A Study of Bacteriological Profile of Pleural Fluid and Antibiogram of Isolates at Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Medical College Andhospital College, Rajkot

Background: The bacteriology of thoracic empyema has been changing since the introduction of antibiotics. Gram stain and culture has for decades been the “gold standard” for the detection of microorganisms in pleural fluid samples. The present retrospective study was designed to review our experience with the microbial causes of empyema and their antibiotic sensitive patterns. The knowledge of likely prevalent strains along with their antimicrobial sensitive pattern helps in the framing of antibiotic policy and better management of patients. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was including 500 cases suspected of bacteriological infection of pleural fluid in patients admitted in ward of PDU Government Hospital, Rajkot. The performa include serial number, register number, age, sex, ward, clinical features of patients and investigation. All the samples were inoculated into Blood agar and MacConkey agar and Nutrient agar. All the plates were incubated aerobically at 370 C and results were read after 24 hours. If no growth present it is further incubated for next 24 hours. One smear was prepared on clean glass slide, then air dried and was heat fixed. Gram staining was done by standard technique. Results: This study include 500 cases of pleural effusion from January 2015 to July 2016, out of which 87 cases show positive Bacterial culture growth and 232 cases were adenosine deaminase positive. In total 87 positive bacterial cultures, 20(22%) show bacterial pathogens in gram stain. Total positive culture found in 17.4%. Among them; most common Bacteria isolated was Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 40 (45%) patients, this was followed by Klebsiella pneumonaie in 21 (24%), Staphylococcus aureus in 10 (11.49%), Acinetobacter spp. in 4 (4.59%), Proteus spp.in 3 (3.44%) and Providencia in 1 (1.14%). Conclusion: Pleural space infection continues to be prevalent in our country particularly in the lower socioeconomic strata due to the delay in seeking medical care, inappropriate antibiotics and dosages and duration of antibiotic treatment. All gram positive bacteria isolate were 100% sensitivity to Rifampicin, Vancomycin, Linezolid.

Young Zambian infants with symptomatic RSV and pertussis infections are frequently prescribed inappropriate antibiotics

Pediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a pressing global health concern, particularly in low-resource settings where diagnosis and treatment rely on empiric, symptoms-based guidelines such as the WHO's Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI). This study details the delivery of IMCI-based health care in a cohort of 1,320 young infants and their mothers in a low-resource urban community in Lusaka, Zambia. We prospectively monitored mother/infant pairs across infants' first four months of life, recording symptoms of respiratory infection and antibiotics prescriptions (predominantly penicillins), and tested nasopharyngeal (NP) samples for Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Bordetella pertussis. Symptoms and antibiotics use were more common in infants (43% and 15.7%) than in mothers (16.6% and 8%), while RSV and B. pertussis were observed at similar rates in infants (2.7% and 32.5%) and mothers (2% and 35.5%), albeit frequently at very low levels. In infants, we observed strong associations between symptoms, pathogen detection, and antibiotics use. Critically, we demonstrate that non-macrolide antibiotics were commonly prescribed for pertussis infections, some of which persisted across many weeks. We speculate that improved diagnostic specificity and/or clinician education paired with timely, appropriate treatment of pertussis could substantially reduce the burden of this disease while reducing the off-target use of penicillins.

Effectiveness of Pharmacist-Led Brief Educational Intervention for Adherence to the Antibiotics for Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (EATSA) in Post-Conflict Rural Areas of Pakistan: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Globally, lower respiratory infections (LRTIs) are one of the most common infectious diseases whichaffect majority of the population and as a result of inappropriate antibiotics practices lead to antibiotic resistance (AR). An individual randomized control trial will be conducted in the post-conflict areas of Swat, Pakistan, through a random sampling method. Patients aged > 18 years will be recruited from five community pharmacies and assigned to equally sized groups to receive either pharmacist-led education interventions or usual care with no intervention. A total of 400 (control = 200, study = 200) patients will be included, with prescriptions comprised of antibiotics for LRTIs. The outcomes measured in both groups will be a combination of treatment cure rate and adherence, which will be assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and pill count. The trial comprises pharmacist-led educational interventions to improve treatment outcomes for patients with LRTIs. This study might establish the groundwork for pharmaceutical care of LRTIs patients with antibacterial therapy and the future delivery of a care strategy for the improvement of LRTIs treatment outcomes in post-conflict, remote areas of the third world and LMICs.

Counselling Patterns of Community Pharmacies when Dispensing Antibiotics in Galle DS Division, Sri Lanka

Antibiotic resistance has been identified as a significant health issueacross the world. Inappropriate antibiotics prescribing by physicians, dispensing antibiotics without prescription and counseling by pharmacists, and the misuse of antibiotics by patients make them chief parties responsible for this global problem. Community pharmacists have a major responsibility to counsel the patients before dispensing antibiotics. The objectives of this study was to investigate the counselling patterns of community pharmacies when dispensing antibiotics and to examine whether the community pharmacists demand a prescription when dispensing antibiotics in Galle, Sri Lanka. This was a simulated patient study involving community pharmacists/ pharmacy assistants who work in community pharmacies in the Galle DS division (Divisional Secretary Division), Sri Lanka. Case scenarios of specific product requests (Erythromycin tablets, Ciprofloxacin tablets, Amoxicillin syrup) were presented by a simulated patient, and data were recorded after purchasing each product. Most of the pharmacists/ pharmacy assistants (72%) didn’t demand a prescription for antibiotic dispensing. About 82% of the visited pharmacies had dispensed antibiotics without a prescription. Only 14% of community pharmacies in the area had taken medical and lifestyle history of simulated patients (investigators) before dispensing. Advice or counselling regarding antibiotics were given only by 24% of the community pharmacies. Counselling patterns of community pharmacies in the area were unsatisfactory. Major issues of dispensing antibiotics and, not demanding a prescription were common. These issues need to be addressed by health authorities and policymakers to safeguard patients.

Comparative study of cefixime and tetracycline as an evaluation policy driven by the antibiotic resistance crisis in Indonesia

Antibiotic resistance is a serious threat that occurs globally in the health sector due to increased consumption of inappropriate antibiotics. Guidelines for prescribing antibiotics for ARTIs have been issued in general practice to promote rational antibiotic prescribing. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of cefixime and tetracycline as a solution to improve monitoring of appropriate antibiotic use in the treatment of ARTIs. All stock isolates were rejuvenated first, and cultured on standard media and Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method was used for susceptibility testing in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute’s (CLSI) recommendations. Identification of bacteria from a single isolate was carried out to determine which bacteria were resistant to cefixime and tetracycline. A total of 466 single isolates of bacteria were analyzed, which showed a percentage of resistance to cefixime 38.0%, and tetracycline 92.86%. Bacterial isolates were resistant to cefixime and tetracycilne was a genus of Haemophilus, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, and bordetella. Cefixime compared to tetracycline was proven to be superior in terms of the effectiveness of ARIs treatment.

Risk Factors for Antibiotic Resistant Urinary Pathogens in Patients Discharged From the Emergency Department

Purpose: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common indications for antimicrobial use in the emergency department (ED). Appropriate empiric selection is crucial to ensure optimal care while limiting broad-spectrum antibiotic use. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between patient-specific risk factors and drug resistant urinary pathogens in patients discharged from the ED and followed by Emergency Medicine Pharmacists (EMPs). Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective chart review of adult (≥18 years old) patients with positive urine cultures discharged from the ED. The association between risk factors and pathogen resistance to ≥1 classes of antibiotics was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. Risk factors included the following: hospitalization within the previous 30 days, intravenous antibiotic use within 90 days, diabetes, clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, psychiatric disorder, dementia, current antibiotic use for any indication, previous lifetime history of UTIs, indwelling or intermittent catheterization, hemodialysis, previous lifetime history of a urologic procedure, urinary tract abnormality, immunosuppressive disease or medications, current residence in a nursing or rehabilitation facility, and history of a multidrug resistant organism (MDRO). Results: A total of 1018 patients were included. There was an increase in the odds of antibiotic resistance in patients with cystitis and ≥2 risk factors (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.24-2.32). In those with pyelonephritis, there was a non-significant increase in the odds of resistance for those with ≥2 risk factors (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 0.98-3.42). Patients with pyelonephritis discharged on inappropriate antibiotics were more likely to return to the ED within 30 days ( P = .03). Conclusions: For patients with cystitis discharged from the ED, those with ≥2 patient-specific risk factors had significantly increased odds of antibiotic resistance. Patients with pyelonephritis, but not cystitis, who were discharged on inappropriate antibiotics were more likely to return to the ED within 30 days. In conjunction with an EMP culture follow-up program, the identification of risk factors for antimicrobial resistance can be used to design more patient-specific empiric antibiotic selections.

Clinical outcome of Maggot Debridement Therapy followed by Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for chronic hand wound with Multi-Drug Resistant Organism infection: Two cases and review of the literature

The advancement in science and research has led to development of medical maggots which feed exclusively on dead tissue. Medical maggots have three important functions namely debridement, disinfection, and stimulation of wound healing. The modern use of medical maggots now goes by the term “Maggot Debridement Therapy” (MDT) for use in wound management. MDT is still used infrequently due to the effectiveness of surgical debridement and antibiotics for treatment of wound infection. Lately, there was emergence of Multi-Drug Resistant Organism (MDRO) likely due to inappropriate antibiotics usage. Maggot secretions have been shown to be effective in inhibiting some MDRO, for example, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, thus making MDT an attractive option for wounds with MDRO. We report two patients with multiple medical comorbidities, diagnosed with serious MDRO Diabetic Hand Infections treated with three cycles of MDT followed by Negative Pressure Wound Therapy.

Evaluation of standard dosing for selected broad spectrum Hydrophilic antibiotics in critically ill patients with Augmented renal clearance: An observational Study

Background: Inappropriate antibiotics dosing in critically ill patients with augmented renal clearance (ARC) may be associated with pathogens resistance and worse outcomes. Unfortunately, studies regarding the relationship between ARC and clinical outcomes in patients treated with antibiotics medication are rare. The study evaluates the efficacy and clinical outcomes of selected broad-spectrum hydrophilic antibiotics in ARC critically ill patients with confirmed infections. Methods: A retrospective cohort study in adult critically ill patients who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC)-Riyadh and received standard dosing of selected broad-spectrum hydrophilic antibiotics (Meropenem, Imipenem, or Piperacillin/Tazobactam) with confirmed infection. All the patients who met our inclusion criteria during the study period (01/01/2018 – 31/12/2019) were included. Eligible patients have been divided into two groups (ARC Vs. non-ARC) according to the calculated creatinine clearance using the Cockcroft-Gault equation. The primary outcome was to assess pathogen eradication at 10-14 days; other outcomes were considered secondary. Multivariate logistic and generalized linear regression analyses were used. We considered a P value of < 0.05 statistically significant. Results: A total of 133 patients were included in the study; 67 Patients had ARC. The distribution of infections and types of pathogens between the groups were the same. The pathogen eradication at 10-14 days was similar between the two groups (OR 1.08; 95% CI, 0.41–2.78 p = 0.88). Moreover, the odds of resistance development and persistence after 3 days were not significantly different between the groups ((OR 0.78; 95% CI, 0.25–2.40 p = 0.66) and (OR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.35–2.18 p = 0.78) respectively). Conclusion: Using standard dosing of Meropenem, Imipenem, or Piperacillin/Tazobactam in ARC patients was not associated with therapy failure. Further randomized clinical and interventional studies are required to confirm our findings.

Community pharmacists’ management of self-limiting infections: a simulation study in Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria

Background: Inappropriate use of antibiotics, especially for treatment of self-limiting infections remains one of the major drivers of antibiotic resistance (ABR). Community pharmacists can contribute to reducing ABR by ensuring antibiotics are dispensed only when necessary. Objective: To assess community pharmacists’ management of self-limiting infections. Methods: A purposive sample of 75 pharmacies participated in the study. Each pharmacy was visited by an investigator and a trained simulated patient who mimicked symptoms of common cold and acute diarrhoea, respectively. Interactions between the simulated patient and pharmacist were recorded by the investigator in a data collection form after each visit. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out. Ethics approval was obtained from the state Ministry of Health Research Ethics Committee. Results: For common cold, 68% (51/75) of pharmacists recommended an antibiotic. Azithromycin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim (43%, 24%, 20%, respectively) were the most frequently dispensed agents. For acute diarrhoea, 72% (54/75) of pharmacists dispensed one antibiotic, while 15% dispensed more than one antibiotic. The most frequently dispensed agent was metronidazole (82%), which was dispensed in addition to amoxicillin or tetracycline among pharmacists who dispensed more than one agent. In both infection scenarios, advice on dispensed antibiotics was ofered in 73% and 87% of the interactions, respectively. Conclusion: This study shows high rate of inappropriate antibiotics dispensing among community pharmacists. There is need for improved awareness of antibiotic resistance through continuing education and training of community pharmacists. Furthermore, the inclusion of antibiotic resistance and stewardship in undergraduate pharmacy curriculum is needed. Keywords: Antibiotics; pharmacists; common cold; acute diarrhoea; community pharmacy; patient simulation.

Evaluation of standard dosing for selected broad spectrum Hydrophilic antibiotics in critically ill patients with Augmented renal clearance: An observational Study

Background: Inappropriate antibiotics dosing in critically ill patients with augmented renal clearance (ARC) may be associated with pathogens resistance and worse outcomes. Unfortunately, studies regarding the relationship between ARC and clinical outcomes in patients treated with antibiotics medication are rare. The study evaluates the efficacy and clinical outcomes of selected broad-spectrum hydrophilic antibiotics in ARC critically ill patients with confirmed infections. Methods: A retrospective cohort study in adult critically ill patients who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC)-Riyadh and received standard dosing of selected broad-spectrum hydrophilic antibiotics (Meropenem, Imipenem, or Piperacillin/Tazobactam) with confirmed infection. All the patients who met our inclusion criteria during the study period (01/01/2018 – 31/12/2019) were included. Eligible patients have been divided into two groups (ARC Vs. non-ARC) according to the calculated creatinine clearance using the Cockcroft-Gault equation. The primary outcome was to assess pathogen eradication at 10-14 days; other outcomes were considered secondary. Multivariate logistic and generalized linear regression analyses were used. We considered a P value of < 0.05 statistically significant. Results: A total of 133 patients were included in the study; 67 Patients had ARC. The distribution of infections and types of pathogens between the groups were the same. The pathogen eradication at 10-14 days was similar between the two groups (OR 1.08; 95% CI, 0.41–2.78 p = 0.88). Moreover, the odds of resistance development and persistence after 3 days were not significantly different between the groups ((OR 0.78; 95% CI, 0.25–2.40 p = 0.66) and (OR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.35–2.18 p = 0.78) respectively). Conclusion: Using standard dosing of Meropenem, Imipenem, or Piperacillin/Tazobactam in ARC patients was not associated with therapy failure. Further randomized clinical and interventional studies are required to confirm our findings.