Molecular Mechanism Research

Abstract Background: Cervicitis, an inflammation of the uterine cervix, is often associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and its early detection is crucial for effective management. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and other pathogens are common causes. Diagnostic methods such as Gram staining, culture, PCR, and histopathology are used to identify the etiological agents. However, their comparative efficacy remains debated. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of culture, multiplex PCR, and histopathology in detecting the etiological agents of cervicitis. Methods: A total of 248 endocervical samples were collected from women with suspected cervicitis. These samples were examined using Gram stain, culture, multiplex PCR, and histopathological analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic performance of each method were assessed. Results: Among the samples, Gram stain identified 8.87% N. gonorrhoeae, while culture and PCR detected 5.64% and 10.48%, respectively. Histopathology revealed chronic cervicitis in 20% of cases, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in 43.33%, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 36.67%. PCR demonstrated the highest sensitivity (100%) for N. gonorrhoeae detection compared to culture, which had lower sensitivity. Gram stain showed high specificity (96.58%) but was less sensitive than PCR. The multiplex PCR method was superior in detecting mixed infections and pathogens that failed to grow in culture. Histopathology, while important for identifying tissue abnormalities, had limited sensitivity in detecting specific microbial agents. Conclusion: PCR is the most reliable and sensitive method for detecting cervicitis-causing pathogens, outperforming culture and Gram stain. Histopathology, though valuable for identifying tissue changes, is not as effective in diagnosing the microbial etiology. A combination of PCR and histopathology may provide a comprehensive diagnostic approach for cervicitis.

Abstract Background: Escherichia coli is a common microbial flora in milk and milk products and is known to be a leading cause of illness in humans. It can lead to severe infections such as cellulitis, septicemia, and airsacculitis. Due to its potential health risks, monitoring and control of E. coli in milk are crucial for public health. Objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of E. coli from milk samples collected from various areas in Jashore District, Bangladesh. Methods: A total of sixty milk samples were collected from different areas in Jashore. The samples were enriched in saline water, followed by serial dilution, and plated on MacConkey agar. Isolates were further cultured on EMB agar plates, identified using biochemical methods, and tested for antimicrobial resistance against seven antibiotics using MHA agar plates. DNA extraction and PCR amplification were performed to detect specific virulence genes using multiplex primers. Results: Out of sixty isolates, 100% of E. coli isolates were resistant to erythromycin. Resistance was also observed to chloramphenicol (15%), gentamicin (18%), trimethoprim (0%), streptomycin (12%), cefoxitin (56%), and aztreonam (0%). The highest susceptibility was observed with cefoxitin and aztreonam. PCR results showed no amplification of virulence genes in the isolates. Conclusion: The study found high antimicrobial resistance in E. coli from milk in Jashore, posing a public health risk. While virulence genes were not detected, the resistance highlights the need for better milk handling and stricter antibiotic use regulations in the dairy industry.

Abstract Background:  In Bangladesh, antibiotic resistance is a growing health concern, driven by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics without prescriptions or proper dosage. This misuse, along with untreated hospital wastewater (HWW) containing antimicrobial residues, contributes to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment. Hospital and household sewage can serve as reservoirs for these resistant bacteria, posing a risk to public health. Objective:  To isolate and identify common bacterial species from hospital and household sewage, assess their antibiotic susceptibility, and compare multidrug resistance between hospital and household wastewater. Methods:  Sewage samples from hospital and household sources were collected from various locations in the Saver zone over three months. After enrichment, the samples were plated on selective media (MacConkey, EMB, Cetrimate, TCBS, SS agar). Bacterial colonies were identified based on morphology and confirmed through biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, with 13 antibiotics assessed for multidrug resistance. The process took about three months. Results:  The prevalence of bacterial isolates was as follows: E. coli  (15.05% in hospital, 15.22% in household), Klebsiella spp.  (18.28% in hospital, 17.39% in household), Salmonella spp.  (16.13% in hospital, 10.87% in household), Shigella spp.  (12.90% in hospital, 10.87% in household), Vibrio spp.  (11.83% in hospital, 8.70% in household), Pseudomonas spp.  (11.83% in hospital, 17.39% in household), and Staphylococcus spp.  (13.98% in hospital, 19.57% in household). Among the antibiotics tested, Azithromycin (AZM) , Ciprofloxacin (CIP) , and Cefixime (CFM)  were the most effective. Over 80% resistance was observed for other antibiotics. All isolates were multidrug-resistant, with hospital sewage showing slightly higher resistance levels compared to household sewage. Conclusion:  The study underscores the role of hospital wastewater in spreading multidrug-resistant bacteria, with higher resistance observed in hospital sewage. Antibiotic misuse is a major factor driving resistance, posing a significant public health threat. Effective antibiotic management and wastewater treatment are urgently needed.

Abstract Background : Dental caries is a multifactorial disease influenced by various microorganisms. Streptococcus mutans  has long been recognized as a primary pathogen, but other bacteria, fungi, and their interactions also play crucial roles in disease progression. Understanding these microbial dynamics is essential for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Objective : This study aimed to assess the microbial profiles associated with dental caries, focusing on the prevalence of key bacteria and fungi, their correlation with caries severity, and the potential for antimicrobial resistance. Methods : A total of 100 patients attending a dental clinic were included in the study. Microbial samples were collected from carious lesions and identified using microbial culture and PCR techniques. The correlation between microbial load and caries severity was analyzed, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on selected bacterial species. Results : The study found a high prevalence of S. mutans  (90%) in carious lesions, confirming its primary role in caries initiation. Secondary invaders like Lactobacillus  and Actinomyces  were associated with deeper lesions and root surface caries. Additionally, Candida albicans  was detected in pediatric cases, suggesting a potential synergistic role in severe early childhood caries. Resistance to tetracycline was observed in 15% of Lactobacillus  isolates. Conclusion : The findings confirm the central role of S. mutans  in dental caries and highlight the involvement of secondary pathogens like Lactobacillus  and Actinomyces  in disease progression. The presence of Candida albicans  suggests a potential synergy in pediatric cases. A holistic approach considering both bacterial and fungal factors is crucial for effective caries management. Monitoring microbial resistance is essential for improving clinical outcomes.

Abstract Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent and growing health concern in Bangladesh, contributing significantly to the burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels have been linked to several metabolic disorders, including diabetes and cardiovascular complications. However, the relationship between SUA levels and cardiovascular risk factors in T2DM patients in Bangladesh is underexplored. This study aimed to assess the association between SUA levels and key cardiovascular risk factors in T2DM patients. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2023 with 120 participants (90 T2DM patients and 30 controls). Sociodemographic and clinical data, including BMI, waist-hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure, lipid profile, and diabetes duration, were collected. Serum uric acid levels were measured using the phosphotungstic acid method. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 21, using independent t-tests and chi-square tests for comparisons between groups. Results:  The mean SUA level was significantly higher in the diabetic group (5.88 ± 1.04 mg/dL) compared to controls (4.13 ± 0.85 mg/dL). A positive correlation was found between SUA levels and BMI (r = 0.45) and WHR (r = 0.38). Diabetic patients with hypertension had significantly higher SUA levels (6.60 ± 1.10 mg/dL) than non-hypertensive patients (4.79 ± 1.18 mg/dL, P < 0.05). SUA levels also increased with diabetes duration, with the highest levels in patients with diabetes for 9-12 years (6.47 ± 1.07 mg/dL). Conclusion: This study found that serum uric acid levels were significantly higher in T2DM patients and positively correlated with BMI, WHR, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. SUA levels increased with the duration of diabetes, highlighting its potential role in predicting cardiovascular risk. Regular monitoring of SUA can be useful in managing T2DM patients to prevent cardiovascular complications.