Phenotypic And Molecular Characterization of Acinetobacter Species Isolated from Bloodstream Infections in Intensive Care Unit Patients
Hoque MM, Brig Gen Md Monirul Hoque, MBBS, MCPS, DCP, FCPS (Microbiology), Adviser Specialist in Pathology, Deputy Commandant, AFIP, Dhaka Cantonment.
Kausar S.M. H, Maj S.M. Hasib Kausar, MBBS, MCPS, MD Resident (Microbiology), AFIP, Dhaka Cantonment.
Haque S, Maj Sanaul Haque, MBBS, MCPS, MD Resident (Microbiology), AFIP, Dhaka Cantonment.
MSI Journal of Medicine and Medical Research (MSIJMMR) | DOI https://zenodo.org/records/17719020 | Page 01 to 16
Abstract
Background: In the demanding environment of intensive care units (ICUs), bloodstream infections (BSIs) attributed to Acinetobacter species represent a formidable clinical challenge. This is primarily driven by the pathogen’s escalating multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes, which severely restrict effective therapeutic avenues.
Objective: The primary aim of this investigation was to comprehensively characterize Acinetobacter strains recovered from the blood of ICU patients exhibiting clinical signs of septicemia, with a specific focus on determining their phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility profiles and genotypically identifying key resistance determinants.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was executed between July 2021 and June 2024 across the ICUs of two prominent tertiary care centers in Dhaka, Bangladesh: Combined Military Hospital and Kurmitola General Hospital. Blood specimens from a cohort of 301 patients with suspected septicemia were cultured. The resulting Acinetobacter isolates were subjected to rigorous antimicrobial susceptibility testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to detect underlying resistance genes.
Results: Acinetobacter species were successfully isolated from 46 of the 301 patients, corresponding to a prevalence rate of 15.3%. Phenotypically, these isolates demonstrated alarmingly high resistance levels against ceftazidime (76.1%), followed closely by ceftriaxone and cotrimoxazole (both at 71.7%), cefixime (69.6%), and levofloxacin (63%). Moderate levels of resistance were noted for gentamicin (52.2%), amikacin (50%), netilmicin (47.8%), and piperacillin-tazobactam (43.5%). Notably, 28.3% of isolates were resistant to meropenem. Conversely, colistin and tigecycline retained high efficacy, with resistance rates of 0% and 2.2%, respectively. Molecular analysis of five representative isolates indicated a universal (100%) presence of blaNDM-1, blaCTX-M, and blaTEM-793 genes. Furthermore, blaOXA-48, blaCTX-M-15, blaSHV, and mphA were identified in 80% of these samples, while blaCMY-2 and blaCTX-M-2 were found in 40% and 20%, respectively. Genes such as blaCMY, blaKPC, and other CTX-M variants were absent.
Conclusion: The findings highlight a substantial burden of MDR Acinetobacter spp. in ICU-related bloodstream infections, underpinned by intricate genetic mechanisms that include both ESBL and carbapenemase genes. While colistin and tigecycline currently remain viable therapeutic options, their long-term utility is threatened. These results advocate for continuous resistance surveillance, rigorous infection prevention protocols, and the incorporation of routine molecular diagnostics to steer targeted treatment and effective containment measures.
Keywords: Intensive Care Unit Sepsis, Acinetobacter Bacteremia, Multidrug Resistance Profiles, Carbapenemase Genes, Molecular Epidemiology.
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ANTINUTRIENTS AND SENSORY PROFILE OF A FORMULATED PLANT-BASED READY-TO-USE SUPPLEMETARY FOOD (RUSF) COOKIES TO ADDRESS NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES IN MODERATE ACUTE MALNUTRITION (MAM), CONVALESCENCE AND GENERAL HEALTH MAINTENANCE
Eseosa C. Adeyinka, Department of Biochemistry, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State.
J. M. Bunza, One Health Institute, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
Shekins Osheke Okere, Department of Biochemistry, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State.
Godwin I. Adoga, Department of Biochemistry, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State.
MSI Journal of Medicine and Medical Research (MSIJMMR) | DOI https://zenodo.org/records/17629279 | Page 01 to 14
Abstract
Antinutritional factors in plant-based therapeutic foods can significantly impact mineral bioavailability and sensory properties, potentially compromising nutritional efficacy and consumer acceptance. This study evaluated the antinutrient content and sensory acceptability of a novel plant-based RUSF cookie among healthy, convalescent, and moderately malnourished Nigerian populations. Two experimental formulations (FPP A and FPP B) were analyzed for phytate, tannins, and oxalates using standardized chemical methods. Sensory evaluation was conducted with 70 participants across three groups using a 9-point hedonic scale. Statistical analysis employed ANOVA and t-tests with significance at p<0.05. Antinutrient levels were exceptionally low across all formulations: phytate (0.02-0.03 g/100g), tannins (0.01-0.02 g/100g), and oxalates (0.02-0.03 g/100g), significantly below RUSF standards. Phytate:mineral molar ratios indicated high mineral bioavailability (phytate:iron 0.8; phytate:zinc 4.2). Despite favorable antinutrient profile, the commercial control was significantly preferred (p<0.05), likely attributable to its high sugar content and resultant sweetness. The novel plant-based RUSF demonstrates excellent mineral bioavailability potential due to minimal antinutrient content. However, sensory optimization is needed to enhance consumer acceptance while maintaining nutritional quality.
Keywords: Antinutrients, Phytate, Tannins, Oxalates, Sensory Evaluation, Bioavailability, RUSF, Plant-based
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For articles published under a Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, any part of the article may be reused for any purpose, including commercial use, provided that the original MSIP article is clearly cited.
Religion and Medicine - Explaining the Unexplained
Mamun Al Mahtab, Department of Hepatology, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Sheikh Mohammad Fazle Akbar, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan, Oita University, Oita, Japan and Miyakawa Memorial Research Foundation, Tokyo, Japan.
Sakirul Khan, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan.
Md. Abdur Rahim, Department of Hepatology, International Medical College, Gazipur, Bangladesh.
Sheikh Mohammad Noor E Alam, Department of Hepatology, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Rokshana Begum, Department of Hepatology, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Ahmed Lutful Moben, Department of Hepatology, Kurmitola General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Md. Rezwanur Rahman, National Gastroliver Institute and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Manas Saha, Department of Hepatology, Khulna Medical College, Khulna, Bangladesh.
Musarrat Mahtab, Department of Biochemistry, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
MSI Journal of Medicine and Medical Research (MSIJMMR) | DOI https://zenodo.org/records/17627458 | Page 01 to 10
Abstract
The roots of medicine lie in religion and spirituality. In ancient times, it was the priests who were the healers. The early hospitals were also established and managed by them. Medicine was initially targeted to provide relief and palliation. Subsequently the focus shifted to cure and especially with the emergence of evidence-based medicine. There was dissociation of medicine from religion and spirituality. However there is significant evidence that religion and spirituality may benefit patients suffering from wide range of diseases. On one hand, integration of religion and spirituality in modern medical practice is gaining momentum, while on the other hand, there are still unanswered ethical issues. Although this alignment is time demanding, more so now than ever before, a lot more is yet to be done.
Keywords: Religion, spirituality, medicine, evidence, ethical issues
All articles published by MSIP are made immediately available worldwide under an open access license. No special permission is required to reuse all or part of any MSIP article, including figures and tables.
For articles published under a Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, any part of the article may be reused for any purpose, including commercial use, provided that the original MSIP article is clearly cited.
Demographic Characteristics and Prevalence of Gallstones among Adults Patients in Khost Province, Afghanistan
Mohammad Naqib Shah, Lecturer Faculty of Medicine, Ahmad Shah Abdali Private University, Khost Afghanistan.
MSI Journal of Medicine and Medical Research (MSIJMMR) | DOI https://zenodo.org/records/17548704 | Page 01 to 11
Abstract
Introduction: Gallstones are a common digestive disorder that significantly affects quality of life and healthcare costs. Their occurrence is influenced by age, gender, lifestyle, genetic, and economic factors. In Khost Province, Afghanistan, research on this topic is limited. This study aimed to determine the Demographic Characteristics and Prevalence of among adults patients in Khost Province.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted during 1403. A total of 200 gallstone patients from various districts of Khost Province were included. Data were collected using questionnaires and clinical assessments and analyzed statistically.
Results: Among participants, 107 (53.5%) were female and 93 (46.5%) were male. The most represented age group was 41–50 years (93) 46.5%. Regarding marital status, 193 (96.5%) were married and only 7 (3.5%) were single. Professionally, most were housewife (86, 43%), followed by formers (38, 19%) and teachers (29, 14.5%). Residence distribution showed 140 (70%) rural and 60 (30%) urban. Economically, 108 (54%) were low-income, 77 (38.5%) middle-income, 14 (7%) high-income, and 1 (0.5%) had a good economic status. Family history of gallstones was reported in 115 (57.5%).
Conclusion: The study indicates that female gender, middle age (41–50 years), being married, having a positive family history, and living in rural areas are key factors associated with an increased risk of gallstone formation. These findings highlight the influence of demographic and hereditary factors on the prevalence of gallstones and suggest the need for targeted preventive measures in high-risk populations.
Keywords: Gallstones, prevalence, Demographic Characteristics, family history, Khost Province
All articles published by MSIP are made immediately available worldwide under an open access license. No special permission is required to reuse all or part of any MSIP article, including figures and tables.
For articles published under a Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, any part of the article may be reused for any purpose, including commercial use, provided that the original MSIP article is clearly cited.
