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overall antimicrobial resistance (AMR) burden by infectious syndrome in Croatia in 2019. We aggregated estimates across antimicrobial agents, taking into account the co-occurrence of resistance to more than one drug*
Source publication
Aim:
To deliver the most wide-ranging set of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) burden estimates for Croatia to date.
Methods:
A complex modeling approach with five broad modeling components was used to estimate the disease burden for 12 main infectious syndromes and one residual group, 23 pathogenic bacteria, and 88 bug-drug combinations. This was...
Context in source publication
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Motivation
Plasmids are carriers for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and can exchange genetic material with other structures, contributing to the spread of AMR. There is no reliable approach to identify the transfer of AMR genes across plasmids. This is mainly due to the absence of a method to assess the phylogenetic distance of plasmids, as t...
Citations
... Environmental antibiotic pollution creates a complex challenge due to the development of microbial antibiotic resistance from prolonged exposure in the environment [88]. Almost 5 million deaths were associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in 2019, with AMR being directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths [89]. To effectively address this issue, the sorption of four antibiotics, namely chlortetracycline (CTC), oxytetracycline (OTC), ofloxacin (OFL), and enrofloxacin (ENR), on natural zeolite was investigated. ...
... Additionally, NOM reduced the sorption of OTC-presumably due to the formation of ion pairs between OTC and NOM-but unexpectedly enhanced the sorption of the remaining antibiotics. Nevertheless, the study demonstrated that sorption by natural zeolite appears to be an economically feasible method for removing antibiotics [88][89][90]. ...
The increasing presence of pollutants, including pharmaceuticals and pesticides, in water resources necessitates the development of effective remediation technologies. Zeolites are promising agents for pollutant removal due to their high surface area, ion-exchange capacity, natural abundance, and diverse tailorable porous structures. This review focuses on the efficient application of modified zeolites and mesoporous materials as photocatalysts and adsorbents for removing contaminants from water bodies. The adsorption and photodegradation of pesticides and selected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics on various zeolites reveal optimal adsorption and degradation conditions for each pollutant. In most reported studies, higher SiO2/Al2O3 ratio zeolites exhibited improved adsorption, and thus photodegradation activities, due to increased hydrophobicity and lower negative charge. For example, SBA-15 demonstrated high efficiency in removing diclofenac, ibuprofen, and ketoprofen from water in acidic conditions. Metal doped into the zeolite framework was found to be a very active catalyst for the photodegradation of organic pollutants, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial wastes. It is shown that the photocatalytic activity depends on the zeolite-type, metal dopant, metal content, zeolite pore structure, and the energy of the irradiation source. Faujasite-type Y zeolites combined with ozone achieved up to 95% micropollutant degradation. Bentonite modified with cellulosic biopolymers effectively removed pesticides such as atrazine and chlorpyrifos, while titanium and/or silver-doped zeolites showed strong catalytic activity in degrading carbamates, highlighting their environmental application potential.
... Over time, citropin 1.3 accumulated in the bacterial cytosol, with only limited colocalization observed between the peptide and the bacterial genetic material (Fig. 7A). [41][42][43][44][45] . Our findings identified at least ten distinct fibril morphologies, ranging from canonical cross-β amyloids to multi-layered nanotubes, and a crystal structure of a supramolecular α-helical structure, overall illustrating remarkable quaternary polymorphism. ...
Citropin 1.3 is an antimicrobial peptide produced by the amphibian Litoria citropa (Southern bell frog), which self-aggregates into distinct fibrillar structures, however, the function of the fibrils remains unclear and largely unexplored. In this study, the structural and functional properties of citropin 1.3 were investigated using cryogenic electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy in the presence of membrane and cell models, and with X-ray crystallography. Canonical amyloids, multilayered nanotubes, and a novel mixed fibril were observed. Experiments with negatively charged giant unilamellar vesicles revealed that the peptide facilitates membrane fusion while simultaneously undergoing phase separation in the presence of phospholipids. In presence of mammalian cells, citropin 1.3 permeabilizes membranes, leading to cell death, and over time, colocalizes with genetic material. Overall, this work provides new insights into the structural dynamics of the amyloidogenic antimicrobial peptide citropin 1.3 and its interactions with different systems.
... After the golden age of antibiotic discovery (1940s-1960s), the field faced great challenges in the decades that followed, and no new antibiotics were developed [6]. Antibiotic resistance killed about 1,270,000 people world-wide in 2019 and has since contributed to four times more deaths as resistance continues to rise globally [7]. In WHO African regions, bacteriaassociated Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) deaths were estimated to be 1.05 million: of these 250,000 were linked directly to AMR in 2019 [8]. ...
Clovibactin is a new depsipeptide and highly efficacious against Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, including methicillin-resistant and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus, with no apparent resistance. Clovibactin outclasses current antibiotics such as vancomycin. Here, we discuss its efficacy, emphasize the need for new antibiotics owing to growing global antibiotic resistance, highlight its mode of action and possible benefits over current treatments. We also highlight the challenges involved in large-scale manufacturing and the status of continuing research to advance effective and less toxic derivatives.
... Of major concern is the strong increase in antibiotic resistance observed among K. pneumoniae clinical isolates, making treatment of infections more difficult [9][10][11][12] . In 2019 alone, K. pneumoniae caused over 700,000 antibiotic resistance associated deaths worldwide, making it the third leading cause of antibiotic resistance associated deaths 13 . As for all Gram-negative bacteria, the outer membrane of K. pneumoniae mainly consists of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). ...
Antibody-dependent complement activation plays a key role in the natural human immune response to infections. Currently, the understanding of which antibody-antigen combinations drive a potent complement response on bacteria is limited. Here, we develop an antigen-agnostic approach to stain and single-cell sort human IgG memory B cells recognizing intact bacterial cells, keeping surface antigens in their natural context. With this method we successfully identified 29 antibodies against K. pneumoniae, a dominant cause of hospital-acquired infections with increasing antibiotic resistance. Combining genetic tools and functional analyses, we reveal that the capacity of antibodies to activate complement on K. pneumoniae critically depends on their antigenic target. Furthermore, we find that antibody combinations can synergistically activate complement on K. pneumoniae by strengthening each other’s binding in an Fc-independent manner. Understanding the molecular basis of effective complement activation by antibody combinations to mimic a polyclonal response could accelerate the development of antibody-based therapies against problematic infections.
... The findings are similar to those of various studies in China where an average 83.7% with URTIs received antibiotics [27]. Appropriate use of antibiotics for management of infections is one of the leading causes of antimicrobial resistance [28]. While most respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are viral, they can sometimes be associated with bacterial infections [10,29]. ...
Background
Most respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are viral and do not require antibiotics, yet their inappropriate prescription is common in low-income settings due to factors like inadequate diagnostic facilities. This misuse contributes to antibiotic resistance. We determined antibiotic prescription patterns and associated factors among outpatients with RTIs in Jinja City, Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective observational study that involved data abstraction of all patient records with a diagnosis of RTIs from the outpatient registers for the period of June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023. An interviewer-administered questionnaire capturing data on prescribing practices and factors influencing antibiotic prescription was administered to drug prescribers in the health facilities where data were abstracted and who had prescribed from June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023. We used modified Poisson regression analysis to identify factors associated with antibiotic prescription.
Results
Out of 1,669 patient records reviewed, the overall antibiotic prescription rate for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) was 79.8%. For specific RTIs, rates were 71.4% for acute bronchitis, 93.3% for acute otitis media, and 74.4% for acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Factors significantly associated with antibiotic prescription included access to Uganda Clinical Guidelines (Adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.01–0.91) and Integrated Management of Childhood Illness guidelines (aPR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.12–0.87, P = 0.002), which reduced the likelihood of prescription. Prescribers without training on antibiotic use were more likely to prescribe antibiotics (aPR = 3.55, 95% CI = 1.92–3.98). Patients with common cold (aPR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.04–0.20) and cough (aPR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.09–0.91) were less likely to receive antibiotics compared to those with pneumonia.
Conclusion
The study reveals a high rate of inappropriate antibiotic prescription for RTIs, highlighting challenges in adherence to treatment guidelines. This practice not only wastes national resources but also could contribute to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Targeted interventions, such as enforcing adherence to prescription guidelines, could improve prescription practices and reduce antibiotic misuse in this low-income setting.
... Six pathogens (E. coli, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumanii, and P. aeruginosa) were responsible for more than 75% of deaths attributable to AMR [102]. The absolute number of deaths due to AMR in 2019 was more than that due to tuberculosis, malaria, or AIDS. ...
... The absolute number of deaths due to AMR in 2019 was more than that due to tuberculosis, malaria, or AIDS. It is crucial to obtain surveillance data to devise region-specific strategies to fight AMR [102]. As we develop new therapies and technologies, the number of transplants and cancer chemotherapy patients will increase. ...
... The highest mortality rates were observed in the Central African Republic, Lesotho, and Eritrea. It also highlighted the critical challenges in surveillance and laboratory capacity in the region, advocating for improved data collection and tailored healthcare policies to mitigate the impact of AMR [102]. ...
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) stands as a parallel pandemic, growing at an astonishing rate. Given the failing efficacy of traditional therapeutic approaches, it becomes imperative to grasp the urgency of this situation and frame robust solutions to impede the rising tide of antibiotic failures. In this chapter, we discuss the fundamentals of AMR biology, addressing the central role of evolution and natural selection in its development. Additionally, we analyze the impact of clinical pressures and their global ramifications on the spread of AMR. Thorough coverage of both conventional and advanced diagnostic methods for detecting AMR infections is reviewed. The latter sections of this chapter explore the new domain of systems biology, presenting its significance in understanding AMR mechanisms and identifying novel drug targets. Anticipated as a foundational guide, this chapter aims to set the stage for a profound, system-level exploration of AMR throughout the remainder of this book.
... AMR, identified as a global world threat by WHO, claimed the lives of 4.95 million people in 2019 and is predicted to become the primary cause of death worldwide by 2050 [10]. This places significant pressure on the scientific community to devise a solution for this critical problem. ...
The bacterial metabolome provides a comprehensive profile of the biochemical and metabolic status within the cell. Gaining a deeper insight into the metabolome has proven to be immensely useful in discovering metabolic pathways underlying infections, identifying novel drug targets and biomarkers, and developing therapeutic interventions for combating antimicrobial resistance. Metabolomics has emerged as a powerful tool for decrypting the intricate and intertwined metabolic pathways operating in the bacterial and host systems. Further integration of metabolomics data with other -omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, will be extremely helpful in obtaining a more holistic understanding. Although there exist many challenges that need to be overcome to derive all the answers, the continuous advancements happening in the field offer promising solutions. This chapter provides a succinct overview of the pivotal role played by metabolomics in understanding bacterial metabolism, drug metabolism, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) diagnostics. This chapter also briefly addresses the current landscape of detection and analytical technologies utilized in metabolomics, highlighting both the ongoing advancements and the persisting challenges encountered in this field.
... Infections associated with implanted regenerative medical devices can cause failure of the implant, trauma to the patient and substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. 1 Infections are generally caused by bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa which form biofilms on implant surfaces and can cause failure of the implant, leading to revision surgeries. 1 Biofilms are intrinsically tolerant to antibiotics such that implantassociated infections are extremely challenging to treat, especially given the rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). ...
... Infections associated with implanted regenerative medical devices can cause failure of the implant, trauma to the patient and substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. 1 Infections are generally caused by bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa which form biofilms on implant surfaces and can cause failure of the implant, leading to revision surgeries. 1 Biofilms are intrinsically tolerant to antibiotics such that implantassociated infections are extremely challenging to treat, especially given the rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical threat to global public health, as evidenced by a recent Lancet report that estimated approximately 1.27 million deaths in 2019 were directly attributed to AMR bacteria. 1 Moreover, a recent WHO report has projected that by 2050 potentially 350 million deaths will result from AMR-based infections if left unaddressed. ...
... Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical threat to global public health, as evidenced by a recent Lancet report that estimated approximately 1.27 million deaths in 2019 were directly attributed to AMR bacteria. 1 Moreover, a recent WHO report has projected that by 2050 potentially 350 million deaths will result from AMR-based infections if left unaddressed. 2,3 This escalating crisis of AMR necessitates the development of alternative antimicrobial treatment modalities. ...
Modern regenerative medicine approaches can rely on the fabrication of personalised medical devices and implants; however, many of these can fail due to infections, requiring antibiotics and revision surgeries. Given the rise in multidrug resistant bacteria, developing implants with antimicrobial activity without the use of traditional antibiotics is crucial for successful implant integration and improving patient outcomes. 3D printed gelatin-based implants have a broad range of applications in regenerative medicine due to their biocompatibility, ease of modification and degradability. In this paper, we report on the development of gelatin biomaterial inks loaded with the antimicrobial peptide, nisin, for extrusion-based 3D printing to produce scaffolds with controlled porosity, high shape fidelity, and structural stability. Rheological properties were comprehensively studied to develop inks that had shear thinning behaviour and viscoelastic properties to ensure optimal printability and extrudability, and enable precise deposition and structural integrity during 3D printing. The 3D printed scaffolds fabricated from the gelatin/nisin inks demonstrated excellent antimicrobial efficacy (complete kill) against Gram positive bacteria methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Overall, this ink's high printability and antimicrobial efficacy with the model antimicrobial peptide, nisin, offers the potential to develop customisable regenerative medicine implants that can effectively combat infection without contributing to the development of multidrug resistant bacteria.
... However, if they increase or the skin becomes damaged, staphylococcal skin infection can spread in the bloodstream throughout the body and cause sepsis. Based on Global Burden of Disease Study data, S. aureus is the second reason of total deaths in all infections and first reason of bloodstream infection in the world [4]. Despite the limited data that the COVID-19 pandemic has a downward prevalence of respiratory S. aureus infections (for example, in children in Henan, China) due to the use of face masks and social distancing, no significant changes in the spread of non-respiratory S. aureus infections were obvious [5]. ...
A new biological activity was discovered for marine fungal meroterpenoid meroantarctine A with unique 6/5/6/6 polycyclic system. It was found that meroantarctine A can significantly reduce biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus with an IC50 of 9.2 µM via inhibition of sortase A activity. Co-cultivation of HaCaT keratinocytes with a S. aureus suspension was used as an in vitro model of skin infection. Treatment of S. aureus-infected HaCaT cells with meroantarctine A at 10 µM caused a reduction in the production of TNF-α, IL-18, NO, and ROS, as well as LDH release and caspase 1 activation in these cells and, finally, recovered the proliferation and migration of HaCaT cells in an in vitro wound healing assay up to the control level. Thus, meroantarctine A is a new promising antibiofilm compound which can effective against S. aureus caused skin infection.
... It has been estimated that in 2019 alone, antimicrobial resistance killed at least 1.27 million people globally, more deaths than HIV/AIDS or malaria, with 4.95 million deaths associated with AMR [2]. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Antibiotic Resistance Threats Report [3], in the United States, over 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur each year, leading to over 35,000 deaths. ...
... Once the fluorescence microscopy is done, analyzing the images obtained is a critical step for accurately determining cell morphologies. This is especially evident in the study of bacterial shapes since their cell body is composed of a small number of pixels (for example, ~ 100-300 px [2] for E. coli in typical experiments) [129]. At this scale, accurate subcellular localization requires defining the cell boundary with single-pixel precision or more desirable sub-pixel resolution [130]. ...
Developing new antibiotics poses a significant challenge in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a critical global health threat responsible for approximately 5 million deaths annually. Finding new classes of antibiotics that are safe, have acceptable pharmacokinetic properties, and are appropriately active against pathogens is a lengthy and expensive process. Therefore, high-throughput platforms are needed to screen large libraries of synthetic and natural compounds. In this review, we present bacterial cytological profiling (BCP) as a rapid, scalable, and cost-effective method for identifying the mechanisms of action of antibiotics, offering a promising tool for combating AMR and drug discovery. We present the application of BCP for different bacterial organisms and different classes of antibiotics and discuss BCP's advantages, limitations, and potential improvements. Furthermore, we highlight the studies that have utilized BCP to investigate pathogens listed in the Bacterial Priority Pathogens List 2024 and we identify the pathogens whose cytological profiles are missing. Lastly, we explore the most recent artificial intelligence and deep learning techniques that could enhance the analysis of data generated by BCP, potentially advancing our understanding of antibiotic resistance mechanisms and the discovery of novel druggable pathways.