Introduction: Escherichia coli (E. coli) causes most cases of the urinary tract infections (UTIs) via virulence factors like biofilms. This study identifies key phenotypic and genotypic virulence attributes of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli.Methodology: A total of 180 uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) isolated from patients with different categories (cystitis, pyelonephritis, recurrent UTI, catheter-associated UTI, and asymptomatic bacteriuria) of UTI and 30 commensal E. coli isolated from healthy individuals were evaluated for biofilm production by phenotypic methods using tissue culture plate, tube adherence, and Congo red method, and RT-PCR was used to genetically characterize them.Results: This study analyzed 1,600 urine samples from UTI patients, with 498 showing significant bacterial growth and 180 identifying E. coli as the pathogen. The female-to-male ratio of UTI cases was 0.74. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed 100% sensitivity to tigecycline and fosfomycin as well as 89.44%, 86.11%, 81.66%, and 72.22% sensitivity to nitrofurantoin, amikacin, imipenem, and meropenem, respectively. Only 64.44% were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, with 10% being multidrug-resistant (MDR). Moreover, 18.33% of the UPEC isolates produced mettalo-beta-lactamases (MBL), and 13.33% produced AmpC beta-lactamases. Biofilm production was observed in 72.22% of UPEC isolates compared to 16.66% in commensal isolates. The biofilm-forming UPEC, compared to commensal E. coli, has significantly higher antibiotic resistance, with a 128-fold reduction in ciprofloxacin susceptibility. Additionally, the fimH gene was detected in 98.33% of the UPEC isolates.Conclusion: This study shows that UPEC strains produce specific virulence determinants like adhesion to uroepithelial cells. Screening for virulence factors should be integrated into microbiology laboratories. Specific virulence genes linked to UPEC may serve as potential targets for prophylactic strategies to prevent recurrent infections and improve management.

Salmonella enterica serovar Newport is a human pathogen underreported in most developing countries. It is known for causing gastroenteritis and extraintestinal infections. In this case report, we report the case of ceftriaxone-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Newport from South India, causing acute gastroenteritis in a sixty-year-old female patient having a history of antimicrobial therapy and recent hospital admission. Serovar Newport, especially among antibiotic-exposed patients, poses a significant public health threat due to its ability to acquire multidrug resistance. This emphasizes the necessity for robust surveillance and monitoring of nontyphoidal Salmonella infections, particularly given the limited data on serovar Newport in India. Vigilance in clinical practice and public health initiatives is crucial to effectively address the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant strains.

Background: Salmonella enterica serovar Hvittingfoss, a member of the non-typhoidal Salmonella group, is an important foodborne serovar most frequently identified in regions (Australia, Belgium, and the United States) with active surveillance systems. This serovar has been implicated in outbreaks of foodborne illness. Soft cheese, crab cocktail, beef, and rock melon are commonly involved in these outbreaks. Although the definitive host of this serovar is not yet established, Salmonella Hvittingfoss can be found in wild animals (Feral pigs), bird populations (Bar-tailed godwit, Plumed whistling ducks, White-naped crane, and Sharp-tailed sandpiper), and domestic birds like chickens. Case presentation: We report the first case of Salmonella enterica serovar Hvittingfoss causing acute gastroenteritis in a 52-year-old male labourer and agriculturist from a rural area of Mysuru, South India. This is the first documented case of Salmonella Hvittingfoss causing acute gastroenteritis in India. Conclusions: While non-typhoidal Salmonella infections typically resolve on their own, they can be particularly dangerous for certain demographics, such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Therefore, studying the different serotypes of these infections in both clinical and subclinical cases is crucial for targeting effective surveillance, hygiene practises, and food safety measures that can mitigate their impact on public health.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major threat to public health, especially in LMICs. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are key community health workers in India who can be empowered to promote rational antibiotic use. To compare the effectiveness of gamified versus conventional teaching methods in improving AMR-related knowledge among ASHAs in Mysuru, south India. A prospective interventional study was conducted among 73 ASHAs during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2024. Group A (n = 31) received gamified training using interactive games, and Group B (n = 42) received conventional teaching through lectures and board-based instruction. Knowledge was assessed using a 25-item questionnaire before and after the intervention. Data were analysed via Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann–Whitney U tests. Knowledge improved in both groups, but gains were markedly higher with gamification. The mean post-test score reached 86.08% in gamified training versus 54.48% for conventional teaching (p < 0.001; effect size r = 0.75). Gamified training consistently outperformed conventional methods across all infection domains, leading to predominantly good-to-excellent knowledge levels. Gamified interventions substantially enhanced ASHAs’ knowledge compared to conventional teaching, offering a scalable and low-cost strategy to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship in community settings. Long-term studies are needed to assess retention and behavior change.