Streptococcus mutans, the primary cause of dental caries, relies on its ability to create and sustain a biofilm (dental plaque) for survival and pathogenicity in the oral cavity. This study was focused on the antimicrobial biofilm formation control and biofilm dispersal potential of Coumaric acid (CA) against Streptococcus mutans on the dentin surface. The biofilm was analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) viability assay, microtiter plate assay, production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), florescence microscopy (surface coverage and biomass μm2) and three-dimensional (3D) surface plots. It was observed that CA at 0.01 mg/mL reduced bacterial growth by 5.51%, whereases at 1 mg/mL, a significant (p < 0.05) reduction (98.37%) was observed. However, at 1 mg/mL of CA, a 95.48% biofilm formation reduction was achieved, while a 73.45% biofilm dispersal (after 24 h. treatment) was achieved against the preformed biofilm. The MTT assay showed that at 1 mg/mL of CA, the viability of bacteria in the biofilm was markedly (p < 0.05) reduced to 73.44%. Moreover, polysaccharide (EPS) was reduced to 24.80 μg/mL and protein (EPS) to 41.47 μg/mL. ImageJ software (version 1.54 g) was used to process florescence images, and it was observed that the biofilm mass was reduced to 213 (μm2); the surface coverage was reduced to 0.079%. Furthermore, the 3D surface plots showed that the untreated biofilm was highly dense, with more fibril-like projections. Additionally, molecular docking predicted a possible interaction pattern of CA (ligand) with the receptor Competence Stimulating Peptide (UA159sp, PDB ID: 2I2J). Our findings suggest that CA has antibacterial and biofilm control efficacy against S. mutans associated with dental plaque under tested conditions.
28 June 2024 in International Journal of Pathology
Background: Multidrug Resistant (MDR) bacteria are considered as the one of the most dangerous pathogens causing a high mortality rate globally. Medicines from the natural source might be the best therapeutic option in current emerging trends of resistance. Methods: We determined the antibacterial activity of Nigella sativa seeds extracts against the clinical isolates of MDR Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The collection of different isolates was done from the different hospitals’ settings in Faisalabad. Identifications of these isolates were done phenotypically and through the conventional PCR via genus and species-specific primers. The isolates were then tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using agar well diffusion technique. The activity of N. sativa seed oil was also evaluated in DMSO at concentrations (25%, 50% and 75%). Results: Against S. aureus, 50% oil concentration in DMSO exhibited highest inhibitory zone of 15 mm followed by 90% ethanol extract showed clear zone of 13 mm and 12 mm zone of inhibition showed by the methanol-based extract. Against E. coli 50% oil concentration in Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 90% ethanol extract both showed clear zone of 12 mm and 11 mm zone of inhibition showed by the methanol-based extract. However, Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 50% oil concentration is 0.4 μl followed by 90% ethanol extract showed 0.4 mg and 0.8 mg showed by the methanol-based extract 90% on S. aureus. The oil concentration MIC value of 50% is 0.4 μl then followed by the ethanol extract at 90% and revealed 0.4mg and methanol was followed by 90% extract showed 0.4 mg to the E. coli. Conclusion: We concluded that N. sativa can be used as a pharmaceutical and new therapy for action against MDR bacteria.
29 July 2024 in Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research
Background: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are a significant cause of outpatient visits globally, with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presenting a growing challenge to effective treatment. In Pakistan's tribal regions, limited healthcare access exacerbates this issue.Objective: To determine the prevalence of bacterial pathogens causing URTIs and assess their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in North and South Waziristan, Pakistan.Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 300 throat swabs collected from outpatients between January and June 2023. Samples were inoculated on Blood, MacConkey, and Chocolate agars, followed by incubation at 37°C for 24 hours. Standard biochemical tests were used for bacterial identification, and the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method assessed antimicrobial susceptibility. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with p-values ≤ 0.05 considered significant.Results: Pathogens were isolated in 93% of samples, with Staphylococcus aureus (40.2%), viridans group streptococci (35.7%), and Streptococcus pyogenes (17.1%) being the most common. Resistance was highest in viridans group streptococci (33.7% to tazobactam) and lowest in Streptococcus pyogenes (26.3%).Conclusion: The high rates of resistance, particularly in viridans group streptococci, highlight the need for targeted interventions to mitigate AMR in this region.
25 October 2023 in Journal of Health Science and Medical Therapy
The most common virus on the earth is bacteriophage (or phages) that are present in all organisms. Their classification is currently being evaluated based on the phage's unique and antibacterial properties. The phage replicates within the host through a lytic or lysogenic process following infection and use of a bacterial cell machine. Phage has become an effective therapeutic drug against pathogens after twort and Filex d'Herelle discovery of bacteriophage in the 1900s, and subsequent research has been conducted. Nevertheless, bacteriophage therapy has become an unavoidable option for research due to the recent occurrence of bacterial antibiotics resistance. Around fifty years after antibiotic were found, antibiotics resistance is key risk for health care. Antimicrobial resistance is a rising big issue in global healthcare. The WHO, 1st report on antimicrobial resistances globally, has emphasized the threat of a forthcoming post antibiotics age, where little infection could be not treatable and once again will be fatal. Considering the present condition, producing therapeutic agent that are complementary to antibiotics play great role to fight against antibiotic resistance. The crisis requires development and implementation of new therapeutic agents against infections and phage therapy is suitable to control infectious diseases because safety of phage therapy. There is a perception with regards to phage therapy that phages are usually safe, on the bases of fact that they are ubiquitous in nature and our continued contact to phages in the environment and furthermore that they are widely used without adverse effects in many of the world. with this positive interpretation, the application of phage therapy must be verified by current research studies. bacteriophage preparations contain detrimental substances, such as toxins of gram-negative bacteria, during the formulation process of bacteriophage and that can be remove by different purification methods. Phages effects normal flora GIT negligibly due to specificity in nature and they infect only a small number of bacterial species.
This chapter examines the transformative impact of precision medicine in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), emphasizing the potential of advanced diagnostics, targeted therapies, and personalized treatment strategies. With AMR becoming a significant global health threat, the integration of AI, genomics, synthetic biology, and nanotechnology offers innovative solutions for diagnosing and treating resistant infections. Key technologies such as AI-enhanced diagnostics, phage therapy, and CRISPR-based treatments are poised to revolutionize AMR management by enabling real-time, accurate diagnoses and personalized therapeutic regimens. The chapter also addresses ethical considerations related to the use of genetic data, the development of gene-edited phages, and the challenges of implementing precision medicine in low-resource settings. Additionally, the 2030 roadmap for AMR emphasizes the importance of global collaboration, increased funding for AMR research, and the need for standardized surveillance protocols for AMR. Despite the promising potential of these technologies, significant barriers remain, including cost, regulatory frameworks, and access in underserved regions. The chapter concludes by stressing the need for urgent global action to integrate precision medicine into AMR strategies, offering a sustainable approach to overcoming one of the most pressing public health challenges of the 21st century.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health crisis that threatens to undermine decades of medical progress. This chapter examines the transformative role of microbial genomics in addressing AMR, emphasizing advancements in next-generation and nanopore sequencing that enable rapid detection and real-time monitoring of resistance genes. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) enhances predictive modeling of AMR evolution and guides evidence-based treatment strategies. Emerging approaches in personalized medicine, driven by pathogen genomic profiling, allow for tailored antibiotic therapies, minimizing misuse and improving outcomes. The chapter also underscores the importance of global collaboration and data sharing across human, animal, and environmental health sectors, supported by innovations such as CRISPR-based tools. Together, these technologies offer a proactive framework for global AMR surveillance and intervention, paving the way for precise, effective, and sustainable management of infectious diseases in the genomic era.