Vancomycin resistance in staphylococcus epidermidis clinical isolates

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Vancomycin resistance in staphylococcus epidermidis clinical isolates
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:

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Author:

May T. Flayyih and Mariam K. Abdrabaa


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Vancomycin resistance in staphylococcus epidermidis clinical isolates

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The study conducted by May T. Flayyih and Mariam K. Abdrabaa focused on the prevalence of vancomycin resistance in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis. This coagulase-negative staphylococcus has garnered increasing attention as an agent of nosocomial infections, demonstrating resistance to multiple antibiotics including glycopeptides like vancomycin. The research aimed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of vancomycin among 30 isolates and to detect the presence of resistance genes vanA and vanB through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The findings indicated a significant emergence of vancomycin-resistant strains and the genetic underpinnings associated with this resistance.

Vancomycin Resistance and MIC Determination

One of the critical findings of this study was the determination of MIC for the S. epidermidis isolates. Among the 30 isolates tested, it was found that 12 isolates (40%) were resistant to vancomycin, with MIC values ranging between 32 μg/ml and greater than 256 μg/ml. Furthermore, 4 isolates (13.3%) displayed intermediate resistance, while 14 isolates (46.6%) were sensitive to vancomycin. These results indicate a worrying trend of increasing vancomycin resistance, possibly due to the rising use of glycopeptide antibiotics in clinical settings. The implications of these resistance patterns are significant, raising concerns about treatment options for infections caused by S. epidermidis.

Genetic Analysis of Resistance

Another important aspect of the study was the genetic analysis conducted using PCR techniques to identify the presence of vanA and vanB resistance genes in the S. epidermidis isolates. The results revealed that all 12 vancomycin-resistant isolates carried the vanA gene, as indicated by a 1030 bp PCR product. In contrast, none of the isolates showed the presence of the vanB gene. This indicates that the mechanism of resistance among the tested strains was primarily associated with the vanA gene, which has been linked to antibiotic resistance in other bacterial species as well.

Plasmid Characterization

The research also investigated the presence of plasmid DNA among the isolates. Plasmid extraction revealed that 21 out of the 30 isolates contained plasmids, which are often associated with antibiotic resistance. It was noted that some vancomycin-resistant isolates harbored multiple plasmids, suggesting a potential for horizontal gene transfer among staphylococci species. This capacity for sharing genetic material is concerning as it can facilitate the spread of resistance traits, contributing to the overall burden of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Conclusion

The findings from this study underscore the critical public health issue of vancomycin resistance in coagulase-negative staphylococci, particularly S. epidermidis. With a notable proportion of isolates exhibiting resistance and the identification of specific resistance genes, the research highlights an urgent need for continued surveillance and antibiotic stewardship in clinical settings. Understanding the genetic factors and mechanisms behind resistance can inform treatment strategies and help mitigate the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections. Addressing these challenges will require collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers to preserve the efficacy of existing antibiotics and safeguard public health.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the focus of the study on Staphylococcus epidermidis?

The study investigated the resistance of Staphylococcus epidermidis to vancomycin and aimed to identify the presence of vanA and vanB resistance genes in clinical isolates from patients in Baghdad.

How many isolates of S. epidermidis were tested for vancomycin resistance?

Thirty isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis were tested for vancomycin resistance, with 12 isolates (40%) found to be resistant and 4 isolates (13.3%) exhibiting intermediate resistance.

What methods were used to detect vancomycin-resistant genes?

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to amplify the vanA and vanB genes in the isolates, allowing for the identification of resistance genes in the tested bacteria.

What percentage of S. epidermidis isolates were vancomycin sensitive?

Out of the thirty isolates tested, 14 (46.6%) were found to be vancomycin sensitive, indicating that they could be effectively treated with this antibiotic.

What is significant about the vanA gene found in the study?

The presence of the vanA gene in 12 resistant isolates indicates a concerning trend of increased resistance to vancomycin among Staphylococcus epidermidis strains, which can complicate treatment options.

What plasmid-related findings were observed in the study?

The study found that among the isolated S. epidermidis, 21 out of 30 contained plasmid DNA, which is often associated with antibiotic resistance traits, including vancomycin resistance.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Vancomycin resistance in staphylococcus epidermidis clinical isolates”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Vana (Vaṇa, Vāna, Vāṅa):
VanA refers to a specific gene associated with vancomycin resistance, particularly in bacterial isolates such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. The presence of the VanA gene signifies a critical mechanism of antibiotic resistance where the bacteria can survive despite vancomycin treatment. Testing for this gene is essential in managing resistant infections.

2) Study (Studying):
A study is a systematic investigation aimed at discovering new information or validating existing knowledge. In the context of antibiotic resistance, studies typically assess aspects like the prevalence of resistant strains, the effectiveness of treatments, or the underlying genetic factors. The findings inform clinical practices and public health strategies.

3) Table:
In research, a table organizes and presents data in a structured format for easy comparison and analysis. Tables may display results such as the distribution of antibiotic susceptibility among isolates, showcasing the relationships between various factors like infection sources and resistance levels, facilitating clearer insights into the data.

4) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
An antibiotic is a type of medication used to treat bacterial infections by inhibiting bacterial growth or killing bacteria. The effectiveness of antibiotics may vary depending on the type of bacteria and resistance factors. Understanding antibiotic resistance is crucial in both clinical practice and microbiological research.

5) Water:
Water is a universal solvent essential for various biochemical processes, including bacterial growth and laboratory techniques. In microbiological studies, sterile distilled water is often used for dilution or preparation of media. Ensuring the purity of water is critical to avoid contamination and inaccurate experimental results.

6) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the human body responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, and waste products. In medical microbiology, blood samples are important for isolating pathogens like Staphylococcus epidermidis. Identifying resistant strains from blood cultures aids in diagnosing and treating severe infections effectively.

7) Aureus:
Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic bacterium known for causing a range of infections, including skin infections and pneumonia, and is notorious for its resistance to antibiotics. Its prevalence and ability to acquire resistance genes such as vanA make it a critical target for research in antimicrobial stewardship.

8) Teaching:
Teaching refers to the process of imparting knowledge or skills. In the context of medical education, it often involves training future healthcare professionals about diagnosis, treatment, and the significance of understanding antibiotic resistance. Effective teaching strategies are integral in shaping competent practitioners who can tackle current challenges in medicine.

9) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge through observation and experimentation. In microbiology, science underpins the understanding of pathogens, antibiotic mechanisms, and the dynamics of resistance. It helps researchers formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, and validate findings, contributing to advancements in medical practices.

10) Purity:
Purity refers to the absence of contaminants in a substance. In laboratory settings, the purity of reagents, media, and samples is critical for obtaining reliable results. Assessing the purity of nucleic acids, for instance, is essential for successful PCR amplification and accurate determination of genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance.

11) Patel (Paṭel, Pāṭel):
Patel is a surname that may refer to researchers or authors associated with studies on antibiotic resistance or related fields. Citing authors like Patel in scientific literature provides context to the findings and contributes to the body of work that informs ongoing research and clinical practice regarding bacterial infections.

12) Miṇi (Mini):
Mini often refers to smaller versions of tools or techniques, such as mini extraction kits used for isolating plasmid DNA in molecular biology. These kits streamline procedures, making them more efficient and accessible for researchers working on the genetic analysis of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

13) Salt (Salty):
Salt, specifically sodium chloride, is commonly used in microbiology as a selective agent in culture media to favor the growth of certain bacteria, like Staphylococcus species. It also plays a role in osmoregulation within bacterial cells. Understanding how salt affects bacterial growth is essential in experimental design.

14) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
In the medical field, burn injuries can serve as the source of infections caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis. Studying isolates from burn wounds helps in understanding specific resistance patterns, allowing for targeted treatment approaches based on the susceptibility of the infecting organisms.

15) Drug:
A drug is a chemical substance used to diagnose, cure, or prevent diseases. In the context of bacterial infections, antibiotics are considered drugs that combat infections caused by bacteria. Understanding the interactions between drugs and resistance mechanisms is crucial for effective infection management and treatment.

16) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy refers to the treatment of diseases using chemical agents, commonly used in cancer therapy and to treat infectious diseases. In the context of antibiotic-resistant infections, the understanding of how drugs like vancomycin function is vital for optimizing therapeutic strategies and mitigating resistance.

17) Transmission:
Transmission refers to the spread of microorganisms from one host to another, which is significant in the context of antibiotic resistance. Horizontal gene transfer among bacterial populations facilitates the dissemination of resistance genes, contributing to the challenge of treating infections effectively and necessitating vigilant infection control practices.

18) Observation:
Observation is the act of closely monitoring or recording data within scientific research. In microbiological studies, systematic observation of bacterial behavior, resistance patterns, and clinical outcomes informs understanding of pathogenicity, treatment efficacy, and guides future research directions in infectious disease management.

19) Measurement:
Measurement pertains to quantifying research variables, such as bacterial concentrations or minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) in studies. Accurate measurement is vital to assess the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics and supports the reliability of research findings, impacting therapeutic decisions in clinical settings.

20) Discussion:
Discussion in scientific research allows researchers to interpret their findings, compare results with existing literature, and explore implications for future research. This section is critical for contextualizing results within the broader field and understanding how new information can influence clinical practice regarding antibiotic resistance.

21) Attending:
Attending refers to being present at an event, particularly in a medical or educational context. In this study, 'attending' might denote patients who participated in the research, helping to identify and isolate bacterial species. Understanding the patient population is essential for accurate epidemiological assessments.

22) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard of something, especially concerning its effectiveness or reliability. In scientific research, quality control measures ensure that experimental protocols yield accurate and reproducible results, which is critical for advancing knowledge about antibiotic resistance and ensuring patient safety in clinical settings.

23) Species:
In biology, species refers to groups of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. In microbiology, identification of bacterial species is crucial for determining pathogenicity and resistance patterns. Understanding species diversity informs treatment strategies and helps in epidemiological tracking of infections.

24) Surface:
Surface refers to the outermost layer of a material or organism. In microbiological contexts, the surface of culture media is crucial for bacterial isolations and growth. Additionally, understanding the interaction between bacteria and surfaces can provide insights into infection routes and environmental stability.

25) Medium:
Medium in microbiology refers to the nutrient-rich solution or agar used to cultivate microorganisms. It provides essential nutrients for growth and can be formulated to select for specific bacterial populations or to assess antibiotic resistance. The choice of medium influences experimental outcomes and interpretations.

26) Cina (Cīna, Cīnā, Ciṉa, Ciṉā, Cīṉā, Cinā):
In the context of scientific research, China is noteworthy for its contributions to microbiology and pharmacology. Chinese research institutions often collaborate internationally, enhancing the understanding of antibiotic resistance dynamics globally and sharing knowledge about effective treatments and innovative methodologies in microbial studies.

27) Lamp:
In scientific research, a lamp, particularly a UV lamp, is used for various purposes, such as sterilizing equipment or visualizing samples during electrophoresis. The application of light sources is critical for ensuring accurate measurements and results, particularly in molecular biology techniques like PCR.

28) Line:
In research, a line refers to a series of data points or a sequence in an experiment. It can also denote a lineage of bacterial strains studied for resistance characteristics. Understanding lineage influences epidemiological assessments and helps in tracking transmission routes of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Vancomycin resistance in staphylococcus epidermidis clinical isolates’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Patient care, Morphological features, Minimum inhibitory concentration, Antimicrobial agent, Molecular weight, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Sensitivity test, Biochemical test, Biofilm formation, Agarose gel electrophoresis, Gel electrophoresis, Multi-drug resistant, Methicillin resistance, Clinical isolate, Clinical Specimen, PCR technique, Plasmid DNA extraction, Coagulase negative Staphylococci, Vancomycin resistance, Oxacillin resistance, Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute, Glycopeptide antibiotic, Vancomycin resistant.

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