial infections that develop in the aftermath of high voltage electrotrauma and to identify risk factors that may contribute to patients’ susceptibility to infections. Material and Methods: For the purposes of this publication, data of all 37 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit of the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of the University Hospital in Brno with a diagnosis of high-voltage electrical injury between 2006–2016 were processed. Imprints and swaps from exfoliated areas were repeatedly taken for microbial analysis, together with tracheobronchial aspirate fluid, sputum, or bronchoalveolar lavage, urine and peripheral blood. The obtained data were analysed retrospectively. Results: Among the 37 patients, the median age was 31.9, with an average hospital stay of 44.3 days and a mortality rate of 8.1%. A total of 28 individuals were dependent on artificial lung ventilation. The incidence of infectious complications varies during the hospitalization period according to the location of sampling cultivation and time spent at the hospital. 97.3% of patients developed infection in at least one body compartment. In 88.8% of cases, it was multipathogenic and in 41.6% a septic condition developed. In our study cohort, G+ dominated over Gstrains. Most common representatives from G+ spectrum were Coagulase negative Staphylococci (97%), Staphylococcus aureus (57%), Enterococcus fecalis et faecium (51%). In Gspectrum, the order was as followed: Klebsiella pneumoniae (46%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (41%), Escherichia coli (35%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (18.9%). The most common infection observed was burn wound infection (BWI), followed by bloodstream infections (BSI), lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), and urinary tract infections (UTI), primarily caused by G+ pathogens. Notably, an increased hospital stay duration was associated with a rising prevalence of Gpathogens, particularly K. pneumoniae P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii which exhibited a high degree of antimicrobial resistance. Conclusion: This study provides a detailed insight into the occurrence and consequences of high-voltage electrical injuries in Moravia over a decade. Factors significantly impacting survival and severity of outcomes included total burn surface area, full-thickness burns, inhalation injury, and the need for tracheostomy. However, the study is limited by its relatively small sample size, long data collection period with potential changes in clinical practice, and single-center design, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Further multicentric studies are needed to validate these results and refine infection prevention strategies in this patient population.

• MeSH
• Cross Infection MeSH
• Wound Infection * microbiology   MeSH
• Intensive Care Units MeSH
• Klebsiella pneumoniae pathogenicity   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Microbiological Techniques methods   MeSH
• Burns, Electric * microbiology   MeSH
• Burns * microbiology   MeSH
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenicity   MeSH
• Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity   MeSH
• Population Surveillance MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH

Cíl: Cílem studie bylo zmapovat výskyt bakterií Staphylococcus aureus a meticilin-rezistentních Staphylococcus aureus v prostředí univerzitního kampusu. Důraz byl kladen na identifikaci potenciálně rizikových míst z hlediska častého kontaktu s povrchy a vysoké koncentrace osob. Metody: Vzorkování probíhalo na předem vytipovaných lokalitách univerzity za použití sterilních stěrových houbiček. Odebraný materiál byl pomnožen v pufrované peptonové vodě (24 hod, 37 °C) a dále kultivován na selektivních médiích. Výskyt bakterií Staphylococcus aureus a meticilin-rezistentních Staphylococcus aureus byl potvrzen pomocí metody PCR. U izolátů meticilin-rezistentních S. aureus byly dále detekovány geny virulence, určeny spa typy a testována rezistence k antimikrobikům. Výsledky: Celkem bylo analyzováno 312 vzorků odebraných z povrchů v univerzitních koridorech, knihovně a dvou stravovacích zařízeních. S. aureus byl detekován ve 210 vzorcích (67,3 %). Získáno bylo také 8 izolátů meticilin-rezistentních S. aureus (2,6 %). Identifikovány byly spa typy meticilin-rezistentních S. aureus t304 (častý na Blízkém východě) a t011 náležející ke klonální linii ST398, t126 a t189. Tři izoláty meticilin-rezistentních S. aureus byly klasifikovány jako multirezistentní. Závěr: Výsledky poukazují na významnou kontaminaci univerzitního prostředí bakteriemi Staphylococcus aureus a meticilin- rezistentních Staphylococcus aureus, zejména na površích s vysokou frekvencí dotyku. Zdůrazňuje se potřeba časté a cílené dezinfekce, vhodné volby čisticích prostředků a důsledné podpory hygieny rukou mezi studenty i zaměstnanci. Monitoring těchto patogenů může být klíčovým nástrojem prevence komunitního šíření, a to i s ohledem na možný přenos do zdravotnických zařízení.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in a university campus environment. Emphasis was placed on identifying potentially high-risk areas with frequent surface contact and high population density. Methods: Sampling was conducted at pre-selected locations across the university using sterile swab sponges. Samples were enriched in buffered peptone water (24 h, 37 °C) and subsequently cultured on selective media. The presence of SA/MRSA was confirmed using PCR. For MRSA isolates, virulence genes were detected, spa types were determined, and antimicrobial resistance was tested. Results: A total of 312 surface samples were collected from university corridors, the library, and two dining facilities. S. aureus was detected in 210 samples (67.3%). Additionally, 8 MRSA isolates were obtained (2.6%). Identified MRSA spa types included t304 (common in the Middle East), t011 belonging to the clonal lineage ST398, as well as t126 and t189. Three MRSA isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant. Conclusion: The findings highlight significant contamination of the university environment with SA and MRSA, particularly on frequently touched surfaces. The results underscore the importance of regular and targeted disinfection, appropriate selection of cleaning agents, and consistent promotion of hand hygiene among students and staff. Monitoring these pathogens may be a key tool in preventing community spread, especially considering the potential for transmission into healthcare settings.

• Keywords
• kontaminace povrchů,
• MeSH
• Fomites microbiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus * isolation & purification   MeSH
• Staphylococcus aureus * isolation & purification   MeSH
• Universities * MeSH
• Environmental Exposure MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

Current antibiotics and chemotherapeutics are becoming ineffective because pathogenic bacteria and tumor cells have developed multiple drug resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to find new substances that can be used in treatment, either alone or as sensitizing molecules in combination with existing drugs. Peptaibols are bioactive, membrane-active peptides of non-ribosomal origin, mainly produced by filamentous fungi such as Trichoderma spp. This study focused on producing peptaibol-rich extracts from Trichoderma atroviride O1, cultivated on malt extract agar (MA) under circadian and constant darkness conditions for 13 days. Peptaibol production was detected by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry after six days of cultivation. The extracts demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus strains, particularly the methicillin-resistant variant, but not against the Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Quorum sensing interference revealed that a peptaibol-rich extract suppressed Vibrio campbellii BAA-1119's AI-2 signaling system to a degree comparable with gentamycin. Beyond antibacterial properties, the extracts exhibited notable antiproliferative activity against human ovarian cancer cells and their adriamycin-resistant subline in both 2D and 3D models. Specifically, MA-derived extracts reduced ovarian cancer cell viability by 70% at 50 μg/mL, especially under light/dark regime of cultivation. Compared to previously published results for PDA-based extracts, MA cultivation shifted the biological effects of peptaibol-containing extracts toward anticancer potential. These findings support the idea that modifying fungal cultivation parameters, the bioactivity of secondary metabolite mixtures can be tailored for specific therapeutic applications.

• MeSH
• Agar * chemistry   MeSH
• Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology   metabolism   MeSH
• Hypocreales MeSH
• Culture Media chemistry   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
• Cell Line, Tumor MeSH
• Peptaibols * pharmacology   metabolism   biosynthesis   chemistry   MeSH
• Cell Proliferation drug effects   MeSH
• Antineoplastic Agents * pharmacology   metabolism   MeSH
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa drug effects   MeSH
• Staphylococcus aureus drug effects   MeSH
• Trichoderma * metabolism   growth & development   chemistry   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

The association and causal role of infectious agents in chronic inflammatory diseases have major implications for public health, treatment, and prevention. Pharmacological treatment of combined infectious and inflammatory diseases requires the administration of multiple drugs, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. However, this can cause adverse effects, and therefore, dual-action drugs need to be developed. Anti-inflammatory drugs that have already shown antimicrobial properties appear to be promising candidates. NSAIDs, namely aceclofenac, diclofenac, and ibuprofen, were tested in clinical trials with patients diagnosed with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and cellulitis. The administration of ibuprofen, a drug tested in the highest number of studies, resulted in symptom resolution in patients with UTIs. Additionally, ibuprofen caused a high survival rate in mice infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and demonstrated potent in vitro antibacterial effects against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) (MIC 0.625-2.5 mg/L). For most anti-inflammatory drugs, only data showing their in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial effects are available. Among these, auranofin caused a high survival rate in mice infected with Enterococcus faecium, S. aureus, and Clostridioides difficile. It also produced a strong in vitro growth-inhibitory effect against Streptococcus agalactiae, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, C. difficile, E. faecalis, E. faecium, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MIC 0.0015-5 mg/L). Similarly, aspirin caused a high survival rate in M. tuberculosis-infected mice and strong to moderate in vitro activity against E. coli, B. cereus, P. aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella choleraesuis (MIC 1.2-5 mg/L). Moreover, topical application of celecoxib resulted in a high reduction in MRSA burden in mice. However, it only caused moderate in vitro effects against S. epidermidis, S. aureus and Bacillus subitilis (MIC 16-64 mg/L). These data suggest that certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are promising drug candidates for the development of dual-action drugs for the potential treatment of combined infectious and inflammatory diseases such as tuberculosis, musculoskeletal infections and UTIs. Nevertheless, future clinical trials must be conducted to ascertain the antibacterial effect of these NSAIDs before their practical use.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health. Fungal endophytes are important sources of active natural products with antimicrobial potential. The purpose of this study was to characterize the endophytes coexisting with Helichrysum oocephalum, evaluate their antimicrobial activities, and annotate the endophytes metabolites. Six fungal species, including Fusarium avenaceum and Fusarium tricinctum, were identified. Endophytes were cultured, and their metabolites were extracted. The antimicrobial effects of the extracts were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. In addition, anti-biofilm effects of the extracts were examined against P. aeruginosa and S. epidermidis. The metabolites in the most active extract were annotated on the basis of the LC-ESI-QToF-MS/MS data. In anti-biofilm studies, F. avenaceum extract was effective in destroying and inhibiting the biofilm formation of S. epidermidis. LC-MS analysis showed that most of the identified compounds in the active extracts were enniatins (cyclic hexadepsipeptides). However, apicidin derivatives were also annotated. Our results revealed that these endophytes, especially Fusarium species, have antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, B. cereus, and C. albicans and anti-biofilm activity against S. epidermidis. According to the literature, the observed antimicrobial activity can be attributed to the enniatins. However, further phytochemical and pharmacological studies are necessary in this regard.

• MeSH
• Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology   isolation & purification   chemistry   MeSH
• Antifungal Agents * pharmacology   isolation & purification   chemistry   MeSH
• Anti-Infective Agents * pharmacology   isolation & purification   chemistry   MeSH
• Bacillus cereus drug effects   MeSH
• Biofilms drug effects   MeSH
• Candida albicans drug effects   MeSH
• Endophytes * chemistry   metabolism   isolation & purification   MeSH
• Escherichia coli drug effects   MeSH
• Fusarium * chemistry   metabolism   MeSH
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa drug effects   MeSH
• Staphylococcus aureus drug effects   MeSH
• Staphylococcus epidermidis drug effects   MeSH
• Tandem Mass Spectrometry MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Diseases caused by staphylococci and streptococci are a serious burden on livestock production, causing significant losses. In addition, the associated antibiotic resistance of these pathogens often makes treatment impossible or prolonged. Cannabis sativa L. contains many compounds with antibacterial properties and shows great potential as a natural antimicrobial agent for agricultural use against both of these bacterial species. The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts from five cultivars of hemp, namely, Bialobrzeskie, Felina 32, Futura 75, mixed and Santhica 27, against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus dysgalactiae. All five cultivars exhibited a certain degree of inhibitory effect against all the pathogens tested with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 128 to 2048 μg/mL. The extract from the Santhica 27 cultivar was the most effective antibacterial agent with the lowest MIC value of 128 μg/mL against Str. agalactiae and two clinical isolates of S. aureus, followed by Bialobrzeskie and mixed cultivars with the same growth-inhibitory potential against Str. agalactiae. The extracts from the Felina 32 and Futura 75 cultivars presented only weak activity with MIC values ranging from 256 to 2048 μg/mL. The extract from the Santhica 27 cultivar appears to be a promising product for future use in the treatment of staphylococcal and streptococcal infections in livestock.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial lock therapy is recommended for preventing and treating catheter-related bloodstream infections, but different solutions have uncertain efficacy. METHODS: Two locks, 1.35% taurolidine and 4% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), were tested on Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, Klebsiella oxytoca (carbapenemase producing), K. pneumoniae (extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing), Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata. Broviac catheter segments were incubated with these organisms and then exposed to various lock solutions. Colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted after 2, 4, and 24 h of incubation. RESULTS: Taurolidine showed a significant decrease in CFUs after 2 h in S. aureus, S. epidermidis, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, vancomycin-resistant E. faecium, P. aeruginosa (both sensitive and multidrug-resistant strains), K. oxytoca, C. albicans, and C. glabrata. After 4 h, significant reductions were noted in S. aureus, S. epidermidis, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, K. oxytoca, and C. albicans. Taurolidine was also effective after 24 h, especially against methicillin-resistant S. aureus and multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa. Four percent EDTA acid showed a significant reduction in CFUs after 2 h in S. aureus, vancomycin-resistant E. faecium, P. aeruginosa, K. oxytoca, C. albicans, and C. glabrata. After 4 h, reductions occurred in P. aeruginosa, multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa, K. oxytoca, and C. albicans and after 24 h in methicillin-resistant S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and K. oxytoca. CONCLUSION: Taurolidine is more effective than 4% EDTA acid in eradicating Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms and fungi.

• MeSH
• Anti-Infective Agents * pharmacology   MeSH
• Candida albicans drug effects   MeSH
• Edetic Acid * pharmacology   MeSH
• Catheter-Related Infections * prevention & control   microbiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus drug effects   MeSH
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
• Colony Count, Microbial MeSH
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa drug effects   MeSH
• Staphylococcus aureus drug effects   MeSH
• Staphylococcus epidermidis drug effects   MeSH
• Taurine * analogs & derivatives   pharmacology   MeSH
• Thiadiazines * pharmacology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Comparative Study MeSH

Medical students are exposed to the hospital environment and patients during their studies, increasing the risk of exposure to virulent and antibiotic-resistant isolates of Staphylococcus aureus. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus among medical students who have varying levels of exposure to the hospital environment to provide valuable insights into the risk of colonization and transmission. Nasal swabs and fingerprints were obtained and cultured on a selective medium for staphylococci. The obtained isolates were confirmed as methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) or methicillin-resistant (MRSA) using PCR. Antibiotic resistance, the presence of virulence genes including enterotoxin encoding genes, and spa typing were performed. Among pre-clinical students, MSSA was detected on the nose in 45.2% and on the fingerprints in 10.6% of the participants. Among clinical students, MSSA was detected on the nose in 42.0% and on the fingerprints in 25.4%. Only one MRSA isolate was obtained. Genes seg and sei were the most frequently detected in both student groups, with their presence in over 40% of isolates among clinical students. The eta and etb genes were mainly detected from the nose in both student groups. In pre-clinical students, S. aureus carrying eta gene occurred in 6.4% and etb in 8.5%. In clinical students, the occurrence was 5.1% for eta and 8.5% for etb. The tst gene was identified only in the nose and fingerprints of the clinical student group. The most frequently observed resistance was to clindamycin and erythromycin. In total 58 different spa types were identified. High rates of asymptomatic MSSA carriage were observed in both groups of medical students. Detected MSSA strains showed a high degree of genetic variability, with a number of them carrying the virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. Although students do not exhibit increased risk to their patient's, increased hygiene is required in asymptomatic carriage personnel. The overall prevalence of MRSA was low, with a minimal risk of spread.

• MeSH
• Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Virulence Factors * genetics   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus genetics   isolation & purification   drug effects   classification   MeSH
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Carrier State * microbiology   epidemiology   MeSH
• Prevalence MeSH
• Staphylococcal Infections * microbiology   epidemiology   MeSH
• Staphylococcus aureus * genetics   isolation & purification   drug effects   classification   MeSH
• Students, Medical * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH