Viral Infections and Cancer Research

Isolation identification & antibiotic sensitivity of pus & tracheal aspirate isolates among tertiary hospital patients

Background: The study aims to identify bacterial isolates and drug susceptibility patterns from patients with pus and wound discharge, addressing the issue of antibiotic resistance and the need for rational use in controlling infections. Methods and Materials: The cross sectional study at Bangladesh University of Health Sciences involved purposive sampling and Pus & tracheal aspirates from patients. It followed standard laboratory procedures for bacterial species identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing using disk diffusion method following CLSI guidelines 2017. Results: This study examined 400 samples over a year, with most being pus (84%) and tracheal aspirate (16%). Males were predominant (56%), and gram-negative bacteria were predominant (74%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive to tigecycline (83%), followed by Meropenem & Doxycycline (67%), Gentamicin (58%), Cotrimoxaxole, Chloramphenicol & Colistin (42% each). Klebsiella pneumoniae were 100% sensitive to Meropenem, Ciprofloxacin & Tigecycline, and were 100% resistant to Cefotaxime, Cefixime & Cotrimoxazole. Escherichia coli were highly sensitive to Meropenem & Tigecycline, followed by Ceftazidime (69%), Gentamicin (63%), Ciprofloxacin & Colistin (62%), Doxycycline, Cefotoxime, Cefoxitin, Cotrimoxazole & Chloramphenicol (50%), Cefixime (31%), Amoxycillin (25%), and Ampicillin (24%). Staphylococcus aureus were most resistant to Vancomycin & Linezolid (75%). Multidrug resistance was found in 320 (80%) organisms in pus & tracheal aspirate. Conclusion: Multiple organisms were isolated from tracheal aspirate and pus, with most being multidrug resistant. The appropriate antibiotic for treatment should be chosen based on culture sensitivity.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Prevalence of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Enterococci, particularly Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis, are prominent opportunistic pathogens in hospital settings, often linked to severe infections and increased morbidity and mortality. The rise in antimicrobial resistance, notably high-level aminoglycoside-resistant and vancomycin-resistant enterococci, poses significant treatment challenges. Objective: To assess the prevalence of Enterococcus infections and evaluate their antibiotic susceptibility patterns, with a focus on understanding resistance trends and their association with patient demographics and specimen types. Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital over one year. Clinical samples, including blood, urine, and pus, were collected and processed using standard microbiological techniques. Identification of Enterococcus species was performed using biochemical tests, and antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, and statistical associations were examined for significance. Results: Out of 1500 clinical samples, 147 were positive for Enterococcus species, with Enterococcus faecium (58.3%) and Enterococcus faecalis (31.7%) being the most prevalent. The study found high resistance rates in E. faecium to penicillin (40.0%) and ciprofloxacin (60.0%), while E. faecalis exhibited lower resistance levels. Resistance to linezolid (0.9%) and vancomycin (6.2%) was relatively low. Significant associations were observed between age groups, specimen types, and antibiotic resistance patterns. Younger patients (16-36 years) showed higher resistance levels compared to older groups. Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of Enterococcus faecium with significant antibiotic resistance, emphasizing the need for ongoing surveillance and effective antimicrobial stewardship. An inverse relationship was observed between prevalence and resistance levels. Further research into resistance mechanisms and patient demographics is essential to address antimicrobial resistance in hospital settings.

Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Uropathogenic Bacteria in Urine Samples: A Study from Bangladesh

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections globally, with Escherichia coli being the predominant causative agent. The rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among uropathogens, particularly to commonly prescribed antibiotics, has become a critical public health concern. In Bangladesh, inappropriate use of antibiotics has contributed to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, making it essential to monitor local resistance patterns. This study aims to isolate and identify the bacterial pathogens responsible for UTIs and assess their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a local hospital in Bangladesh from November 2023 to May 2024. A total of 50 urine samples were collected from patients with clinical symptoms of UTIs. Isolates were identified using standard microbiological methods, including Gram staining and biochemical tests. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. The antibiotics tested included imipenem, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, cefoxitin, ampicillin, and others. Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) and AmpC beta-lactamase production were also determined. Results: Out of 50 urine samples, 40 (80%) were culture-positive. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent pathogen, accounting for 61.1%, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (33.3%). Both pathogens showed 100% sensitivity to imipenem, but exhibited varying levels of resistance to other antibiotics, with E. coli showing 16.7% resistance to ampicillin. ESBL production was observed in 44.4% of isolates, with K. pneumoniae showing higher rates (66.7%). AmpC beta-lactamase production was noted in 33.3% of E. coli isolates. Conclusion: The study highlights the dominance of E. coli and K. pneumoniae in UTIs, with significant AMR, especially to beta-lactam antibiotics. Continuous surveillance and appropriate antimicrobial stewardship are critical to managing rising resistance and improving treatment outcomes.

A Comprehensive Study of Hepatitis B Infections in Bangladesh: Epidemiology, Risk factors and Clinical-Laboratory Correlations

Background: Hepatitis B remains a major public health concern, with a significant burden in many countries, including Bangladesh. The disease can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Early detection through screening and understanding the clinical and laboratory profiles of infected individuals are crucial for timely intervention and reducing transmission. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory profiles of patients with hepatitis B infection attending the outpatient departments of a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh, including 90 hepatitis B patients diagnosed via serological markers. Demographic data, medical history (risk factors like drug use, sexual contacts, etc.), and clinical evaluations (liver function tests, serological markers) were recorded. Ultrasound imaging assessed liver abnormalities. Statistical analysis was performed with p

Antibacterial potential of raw and commercial honey: Inhibition of escherichia coli strains in vitro

Background: Honey has long been valued for its therapeutic properties, including its antimicrobial activity. The ability of honey to inhibit bacterial growth has been attributed to its bioactive constituents, such as hydrogen peroxide, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Additionally, honey’s low pH, high osmolarity, and the presence of compounds like methylglyoxal (MGO) further contribute to its antibacterial effects. These properties make honey not only an effective antimicrobial agent but also a promising natural alternative to conventional antibiotics, especially in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial properties of raw and commercial honey against Escherichia coli and the ATCC strain of E. coli to evaluate its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent. Methods: Four different types of raw honey were collected from various flowers, and three different commercial honey samples were obtained from nearby grocery stores. Five E. coli strains were cultured on Muller Hinton agar plates, sourced from a local microbiology laboratory. The antimicrobial activity of both raw and commercial honey was assessed using the agar well diffusion method. In this technique, wells were made in the agar, and honey samples were introduced to observe the inhibition of bacterial growth. Results: The results indicated the presence of antimicrobial activity, demonstrated by the inhibition zones around the honey wells. Though the zones were not clear, they confirmed that both raw and commercial honey were effective in preventing the growth of E. coli and the ATCC strain. Raw honey exhibited slightly larger inhibition zones compared to commercial honey, suggesting that raw honey may contain more bioactive compounds responsible for its antimicrobial effects. Conclusion: This study confirms that both raw and commercial honey possess antimicrobial activity against E. coli strains, with raw honey showing a stronger effect. These findings suggest that honey could be a potential alternative antimicrobial agent, especially in light of rising antibiotic resistance.

Impact of Urbanization and Dietary Transitions on Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a group of conditions, including obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and impaired glucose metabolism, that raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Its prevalence is rising globally due to obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor diets, especially in urbanizing countries like Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, urbanization and lifestyle changes are worsening the prevalence of MetS and insulin resistance, with the South Asian phenotype further increasing vulnerability. Objective: The study aims to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of Metabolic Syndrome and insulin resistance among Bangladeshi adults, focusing on the effects of urbanization, diet, and lifestyle, and to propose targeted public health interventions for prevention and management. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from February 2021 to March 2022, involved 220 participants aged 20-60. Of these, 98 had Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and 122 did not. Data included anthropometric and biochemical measurements. Statistical analysis using SPSS (version 23) considered p-values

Microbiological Profiling of Secondary Infections in Dengue Patients: Implications for Clinical Management

Background: Dengue fever is a prevalent vector-borne disease that can lead to severe complications, including dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Secondary infections in dengue patients, whether bacterial, fungal, or viral, are a significant concern as they can complicate the clinical course, worsen disease outcomes, and increase hospital stay duration. This study aims to identify the prevalence, microbial profile, and clinical impact of secondary infections in dengue patients, providing insights for better clinical management. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 110 dengue patients admitted during the peak transmission season. Patients were diagnosed with dengue based on serological tests (IgM/IgG) and/or RT-PCR. Clinical assessments, microbiological investigations (blood, urine, sputum, and wound cultures), and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed to identify secondary infections. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were recorded, and the correlation between secondary infections and disease severity was analyzed using statistical methods. Results: Among 110 dengue patients, 61.8% were male, and the highest age group was 21–40 years (28.2%). Most patients (70%) had no comorbidities. Fever (100%), rash (80%), and hemorrhagic manifestations (30%) were common, with severe forms (DSS/DHF) in 30%. Secondary infections occurred in 40.9% of patients, with bacterial infections (62.2%) being the most frequent. Secondary infections were more common in adults aged 21–60 years (45.5%) and those with severe dengue (62.5% vs. 35.4%, p40 years, comorbidities, and severe dengue (p=0.02, p=0.03, p=0.04, respectively). Patients with secondary infections had longer hospital stays (7.8 vs. 4.6 days, p