Soheir Abdel Rahman Ahmed Hagras (original) (raw)
Papers by Soheir Abdel Rahman Ahmed Hagras
Readers of these automated manuscript Review Tool reports are encouraged to use them to support t... more Readers of these automated manuscript Review Tool reports are encouraged to use them to support them in performing their own assessment and 'health check' on a preprint prior to it completing peer review. However, these should only be used as a guide, read within the overall context of the article itself, and should never replace full peer review. Please ensure you read the article fully alongside these and familiarize yourself with the tools and how they work, using the links provided below. These reports are published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License SCISCORE® REPORTS: MDAR CHECKLIST FOR AUTHORS AND SCISCORE CORE REPORT SciScore® (https://sciscore.com) scans the methodology section of an article for important scientific rigour criteria and key biological resources and highlights if these are accessible or have problems associated. The Materials, Design, Analysis, and Reporting (MDAR) report and Core report generated from this are included here for transparency and can be cited independently using the DOI below.
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis, 2020
As microbes are massively risky and have gotten to be safe to about all advertised anti-microbial... more As microbes are massively risky and have gotten to be safe to about all advertised anti-microbials. Withinthe period of anti-microbial resistance, antimicrobial of natural origin give an successful and cheap alternative for combating resistant strains of Gram negative microorganisms which induce pneumonia e.g. (P. aeruginosa) Pseudomonas aeruginosa and (K. pneumoniae) Klebsiella pneumoniae. Cefotaxime is an antimicrobial used in control and treatment of anaerobic bacteria which may be administered with Gentamicin within the treatment of blended contaminations caused by anaerobic and oxygen consuming living beings. Combination treatment has corresponding components of activity. Gentamicin is bactericidal aminoglycoside antibiotic used mainly against Gram negative bacteria. Allium sativum in garlic extract has been known to have inhibitory action & and valuable as helpful specialist against numerous pathological diseases. Expanding Multidrug resistance of pathogens strengths to discover elective strategies for treatment of irresistible infections. Methods: Ethical approval: Protocols were approved by the IRB of the Scientific Research Unit (SRU) at Inaya Medical College (IMC) RIYADH (KSA) Results: In-vitro and in-vivo antibacterial presented effect for combination of antibiotics and FGE for fourteen days. Indicated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease of TNF-α and elevation in GPx of liver and kidney homogenate. Our data showed that FGH combined antibiotics could protect the liver and kidney against the histopathological and histochemical changes by blocking oxidative damages in addition to restorement of the antioxidant enzymatic profile. Conclusion: FGE displayed the best effect on administration one hour before gentamicin and cefotaxime due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Moreover, the potential use of FGE as a prophylactic agent against multi drug resistant bacteria.
Journal of The Saudi Pharmaceutical Society, Sep 1, 2019
Background: Life-threatening central venous catheter-related infections are primarily initiated b... more Background: Life-threatening central venous catheter-related infections are primarily initiated by biofilm formation on the catheter surface. Antibiotic lock therapy is recommended for eradicating intraluminal biofilm. In the era of antibiotic resistance, antibiotics of natural origins provide an effective and cheap option for combating resistant strains. Garlic especially stole the spotlight because of its impressive antimicrobial effectiveness against such superbugs. Aim: Is to estimate the potential use of fresh garlic extract (FGE) as a lock agent against multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. Methods: The agar well diffusion and broth microdilution techniques were employed to test the antimicrobial activities of FGE against five MDR strains; E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Serratia marscens (S. marscens) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Then the protective and therapeutic efficiencies of FGE against bacterial biofilms were in-vitro evaluated; at concentrations of 100, 75, 50 and 25%; in tissue culture plate (TCP) and on the polyurethane (PU) sheets using the crystal violet (CV) assay and colony-forming unit (CFU), respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also used to confirm eradication of biofilms on PU sheets. Finally, systemic and deep tissue infections by P. aeruginosa and MRSA were induced in mice that were then treated by FGE at either 100 or 200 mg/kg for seven days. Where the antibacterial activity was assessed by tissue and blood culturing at the end of the treatment period. Biochemical, hematological and histological parameters were also investigated. Results: FGE exhibited potent in-vitro and in-vivo antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against MDR strains. It not only didn't exhibit toxicological effects at the hematological and the histological levels but also provided protective effects as demonstrated by the significant drop in the biochemical parameters. Conclusion: FGE has the potential to be used as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic lock agent against biofilmassociated infections caused by MDR bacteria.
Molecules
Voriconazole (VRC) is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent belonging to BCS class II (biopharmaceuti... more Voriconazole (VRC) is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent belonging to BCS class II (biopharmaceutical classification system). Despite many efforts to enhance its solubility, this primary issue still remains challenging for formulation scientists. Transethosomes (TELs) are one of the potential innovative nano-carriers for improving the solubility and permeation of poorly soluble and permeable drugs. We herein report voriconazole-loaded transethosomes (VRCT) fabricated by the cold method and followed by their incorporation into carbopol 940 as a gel. The prepared VRCT were evaluated for % yield, % entrapment efficiency (EE), surface morphology, possible chemical interaction, particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI). The optimized formulation had a particle size of 228.2 nm, a zeta potential of −26.5 mV, and a PDI of 0.45 with enhanced % EE. Rheology, spreadability, extrudability, in vitro release, skin permeation, molecular docking, antifungal, and antileishmanial ...
3 Biotech, 2020
This study identifies the risk factors, microbiological properties, antimicrobial susceptibility ... more This study identifies the risk factors, microbiological properties, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, mortality, and clinical complications associated with organisms causing diabetic foot infections (DFIs) with or without antibiotic treatment using data from a retrospective multicenter surveillance. Specimens collected from different hospitals were cultured and the extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) excretion was estimated. The antibacterial susceptibility pattern and biofilm formation were completed along with the recommended standard methods. Overall, 792 diabetic foot patients (DFPs) were enrolled and a total of 1803 causative organisms were isolated. Polymicrobial infection was identified in 48.5% of the patients. The isolated Gram-positive pathogens (46.7%) were higher than Gram-negative (38.6%) or anaerobes (7.9%). The predominant pathogens were S. aureus (22.2%), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (7.7%), Enterococcus spp. (12.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.4%), E. coli (7.9%), Klebsiella spp. (7.5%), Proteus mirabilis (8.9%), coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) (6.6%), anaerobic organisms (5.9%), and fungi (2.3%). Vancomycin and clindamycin exhibited no activity against Grampositive bacteria. However, meropenem and imipenem displayed high activity against the Gram-negative isolates. Out of the 765 tested strains, 251 showed moderate (15.8%) to high (34%) level biofilm-producing phenotype. DFIs were widespread among the diabetic patients with different microbial etiology and the major organisms were aerobic organisms. Our findings may provide an insight into the development of appropriate therapeutic strategies for the management of DFIs.
Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences, 2020
In the era of antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial polymers represent state of the art innovation... more In the era of antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial polymers represent state of the art innovation evolved to fight biofilm-associated infections. In the present study, novel self-disinfecting polyurethane (PU) catheter materials were developed. Gamma radiation-induced graft copolymerization was used to functionalize PU using acrylic acid-co-glycidyl methacrylate (AAc/ GMA) binary comonomer. The grafted PU, PU-g-(AAc-co-GMA), was subsequently modified by covalent immobilization of cefepime and/or wet in-situ intermatrix synthesis of ZnO (NPs) to produce PU-g-(AAc-co-GMA)/cefepime, PU-g-(AA-co-GMA-cefepime/ZnO and PU-g-(AAc-co-GMA)/ZnO nanocomposites, respectively. Modified polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Finally, the antibacterial and antibiofilm characteristics were evaluated against five multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical bacterial isolates; including Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. FTIR confirmed the successful grafting and subsequent immobilization of cefepime. Formation of ZnO was verified by EDX analysis, while XRD analysis revealed the crystalline nature of ZnO NPs with a size range of 43-62 nm. Moreover, SEM showed the morphology, particle size and distribution of ZnO NPs within the prepared nanocomposites. The modified PU catheter nancomposites with or without cefepime showed excellent antibacterial and anti-biofilm characteristics. The prepared polymeric biocides could be potential candidates in medical care to combat biofilm formation on biomaterials.
Medical devices are used extensively in many practice. This include devices used on a temporary, ... more Medical devices are used extensively in many practice. This include devices used on a temporary, intermittent and long term basis. Transient or permanently implanted plastic devices are frequently the starting point of infection. A total number of 117 clinical isolates were recovered from 83 contaminated CVCs from ICUs hospitalized infants and adult patients of age up to 90 years. The majority of the isolates (about 92%) were Gram-negative rods, in addition to Gram-positive cocci and Yeast (4% each). The most prevalent contaminants were
Chemotherapy, 1996
The effect of subinhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and azithrom... more The effect of subinhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin on the hemagglutination (HA) and adherence ability of 29 P-fimbriated Escherichia coli strains to the buffalo green monkey kidney (BGMK) cell line was investigated. Comparisons were made between the values of HA titer before and those after exposure of strains to 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 and 1/32 MIC of antibiotics, as well as between the number of bacteria attached to the BGMK cells before and the number after their exposure to the same concentrations of antibiotics. Azithromycin at concentrations of 1/2 and 1/4 MIC damaged the HA capacity of the studied strains, while ceftazidime at concentrations of 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 MIC and ciprofloxacin at concentrations of 1/2 and 1/4 MIC increased the HA capacity of P-fimbriated E. coli. All three antibiotics decreased the adhesive capacity of E. coli to the BGMK cells. Comparing the number of adhered bacteria before and after exposure to sub-MICs of antibiotics, statistically significant differences were determined (p < 0.01) after exposure of the strains to all the concentrations of ceftazidime used after exposure to 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 MIC of ciprofloxacin, and after exposure to 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 MIC of azithromycin. Filaments formed by sub-MICs of ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin in a static experimental system caused HA, but in an experimental system imitating in vivo conditions, the strains adhered poorly to the cells.
International Journal of General Medicine, 2021
Background: The behavior of the general public and the adoption of precautionary measures during ... more Background: The behavior of the general public and the adoption of precautionary measures during a pandemic determine the fate of the country in the absence of any specific cure. This study aimed to determine the public attitude and behavior responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia during movement restrictions, and the predictors of behavioral responses. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study of 2470 adult individuals in Saudi Arabia, 17-29 April 2020 was conducted via Survey Monkey, using an anonymous validated e-questionnaire. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, COVID-19-related attitudes, and behavioral responses in terms of; precautionary measures, preparedness, and self-quarantine activities, to be responded to by 4-point Likert scales. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify the significant predictors of compliance with different behaviors. Significance was considered at p<0.05. Results: Participants reported positive attitudes towards governmental actions (95%), selfhygiene (93.2%), social distancing (97.1%) and choice of healthy food (89.6%), and negative attitudes towards the current worldwide situation of the pandemic (81.0%) and hearing someone tested positive (77.8%) or died from COVID-19 (83.7%). High rates of compliance to behavior were reported by only 55.8% of participants in terms of precautionary measures (71.3%), preparedness (38.4%), and self-quarantine activities (46.1%). After adjusting for all possible confounders, the total attitude score was a significant predictor of the total scores of precautionary measures (t=12.01, p<0.001), preparedness (t=9.29, p<0.001), self-quarantine activities (t=12.05, p<0.001), and overall behavior response (t=14.09, p<0.001). Other significant predictors of higher overall behavior response scores were female gender (t=7.22, p<0.001) and non-Saudi nationality (t=3.40, p<0.001). Conclusion: This study provides baseline data on the behavioral response to the national COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. The levels of compliance to behavior response and attitude to COVID-19 pandemic were less than satisfactory. Socio-demographics influence public behavior and protective health measures. COVID-19 awareness programs are recommended.
Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal
IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences, 2014
Aim: To test the efficacy of antibiotic lock technique (ALT) and catheter material modification f... more Aim: To test the efficacy of antibiotic lock technique (ALT) and catheter material modification for the eradication and prevention of biofilm formation on central venous catheters (CVCs). Methods: Four resistant clinical isolates, namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida tropicalis were used to study the effectiveness of ALT using levofloxacin (for bacteria) or fluconazole (for candida) to eliminate microbial biofilms. Moreover, with the aid of gamma radiation, gentamicin was covalently attached to the polyurethane catheter and the modified polymeric material was tested for their antimicrobial and anti-adherence properties. Results: The highest and lowest concentrations of levofloxacin tested (1024 and 64 mg/L) eliminated the biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii after 3 and 10 days, respectively and after 1 and 7 days in case of Klebsiella pneumoniae, whereas Candida tropicalis biofilms were eliminated by fluconazole after 3 and 10 days. The modified polymeric material acquired antibacterial and antiadherence properties. Conclusion: The results suggest that ALT and catheter modification could be effective for eradicating and preventing biofilm formation on CVCs.
Medical devices are used extensively in many practice. This include devices used on a temporary, ... more Medical devices are used extensively in many practice. This include devices used on a temporary, intermittent and long term basis. Transient or permanently implanted plastic devices are frequently the starting point of infection. A total number of 117 clinical isolates were recovered from 83 contaminated CVCs from ICUs hospitalized infants and adult patients of age up to 90 years. The majority of the isolates (about 92%) were Gram-negative rods, in addition to Gram-positive cocci and Yeast (4% each). The most prevalent contaminants were
Medical devices are used extensively in many practice. This include devices used on a temporary, ... more Medical devices are used extensively in many practice. This include devices used on a temporary, intermittent and long term basis. Transient or permanently implanted plastic devices are frequently the starting point of infection. A total number of 117 clinical isolates were recovered from 83 contaminated CVCs from ICUs hospitalized infants and adult patients of age up to 90 years. The majority of the isolates (about 92%) were Gram-negative rods, in addition to Gram-positive cocci and Yeast (4% each). The most prevalent contaminants were Acinetobacter baumannii (23%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (15%) and Enterobacter species (13%). Less common isolates were Acinetobacter lowffii (5%), Yeasts (4%), Providencia, Stenotrophomonas, Achromobacter, Proteus and Staphylococci (3% each), Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida, and Micrococcus (1% each). Positive slime production was observed with about 72% of the Gram-negative isolates and one Candida tropicalis strain. Strong slime production was detected in 11 out of 23 Pseudomonas strains, 10 out of 33 Acinetobacter and 2 out of 18 Klebsiella strains. Among 32 antibiotics tested, the susceptibility pattern revealed that the most effective antibiotics were levofloxacin, imipenem and meropenem; 68, 67 and 67%, of Gram-negative isolates were affected, respectively. Among the affected isolates there were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains; highly resistant to other antibiotics. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to fluconazole was found to be 2 µg/ml. The absence or presence of adherent growth and biofilm formation on the catheter surface, to any degree, was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy; where heavy growth showed cottony like appearance. More basic research at the level of pathogenesis with in-vitro model for prevention and elimination of microbial colonization of CVC and modification of catheter materials is needed to design novel strategies.
Drafts by Soheir Abdel Rahman Ahmed Hagras
Aim: To test the efficacy of antibiotic lock technique (ALT) and catheter material modification f... more Aim: To test the efficacy of antibiotic lock technique (ALT) and catheter material modification for the eradication and prevention of biofilm formation on central venous catheters (CVCs). Methods: Four resistant clinical isolates, namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida tropicalis were used to study the effectiveness of ALT using levofloxacin (for bacteria) or fluconazole (for candida) to eliminate microbial biofilms. Moreover, with the aid of gamma radiation, gentamicin was covalently attached to the polyurethane catheter and the modified polymeric material was tested for their antimicrobial and anti-adherence properties. Results: The highest and lowest concentrations of levofloxacin tested (1024 and 64 mg/L) eliminated the biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii after 3 and 10 days, respectively and after 1 and 7 days in case of Klebsiella pneumoniae, whereas Candida tropicalis biofilms were eliminated by fluconazole after 3 and 10 days. The modified polymeric material acquired antibacterial and anti-adherence properties. Conclusion: The results suggest that ALT and catheter modification could be effective for eradicating and preventing biofilm formation on CVCs.
Readers of these automated manuscript Review Tool reports are encouraged to use them to support t... more Readers of these automated manuscript Review Tool reports are encouraged to use them to support them in performing their own assessment and 'health check' on a preprint prior to it completing peer review. However, these should only be used as a guide, read within the overall context of the article itself, and should never replace full peer review. Please ensure you read the article fully alongside these and familiarize yourself with the tools and how they work, using the links provided below. These reports are published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License SCISCORE® REPORTS: MDAR CHECKLIST FOR AUTHORS AND SCISCORE CORE REPORT SciScore® (https://sciscore.com) scans the methodology section of an article for important scientific rigour criteria and key biological resources and highlights if these are accessible or have problems associated. The Materials, Design, Analysis, and Reporting (MDAR) report and Core report generated from this are included here for transparency and can be cited independently using the DOI below.
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis, 2020
As microbes are massively risky and have gotten to be safe to about all advertised anti-microbial... more As microbes are massively risky and have gotten to be safe to about all advertised anti-microbials. Withinthe period of anti-microbial resistance, antimicrobial of natural origin give an successful and cheap alternative for combating resistant strains of Gram negative microorganisms which induce pneumonia e.g. (P. aeruginosa) Pseudomonas aeruginosa and (K. pneumoniae) Klebsiella pneumoniae. Cefotaxime is an antimicrobial used in control and treatment of anaerobic bacteria which may be administered with Gentamicin within the treatment of blended contaminations caused by anaerobic and oxygen consuming living beings. Combination treatment has corresponding components of activity. Gentamicin is bactericidal aminoglycoside antibiotic used mainly against Gram negative bacteria. Allium sativum in garlic extract has been known to have inhibitory action & and valuable as helpful specialist against numerous pathological diseases. Expanding Multidrug resistance of pathogens strengths to discover elective strategies for treatment of irresistible infections. Methods: Ethical approval: Protocols were approved by the IRB of the Scientific Research Unit (SRU) at Inaya Medical College (IMC) RIYADH (KSA) Results: In-vitro and in-vivo antibacterial presented effect for combination of antibiotics and FGE for fourteen days. Indicated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease of TNF-α and elevation in GPx of liver and kidney homogenate. Our data showed that FGH combined antibiotics could protect the liver and kidney against the histopathological and histochemical changes by blocking oxidative damages in addition to restorement of the antioxidant enzymatic profile. Conclusion: FGE displayed the best effect on administration one hour before gentamicin and cefotaxime due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Moreover, the potential use of FGE as a prophylactic agent against multi drug resistant bacteria.
Journal of The Saudi Pharmaceutical Society, Sep 1, 2019
Background: Life-threatening central venous catheter-related infections are primarily initiated b... more Background: Life-threatening central venous catheter-related infections are primarily initiated by biofilm formation on the catheter surface. Antibiotic lock therapy is recommended for eradicating intraluminal biofilm. In the era of antibiotic resistance, antibiotics of natural origins provide an effective and cheap option for combating resistant strains. Garlic especially stole the spotlight because of its impressive antimicrobial effectiveness against such superbugs. Aim: Is to estimate the potential use of fresh garlic extract (FGE) as a lock agent against multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. Methods: The agar well diffusion and broth microdilution techniques were employed to test the antimicrobial activities of FGE against five MDR strains; E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Serratia marscens (S. marscens) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Then the protective and therapeutic efficiencies of FGE against bacterial biofilms were in-vitro evaluated; at concentrations of 100, 75, 50 and 25%; in tissue culture plate (TCP) and on the polyurethane (PU) sheets using the crystal violet (CV) assay and colony-forming unit (CFU), respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also used to confirm eradication of biofilms on PU sheets. Finally, systemic and deep tissue infections by P. aeruginosa and MRSA were induced in mice that were then treated by FGE at either 100 or 200 mg/kg for seven days. Where the antibacterial activity was assessed by tissue and blood culturing at the end of the treatment period. Biochemical, hematological and histological parameters were also investigated. Results: FGE exhibited potent in-vitro and in-vivo antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against MDR strains. It not only didn't exhibit toxicological effects at the hematological and the histological levels but also provided protective effects as demonstrated by the significant drop in the biochemical parameters. Conclusion: FGE has the potential to be used as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic lock agent against biofilmassociated infections caused by MDR bacteria.
Molecules
Voriconazole (VRC) is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent belonging to BCS class II (biopharmaceuti... more Voriconazole (VRC) is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent belonging to BCS class II (biopharmaceutical classification system). Despite many efforts to enhance its solubility, this primary issue still remains challenging for formulation scientists. Transethosomes (TELs) are one of the potential innovative nano-carriers for improving the solubility and permeation of poorly soluble and permeable drugs. We herein report voriconazole-loaded transethosomes (VRCT) fabricated by the cold method and followed by their incorporation into carbopol 940 as a gel. The prepared VRCT were evaluated for % yield, % entrapment efficiency (EE), surface morphology, possible chemical interaction, particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI). The optimized formulation had a particle size of 228.2 nm, a zeta potential of −26.5 mV, and a PDI of 0.45 with enhanced % EE. Rheology, spreadability, extrudability, in vitro release, skin permeation, molecular docking, antifungal, and antileishmanial ...
3 Biotech, 2020
This study identifies the risk factors, microbiological properties, antimicrobial susceptibility ... more This study identifies the risk factors, microbiological properties, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, mortality, and clinical complications associated with organisms causing diabetic foot infections (DFIs) with or without antibiotic treatment using data from a retrospective multicenter surveillance. Specimens collected from different hospitals were cultured and the extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) excretion was estimated. The antibacterial susceptibility pattern and biofilm formation were completed along with the recommended standard methods. Overall, 792 diabetic foot patients (DFPs) were enrolled and a total of 1803 causative organisms were isolated. Polymicrobial infection was identified in 48.5% of the patients. The isolated Gram-positive pathogens (46.7%) were higher than Gram-negative (38.6%) or anaerobes (7.9%). The predominant pathogens were S. aureus (22.2%), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (7.7%), Enterococcus spp. (12.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.4%), E. coli (7.9%), Klebsiella spp. (7.5%), Proteus mirabilis (8.9%), coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) (6.6%), anaerobic organisms (5.9%), and fungi (2.3%). Vancomycin and clindamycin exhibited no activity against Grampositive bacteria. However, meropenem and imipenem displayed high activity against the Gram-negative isolates. Out of the 765 tested strains, 251 showed moderate (15.8%) to high (34%) level biofilm-producing phenotype. DFIs were widespread among the diabetic patients with different microbial etiology and the major organisms were aerobic organisms. Our findings may provide an insight into the development of appropriate therapeutic strategies for the management of DFIs.
Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences, 2020
In the era of antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial polymers represent state of the art innovation... more In the era of antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial polymers represent state of the art innovation evolved to fight biofilm-associated infections. In the present study, novel self-disinfecting polyurethane (PU) catheter materials were developed. Gamma radiation-induced graft copolymerization was used to functionalize PU using acrylic acid-co-glycidyl methacrylate (AAc/ GMA) binary comonomer. The grafted PU, PU-g-(AAc-co-GMA), was subsequently modified by covalent immobilization of cefepime and/or wet in-situ intermatrix synthesis of ZnO (NPs) to produce PU-g-(AAc-co-GMA)/cefepime, PU-g-(AA-co-GMA-cefepime/ZnO and PU-g-(AAc-co-GMA)/ZnO nanocomposites, respectively. Modified polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Finally, the antibacterial and antibiofilm characteristics were evaluated against five multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical bacterial isolates; including Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. FTIR confirmed the successful grafting and subsequent immobilization of cefepime. Formation of ZnO was verified by EDX analysis, while XRD analysis revealed the crystalline nature of ZnO NPs with a size range of 43-62 nm. Moreover, SEM showed the morphology, particle size and distribution of ZnO NPs within the prepared nanocomposites. The modified PU catheter nancomposites with or without cefepime showed excellent antibacterial and anti-biofilm characteristics. The prepared polymeric biocides could be potential candidates in medical care to combat biofilm formation on biomaterials.
Medical devices are used extensively in many practice. This include devices used on a temporary, ... more Medical devices are used extensively in many practice. This include devices used on a temporary, intermittent and long term basis. Transient or permanently implanted plastic devices are frequently the starting point of infection. A total number of 117 clinical isolates were recovered from 83 contaminated CVCs from ICUs hospitalized infants and adult patients of age up to 90 years. The majority of the isolates (about 92%) were Gram-negative rods, in addition to Gram-positive cocci and Yeast (4% each). The most prevalent contaminants were
Chemotherapy, 1996
The effect of subinhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and azithrom... more The effect of subinhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin on the hemagglutination (HA) and adherence ability of 29 P-fimbriated Escherichia coli strains to the buffalo green monkey kidney (BGMK) cell line was investigated. Comparisons were made between the values of HA titer before and those after exposure of strains to 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 and 1/32 MIC of antibiotics, as well as between the number of bacteria attached to the BGMK cells before and the number after their exposure to the same concentrations of antibiotics. Azithromycin at concentrations of 1/2 and 1/4 MIC damaged the HA capacity of the studied strains, while ceftazidime at concentrations of 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 MIC and ciprofloxacin at concentrations of 1/2 and 1/4 MIC increased the HA capacity of P-fimbriated E. coli. All three antibiotics decreased the adhesive capacity of E. coli to the BGMK cells. Comparing the number of adhered bacteria before and after exposure to sub-MICs of antibiotics, statistically significant differences were determined (p < 0.01) after exposure of the strains to all the concentrations of ceftazidime used after exposure to 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 MIC of ciprofloxacin, and after exposure to 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 MIC of azithromycin. Filaments formed by sub-MICs of ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin in a static experimental system caused HA, but in an experimental system imitating in vivo conditions, the strains adhered poorly to the cells.
International Journal of General Medicine, 2021
Background: The behavior of the general public and the adoption of precautionary measures during ... more Background: The behavior of the general public and the adoption of precautionary measures during a pandemic determine the fate of the country in the absence of any specific cure. This study aimed to determine the public attitude and behavior responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia during movement restrictions, and the predictors of behavioral responses. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study of 2470 adult individuals in Saudi Arabia, 17-29 April 2020 was conducted via Survey Monkey, using an anonymous validated e-questionnaire. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, COVID-19-related attitudes, and behavioral responses in terms of; precautionary measures, preparedness, and self-quarantine activities, to be responded to by 4-point Likert scales. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify the significant predictors of compliance with different behaviors. Significance was considered at p<0.05. Results: Participants reported positive attitudes towards governmental actions (95%), selfhygiene (93.2%), social distancing (97.1%) and choice of healthy food (89.6%), and negative attitudes towards the current worldwide situation of the pandemic (81.0%) and hearing someone tested positive (77.8%) or died from COVID-19 (83.7%). High rates of compliance to behavior were reported by only 55.8% of participants in terms of precautionary measures (71.3%), preparedness (38.4%), and self-quarantine activities (46.1%). After adjusting for all possible confounders, the total attitude score was a significant predictor of the total scores of precautionary measures (t=12.01, p<0.001), preparedness (t=9.29, p<0.001), self-quarantine activities (t=12.05, p<0.001), and overall behavior response (t=14.09, p<0.001). Other significant predictors of higher overall behavior response scores were female gender (t=7.22, p<0.001) and non-Saudi nationality (t=3.40, p<0.001). Conclusion: This study provides baseline data on the behavioral response to the national COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. The levels of compliance to behavior response and attitude to COVID-19 pandemic were less than satisfactory. Socio-demographics influence public behavior and protective health measures. COVID-19 awareness programs are recommended.
Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal
IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences, 2014
Aim: To test the efficacy of antibiotic lock technique (ALT) and catheter material modification f... more Aim: To test the efficacy of antibiotic lock technique (ALT) and catheter material modification for the eradication and prevention of biofilm formation on central venous catheters (CVCs). Methods: Four resistant clinical isolates, namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida tropicalis were used to study the effectiveness of ALT using levofloxacin (for bacteria) or fluconazole (for candida) to eliminate microbial biofilms. Moreover, with the aid of gamma radiation, gentamicin was covalently attached to the polyurethane catheter and the modified polymeric material was tested for their antimicrobial and anti-adherence properties. Results: The highest and lowest concentrations of levofloxacin tested (1024 and 64 mg/L) eliminated the biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii after 3 and 10 days, respectively and after 1 and 7 days in case of Klebsiella pneumoniae, whereas Candida tropicalis biofilms were eliminated by fluconazole after 3 and 10 days. The modified polymeric material acquired antibacterial and antiadherence properties. Conclusion: The results suggest that ALT and catheter modification could be effective for eradicating and preventing biofilm formation on CVCs.
Medical devices are used extensively in many practice. This include devices used on a temporary, ... more Medical devices are used extensively in many practice. This include devices used on a temporary, intermittent and long term basis. Transient or permanently implanted plastic devices are frequently the starting point of infection. A total number of 117 clinical isolates were recovered from 83 contaminated CVCs from ICUs hospitalized infants and adult patients of age up to 90 years. The majority of the isolates (about 92%) were Gram-negative rods, in addition to Gram-positive cocci and Yeast (4% each). The most prevalent contaminants were
Medical devices are used extensively in many practice. This include devices used on a temporary, ... more Medical devices are used extensively in many practice. This include devices used on a temporary, intermittent and long term basis. Transient or permanently implanted plastic devices are frequently the starting point of infection. A total number of 117 clinical isolates were recovered from 83 contaminated CVCs from ICUs hospitalized infants and adult patients of age up to 90 years. The majority of the isolates (about 92%) were Gram-negative rods, in addition to Gram-positive cocci and Yeast (4% each). The most prevalent contaminants were Acinetobacter baumannii (23%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (15%) and Enterobacter species (13%). Less common isolates were Acinetobacter lowffii (5%), Yeasts (4%), Providencia, Stenotrophomonas, Achromobacter, Proteus and Staphylococci (3% each), Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida, and Micrococcus (1% each). Positive slime production was observed with about 72% of the Gram-negative isolates and one Candida tropicalis strain. Strong slime production was detected in 11 out of 23 Pseudomonas strains, 10 out of 33 Acinetobacter and 2 out of 18 Klebsiella strains. Among 32 antibiotics tested, the susceptibility pattern revealed that the most effective antibiotics were levofloxacin, imipenem and meropenem; 68, 67 and 67%, of Gram-negative isolates were affected, respectively. Among the affected isolates there were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains; highly resistant to other antibiotics. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to fluconazole was found to be 2 µg/ml. The absence or presence of adherent growth and biofilm formation on the catheter surface, to any degree, was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy; where heavy growth showed cottony like appearance. More basic research at the level of pathogenesis with in-vitro model for prevention and elimination of microbial colonization of CVC and modification of catheter materials is needed to design novel strategies.
Aim: To test the efficacy of antibiotic lock technique (ALT) and catheter material modification f... more Aim: To test the efficacy of antibiotic lock technique (ALT) and catheter material modification for the eradication and prevention of biofilm formation on central venous catheters (CVCs). Methods: Four resistant clinical isolates, namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida tropicalis were used to study the effectiveness of ALT using levofloxacin (for bacteria) or fluconazole (for candida) to eliminate microbial biofilms. Moreover, with the aid of gamma radiation, gentamicin was covalently attached to the polyurethane catheter and the modified polymeric material was tested for their antimicrobial and anti-adherence properties. Results: The highest and lowest concentrations of levofloxacin tested (1024 and 64 mg/L) eliminated the biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii after 3 and 10 days, respectively and after 1 and 7 days in case of Klebsiella pneumoniae, whereas Candida tropicalis biofilms were eliminated by fluconazole after 3 and 10 days. The modified polymeric material acquired antibacterial and anti-adherence properties. Conclusion: The results suggest that ALT and catheter modification could be effective for eradicating and preventing biofilm formation on CVCs.