Background/Objectives: Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern, with considerable socio-economic consequences. Researchers are exploring alternative strategies, including nanotechnology, which has shown significance in targeted drug delivery. This study evaluates the synergistic antibacterial activity of azithromycin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (AZM-CSNPs) against azithromycin-resistant clinical respiratory isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae). Methods: A total of 87 sputum samples (n = 87) were collected and analyzed. The ermB gene for K. pneumoniae and the ermA gene for MRSA were used to confirm resistant isolates. Among 87 samples, 29 manifested K. pneumoniae, and 32 exhibited MRSA-positive cultures, confirmed through phenotypic and genotypic methods. The RT-PCR is performed by using a cDNA Kit to determine the gene expression. Results: The results elucidate resistance of K. pneumoniae against several antibiotics, including azithromycin (15 µg), chloramphenicol (30 µg), and amoxicillin (30 µg), while MRSA also showed resistance to cefoxitin (30 µg), azithromycin (15 µg), and gentamycin (10 µg). Reduction in the MIC value of the nanoparticle formulation showed their effectiveness. The AZM-CSNPs combined with cetirizine dihydrochloride helped to down-regulate the resistant genes. Conclusions: Notably, a strong synergistic effect was observed with AZM-CSNPs in combination with cetirizine, significantly enhancing antibacterial efficacy against resistant isolates.
Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) infection poses a significant health threat to equines. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, hematobiochemical alterations, and oxidative stress-mediated genotoxicity associated with equine trypanosomiasis in the Rahim Yar Khan District. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 equines from October 2024 to September 2025. Blood samples were collected for thin blood film microscopy and PCR assay using RoTat 1.2 primers. Hematological indices were analyzed with an automated hematology analyzer; serum biochemical parameters were quantified via standard assays. Oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH), were also measured. Genotoxicity was evaluated using the alkaline comet assay. Statistical analyses included the chi-square test, logistic regression, and independent t-tests. T. evansi was detected in 5.99% of samples by microscopy and 10.16% by PCR, with no significant association with species, age, or sex. Infected equines exhibited significant reductions in hemoglobin (5.4 ± 0.6 vs. 10.8 ± 0.5 g/dL; p < 0.0001), total serum protein (2.1 ± 0.3 vs. 5.8 ± 0.2 g/dL; p < 0.0001), albumin, and globulin, alongside elevated hepatic enzymes, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine (all p < 0.01). Oxidative stress was confirmed by increased MDA (p < 0.0001) and decreased CAT activity (p < 0.001). Genotoxicity was significantly higher in infected animals (genetic damage index; 1.12 ± 0.08 vs. 0.40 ± 0.01; p < 0.01). This study provides the first integrated assessment of molecular epidemiology and oxidative stress-mediated genotoxicity in equines in this region, suggesting the pathogenic impact of the infection and targeted diagnostics for disease management strategies.