Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen, demonstrated as an etiological agent in human infections in increasing frequency, including diseases like purulent meningitis, sepsis, uveitis-endophtalmitis and arthritis. Due to the increased availability and utility of novel diagnostic technologies in clinical microbiology, more studies have been published on the epidemiology of S. suis, both in veterinary and human medicine; however, there are no comprehensive data available regarding human S. suis infections from East-Central European countries. As a part of our study, data were collected from the National Bacteriological Surveillance (NBS) system on patients who had at least one positive microbiological result for S. suis, corresponding to an 18-year study period (2002–2019). n = 74 S. suis strains were isolated from invasive human infections, corresponding to 34 patients. The number of affected patients was 1.89 ± 1.53/year (range: 0–5). Most isolates originated from blood culture (63.5%) and cerebrospinal fluid (18.9%) samples. Additionally, we present detailed documentation of three instructive cases from three regions of the country and with three distinctly different outcomes. Hungary has traditional agriculture, the significant portion of which includes the production and consumption of pork meat, with characteristic preparation and consumption customs and unfavorable epidemiological characteristics (alcohol consumption, prevalence of malignant diseases or diabetes), which have all been described as important predisposing factors for the development of serious infections. Clinicians and microbiologist need to be vigilant even in nonendemic areas, especially if the patients have a history of occupational hazards or having close contact with infected pigs.

Members of the Actinomyces genus are non-spore-forming, anaerobic, and aerotolerant Gram-positive bacteria that are abundantly found in the oropharynx. They are the causative agents of actinomycosis, a slowly progressing (indolent) infection with non-specific symptoms in its initial phase, and a clinical course of extensive tissue destruction if left untreated. Actinomycoses are considered to be rare; however, reliable epidemiological data on their prevalence is lacking. Herein, we describe two representative and contrasting cases of cervicofacial actinomycosis, where the affected patients had distinctively different backgrounds and medical histories. Identification of the relevant isolates was carried out using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry; antimicrobial susceptibility was performed using E-tests. Cervicofacial actinomycoses are the most frequent form of the disease; isolation and identification of these microorganisms from relevant clinical samples (with or without histological examination) is the gold standard for diagnosis. The therapy of these infections includes surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy, mainly with a penicillin-derivative or clindamycin.

The present study was undertaken to assess the current supply chain system of pharmaceuticals and vaccines in Pakistan in terms of structure, process, and outcomes, as well as related barriers and solutions for an effective supply chain system. A qualitative study was designed to explore stakeholders’ perceptions selected using the snowball sampling technique. A semi-structured interview guide was used to interview these respondents at a convenient time and place. After data collection, recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis. The results highlighted that the standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists, and government guidelines were available at different levels, except for community pharmacies. Timely delivery of quality products and services along with market reputation, experience, and authorization were the key criteria used for supplier selection and evaluation. Good inventory management, financial models, effective coordination, training, and skill development programs were identified as key factors responsible for an efficient supply chain process. Availability of vaccines, their appropriate temperature monitoring, and transportation are also highly compromised in Pakistan. The results of the present study concluded that the current supply chain system in Pakistan is not up to the mark; major factors include poor forecasting and inventory control, delayed order placement, lack of training, inadequate involvement of professionally qualified staff, inadequate financing and procurement processes, and poor coordination and integration among all stakeholders.

Objectives: Acidic pH and high fluoride (F⁻) concentration impair the corrosion resistance of titanium (Ti). Caries-preventive products contain high amounts of F⁻ and are applied at low pH. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether fluoride applied in different forms has different short-, mid-, and long-term effects on the growth of the bacteria Streptococcus mutans. Materials and Methods: Ti discs with polished surface were treated with a rinse containing 0.025% olaflur, a gel containing 1.25% olaflur, or a 1% aqueous solution of NaF (pH 4.5), and they were incubated with S mutans for 21 days. Control discs did not get prophylactic treatment. Protein assay analysis was performed at regular intervals to estimate the amount of S mutans. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images were also taken. Results: Bacterial protein quantity became significantly different only by the 21st day. Fluoride in rinse and gel proved to be superior to NaF in aqueous solution or no treatment (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). However, the discs treated with fluoride in gel showed signs of corrosion in SEM images. Conclusion: The results suggest that the use of fluoride-containing mouthwashes might be the best and safest oral hygienic choice for patients with oral implants. Furthermore, olaflur seems to be superior to NaF for long-term use at low pH.