International Conference on Medical and Clinical Microbiology July 03-04, 2017 AVANI Atrium Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

Biography:

Ali Nasar Bin Habeeb Mohamed, Master’s student in MSc Translational Medicine, Research Assistant , School of Postgraduate Studies, Perdana University, Malaysia.

Abstract:

Nature-based tourisms have become the fastest growing economic sector in Malaysia, increasing at 35% per annum and contributing 4.8 % to the Gross Domestic Product. Whilst ecotourism sites promote close human-nonhuman primates interaction, a lack of educated supervision and awareness can lead to potential healthcare risks. As more than half of all human infections are zoonotic in origin; several pathogens such as Enterococcus, E.coli, S.aureus, Salmonella spp and more have been transmitted from nonhuman primates to humans. This is additionally attributed to uncontrolled human activities within the habitats of wild animals leading to the risk of interspecies disease transmission. In this study, macaques are of particular interest because they serve as a reservoir for more than 70 zoonotic diseases. Genetic relatedness between humans and nonhuman primates cause humans to be prone to nonhuman primate infections especially when physical contact occurs. Humans are usually immunologically primitive to some pathogens, yet some ecotourism sites encourage direct contact with macaques through feeding, petting and posing with them for photos. This study was carried out to isolate and characterise Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in the faecal samples of primates at urban ecotourism sites in view of the increased levels of exposure to humans. The objective of this study is to see the prevalence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the local primate population, namely the long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) and silver-leaf langurs (Trachypithecus cristatus) at Bukit Melawati, Kuala Selangor. MRSA isolated from faecal samples were cultured using ChromMRSA, a selective medium and characterised by antimicrobial susceptibility using the disk diffusion method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Host-enterotype, antibiotic profile, resistant bacteria and monkey species determinants were analysed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify correlations between these parameters. Findings from this study will help determine the potential risk for contracting such pathogens at the ecotourism sites.

Biography:

Mr. Mahmoud W. El Hindi has expertise in evaluation and passion in improving the health and wellbeing. He has M.Sc in Biotechnology (2017). He has published more than ten research publications in various journals and share with different conferences in locally and globally. Presently, He is working as a Supervisor of Biological Control Unit at Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza strip, Palestine.

Abstract:

The medicinal importance of honey has been documented in the world's oldest medical literatures, and since the ancient times, it has been known to possess antimicrobial property as well as wound-healing activity. The healing property of honey is due to the fact that it offers antibacterial activity, maintains a moist wound condition, and its high viscosity helps to provide a protective barrier to prevent infection. Its immunomodulatory property is relevant to wound repair too. The present study was carried to evaluate antibacterial and antifungal activities of water extract of honey against some selected bacteria and fungi (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans). Antibacterial activity of the honeys was assayed using the well diffusion method and micro-dilution method (MIC) at different concentrations (200-0.195mg/ml) for bacteria and fungi. The inhibitory potency of the honey from different sources varied on the test organisms and all the test organisms were susceptible to the honey extracts at different concentration. The water extracts of the two honey sample showed powerful antimicrobial activity with the same MIC value 6.25 mg/ml against S .aureus, E. coli, and also showed acceptable degree in control of growth of K. pneumonia, P.  aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The well diffusion method showed powerful antimicrobial activity with different value 35, 28, 21, 20 & 17 mm against K. pneumonia, E. coli, S .aureus, P. aeruginosa and C.  albicans, respectively. These results were revealed the importance of tested extracts in control of some human pathogenic micro-organisms.

Biography:

Buh Amos Wung is currently a research fellow at the University of Buea, Cameroon. He is a service-oriented public health practitioner with six years background in clinical and teaching environments. Core competencies include clinical management of patients, computing, Epi Info, STATA basics and conducting research as well as excellent communication and time management skills. His research interests focus on issues concerning HIV, Tuberculosis and other infectious disease epidemiology and control especially in the context of developing countries; but he is also interested in global research, evaluation of health interventions, and under-taking systematic reviews. He holds a BSc in Nursing and an MPH degree.

Abstract:

Background: Access to potable water remains a major challenge particularly in resource-limited settings. Although the potential contaminants of water are varied, enteric pathogenic protozoa are known to cause waterborne diseases greatly. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence, characteristics and correlates of enteric pathogenic protozoa in drinking water sources in Buea, Cameroon.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using 155 water samples collected from various drinking sources (boreholes, springs, taps and wells). Each sample was subjected to physicochemical examinations (pH, turbidity, odour and sliminess) and parasitological analysis (wet mount, modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain) to determine the presence of enteric pathogenic protozoa. A data collection tool was used to note characteristics of collected samples and the data was analysed using EPI-INFO Version 3.5.3.

Results: The overall prevalence of enteric pathogenic protozoa in water sources was 62.6%. Eight species of enteric protozoa were observed with Cryptosporidium parvum being the most predominant (45.8%). Spring water was the most contaminated source with enteric protozoa (85.7%) while pipe borne water had all eight species of protozoa identified.  A pH of 6 was the only significant factor associated with the prevalence of these pathogens in water sources.

Conclusion: The prevalence of enteric protozoa in water sources in Molyko and Bomaka is high, spring water is the most contaminated water source and Cryptosporidium parvum is the most common protozoa contaminating water. A water pH of 6 is associated to the prevalence of protozoa. Community members need to be educated to treat water before drinking to avoid infection by enteric protozoa in water and further studies with larger samples of water need to be conducted to find other correlates of the presence of protozoa in water.

Biography:

Abstract:

This is across sectional study conducted to detect and characterize CTX-M genes among extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from different regions in Sudan. A total of 305 of clinical Enterobacteriaceae spp. Isolates, were collected from different regions in Sudan. ESBLs production was initially screened by cefotaxime, cefepime and ceftazidime, and then confirmed by disk combination method and PCR. DNA sequencing was done to differentiate between, bla_CTX-M genotypes. Escherichia coli, was the most predominant (58%) isolate, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (26.6%), Citrobacter freundii (3.6%), Enterobacter species (6.2%) and Proteus species (5.6%). ESBLs were detected by disk combination method in 128(42%) isolates; Khartoum state 64% (23/36), Gizera state 54% (54/100), Sinnar state 53% (49/92) and White Nile state 2.6% (2/77).Three quarters of the ESBLs producers (96/128), were positive for bla_CTX-M genes by PCR. bla_CTX-M-15, was the most reported one 78.3% (18/23), followed by bla_CTX-M-1413% (3/23), bla_CTX-M-27 4.3% (1/23) and blaC_TX-M-98 4.3% (1/23).There was a transition mutation (substitution of A with G at position 25) in the bla_CTX-M gene (ID: KP309815), that affect protein structure.We concluded that,bla_CTX-M-15 was the most commonly encountered genes and widely spread in different Sudanese regions.

Biography:

Efi Petinaki is clinical microbiologist, Professor and Head of Department of Microbiology of the University Hospital / Medical School of University of Thessaly in Larissa (Central Greece). Her research interest  is focused on the epidemiology of nosocomial infections, on the characterization of mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and on the application of molecular methods for the identification of etiological agent of infectious diseases. She is responsible for the teaching  of  Microbiology in several  undergraduate and postgraduate programs of Greek Universities and she is coordinator in many  National research studies. 

Abstract:

Statement of the problem: Cholesteatoma is a non neoplastic cystic tumor of the middle ear.  Although there is no clear evidence of the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma, there is a possibility a lot of microorganisms, especially Human Papilloma Virus, play  a significant role in certain types of cholesteatoma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of HPV genome in the middle ear cavity of patients with cholesteatoma, and to identify the different HPV subtypes. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Specimens of cholesteatoma tissue from  62 patients, during the period 2002-2017, were studied.  After the abstraction of the DNA from Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue (FFPET), viral detection and identification of the different HPV subtypes (6 ,11 ,16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68) has been assessed by the method of real time polymerase chain reaction (Real-Time PCR). Findings: Among 62 patients with cholesteatoma, 30 patients were positive for HPV genome (48,3%). Specifically, 28 out of 62 patients were positive for the high risk HPV types 16, 18, 31, 51, 59 (45,1%), and 9 out of 62 patients were positive for low risk HPV types 6 (14.5%). Co-presence of more than one subtypes was detected in seven patients. Actually, 25 patients were found with HPV16, one with HPV 18, one with HPV 31, one with HPV 51, one with HPV 59 and nine with HPV6. Conclusion & Significance: Even though cholesteatoma is a very complex disease with different types and many possible pathogenetic mechanisms, the high percentage of HPV genome in the middle ear cavity of patients with cholesteatoma suggests that there is a strong connection between HPV infection and the development of cholesteatoma. Probably HPV infection is not the etiologic factor of of cholesteatoma, but there is a high possibility that HPV infection of middle ear cavity assists in the development of cholesteatoma.

Biography:

Abstract:

Background: Since 1981, when the first AIDS case was reported, worldwide, more than 34 million people have been infected with HIV. Almost 95 percent of the people infected with HIV live in developing countries. As HBV & HIV share similar routes of transmission by sexual intercourse or drug use by parenteral injection, co-infection is common. Because of the limited access to healthcare & HIV treatment in developing countries, HIV-infected individuals are present late for care. Enumeration of CD4+ T cell count at the time of diagnosis has been useful to initiate the therapy in HIV infected individuals. The baseline CD4+ T cell count shows high immunological variability among patients. Methods: This prospective study was done in the serology section of the Department of Microbiology over a period of one year from august 2012 to July 2013. A total of 13037 individuals subjected for HIV test were included in the study comprising of 4982 males & 8055 females. Blood sample was collected by vein puncture aseptically with standard operational procedure in clean & dry test-tube. All blood samples were screened for HIV as described by WHO algorithm by Immuno-chromatography rapid kits. Further confirmation was done by biokit ELISA method as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. After informed consent, HIV positive individuals were screened for HBsAg by Immuno-chromatography rapid kits (Hepacard). Further confirmation was done by biokit ELISA method as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. EDTA blood samples were collected from the HIV sero-positive individuals for baseline CD4+ T count. Then, CD4+ T cells count was determined by using FACS Calibur Flow Cytometer (BD).

 Results: Among 13037 individuals screened for HIV, 104 (0.8%) were found to be infected comprising of 69(66.34%) males & 35 (33.65%) females. The study showed that the high infection was noted in housewives (28.7%), active age group (30.76%), rural area (56.7%) & in heterosexual route (80.9%) of transmission. Out of total HIV infected individuals, distribution of HBV co-infection was found to be 6(5.7%). All co- infected individuals were married, male, above the age of 25 years & heterosexual route of transmission. Baseline CD4+ T cell count of HIV infected patient was found higher (mean CD4+ T cell count; 283cells/cu.mm) than HBV coinfected patients (mean CD4+ T cell count; 91 cells/cu.mm). Majority (77.2%) of HIV infected & all co-infected individuals were presented in our center late (CD4+ T cell count;< 350/cu. mm) for diagnosis and care. Majority of co- infected 4 (80%) were late presented with advanced AIDS stage (CD4+ count; <200/cu.mm).

Conclusions: The study showed a high percentage of HIV sero-positive & co- infected individuals. Baseline CD4+ T cell count of majority of HIV infected individuals was found to be low. Hence, more sustained and vigorous awareness campaigns & counseling still need to be done in order to promote early diagnosis and management. 

Biography:

      Dr.Basant kumar Sinha, Retd. University Professor and head (Microbiology) Bihar Veterinary College, Patna, Bihar, India obtained his M.Sc and Ph,D degree in Microbiology from All India Institute of medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Dwlhi and HAU, HIsar, Haryana respectively He has 40 years of teaching and research experience both at UG and PG level. He has brilliant carrier in reseach and handled several research projects funded by Indian Council of Agricultural Reseach, New Delhi, National Agriculture Technology Projrct (NATP) and Published 110 research papers in leading journal of India and World, such as Mykosen, Zetrablatt fur Microbiol (Germany) Toxin Rev. (USA) Vet Rec, (London) etc.  Several awards were won by him such as "Hamdard National Foundation Award", Award for distinguished services at Rajendra Agricultural University.                    

Abstract:

Aflatoxicosis was produced in apparently healthy murrah buffalo male calves weighing about 30-40 kg,by administering AFB1 orally as 10 microgram/kg of body weight daily in glucopropylene base till the end of the experment i.e 30 days or animal died.Control animals received only glycopropylene in the same quantity.                

             Immunological profile (both humoral and cell mediated immune response) was studied in experimentally produced animal at different interval. Humoral response was judged by EAC-rosette and antibody titre against SRBC, CMIR was judged by E-rosette and DTH at 0,10,20 and 30 days intoxication. EAC-rosette was 61-33 + 1.77, 59.66 + 0.88,54.33 + 2.37 and 42.33 + 4.10 respectively.The level was found to be statistically significant (p <0.05) only after 30 days of post infection. HA titer Log2/0.05 in control buffalo after 16 days (ist injection) and 25 days (2nd injection) was 8.33 + 0.33 and 9.66 + 0.33 respectively, whereas corresponding HA titer in aflatoxin fed calves was 7.33 + 0.33 and 6.33 + 0.33 respectively. The totre was found to be statistically significant (p <0.005) after end dose of SRBC administration.  Percent E-rosette at 0,10,20 and 30 days post intoxication was 18.21 + 3.16 which increased upto 10 days i.e. 23.73 + 2.97, but in later stage of DPI i.e at 30 and 30 days it became 15.2 + 1.43 and 10.63 + 0.89 respectively.It is evident that during early stage of postintoxication, T-cell population increased, this may be due to inflammatory response set in as a result of infection but in later stage the decrsease in percent E-rosette explains the suppressive effect of AFB1 on CMIR and these responses were dose dependent. DTH study revealed skin thickness before and after sensitization in control buff as 3.56 + 0.35 and 10.5 +  0.75 respectively, whereas in aflatoxin fed animals the corresponding value was 3.43 + 0.12 and 4.56 + 0.32 respectively. The above studies clearly revealed immunosuppression by aflatoxin.In an another study in rabbit, impairment of reticuloendothelial system (RES) was also recorded.            

              Biochemical profile in experimentally induced calves  revealed significant increase of alkaline phosphatase, alanine amino transferase (SGPT) and aspartate amino transferase (SGOT) after 20 and 30 days of post feeding of aflatoxin. Decreases albumin and increased globulin level resulted into complete reversion of A:G ratio. This indicates the impairment of liver  during aflatoxicosis.                             

              Histopathological studies of different organ revealed that among all the organs liver was the main target of action and maximum histopathological changes i.e. cirrhosis to neoplastic changes was detected in liver. Lungs showed pneumonic changes. Kidney showed tubular degeneration and necrosis of lining of epithelial tubules. Germinal centers of spleen was completely lost and there was little changes in stomach and intestine Meninges of the brain showed slight congestion. 

Biography:

Dr. Volker Patzel, chemist, received his Ph.D. from the Ruprecht Karls University in Heidelberg and his MBA from the Steinbeis University in Berlin. He worked as postdoc at the German Cancer Research Centre in Heidelberg and then as research group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology in Berlin. Currently he holds a dual appointment as Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore and Assistant Director of Research at the University of Cambridge. He is founder and director of the Steinbeis Transfer Centre for Nucleic Acids Design. His research focuses on the design and delivery of ribonucleic acids for enhancement, inhibition or repair of gene expression towards diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Acquired and inherited genetic disorders are characterized by the cellular expression of aberrant transcripts and proteins. Viruses such as the human papillomaviruses (HPV) or the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrate their DNA into the genome of the infected host cell and there is no way to get rid of the viral DNA anymore. Similarly, many cancers are characterized by oncogene expression. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: We explored a Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk)/ganciclovir (GCV) suicide gene therapy approach for selective killing of virus-transduced or cancer cells. First we studied the highly efficient mechanism of trans-splicing among transcripts of the simian virus 40 (SV40). Then we employed molecular features of SV40 RNA trans-splicing and computational RNA structure design to improve both on-target activity and specificity of the trans-splicing RNA (tsRNA). As molecular targets we selected the a-fetoprotein (AFP), a marker of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16), or human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) pre-mRNA. Findings: While unstructured mismatched target binding domains significantly improved 3’ exon replacement, 5’ exon replacement correlated with the thermodynamic stability of the tsRNA 3’ end. Alternative on-target trans-splicing was found to be a prevalent event. The specificity of trans-splicing with the intended target splice site was improved 10-fold by designing tsRNA harbouring multiple target binding domains shielding alternative on-target and blinding non-target splicing events. Rationally designed tsRNAs efficiently and selectively triggered death of HPV-16, HIV-1 or AFP-positive cells. Dual-targeting tsRNA simultaneously targeting AFP and a second HCC biomarker triggered enhanced cell death at 10-fold lower GCV doses. Conclusion & Significance: Our observations suggest RNA trans-splicing represents a promising approach to suicide gene therapy targeting viral infection, cancer or other diseases characterized by the expression of disease-specific pre-mRNA biomarkers

Biography:

Abstract:

Background

Histoplamosis, a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum (H.capsulatum) - a severe biohazard pathogen. H.capsulatum occurs most commonly in America and Africa, but the organism exists in many diverse areas around the world. Cases have also been reported in the following Asian countries: India, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Japan. In Vietnam, histoplasmosis is still under reported because the researchers are inexperienced for detection of histoplasmosis. In addition, the clinicians do not consider histoplamosis as a possible cause of acute respiratory or influenza – like illness in travelers returning from areas in which histoplasmosis is endemic, and this may contribute to under diagnosis.  Therefore, a really situation of Histosplamosis should be identified in this country.  

Aims: To identify the proportion of Histoplasmosis and detect H.capsulatum in human clinical sample in Hanoi, Vietnam.  

Materials: Between August 2012 to Janury 2013, 206 serum and 158 bronchial washing samples have been collected from the pulmonary infection patients in Bach Mai and Military 103 hospitals in Hanoi. Serum samples were tested by ELISA – Histoplasma Dx™Select kit (Focus – Mỹ). The bronchial washing samples were extracted DNA and identified H.capsulatum by nested PCR using primers specific to gene coding M-antigen (Msp1F/Msp2R, Msp2F/Msp3R). 

Results: Serum samples from 206 patients were tested for antibody reactivity by ELISA. Positive ELSIA results were obtained in 27 (13.1%) samples. 9/158 bronchial washing samples were presented M- antigen gene by a nested PCR, and then were confirmed by sequencing.

Conclusion: Due to the proportion of Histoplasmosis in pulmonary infection patients is very high (13.1%). Also, H.capsulatum found in these patients samples by PCR which confirmed that H.capulatum has been presented in Vietnam. However, the transmission route of the disease is still a challenge and need to be demonstrated in further studies.

Key words: Histoplasmosis, ELISA, nested PCR, pulmonary infection patients, Vietnam

Biography:

Shikha Joon is a Ph.D. candidate with a particular interest in studying novel drug targets against infectious diseases. Prior to enrolling as a research scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, she received her graduate and post-graduate degrees in Biotechnology at Bangalore University, India. She has her expertise in the domain of molecular biology of the infectious disease mainly anthrax. She was a part of a team that worked towards developing therapeutic single chain variable fragment (Scfv) antibody against anthrax, the first of its kind. Her dedicated research on CodY, a pleiotropic transcriptional regulator, led to the revelation of the novel and unique aspects of this multifaceted protein. Further inquiry is being extended out from her to gain an insight into its detailed mechanism of interaction with GTP and further acquiring it as a drug target.

Abstract:

Bacillus anthracis, a prioritized bioterrorism agent, is a gram-positive, sporulating, non-motile, aerobic bacterium which causes the fatal zoonotic disease, anthrax, with humans as contingent victims. CodY, a global transcriptional regulator, controls diverse cellular activities such as metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis and transport systems, nitrogen uptake, motility, sporulation, pellicle, and biofilm formation, and most importantly virulence in almost all low G+C gram-positive bacteria. In B. anthracis, about 500 genes are perceived to be the targets of CodY, including the master regulator AtxA, which is pivotal to the manifestation of toxic constituents; namely a lethal factor, edema factor and protective antigen. GTP and Branched Chain Amino Acids are the metabolic effectors of CodY, which affects its DNA-binding ability. In order to gain an insight into the interaction mechanism of CodY and GTP, of which scarce is known presently, we carried out an in vitro GTP binding assay. We have demonstrated that CodY of B. anthracis binds to GTP. Homology modeling and sequence/structure analysis of CodY of B. anthracis revealed conserved GTP binding residues. Interestingly, we found that the CodY of B. anthracis could undergo autophosphorylation with GTP as a phosphoryl group donor. Furthermore, the phosphorylation site mutant (Ser²¹⁵ to Ala²¹⁵) of CodY failed to retain this autophosphorylation activity and hence is the critical residue involved in autophosphorylation. Since the Ser²¹⁵ lies in the Helix-turn-Helix DNA binding motif of CodY and is conserved amongst its homologs, autophosphorylation may be speculated as a self-regulatory mechanism of CodY activity in the cell. Inquisitively, we proceeded to test the GTPase activity of CodY by thin-layer chromatography and found that the recombinant protein could withal hydrolyze GTP, albeit weakly, as quantified spectrophotometrically. Predicated on these findings, we conclude that in contrast to its homologs in other organisms, CodY of B. anthracis exhibits unique biochemical attributes such as GTP hydrolysis and autophosphorylation, which might be further exploited as a novel drug target.

Biography:

Prof. Smart O. Obiekezie is currentluy working in the Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of  Natural and Applied Sciences Nassarawa State University, Keffi  Nigeria  

Abstract:

Garri, cassava and yam flours are African traditional fermented food product prepared from cassava and yam that is widely accepted by both and urban dwelling peoples with little concern about those microorganisms that are associated with it. The present study was undertaken to investigate the bacteria that are associated with these food flours. Total bacterial count (x106cfu/g) was found to be highest in cassava (7.1), followed by garri (6.2) and yam (4.4). The total coliform count (x106cfu/g) recorded 3.7 in cassava, 1.6 in garri, and 1.4 in yam flours. Similarly, total faecal coliform (x106cfu/g) was highest in cassava flour (4.1), while garri had 2.4, and yam recorded 2.2; also, the Staphylococcus aureus count (x106cfu/g) was highest in cassava flour (3.6), followed by yam flour (3.1), and garri flour had 2.8. However, the Salmonella/Shiella count (x106cfu/g) was high in garri flour (3.2), compared to cassava flour (2.5), and yam flour (1.2). The percentage occurrence of the bacteria isolates showed that Staphylococcus aureus was 86.7%, followed by Klebsiella spp. (80.0%) and Bacillus spp. (66.7%). The bacteria isolated were Staphyloccocus aureus, Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp. Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella spp., E. coli and Bacillus spp. The antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed that most of the bacterial isolates were resistant to Nitrofurantoin (28%), Septrin (36%), Ampicillin (39%), slightly resistant to Perfloxacin (46%), Ciprofloxacin (67%), Ofloxacin (52%) and highly susceptible to Gentamicin (95%). This present work revealed high bioload and vast array of bacteria in market garri, cassava and yam flours. It is therefore recommended that these food flours be sold in well package bags and not as exposed in basins/bowls. Also, personal hygiene of hawkers and sanitation of utensils are important. Hawkers should be enlightened on hygienic practices.

Biography:

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to assess the level of microbial pollution along Nakibiso stream. The study was carried out in polluted waters of Nakibiso stream, originating from Mbale municipality and running through ADRA Estates to Namatala Wetlands in Eastern Uganda. Four sites along the stream were selected basing on the activities of their vicinity. A total of 120 samples were collected in sterile bottles from the four sampling locations of the stream during the wet and dry seasons of the year 2011. The samples were taken to the National water and Sewerage Cooperation Laboratory for Analysis. Membrane filter technique was used to test for Erischerichia coli. Nitrogen, Phosphorus, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total suspended solids, turbidity and temperature were also measured. Results for Nitrogen and Phosphorus for sites; 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 1.8, 8.8, 7.7 and 13.8 NH4-N mg/L; and 1.8, 2.1, 1.8 and 2.3 PO4-P mg/L respectively. Basing on these results, it was estimated that farmers use 115 and 24 Kg/acre of Nitrogen and Phosphorus respectively per month. Taking results for Nitrogen, the same amount of Nutrients in artificial fertilizers would cost $ 88. This shows that reuse of wastewater has a potential in terms of nutrients. The results for E. coli for sites 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 1.1 X 107, 9.1 X 105, 7.4 X 105, and 3.4 X 105 respectively. E. coli hence decreased downstream with statistically significant variations between sites 1 and 4. Site 1 had the highest mean E.coli counts. The bacterial contamination was significantly higher during the dry season when more water was needed for irrigation. Although the water had the potential for reuse in farming, bacterial contamination during both seasons was higher than 103 FC/100ml recommended by WHO for unrestricted Agriculture.

Biography:

Shayanki Lahiri Mukhopadhyay is doing her research on cryptococcal meningitis for four years. Cryptococcal disease has turned out as the most common and fetal secondary infection in immune-compromised patients in South India. That is why she has designed her research to investigate the clinical and environmental isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans species complex to identify the major environmental sources of the infection, the antifungal susceptibility, pathogenesis of the clinical and environmental isolates to analyze the risks of the infection. Her studies will contribute to the global epidemiology and understanding of virulence of C. neoformans sp complex, which in turn will help to ease the treatment of cryptocococcal meningitis patients.

Abstract:

Biography:

Sundarkhadka,Institue of Medicine (IOM), Tribhuvan University Teaching Hopsital, Nepal. and is  Currently working as Microbiologist at HIV Reference Unit, National Public Health Laboratory, Nepal.

Abstract:

Background: Candida species are responsible for various clinical infections ranging from mucocutaneous infection to life threating invasive diseases. Resistance to antifungal agents has increased during the last decades. Thus identification of candida up to species level and its antifungal susceptibility testing has paramount significance in the management of candidal infections. CHROM agar media can be reliably used for speciation of Candida isolates which helps to rapid identification of Candida species. The objective of the present study was to determine different species of Candida from various clinical specimens and to determine antifungal susceptibility pattern of candida species to four antifungal agents namely ketoconazole, fluconzole, miconazole, and clotrimazole.

Methods: A total of 100 consecutive Candida isolates from various clinical samples were studied. Growths on Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar were evaluated for colony appearance, macroscopic examination, gram staining, germ tube test and urea hydrolysis test. They were further processed for Candida speciation on CHROM agar. Different species of Candida were differentiated based on type of growth and color of isolates on CHROM agar media. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed and interpreted for all the isolates using disc diffusion method as recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M44-A document.

Results: Out of 100 Candida isolates, Candida albicans(56%) was the most common species. Among the non-albicans candida (NAC), Candida tropicalis(20%) was the commonest isolate followed by Candida glabrata(14%) and Candia krusei(10%) respectively. Overall susceptibility pattern of Candida species to clotrimazole found to be more sensitive (82%) followed by fluconazole (64%), miconazole (44%) respectively whereas ketoconazole was found to be more resistance (86%).

Conclusions: Candida albicans was the predominant species responsible for various candidal infections. Among commonly used antifungal drugs clotrimazole, miconazole and fluconazole showed high sensitivity while ketoconazole was the least effective for both albicans and non-albicans group. CHROM agar is a simple, rapid & inexpensive method for identification of Candida species and is suitable for clinical laboratory with limited resources.

Biography:

Shayanki Lahiri Mukhopadhyay is doing her research on cryptococcal meningitis for four years. Cryptococcal disease has turned out as the most common and fetal secondary infection in immune-compromised patients in South India. That is why she has designed her research to investigate the clinical and environmental isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans species complex to identify the major environmental sources of the infection, the antifungal susceptibility, pathogenesis of the clinical and environmental isolates to analyze the risks of the infection. Her studies will contribute to the global epidemiology and understanding of virulence of C. neoformans sp complex, which in turn will help to ease the treatment of cryptocococcal meningitis patients.

Abstract:

Biography:

Department of Microbiology, GoldenGate International College, Battisputali, Kathmandu, Nepal,

Abstract:

Background The increasing emergence of antibiotic resistance by Staphylococcus aureus is a global problem. Its ability for biofilm formation has further exaggerated the resistance capacity.The main objective of this study was to ascertain the frequency, distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of S. aureus. Also, Inducible Clindamycin resistance and biofilm production in S. aureus isolates was observed.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in B & B Hospital Gwarko Lalitpur, through March 2015 to September 2015. Specimens were processed by standard techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by modified Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method. MRSA was detected by cefoxitin disc diffusion method and Oxacillin agar dilution method. Detection of inducible clindamycin resistance was assessed by D-test whereas biofilm was detected by Congo Red Agar and Microtitre Plate method.

Results A total of 76 (9.15%, N=830) S. aureus were obtained during the study period, out of

which 47.4% (36/76) were methicillin-resistant (MRSA). Inducible clindamycin resistance was found in 22.4% (17/76) of isolates;MRSA constituted 88.2% (15/17) of those isolates. Tetracycline, tigecycline and chloramphenicol were highly effective in vitro with resistance rate 1.3% (1/76), 2.6% (2/76) and 5.3% (4/76) respectively. In contrast, penicillin G faced greater resistance, 97.4% (74/76) resistance followed by ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazole, and erythromycin with resistance rate of 72.4% (55/76), 63.1% (48/76) and 55.3% (42/76) respectively. A total of 45 (59.21%)isolates were obtained multidrug resistant (MDR).Microtitre Plate method revealed more biofilm producers (46.1%, 35/76) in comparison to Congo Red Agar method (38.2%, 29/76). Among MRSA 5.6% (2/36), 16.7% (6/36), 41.7% (15/36) were strong, moderate and weak biofilm producer respectively.

Conclusions This study reveals the high rate of MRSA infection and having the ability of biofilm formation is an alarming for public health.

Key words Biofilm, D-test, Inducible clindamycin resistance, MRSA

Biography:

Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran

Abstract:

Infection with Toxoplasma Gondii in pregnant women may lead to abortion, stillbirth or other serious consequences in newborns. In the present study, the role of T. gondii in abortion in human was evaluated by molecular method and confirmatory serologic testing in Ardabil city, Iran. Two hundred samples of placenta and blood samples from women who had abortion in various gestational ages, admitted in Alavi Obstetric and Gynecological department of Ardabil were collected during 2013 to 2014. Blood samples were tested for specific anti-Toxoplasma antibodies by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the placenta was tested by nested PCR, using 529 bp elements. Among all samples, maternal seroprevalence (anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies) was 5·8% to 14·2% (95% confidence interval) and the estimated abortion prevalence associated with T.gondii, based on PCR was calculated as being from 6.3% to 14.7% with 95% confidence interval. Results show moderate logical agreement between the 2 different tests (ĸ=0·44).

 A significant relationship was not observed between the presences of Toxoplasma with mother's age, history of abortion, gestational age and mother's disease such as allergy, diabetes, hypertension and hypothyroidism. The present findings reveals that T. gondii may be one of the potential agents in causing significant rate of abortion in the Ardabil area and placenta analysis is important to improve the sensitivity of the diagnosis .

Biography:

Prof. Smart O. Obiekezie belongs to Department of Biological Sciences , Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences Nassarawa State University, Keffi  Nigeria  

Abstract:

Isolation of coliform bacteria associated with diarrhoeal in Keffi metropolis Nigeria was carried out. Fifty (50) samples of stool of diarrhoeal patients attending South Atlantic Petroleum Medical Centre (SAPMC), Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nagari Hospital, Keffi and Federal Medical Center, Keffi Nigeria were collected. The coliform bacteria were isolated from the samples and identified using standard microbiological method. Also the antibiotic susceptibility test for isolated coliform bacteria was carried out and interpreted using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) Method. Out of 50 samples of diarrhoeal specimens obtained, the isolation rate of coliform bacteria were; E. coli (100%), Salmonella spp (8%) and Enterobacters spp (14%). The E.coli isolates were more susceptible to streptomycin (68%), Gentamicin (62%) and amoxicillin (100%), Augmentin, Perfloxacin, Streptomycin, Septrin and Cholanphenicol (75.7%). Also, the Enterobacter spp were more susceptible to Gentamicin (100%), Sparfloxacin (71.4%), Streptomycin (100%), Chloramphenicol (85.7%), Ofloxacin (71.4%), and Septrin (71.4%) respectively. The coliform bacteria isolated from stool of diarrhoeal patient were more susceptible to both aminoglycoside (gentamicin and streptomycin) and some Flourquinolones (Ofloxacin and Perfloxacin) class of antibiotics tested.

Biography:

National JALMA Institute for leprosy & Other Mycobacterial Diseases

Abstract:

The nanoparticles of new age drugs can combat conditions to fight human pathogens like bacteria. The development of new resistant strains of bacteria to current antibiotics has become a serious problem in public health; therefore, there is a strong incentive to develop new bactericides. Bacterial biofilms are often associated with  infections specially with medical implants such as catheters and other medical devices. In the natural world more than 99% of bacteria exist as biofilms and according to NIH report more then  68% of all human infections are associated with  biofilms formation. Biofilms are found almost everywhere in nature, including soil, water pipes, and even inside the human body. Attachment of mycobacteria involved in biofilm formation in the liquid air interface is a complex process, with many variables such as pH, nutrient levels, iron, oxygen, ionic strength and temperature, affecting the outcome.

We had taken four mycobacterial species for study of Mycobacterial biofilm. The isolates were subcultured and characterized biochemically and molecularly. The large quantity of biofilm was produced by M.smegmatis at temperature 37^oC and 42 ⁰C as compared to 30⁰C. M. fortuitum developed more amount of biofilm at 30^oC as compared to 37^oC and 42^oC. M.avium developed strong amount of biofilm at 30^oC and 42^oC  as compared to 37⁰C. M tuberculosis (H37Rv) developed strong biofilm at 37 ⁰C  and no biofilm at 30⁰C and 42⁰C in MB 7H9 media and Sauton’s media. The selected non tuberculosis mycobacteria  and  H37Rv developed strong biofilm in the presence of OADC enrichment in MB7H9   as well as Sauton’s medium. Antibiotic susceptibility of biofilms at ultrastructural level was also studied in fast growing clinical isolates M. smegmatis in presence of  Streptomycin, Isoniazid Rifampicin, Ethambutol and Pyrazinamide. Electron microscopy revealed that control (no drug) biofilms consisted primarily of bacterial clusters a mid fibrillar elements. Isoniazid showed strong inhibited  biofilm in fast grower and sensitive isolates. However, Pyrazinamide and Isoniazid  inhibited  biofilm of M.tuberculosis (H37Rv) and in MDR isolates Ethionamide and Moxifloxacin inhibited biofilm in slow grower and fast grower Mycobacteria. However, many  mycobacterial species are known to form biofilms, little is known about either  the genetic requirements, patterns of gene expression. In micro array hybridisation we have found that six genes were expressed in M.avium.  In M. tuberculosis MDR isolates seven genes were expressed and two genes Rv0359 and Rv3526 were homologus as earlier reported in  P. areuginosa and M. avium  which might be responsible for biofilm formation.

Biography:

Krishus Nepal has completed his B.Sc in Microbiology and M.Sc in Medical Microbiology from Tribhuvan University and is currently involved as a Teaching Assistant at Department of Microbiology, Golden Gate International College, Kathmandu, Nepal. He has a keen interest in studying antibiotic resistance in bacteria and impact of antibiotic resistance in hospital acquired infections causing bacteria. Although, till now his research work has not been published, he has been involved in researches including Inducible Clindamycin Resistant (ICR) in Staphylococcus aureus, Biofilm production by Staphylococcus aureus and antimicrobial activities of copper nanoparticles

Abstract:

Resistance mediated by Metallo-β-Lactamases (MBL) enzyme to broad spectrum antibiotics is an increasing global problem. The member of Enterobacteriaceae producing MBL, particularly in E. coli and K. pneumoniae constitutes a serious threat to current β-lactam therapy. Therefore, this study was conducted to know the occurrence of MBL producer in the clinical isolates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae. This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted at OM Hospital and Research Centre (P) Ltd., Chabahil, Kathmandu, Nepal between May and December 2015. A total of 177 non-duplicate, consecutive isolates of E. coli (n=138) and K. pneumoniae (n=39) were isolated from different clinical samples. Of the total 177 isolates, 7 (4%) and 61 (34.5%) isolates were MBL and ESBL producer respectively. The co-existence of ESBL and MBL within the same isolates was not observed. MBL producing isolates showed high resistance to both β-Lactam and non-β-Lactam antibiotics used; entire MBL producers were Multi Drug Resistant (MDR). Of the drug used in the study, Colistin was only found effective for the treatment of MBL producing isolates. Our finding showed considerable number of MBL producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates with MDR. Thus, it would be important for the early detection of MBL producing isolates for establishing potent antibiotics therapy which will be fruitful for controlling infection and also to avoid circulation of such strains within the hospital.

Biography:

Efi Petinaki is clinical microbiologist, Professor and Head of Department of Microbiology of the University Hospital / Medical School of University of Thessaly in Larissa (Central Greece). Her research interest  is focused on the epidemiology of nosocomial infections, on the characterization of mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and on the application of molecular methods for the identification of etiological agent of infectious diseases. She is responsible for the teaching  of  Microbiology in several  undergraduate and postgraduate programs of Greek Universities and she is coordinator in many  National research studies. 

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem:  Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are recognized as an important nosocomial problem worldwide, posing a particular threat in healthcare facilities (HCF)^. On November 2016, one E. faecium, carrier of both vanA/ vanB genes, was isolated from the blood cultures of a patient in the University Hospital of Larissa, Thessaly, Greece. The isolate, Efa-125, exhibited resistance to both vancomycin and teicoplanin (MIC _vancomycin :256mg/L, MIC _teicoplanin :256 mg/L), and was also resistant to various antimicrobial agents except, linezolid, daptomycin and tigecycline. Based on Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST), Efa-125 belonged to ST117 clone (Clonal Complex 17). Given that, few strains worldwide, were found to carry both vanA and vanB genes, the strain was further analyzed regarding the genetic units carrying vanA and vanB genes. Methodology: The genomic DNA of E. faecium Efa-125 was extracted using the DNA-Sorb-B kit (Sacace Biotechnologies S.r.l., Como, Italy). Plasmids and chromosomes were sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). Initial paired-end reads were quality trimmed using Trimmomatic tool and assembled via de Bruijn graph-based de novo assembler SPAdes. The sequence gaps were filled by a PCR-based strategy and Sanger sequencing. For sequence analysis and annotation, the BLAST algorithm (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST), the ISFinder database (www-is.biotoul.fr/), and open reading frame (ORF) finder tool (www.bioinformatics.org/sms/) were utilized. The nucleotide sequence of the plasmid pEfa-125gr has been assigned GenBank accession number KY320277.Findings: The vanA gene was carried on a plasmid (29,320 bp) exhibiting high similarity to pA6981, previously characterized from E. gallinarum A6981, whereas vanB was part of a Tn1549-like transposon integrated into its chromosome.Conclusion & Significance:  In Greece is the first detection of a vanA-vanB genotype/VanA phenotype E. faecium caused bacterieamia. Until now, vanA/vanB E. faecium strains are isolated in Middle East and express a VanB phenotype. This report indicates an evolving VRE epidemiology

Biography:

Prof. Smart O. Obiekezie belongs to Department of Biological Sciences , Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences Nassarawa State University, Keffi  Nigeria  

Abstract:

Multidrug resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from retiled and iced fish sold in Keffi metropolis, Nigeria was carried out. A total number of thirty two (32) samples (16 smoked and 16 iced fish) from different location such as Angwan Lambu, High Court, Dadin Kowa and Market were collected. The isolation and identification of E. coli isolated were carried out using a method described by Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). Out of 32 samples of the smoked and iced fish collected, the percentage occurrence of E. coli was 100%. The total bacteria cunt (x106cfu/ml) ranged from 8.2-9.8, 4.6-7.8, 3.2-8.2 and 3.2-9.2 in Angwan Lambu, High Court, Dadin Kowa and Market respectively. Total coliform count (x106cfu/ml) ranged from 1.0-16, 1.6-4.2, 7.2 - 2.0 and 7.9-2.1 in Angwan Lambu, High Court, Dadin Kowa and Market respectively for smoked fish. Also, the total bacteria count (x106cfu/ml) ranged from 3.0-6.0, 4.3-6.1, 3.6-4.8 and 4.7, and 4.3-12.3 in Angwan Lambu, High Court, Dadin Kowa and Market respectively. Total faecal count (x106cfu/ml) ranged from 1.0-2.0, 1.4-2.0, 1.2-2.8, and 1.8-4.3 in Angwan Lambu, High Court, Dadin Kowa and Market respectively. The percent resistance pattern of E. coli isolates to antibiotics tested where Chloramphenicol (56.3%), Septrin and Sparfloxacin (46.9%), Augmentin (43.6%), Ampicillin (37.5%), Ciprofloxacin (34.4%), Perfloxacin (31.3%), Oflaxacin and Streptomycin (25%) and Gentamicin (18.6%). All the E. coli were multidrug resistant with multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) isolates with (35.3) being jointly resistant to six antibiotics. MAR indices were also high (all above 0.2) prior exposure of the E. coli isolates to antibiotics.

Biography:

Paola Andrea Palacios is a Ph.D microbiology student that has been working on microbiology since her bachelor degree in 2008. In 2014 she was working as a young researcher in the microbiology group at the National Institute of Health in Colombia (Reference laboratory in America Latina). In this institute she was involved in different projects related to the epidemiology of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Her master degree was obtained in France and nowadays she is a first year Ph.D student. 

Abstract:

Introduction. A total of 192 invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates, from serotypes 11A, 15B/C and 23A (Not included in the conjugated vaccines), were collected in Colombia between 1994 and 2014, as part of the Network surveillance system for the causative agents of pneumonia and meningitis (SIREVA II). Objective. To determine the molecular typing of invasive S. pneumoniae isolates, from serotypes 11A, 15B/C and 23A, in Colombia from 1994 to 2014. Materials and methods.  The molecular characterization of the isolates was carried out through pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST). Results. Serotype 11A showed one clonal group represented by ST62. Serotype 15B/C was composed of three groups associated with Netherlands^15B-37 ST199 (28.75%), ST8495 (18.75.5%), and SLV (Single-Locus Variant) of ST193 (21.25%).  Isolates from serotype 23A were gathered in three clonal groups, with 70.21% closely related to ST42, 17.02% to Colombia^23F ST338, and 6.38% to Netherlands^15B-37 ST199. Conclusion. Clones Colombia^23F ST338 and Netherlands^15B ST199 covered more serotypes than previously found by other authors, including the serotype 23A. These analyses reveal the importance of capsular switching for spreading successful clones between non-vaccine serotypes that cause invasive pneumococcal disease. 

Biography:

Dr. Mohd Hasmizam Razali expertises are in nanomaterials and functional materials. He has a PhD degree in Materials Engineering (Nanomaterials) from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), MSc. in Chemistry (Catalyst) and B.Sc (Hons) in Chemical Industry from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Currently he is a Senior Lecturer at School of Fundamental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Malaysia. He has published more than 30 technical papers in journals and conference proceedings locally and internationally related to the nanomaterials and functional materials research. Owing to their significant impacts to the science, economy and society, his innovative research and inventions have attracted global and national interests, enabling him to secure financial support from both private and government agencies. He has been awarded Who’s Who in the World for 3 years in a row 2013, 2014 and 2015 by The Marquis Who’s Who Publications Board. In 2014, the Cambridge Biographical Centre listed him as one of 2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21^st Century. He is also the recipient of the MAWHIBA Award and GENEVA Gold Medal Award in 1999.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Currently, there are approximately 165 million cases worldwide across different types of wounds either close or open wounds which is requiring the wound treatments. Thus, the demands in wound treatments are extremely huge and predicted to grow annually over 6% (Franco, 2010). The application of biological materials in form of solutions and creams for drug delivery to the wounds are not very effective as they rapidly absorb fluid during the process and lose their physical, mechanical properties and become unstable (Boateng et al., 2008). For this reasons, the use of wound dressing is preferred as they provide better exudate management and prolonged residence at the wound site. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: There are more than 3000 types of wound dressing products available in market (Nelson & Dilloway, 2002). However, wound dressing based on gellan gum has received great attention due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability properties. Although gellan gum has been reported to biocompatible on a few live cells, but researchers keep working to improve the proliferation rate on gellan gum thin film. Sankar et al. (2014) was reported titanium dioxide nanoparticles loaded with Origanum vulgare plant have delivered a novel therapeutic route for wound treatment in clinical practice and their study shows significant wound healing activity in Albino. Moreover, the inclusion of nanosized materials into biopolymers also improved cell biocompatibility, antibacterial and antiviral properties (Mathew & Kuriakose, 2013; Nitta & Numata, 2013). Thus, in this study TiO₂ nanotubes was incorporated into gellam gun (GG) biopolynmer thin film in order to enhance the antibacterial properties and cell proliferation for wound healing. Findings: Antibacterial studies proved the GG incorporated TiO₂ nanotubes has high antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In vivo evaluation on rat confirms that the GG incorporated TiO₂ nanotubes showed faster wound healing, more complete re-epithelialization and denser collagen deposition properties. Conclusion & Significance: The findings demonstrate that the prepared GG incorporated TiO₂ nanotubes thin films has a big potential as wound dressing for faster healing process. 

Biography:

Dr Aiman El-Saed is MD physician from Egypt who had PhD and MPH in epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA in 2004. Worked as a researcher at the University of Pittsburgh for 3 years between 2004 and 2007. Currently working as Assistant Professor of Epidemiology & Biostatistics at the College of Public Health and Health Informatics of King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). He is also working as advisor of health surveillance at the infection Prevention & Control Department, National Guard hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He is serving as primary or co-investigator of several research grants. He had a strong epidemiologic, statistical, and research expertise with more than 75 scientific papers and 85 abstracts in reputable international scientific journals. 

Abstract:

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Although there are few international benchmarks for the healthcare-associated infections (HAI), several methodological and logistic issues make the use of such benchmarks unfair. It has been long suggested to establish a local benchmark for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states that consider the challenges of the newly established regional surveillance programs.  The purpose of this project was to set a GCC benchmark to promote standardized surveillance in the hospitals of the GCC countries. METHODOLOGY: The GCC Center for Infection Control located in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) did several activities to promote standard surveillance methodology for the GCC countries. This included publishing a surveillance manual, creating unique data collection forms, organizing multiple educational and training activities, and data auditing and validation on-site visits. Aggregate HAI surveillance data were pooled from 6 hospitals in three GCC countries; Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain. Standardized infection ratio (SIR) of HAIs in GCC hospitals were calculated using published reports of the US National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC). FINDINGS: We have published major benchmarking reports on ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in the American Journal of Infection Control. A third report about central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) is in the process of publication. A common finding from the three reports confirm that the risk of HAIs including VAP, CAUTI, and CALBSI in GCC countries is higher than pooled U.S. VAP rates but lower than pooled rates from developing countries participating in the INICC. CONCLUSION & SIGNIFICANCE: Although we have accomplished a distinguished step towards setting a regional benchmark, more efforts are still needed to improve regional collaboration in HAI surveillance activities. We are currently working on recruiting more facilities to submit data for future larger-scale benchmarking reports on HAIs and antimicrobial resistance.

Biography:

Prof. Smart O. Obiekezie belongs to Department of Biological Sciences , Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences Nassarawa State University, Keffi  Nigeria  

Abstract:

Isolation of coliform bacteria associated with diarrhoeal in Keffi metropolis Nigeria was carried out. Fifty (50) samples of stool of diarrhoeal patients attending South Atlantic Petroleum Medical Centre (SAPMC), Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nagari Hospital, Keffi and Federal Medical Center, Keffi Nigeria were collected. The coliform bacteria were isolated from the samples and identified using standard microbiological method. Also the antibiotic susceptibility test for isolated coliform bacteria was carried out and interpreted using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) Method. Out of 50 samples of diarrhoeal specimens obtained, the isolation rate of coliform bacteria were; E. coli (100%), Salmonella spp (8%) and Enterobacters spp (14%). The E.coli isolates were more susceptible to streptomycin (68%), Gentamicin (62%) and amoxicillin (100%), Augmentin, Perfloxacin, Streptomycin, Septrin and Cholanphenicol (75.7%). Also, the Enterobacter spp were more susceptible to Gentamicin (100%), Sparfloxacin (71.4%), Streptomycin (100%), Chloramphenicol (85.7%), Ofloxacin (71.4%), and Septrin (71.4%) respectively. The coliform bacteria isolated from stool of diarrhoeal patient were more susceptible to both aminoglycoside (gentamicin and streptomycin) and some Flourquinolones (Ofloxacin and Perfloxacin) class of antibiotics tested.

Biography:

Mohamudha Parveen Rahamathulla has completed her Masters in Medical Microbiology from University of Madras and PhD in Medical Microbiology from the Institute of National Importance - JIPMER, India. She was awarded her doctorate by the honorable Prime Minister of India, in the convocation held in JIPMER. She has published many research papers in reputed journals. Her expertise and research interest includes Clinical Bacteriology with reference to antimicrobial drug resistance mechanisms. She is serving as Peer reviewer in more than dozen reputed, peer-reviewed Medical and Science Journals. She is also an Assistant and Associate Editor in a couple of Journals. She is a member of various Professional Societies and Organizations. Dr MPR is an active academician and researcher, presently working as Assistant Professor and Head of the Department in Department of Medical Lab Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Wadi Al Dawaser, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract:

Introduction:  Integrons are mobile genetic elements capable of gene capture and expression via site-specific recombination and the action of a promoter. Integrons play a major role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes and are commonly associated with members of the family Enterobacteriaceae. 

Objectives:  To find out the incidence and the classes of integron associated with multidrug resistant ESBL producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from blood stream infections.

Materials and Methods:  This study was carried out on 256 K.pneumoniae isolates over a period of two years. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested for 14 antibiotics. ESBL detection was done as per CLSI guidelines followed by a multiplex PCR. Integrase gene PCR was done to detect class 1, class 2 integrons; similarly for class 3 and class 4 integron using specific primers. Sequencing was done for representative number of strains.

Results:  Out of the 256 isolates, 167 (65.2%) were ESBL producers. blaSHV (77.2%) and blaCTX-M (85.6%) were the most common. Of the 167 ESBL positive isolates, 121 (72.4%) carried class 1 integron; 51 (42.1%) isolates carried class 2 integron. Both class 1 and class 2 were found in 33 (27.2%) and none had class 3 or class 4 type. Sequencing and blasting results confirmed their identities. The drug resistant rates of integron positive isolates were 23% higher compared to integron negative strains.

Conclusions:  A higher percentage of class 2 integrons association with ESBL strains is being noted for the first time from our region, also the co-existence of both class 1 and class 2 types increases the higher risk of multidrug resistant gene transfer rates. These findings strongly suggest that integrons have a major role in the dissemination of ESBL mediated resistance among nosocomial isolates of K.pneumoniae.

Biography:

Jin-Hwan Kwak has his expertise in evaluation of new antibiotics.  He was in charge of developing of new antibiotics including Factive® and Zabifloxacin. He has established various infection model in mice. He is also interested in mode of action of new antibiotics and resistance mechanism in bacteria.

Abstract:

LCB01-0648 is a new oxazolidinone, which is under preclinical development. In this study, we tested in vitro and in vivo activity of LCB01-0648 against staphylococci. In vitro activity of LCB01-0648 against MSSA, MRSA and LRSA, was evaluated by the agar dilution method as described by the CLSI, and compared with those of linezolid, oxacillin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, sparfloxacin, moxifloxacin, gemifloxacin and vancomycin. The MIC₉₀ of LCB01-0648, at which 90% of bacterial strains are inhibited, was 0.5 μg/ml against MSSA, MRSA and was below 4 μg/ml against LRSA. In vitro activity of CB01-0648 was 4-fold more active than linezolid against MSSA and MRSA. Especially, the antibacterial activity of LCB01-0648 had good antibacterial activities against linezolid-resistant or -intermediate S. aureus. LCB01-0648, at the concentration of 8X MIC, showed a bactericidal activity against MSSA and MRSA. In vivo activity of LCB01-0699 which is the active prodrug of LCB01-0648 was also compared with that of linezolid against systemic infections caused by MSSA, MRSA and LRSA in mice. LCB01-0699 was more effective than linezolid against systemic infections. In conclusion, LCB01-0648 had potent in vitro and in vivo activity against drug resistant Gram-positive pathogen, including MRSA and LRSA. These results indicate that LCB01-0648 could be a good candidate for further pre-clinical studies.

Biography:

Prof. Smart O. Obiekezie belongs to Department of Biological Sciences , Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences Nassarawa State University, Keffi  Nigeria  

Abstract:

This study on the microbial contaminants associated with breast nipples of nursing mothers in Keffi with their corresponding antibiotic susceptibility pattern was conducted. A total of forty (40) swab samples were collected from nursing mother attending Federal Medical Centre Keffi the cultural, morphological and biochemical characterization of the bacterial contaminants revealed the presence of the following bacteria; Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacter spp., and Aspergillus spp. Nonetheless, frequency of isolation of the microorganism indicates that Staphylococcus aureus had 75.0% which is the most occurring bacterial contaminant, followed by Escherichia coli (35.0%), and Enterobacter spp (25%); while the most occurring fungal isolate was Candida spp. (10%) compared to Aspergilus spp. (5.0%). The corresponding antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the bacteria isolate present varying degree of susceptibility to the antibiotics tested. Susceptibility pattern of Escherichia coli against the antibiotics tested were in the order; Agumentin (100.0%) > Gentamicin (85.7%) > Chloramphenicol (71.4) > Ampicillin (42.9) > Cefuroxime (42.6) > Nitrofurantion and Ceftriaxone (28.6%) Ofloxacin and Perfloxacin (14.3%). Staphylococcus aureus on the other hand was found to be susceptible to Augmentin (80.0%), Chloramphenicol and Gentamicin (66.7%), Ampicillin (60.0%), Nitrofurantion (40.0%), Cefuroxime (26.7%), Ceftriaxone, Ofloxacin and Sparfloxacin (20.0% each). However the Enterobacter spp. was highly susceptible to Agumentin and Gentamicin (80.0%), susceptible to Ampicillin and chloramphenicol (60.0%), and Nitrofurantoin (40.0%), although they were only slightly susceptible to Cefuroxime, Cefuroxime and Perfloxacin (20.0%) each), but was completely resistant to Ofloxacin (0.0%).The corresponding antibiotics susceptibility profile of the bacteria isolates indicate an intermediate susceptibility to the antibiotic tested, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacter spp. having a moderate overall susceptibility of 47.6%, 44.5% and 42.2% respectively, Hence these antibiotics can serve as drugs of choice for the treatment of infection due to these bacterial agents.

Biography:

Efi Petinaki is clinical microbiologist, Professor and Head of Department of Microbiology of the University Hospital / Medical School of University of Thessaly in Larissa (Central Greece). Her research interest  is focused on the epidemiology of nosocomial infections, on the characterization of mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and on the application of molecular methods for the identification of etiological agent of infectious diseases. She is responsible for the teaching  of  Microbiology in several  undergraduate and postgraduate programs of Greek Universities and she is coordinator in many  National research studies. 

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem:  Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of SSTIs worldwide, while a substantial rate is associated with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Although a large number of expert opinions, guidelines and recommendations for the management of SSTIs have been published over the last decades, the change of epidemiology of staphylococcal infections may lead sometimes to the failure of antibiotic therapy. The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of resistance to various antimicrobial agents and the molecular characterization of  S. aureus isolated from SSTIs of adults in Thessaly, Central Greece, in order to understand the current epidemiology of S. aureus and so, to establish a more targeted empiric therapy. Methodology: Between 2015-2016, a total of one hundred twenty three Staphylococcus aureus isolates were collected from adult-patients with SSTIs in Thessaly, Central Greece. The isolates were tested for susceptibility to various antimicrobial agents and for the presence of various resistance and virulence determinants. Molecular typing of isolates was done by Multi Locus sequence Typing (MLST). Findings: Resistance rates to cefoxitin, fusidic acid, erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, ofloxacin and gentamycin were 22%, 36.6%, 29.3%, 26.8%, 22%, 7.3% and 4.8% respectively, whereas, all were susceptible to vancomycin, teicoplanin, linezolid, mupirocin  and daptomycin. The presence of ermA, tetM and aac(6’)-Ie-aph(2’’) genes were found in erythromycin/clindamycin, tetracycline and gentamicin-resistant isolates respectively. Molecular characterization of isolates revealed the presence of two clones among MRSA (ST80 and ST225), while, among MSSA twelve different STs (ST1, 15, 45, 72, 7, 22, 728, 34, 59, 10, 398, 1153) were identified. The Panton-Valentin Leukocidin gene was detected in 39 strains, 18 MRSA which belonged to ST80, and 21 MSSA, which belonged to ST72 and ST728. The Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin gene was found in ST34 MSSA strains. Conclusion & Significance:  In Greece, the increasing rate of resistance to clindamycin, erythromycin, fusidic acid and tetracycline must be taken under serious consideration in the initiation of empiric treatment of SSTIs. 

Biography:

Abstract:

Background

Histoplamosis, a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum (H.capsulatum) - a severe biohazard pathogen. H.capsulatum occurs most commonly in America and Africa, but the organism exists in many diverse areas around the world. Cases have also been reported in the following Asian countries: India, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Japan. In Vietnam, histoplasmosis is still under reported because the researchers are inexperienced for detection of histoplasmosis. In addition, the clinicians do not consider histoplamosis as a possible cause of acute respiratory or influenza – like illness in travelers returning from areas in which histoplasmosis is endemic, and this may contribute to under diagnosis.  Therefore, a really situation of Histosplamosis should be identified in this country.  

Aims: To identify the proportion of Histoplasmosis and detect H.capsulatum in human clinical sample in Hanoi, Vietnam.  

Materials: Between August 2012 to Janury 2013, 206 serum and 158 bronchial washing samples have been collected from the pulmonary infection patients in Bach Mai and Military 103 hospitals in Hanoi. Serum samples were tested by ELISA – Histoplasma Dx™Select kit (Focus – Mỹ). The bronchial washing samples were extracted DNA and identified H.capsulatum by nested PCR using primers specific to gene coding M-antigen (Msp1F/Msp2R, Msp2F/Msp3R). 

Results: Serum samples from 206 patients were tested for antibody reactivity by ELISA. Positive ELSIA results were obtained in 27 (13.1%) samples. 9/158 bronchial washing samples were presented M- antigen gene by a nested PCR, and then were confirmed by sequencing.

Conclusion: Due to the proportion of Histoplasmosis in pulmonary infection patients is very high (13.1%). Also, H.capsulatum found in these patients samples by PCR which confirmed that H.capulatum has been presented in Vietnam. However, the transmission route of the disease is still a challenge and need to be demonstrated in further studies.

Key words: Histoplasmosis, ELISA, nested PCR, pulmonary infection patients, Vietnam

Biography:

Shayanki Lahiri Mukhopadhyay is doing her research on cryptococcal meningitis for four years. Cryptococcal disease has turned out as the most common and fetal secondary infection in immune-compromised patients in South India. That is why she has designed her research to investigate the clinical and environmental isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans species complex to identify the major environmental sources of the infection, the antifungal susceptibility, pathogenesis of the clinical and environmental isolates to analyze the risks of the infection. Her studies will contribute to the global epidemiology and understanding of virulence of C. neoformans sp complex, which in turn will help to ease the treatment of cryptocococcal meningitis patients.

Abstract:

Biography:

Abstract:

Biography:

Jin-Hwan Kwak has his expertise in evaluation of new antibiotics.  He was in charge of developing of new antibiotics including Factive® and Zabifloxacin. He has established various infection model in mice. He is also interested in mode of action of new antibiotics and resistance mechanism in bacteria.

Abstract:

LCB01-0648 is a new oxazolidinone, which is under preclinical development. In this study, we tested in vitro and in vivo activity of LCB01-0648 against staphylococci. In vitro activity of LCB01-0648 against MSSA, MRSA and LRSA, was evaluated by the agar dilution method as described by the CLSI, and compared with those of linezolid, oxacillin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, sparfloxacin, moxifloxacin, gemifloxacin and vancomycin. The MIC₉₀ of LCB01-0648, at which 90% of bacterial strains are inhibited, was 0.5 μg/ml against MSSA, MRSA and was below 4 μg/ml against LRSA. In vitro activity of CB01-0648 was 4-fold more active than linezolid against MSSA and MRSA. Especially, the antibacterial activity of LCB01-0648 had good antibacterial activities against linezolid-resistant or -intermediate S. aureus. LCB01-0648, at the concentration of 8X MIC, showed a bactericidal activity against MSSA and MRSA. In vivo activity of LCB01-0699 which is the active prodrug of LCB01-0648 was also compared with that of linezolid against systemic infections caused by MSSA, MRSA and LRSA in mice. LCB01-0699 was more effective than linezolid against systemic infections. In conclusion, LCB01-0648 had potent in vitro and in vivo activity against drug resistant Gram-positive pathogen, including MRSA and LRSA. These results indicate that LCB01-0648 could be a good candidate for further pre-clinical studies.

Biography:

Shikha Joon is a PhD candidate with a particular interest in studying novel drug targets against infectious diseases. Prior to enrolling as a Research Scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, she received her Graduate and Post-graduate degrees in Biotechnology at Bangalore University, India. She has her expertise in the domain of molecular biology of the infectious disease mainly anthrax. She was a part of a team that worked towards developing therapeutic single chain variable fragment (Scfv) antibody against anthrax, the first of its kind. Her dedicated research on CodY, a pleiotropic transcriptional regulator, led to the revelation of the novel and unique aspects of this multifaceted protein. Further inquiry is being extended out from her to gain an insight into its detailed mechanism of interaction with GTP and further acquiring it as a drug target.

Abstract:

Bacillus anthracis, a prioritized bioterrorism agent, is a Gram-positive, sporulating, non-motile, aerobic bacterium which causes the fatal zoonotic disease, anthrax, with humans as contingent victims. CodY, a global transcriptional regulator, controls diverse cellular activities such as metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis and transport systems, nitrogen uptake, motility, sporulation, pellicle, and biofilm formation, and most importantly virulence in almost all low G+C Gram-positive bacteria. In B. anthracis, about 500 genes are perceived to be the targets of CodY, including the master regulator AtxA, which is pivotal to the manifestation of toxic constituents; namely a lethal factor, edema factor and protective antigen. GTP and branched chain amino acids are the metabolic effectors of CodY, which affects its DNA-binding ability. In order to gain an insight into the interaction mechanism of CodY and GTP, of which scarce is known presently, we carried out an in vitro GTP binding assay. We have demonstrated that CodY of B. anthracis binds to GTP. Homology modeling and sequence/structure analysis of CodY of B. anthracis revealed conserved GTP binding residues. Interestingly, we found that the CodY of B. anthracis could undergo autophosphorylation with GTP as a phosphoryl group donor. Furthermore, the phosphorylation site mutant (Ser²¹⁵ to Ala²¹⁵) of CodY failed to retain this autophosphorylation activity and hence is the critical residue involved in autophosphorylation. Since the Ser²¹⁵ lies in the Helix-turn-Helix DNA binding motif of CodY and is conserved amongst its homologs, autophosphorylation may be speculated as a self-regulatory mechanism of CodY activity in the cell. Inquisitively, we proceeded to test the GTPase activity of CodY by thin-layer chromatography and found that the recombinant protein could with hydrolyze GTP, albeit weakly, as quantified spectrophotometrically. Predicated on these findings, we conclude that in contrast to its homologs in other organisms, CodY of B. anthracis exhibits unique biochemical attributes such as GTP hydrolysis and autophosphorylation, which might be further exploited as a novel drug target.

Biography:

Enty Tjoa is a Clinical Microbiologist, Lecturer and Researcher at Faculty of Medicine, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia. Her research interest are investigating the antibiotics susceptibility pattern of pathogen bacteria such as, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other multidrug-resistant Gram negative including their genotypes, hospital associated infections and role of active surveillance of hospital/health care’s environment. She has been responsible for teaching medical microbiology for under graduate medical student and several research projects. She is currently a Head at Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia. She also practiced as Clinical Microbiologist at a private hospital in Jakarta. She has written some published articles in international and local medical journals

Abstract:

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative, aerobic and commonly found in hospital environment. It becomes one of the causes of nosocomial infection, including nosocomial pneumonia. Nosocomial infection due to Acinetobacter baumannii has become a global issue due to its multidrug-resistance. Treatment against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) has now become a challenge. At present the following antibiotics: Carbapenem, Colistin, Tigecycline, Sulbactam, Rifampicin, Minocycline, Fosfomycin in the form of combination are taken into account in eradication of MDRAB.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of Colistin in combination with Carbapenem and Colistin with Tigecycline in patients with pneumonia with Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from low respiratory tract.

Methods: This is a retrospective and observational study. The study was conducted in a private hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia, using 4 year period (2011-2015) data extracted from medical records. MDRAB isolated from specimen of low respiratory tract from patients with pneumonia in intensive care unit (ICU) were sorted for this study. Clinical parameters used were as follows: blood leukocyte, differential count, sputum leukocyte, body temperature, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, lactate, and patient’ survival. The analysis was performed before and after drug administration.

Result: Fifty nine patients with MDRAB were studied. Colistin-Tigecycline combination therapy was used in 11 patients, and Colistin-Carbapenem combination was in 9 patients. Both combination therapies showed efficacy in lowering body temperature after drug administration (p<0.05). Blood leukocyte count also significantly decreased in patients’ with Colistin-Carbapenem regimen (p<0.05). Of other clinical parameters assessed revealed no significant changes.

Conclusion: Colistin-Carbapenem and Colistin-Tigecyline combination therapy can be an option for treating patients with pneumonia caused by multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. More studies of antibiotic combination with a bigger sample number are needed to get a high representative data.

Biography:

Abstract:

Background & Aims: In many countries, the cattle Bovine Tuberculosis (BTB) disease is caused by Mycobacterium bovis. In Iran for cattle BTB control, program of testing and slaughtering infected animals was implemented seriously since 1973, and the subsequent of this program, the disease prevalence has decreased from 5% to 0.14% in the country.

Materials & Methods: All samples were cultured under sterile conditions at Lowenstein-Jensen medium and after growing of the Mycobacteria, Ziehl-Neelsen and Fluorochrome staining tests were applied. Subsequently genomic DNA was extracted from colonies and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was identified by PCR at IS6110 segment. Twenty two isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex were obtained out of 30 samples and PvuII-PGRS and PvuII-DR RFLP was conducted on all isolates.

Findings & Results: 21 acid-fast bacteria were observed in 30 samples of lymphatic nodes, that they were positive with Mycobacterium-specific primer. The enzymatic digestion of 21 samples was carried out with enzyme PVUII well and the results of PGRS and DR probes indicated the presence of three and four circulating strains in cattle bovine tuberculosis samples, respectively.

Conclusion: This study is a part of a national project that is being implemented throughout in Iran. Considering that Qom province is one of the main centers of livestock dealing in Iran, so identification and quarantine of suspected livestock in this province have particular importance in the control and eradication of cow tuberculosis disease in Iran.

Biography:

Dr. Volker Patzel, chemist, received his Ph.D. from the Ruprecht Karls University in Heidelberg and his MBA from the Steinbeis University in Berlin. He worked as postdoc at the German Cancer Research Centre in Heidelberg and then as research group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology in Berlin. Currently he holds a dual appointment as Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore and Assistant Director of Research at the University of Cambridge. He is founder and director of the Steinbeis Transfer Centre for Nucleic Acids Design. His research focuses on the design and delivery of ribonucleic acids for enhancement, inhibition or repair of gene expression towards diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Acquired and inherited genetic disorders are characterized by the cellular expression of aberrant transcripts and proteins. Viruses such as the human papillomaviruses (HPV) or the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrate their DNA into the genome of the infected host cell and there is no way to get rid of the viral DNA anymore. Similarly, many cancers are characterized by oncogene expression.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: We explored a Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk)/ganciclovir (GCV) suicide gene therapy approach for selective killing of virus-transduced or cancer cells. First we studied the highly efficient mechanism of trans-splicing among transcripts of the simian virus 40 (SV40). Then we employed molecular features of SV40 RNA trans-splicing and computational RNA structure design to improve both on-target activity and specificity of the trans-splicing RNA (tsRNA). As molecular targets we selected the a-fetoprotein (AFP), a marker of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16), or human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) pre-mRNA.

Findings: While unstructured mismatched target binding domains significantly improved 3’ exon replacement, 5’ exon replacement correlated with the thermodynamic stability of the tsRNA 3’ end. Alternative on-target trans-splicing was found to be a prevalent event. The specificity of trans-splicing with the intended target splice site was improved 10-fold by designing tsRNA harbouring multiple target binding domains shielding alternative on-target and blinding non-target splicing events. Rationally designed tsRNAs efficiently and selectively triggered death of HPV-16, HIV-1 or AFP-positive cells. Dual-targeting tsRNA simultaneously targeting AFP and a second HCC biomarker triggered enhanced cell death at 10-fold lower GCV doses.

Conclusion & Significance: Our observations suggest RNA trans-splicing represents a promising approach to suicide gene therapy targeting viral infection, cancer or other diseases characterized by the expression of disease-specific pre-mRNA biomarkers.

Biography:

Fatimah Binti Hashim has her expertise in protozoology and cytotoxicity based on microscopy analyses. Most of the works are on cytotoxic effects of plant compound, plant extract, lanthanide complexes on Acanthamoeba sp. (corneal scrapping and environmental isolates). Recent works are on isolation and identification of protozoan species from fish gills. Microscopy analysis based on fluorescence, scanning and electron microscopy are her interest techniques for cytotoxicity and protozoan morphological identification. Other interest are on molecular work of genotoxicity specifically by alkaline comet assay technique and DNA laddering assay. 

Abstract:

Eukaryotic microorganisms shared similar characteristics with mammalian cells, such as typical plasma membrane, organelles, as well as life cycle progression and death pathway mechanisms, however as a single living cell, their life cycle is shorter than mammalian cells. Pathogenic species of eukaryotic microorganism such as Leishmania, Plasmodium, Trypanosome, Toxoplasma have been studied for many years for their potential antimicrobial therapy. Therefore, the mode of drug action and cell death are crucial as treatment for this disease wouldn’t harm the host. Study on Acanthamoeba sp, proved that eukaryotic organism shares similar death mechanism as in mammalian cells, which consist of apoptosis, necrosis and autophagic cell death. Apoptosis and autophagic cell death mechanisms are thought to be the safest way for the diseased cell or parasite should die. Our study also indicated that different xenobiotic introduced will trigger different type of cell death as well as the duration of exposure.  The effect of selected anti-amoebic agent were introduced to the Acanthamoeba sp. (corneal scrapping isolates) from an Acanthamoeba keratitis patient and microscopy analyses were used to determine the mode of cell death on this Acanthamoeba sp. The effect on plasma membrane, lysosomal structure, and the DNA structure was observed in detail. Our study indicated that the mode of cell death in this Acanthamoeba sp. began with autophagic cell death followed by apoptosis mechanism. High lysosomal activities might activate other death associated protein before proceed to apoptosis event in the Acanthamoeba cells. Typical markers of mammalian apoptosis were observed suggesting the presence of similar apoptotic cascade in Acanthamoeba cells. Morphological alteration that were visualized were cell shrinkage, DNA fragmentation and nuclear chromation condensation. In conclusion, critical analysis of cell death pathway caused by antimicrobial is crucial prior to treatment as it will assure its efficacy and assure the safety of the host (patient). 

Biography:

Dr Patamabhorn Amavisit is an associate professor who is working for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Thailand. Her researches focus on veterinary microbiology including foodborne bacteria isolated from animal sources and antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria. Since the launch of WHO global action plan on AMR, the researches have been performed for a part of policy decision in the country level using One Health aspects involving the surveillance of AMR contamination in particular bacteria contaminated in animals and environment.

Abstract:

Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and Escherichia coli isolated from intestinal organs of diarrhea swine were tested antimicrobial sensitivity and studied on plasmid-mediated antimicrobial resistance genes. The antimicrobial resistant (AMR) rates of V. parahaemolyticus were 98.48% ampicillin, 3.03% doxycycline, 4.55% oxytetracycline, 6.06% erythromycin, 1.52% florfenicol, and 1.52% sulphamethoxazole-trimetroprime. V. parahaemolyticus were not resistant to tested quinolone agents (ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, norfloxacin and ofloxacin), but some isolates presented intermediate susceptibility of the agents. Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) gene, qnrVC was found in only one isolate. DNA amplification of pirAB-like genes, which caused acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) in shrimp, showed that 39.39% of V. parahaemolyticus carried this virulent gene. However acquisition of pirAB-like gene virulent factor in V. parahaemolyticus was not related to their AMR. While the AMR rates of E. coli were relatively high at 98.41% amoxicillin, 98.41% ampicillin, 96.83% cephalexin, 69.84% ciprofloxacin, 69.84% enrofloxacin, 57.14% fosfomycin, 77.78% colistin, 84.13% gentamicin, and 90.48% oxytetracycline. The rates of E. coli carried PMQR genes were 61% of qnrS and 9.5% of oqxA. Colistin resistant gene mcr-1 that located on plasmid was also amplified and found that 25.40% of the isolates carried mcr-1 gene and they had colistin MIC  2 μg/mL.

Biography:

Mohd Hasmizam Razali has his expertise in nanomaterials and functional materials. He has a PhD degree in Materials Engineering (Nanomaterials) from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), MSc in Chemistry (Catalyst) and BSc (Hons) in Chemical Industry from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Currently, he is a Senior Lecturer at School of Fundamental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Malaysia. He has published more than 30 technical papers in journals and conference proceedings locally and internationally related to the nanomaterials and functional materials research. Owing to their significant impacts to the science, economy and society, his innovative research and inventions have attracted global and national interests, enabling him to secure financial support from both private and government agencies. He has been awarded Who’s Who in the World for 3 years in a row 2013, 2014 and 2015 by The Marquis Who’s Who Publications Board. In 2014, the Cambridge Biographical Centre listed him as one of 2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21^st Century. He is also the recipient of the MAWHIBA Award and GENEVA Gold Medal Award in 1999.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Currently, there are approximately 165 million cases worldwide across different types of wounds either close or open wounds which is requiring the wound treatments. Thus, the demands in wound treatments are extremely huge and predicted to grow annually over 6% (Franco, 2010). The application of biological materials in the form of solutions and creams for drug delivery to the wounds is not very effective as they rapidly absorb fluid during the process and lose their physical, mechanical properties and become unstable. For this reasons, the use of wound dressing is preferred as they provide better exudate management and prolonged residence at the wound site.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: There are more than 3000 types of wound dressing products available in market. However, wound dressing based on gellan gum has received great attention due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability properties. Although gellan gum has been reported to biocompatible on a few live cells, but researchers keep working to improve the proliferation rate on gellan gum thin film. Sankar et al. (2014) was reported titanium dioxide nanoparticles loaded with Origanum vulgare plant have delivered a novel therapeutic route for wound treatment in clinical practice and their study shows significant wound healing activity in Albino. Moreover, the inclusion of nanosized materials into biopolymers also improved cell biocompatibility, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Thus, in this study TiO₂ nanotubes was incorporated into gellam gun (GG) biopolymer thin film in order to enhance the antibacterial properties and cell proliferation for wound healing.

Findings: Antibacterial studies proved the GG incorporated TiO₂ nanotubes has a high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In vivo evaluation on rat confirms that the GG incorporated TiO₂ nanotubes showed faster wound healing, more complete re-epithelialization and denser collagen deposition properties.

Conclusion & Significance: The findings demonstrate that the prepared GG incorporated TiO₂ nanotube thin films has a big potential as wound dressing for faster healing process.

Biography:

Efi Petinaki is clinical microbiologist, Professor and Head of Department of Microbiology of the University Hospital / Medical School of University of Thessaly in Larissa (Central Greece). Her research interest  is focused on the epidemiology of nosocomial infections, on the characterization of mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and on the application of molecular methods for the identification of etiological agent of infectious diseases. She is responsible for the teaching  of  Microbiology in several  undergraduate and postgraduate programs of Greek Universities and she is coordinator in many  National research studies. 

Abstract:

Biography:

Shayanki Lahiri Mukhopadhyay is doing her research on cryptococcal meningitis for four years. Cryptococcal disease has turned out as the most common and fatal secondary infection in immune-compromised patients in South India. That is why she has designed her research to investigate the clinical and environmental isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans species complex to identify the major environmental sources of the infection, the antifungal susceptibility, pathogenesis of the clinical and environmental isolates to analyse the risks of the infection. Her studies will contribute to the global epidemiology and understanding of virulence of C. neoformans spp. complex, which in turn will help to ease the treatment of cryptocococcal meningitis patients.

Abstract:

Background & Aim: Cryptococcus neoformans sensu lato, and its sister species C. gattii sensu lato often cause meningitis or meningoencephalitis among immunocompromised patients. We aimed to analyse the clinical and epidemiological features of cryptococcal CNS infection.

Methods: The study was conducted from 2013 to 2015, including 160 cases of CNS infection due to C. neoformans/gattii. The variables documented were age, gender, immunological status, associated comorbidities, brain-imaging features, CSF parameters and geographical distributions, treatment and outcome. Diagnosis was based on Indian ink preparation, cryptococcal antigen detection and culture. Statistical analysis was performed by Chi Square exact test in SPSS 22.0 to determine the P values.

Results: Out of 160 cases studied 128 (80%) were HIV positive. Among the 32 (20%) HIV negative cases 17 (53.1%) had history of immunosuppression. Age group ranged from 2 to 75 years, with mean age of 37.5 years (σ=9.83) among HIV positive and 36.68 years (σ=29.16) among HIV negative cases. Other than HIV, tuberculosis was the most common associated comorbidity (28.12%). Headache was predominant complaint (88.8%) followed by vomiting (61.9%), fever (60%), neck stiffness (55.6%). Imaging features were normal in 57 (35.6%) cases followed by presence of hypodense parenchyma (20.6%), meningeal enhancement (18.8%), cortical atrophy (15.6%), and cryptococcal lesion (9.4%). Parameters including neck stiffness (P=0.021), muscle weakness (P=0.046) polymorphonucleocyte predominance in CSF (P=0.012), low sugar (P=0.038) and high protein (P=0.003) levels in CSF were significantly different among HIV positive and negative cases. Out of 160 isolates, 142 were C. neoformans s.l. (VNI, VNII) and 18 were C. gattii s.l. (VGI, VGIV, VGIII). Statistical analysis showed molecular type of cryptococcal isolates were dependent on immune status of the patients (P=0.00001).

Conclusion: This study investigates the clinical aspects of cryptococcal infection among Indian patients and contributes to better prognosis and treatment.

Biography:

Nader Mosavari is the Head of Tuberculosis and Glanders Department in Razi Vaccine & Serum Research Institute. His research interest belongs to Burkholderia mallei and Microbiology.

Abstract:

Glanders is considered one of the most important diseases of equids (horses, donkeys, mules and is communicated to man through accidental contact with the contaminated animal with the causative agent, Burkholderia mallei. Carnivorous could also be infected by consuming infected meat. The disease could prove fatal if the disease is not diagnosed early and the treatment is not initiated timely. In Iran, an epidemic occurred in Shiraz province and a suspected case in mare and her foal was also reported in Alborz province. The infected agent was identified by intradermopolpebral test, ELISA and CF test. The causative agent was isolated from the suspected cases by microbiological analyses. The isolates were identified by biochemical assays, PCR and inoculation in sensitive laboratory animal. In last decade, the occurrence and incidence of Glanders in Iran has increased thrice mainly due to legal and illegal increase in trafficking of equids from the borders of the country. Hence, early and timely diagnosis of infected horses is of high importance. We are trying to set up new techniques like agglutinations and indirect immunoflourescent so as to diagnose the infectious agent at faster speed and more accuracy.

Biography:

Mohamudha Parveen Rahamathulla has completed her Master’s in Medical Microbiology from University of Madras and PhD in Medical Microbiology from the Institute of National Importance - JIPMER, India. She was awarded with Doctorate by the honorable Prime Minister of India, in the convocation held in JIPMER. She has published many research papers in reputed journals. Her expertise and research interest includes Clinical Bacteriology with reference to antimicrobial drug resistance mechanisms. She is serving as Peer Reviewer in more than dozen reputed, peer-reviewed Medical and Science journals. She is also an Assistant and Associate Editor in a couple of Journals. She is a member of various Professional Societies and Organizations. She is an active Academician and Researcher, presently working as Assistant Professor and Head of the Department in Department of Medical Lab Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Wadi Al Dawaser, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract:

Introduction: Integrons are mobile genetic elements capable of gene capture and expression via site-specific recombination and the action of a promoter. Integrons play a major role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes and are commonly associated with members of the family Enterobacteriaceae.

Objectives: To find out the incidence and the classes of integron associated with multidrug resistant ESBL producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from blood stream infections.

Materials & Methods: This study was carried out on 256 K. pneumoniae isolates over a period of two years. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested for 14 antibiotics. ESBL detection was done as per CLSI guidelines followed by a multiplex PCR. Integrase gene PCR was done to detect class 1, class 2 integrons; similarly for class 3 and class 4 integron using specific primers. Sequencing was done for representative number of strains.

Results: Out of the 256 isolates, 167 (65.2%) were ESBL producers. blaSHV (77.2%) and blaCTX-M (85.6%) were the most common. Of the 167 ESBL positive isolates, 121 (72.4%) carried class 1 integron; 51 (42.1%) isolates carried class 2 integron. Both class 1 and class 2 were found in 33 (27.2%) and none had class 3 or class 4 type. Sequencing and blasting results confirmed their identities. The drug resistant rates of integron positive isolates were 23% higher compared to integron negative strains.

Conclusions: A higher percentage of class 2 integrons association with ESBL strains is being noted for the first time from our region, also the co-existence of both class 1 and class 2 types increases the higher risk of multidrug resistant gene transfer rates. These findings strongly suggest that integrons have a major role in the dissemination of ESBL mediated resistance among nosocomial isolates of K. pneumoniae.