Staphylococcal bloodstream infections in kids: resistance and biofilm
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Staphylococcal bloodstream infections in children – antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation
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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Menal Gupta and Uma Chaudhary
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Staphylococcal bloodstream infections in children – antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20183-10822
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Staphylococcus spp. are significant pathogens responsible for nosocomial and community-acquired bloodstream infections in children, particularly neonates. These bacteria exhibit a considerable level of antibiotic resistance and possess the ability to form biofilms, which play a crucial role in their virulence. Biofilms are associated with chronic and device-related infections, providing protection against immune responses and enhancing resistance to antibiotics. This study focuses on examining the biofilm formation capability of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from pediatric blood cultures and its correlation with antibiotic resistance.
Biofilm Formation and Its Implications
Biofilm formation is an essential virulence factor for Staphylococcus spp., particularly Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). In the study involving 173 Staphylococcus isolates, a significant portion was found to produce biofilms: 42.2% of S. aureus and 35.5% of CoNS. Biofilm-producing strains displayed higher resistance rates to multiple antibiotics compared to non-biofilm-producing strains. The study employed the tissue culture plate method to quantify biofilm production, which showed that biofilm-forming isolates were primarily responsible for persistent and device-related infections, highlighting the need for in vitro biofilm detection as a valuable tool for guiding more effective antimicrobial therapy.
Antibiotic Resistance Patterns
The study revealed a notable association between biofilm production and antibiotic resistance among the Staphylococcus isolates. Biofilm-producing strains demonstrated significantly higher resistance rates to several antibiotics, including erythromycin, ampicillin, and cefoxitin, compared to their non-biofilm counterparts. This resistance was particularly concerning in biofilm-forming S. aureus, where 100% of these isolates were multidrug-resistant. Notably, antibiotics such as linezolid and vancomycin remained effective against both biofilm-producing and non-biofilm-producing strains. These findings underline the necessity of considering biofilm formation when addressing staphylococcal bloodstream infections.
The Significance of Patient Demographics
The study's results indicated that neonates, especially those under 28 days old, exhibited the highest rates of Staphylococcus bacteremia. Both S. aureus and CoNS were predominantly isolated from this vulnerable age group, with the incidence of isolation decreasing among older children. The presence of biofilm-forming pathogens in this demographic is particularly alarming, as these infections can lead to severe complications and are commonly nosocomial in nature. This highlights the importance of monitoring and addressing bloodstream infections in pediatric patients, especially among neonates, to improve health outcomes.
Conclusion
The study emphasizes a critical link between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from pediatric bloodstream infections. The ability of these bacteria to form biofilms serves as a marker for their potential to cause persistent and device-related infections, making it crucial to recognize biofilm formation in clinical settings. Understanding the prevalence and resistance patterns associated with biofilm-producing Staphylococcus spp. can significantly impact the empirical treatment strategies for curbing staphylococcal bloodstream infections in children. This knowledge is essential for optimizing patient management and improving outcomes in pediatric care.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are staphylococcal bloodstream infections in children?
Staphylococcal bloodstream infections are caused by Staphylococcus spp. bacteria, often leading to severe health issues in pediatric patients, particularly in neonates who have weaker immune systems.
What is the significance of biofilm formation in Staphylococcus spp.?
Biofilm formation allows Staphylococcus spp. to protect themselves from antibiotics and immune responses, contributing to persistent infections, especially in medical device-related cases.
What was the percentage of biofilm-producing Staphylococcus aureus in the study?
The study found that 42.2% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were biofilm producers, highlighting their potential to cause persistent infections.
How does antibiotic resistance relate to biofilm-producing Staphylococcus?
Biofilm-producing Staphylococcus isolates exhibited higher resistance to multiple antibiotics, indicating a correlation between biofilm formation and increased antibiotic resistance.
What methods were used to detect biofilm formation?
Biofilm formation was detected using the tissue culture plate method, which assesses adherence of bacteria to surfaces.
Why is understanding antibiotic resistance patterns important?
Knowledge of antibiotic resistance patterns is essential for guiding effective treatment options for staphylococcal bloodstream infections in pediatric patients.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Staphylococcal bloodstream infections in kids: resistance and biofilm”. 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) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are critical in treating bacterial infections, especially in pediatrics where bloodstream infections are common. They function by inhibiting bacterial growth or killing bacteria directly. The study emphasizes the increasing resistance of Staphylococcus spp. to various antibiotics, especially among biofilm-producing strains, pointing to the necessity for effective antimicrobial therapy in pediatric patients.
2) Aureus:
Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen in bloodstream infections, particularly in children. It is characterized by its ability to form biofilms, which enhance its virulence and resistance to treatments. The study highlights the prevalence of S. aureus in pediatric blood cultures and the implications of its antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation for patient management.
3) Gupta:
Menal Gupta is a co-author of the study, which focuses on Staphylococcal bloodstream infections in children. Research published under Gupta’s authorship contributes to the understanding of antibiotic resistance patterns and biofilm formation, informing clinicians and researchers about pediatric infectious diseases and guiding empirical treatment recommendations.
4) Blood:
Blood serves as a critical medium for diagnosing infections, particularly bacteremia in pediatric patients. The study examines blood cultures to identify Staphylococcus spp. Infections in blood can lead to severe morbidity and mortality in children, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of bloodstream infections.
5) Study (Studying):
The study provides insights into the prevalence of antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation among Staphylococcus spp. in pediatric bloodstream infections. It utilizes rigorous methodologies to correlate biofilm production with antibiotic susceptibility, contributing to the scientific knowledge necessary for shaping effective treatment strategies and public health policies.
6) Table:
Tables in the study present quantitative data, facilitating comparison and analysis of biofilm production and antibiotic resistance patterns among Staphylococcus isolates. Such visual representations are important in scientific research, allowing readers to easily interpret findings, draw conclusions, and understand the implications of the data presented.
7) Sharman (Sarma, Sarman, Sharma):
Uma Sharma is identified as a professor and co-author in the research study. The research ties back to her expertise in microbiology, further grounding the findings in academic authority. Contributions from her background in this pediatric context help drive forward important discussions in antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation.
8) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study analyzes the results in depth, contextualizing them within existing literature. It reflects on the implications of biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance concerning clinical outcomes. This critical analysis aids in understanding the overall impact of the findings and the necessity for further research.
9) Knowledge:
Knowledge of antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation is vital for healthcare practitioners treating pediatric patients. The study seeks to enhance awareness of the prevalent strains and their characteristics, enabling more informed clinical decisions. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective treatment and infection control strategies.
10) Medium:
In microbiology, 'medium' refers to the nutrient solutions used to grow bacterial cultures, essential for conducting experiments. The study primarily utilized brain heart infusion broth as a medium for detecting biofilm formation. Understanding how suboptimal culture conditions can influence bacterial growth is key for accurate results.
11) Filling (Filled):
In the context of the study, 'filled' relates to how tissue culture plates were utilized to detect biofilm formation. Wells of the plates were filled with bacterial cultures to assess biofilm adherence. Proper filling and handling are crucial steps in ensuring the validity of the biofilm detection methods used.
12) Sign:
The term 'sign' signifies an indicator of a certain condition, in this case, a clinical sign of infection in patients with positive blood cultures. Recognizing signs of bloodstream infections early is key for timely intervention. This emphasizes the importance of thorough clinical assessments in pediatric care.
13) Drug:
Drugs, specifically antibiotics, play a central role in treating bacterial infections. The study investigates various drugs and their efficacy against Staphylococcus, revealing patterns of resistance that complicate treatment. Understanding how drug effectiveness is altered by resistance mechanisms is essential for developing strategies to combat infections.