Prevalence and risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant bacteria in COVID-19 patients.

Bacterial coinfection among patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a critical medical concern that increases the disease severity and mortality rate. The current study is aimed at evaluating the effects of bacterial coinfections among COVID-19 patients, especially in relation to degree of severity and mortality. A retrospective study was conducted for patients with positive COVID-19 test, admitted to a regional COVID-19 hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between May and August 2020.

Evaluating Adherence to Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Guidelines for Gentamicin in Neonatal Care: A Retrospective Study at the Maternity and Children's Hospital in Makkah.

In this study, we assess healthcare providers' adherence to therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) guidelines for gentamicin in neonates. Conducted at the Maternity and Children's Hospital in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, from July 2020 to July 2022, it retrospectively analyzed the compliance of healthcare workers in managing neonates treated with gentamicin. Covering 410 neonates, primarily diagnosed with respiratory distress (56%) and sepsis (32%), the study revealed that while a majority of trough and peak levels conformed to guidelines, substantial deviations were noted in cases of respiratory distress.

Antimicrobial, Anticancer, and Antioxidant Activities of Maize and Clover Pollen Grains Extracts: A Comparative Study with Phytochemical Characterizations.

The failure to treat infectious diseases due to the continual emergence of drug-resistant microbes poses a huge and serious challenge for human health globally. Currently, the discovery and development of natural therapeutic compounds are attracting considerable attention from researchers worldwide. In this project, two types of pollen grains (maize and clover) were evaluated for potential antimicrobial activities.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with drug resistant bacteria in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units: A retrospective study in Saudi Arabia.

Successful empirical antibiotic therapy for infected patients with multi drug resistant bacteria (MDR) can be challenging task in various healthcare settings, including neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICU and PICU, respectively), unless an up-to-date comprehensive local antibiogram data is available. Thus, this project aimed to investigate the prevalence of MDR among PICU and NICU patients as well as the identification of risk factors associated with recovered MDR bacteria. This was a retrospective study of PICU and NICU patients admitted with bacterial infection of MDR organisms between October 2020 and May 2021.

Antibiofilm, Antimicrobial, Anti-Quorum Sensing, and Antioxidant Activities of Saudi Sidr Honey: In Vitro and Molecular Docking Studies.

Sidr honey is a valuable source of bioactive compounds with promising biological properties. In the present study, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-quorum sensing properties of Saudi Sidr honey were assessed, along with phytochemical analysis, via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In silico study was also carried out to study the drug-likeness properties of the identified compounds and to study their affinity with known target proteins assessed using molecular docking approach.

Identification of novel bacteriocin against and species.

Objectives: Due to the continues emergence of antimicrobial resistance, discovery of novel compounds are urgently required. Thus, this study is focused to identify a novel antimicrobial peptide (bacteriocin) targeting multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria.

Methods: About 80 environmental isolates were recovered and screened for anti-bacterial activity using simultaneous antagonism assays.

Revisiting the Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles: Uncovering Influences of Plant Extracts as Reducing Agents for Enhanced Synthesis Efficiency and Its Biomedical Applications.

Background: Conventional nanoparticle synthesis methods involve harsh conditions, high costs, and environmental pollution. In this context, researchers are actively searching for sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional chemical synthesis methods. This has led to the development of green synthesis procedures among which the exploration of the plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles experienced a great development.

Effects of Repeated in-vitro Exposure to Saudi Honey on Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics and Biofilm Formation.

Introduction: Although Sumra and Sidr Saudi honey is widely used in traditional medicine due to its potent activity, it is unknown whether its prolonged usage has impact upon bacterial virulence or leading to reduced antibiotic sensitivity. Thus, the study aims to investigate the effect of prolonged (repeated) in-vitro exposure to Saudi honey on the antibiotic susceptibility profiles and biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria.

Methods: Several bacteria, including , and , were in-vitro exposed ten times [passaged (P10)]to Sumra and Sider honey individually to introduce adapted bacteria (P10).

Dihydropyrimidone Derivatives as Thymidine Phosphorylase Inhibitors: Inhibition Kinetics, Cytotoxicity, and Molecular Docking.

Overexpression of the thymidine phosphorylase (TP) enzyme induces angiogenesis, which eventually leads to metastasis and tumor growth. The crucial role of TP in cancer development makes it an important target for anticancer drug discovery. Currently, there is only one US-FDA-approved drug, i.

Antimicrobial Potential of Seed Extract against Pathogenic Bacteria: In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation.

Clinical multi-drug-resistant bacteria continue to be a serious health problem. Plant-derived molecules are an important source of bioactive compounds to counteract these pathogenic bacteria. In this paper, we studied the chemical composition of the methanol (80%) extract from seed (Hail, Saudi Arabia) and its ability to inhibit the growth of clinically relevant multi-drug-resistant bacteria.

Phytochemical Characterization and Efficacy of Extract Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles as Inhibitors of Cancer Proliferation and Microbial Growth.

Despite the advanced development in the field of drug discovery and design, fighting infectious and non-infectious diseases remains a major worldwide heath challenge due to the limited activity of currently used drugs. Nevertheless, in recent years, the approach of designing nanoparticles for therapeutic applications has gained more interest and promise for future use. Thus, the current study is focused on the evaluation of extract and chitosan nanoparticles loaded extract (CNPsLE) for potential antimicrobial and anticancer activities.

Current Insights into Diagnosis, Prevention Strategies, Treatment, Therapeutic Targets, and Challenges of Monkeypox (Mpox) Infections in Human Populations.

In the wake of the emergence and worldwide respread of a viral infection called Monkeypox (Mpox), there is a serious threat to the health and safety of the global population. This viral infection was endemic to the western and central parts of Africa, but has recently spread out of this endemic area to various countries, including the United Kingdom (UK), Portugal, Spain, the United States of America (USA), Canada, Sweden, Belgium, Italy, Australia, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Israel, and Mexico. This is a timely review focusing on recent findings and developments in the epidemiology, clinical features, therapeutic targets, diagnosis, prevention mechanisms, research challenges and possible treatment for Mpox.

The Antimicrobial Effects of Saudi Sumra Honey against Drug Resistant Pathogens: Phytochemical Analysis, Antibiofilm, Anti-Quorum Sensing, and Antioxidant Activities.

Honey exhibited potential antimicrobial activity against multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria that continues to be a serious health problem. We reported the in-vitro activity of Saudi Sumra honey against clinical pathogenic bacteria and fungi, antibiofilm, anti-quorum-sensing (QS) and antioxidant activities in relation to its phytochemical composition assessed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Broth dilution method and scavenging activities against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and β-carotene bleaching assays were performed.

Prevalence of Transfusion-Transmitted Infections (HCV, HIV, Syphilis and Malaria) in Blood Donors: A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study.

Blood plays a major role in transmitting infectious diseases such as hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), syphilis, malaria, and many others. Thus, this study sought to evaluate the distribution of HCV, HIV, syphilis, and malaria among blood donors in Yemen. This is a cross-sectional study, conducted on blood donors at the national center in Yemen.

Updated Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Anti-Hepatitis Core Antibody Among Blood Donors in Yemen.

Purpose: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most common infectious pathogens worldwide. Various studies found a prevalence of HBV infection among blood donors ranging from 2% to 18%. Hence, this study aimed to provide an updated prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBcAb among blood donors.

Antibiogram of Urinary Tract Infections and Sepsis among Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Neonatal infections including sepsis and urinary tract infections are considered among the leading causes of mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Thus, use of empiric antibiotics is very important in infected neonates and the success of this practice is mainly reliant on the availability of an up-to-date antibiogram for currently used antibiotic drugs. In this study, we aim to determine the bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolated from blood or/and urine cultures belonging to patients at the NICU.

Bacterial Coinfection and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles among Hospitalised COVID-19 Patients.

While it is reported that COVID-19 patients are more prone to secondary bacterial infections, which are strongly linked to the severity of complications of the disease, bacterial coinfections associated with COVID-19 are not widely studied. This work aimed to investigate the prevalence of bacterial coinfections and associated antibiotic resistance profiles among hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Age, gender, weight, bacterial identities, and antibiotic sensitivity profiles were collected retrospectively for 108 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU ward of a single center in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Honey: A Promising Therapeutic Agent for Treating Wound Infections.

Treatment of wounds, especially chronic ones, is a major challenge in healthcare, with serious clinical and economic burdens. Multiple treatment approaches, including the usage of silver and iodine, have dramatically improved wound healing and reduced the incidence of infection. However, once infected by drug-resistant bacteria, treatment of wounds becomes a serious complication, with limited availability of effective antibiotic drugs, leading to high morbidity and mortality.

Awareness and Practice of COVID-19 Precautionary Measures Among Healthcare Professionals in Saudi Arabia.

Objective: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are the backbone of the healthcare system and a skilled and healthy workforce is vital during a health crisis, such as the present coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Healthcare workers are at higher risk of exposure to and transmission of the severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hence, HCWs should possess good knowledge and attitudes toward COVID-19 to protect not only themselves but also their colleagues, families and the larger community.

Antimicrobial Surveillance for Bacterial Uropathogens in Ha'il, Saudi Arabia: A Five-Year Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Objective: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections that require antibiotic intervention. Antibiotic surveillance programs are crucial to assess resistance patterns of microorganisms associated with UTIs and to tailor antibiotic therapy accordingly. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to investigate the prevalence of uropathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in Ha'il region.

Knowledge and practice of personal protective measures during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emergent infectious pathogen causing an acute respiratory disease called corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Virus transmission may occur by contact, droplet, airborne or via contaminated surfaces. In efforts to effectively control the COVID-19 outbreak, the world health organization (WHO) and the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) have advised the public to practice protective measures to reduce transmission of the virus and reduce incidence of infection.

Public Perceptions and Commitment to Social Distancing "Staying-at-Home" During COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Survey in Saudi Arabia.

Objective: Social distancing measures, such as stay-at-home, are currently implemented to control the COVID-19 pandemic in many countries, including Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the awareness and adherence of the Saudi population to these measures.

Methods: A web-based questionnaire was designed with 16 questions (eight questions related to demographics, three related to the awareness of social distancing (stay-at-home) and five related to the overall practice of social distancing).

Purification and characterization of nisin P produced by a strain of .

Against the backdrop of increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics, bacteriocins represent an attractive alternative, given their potent activity, novel modes of action and perceived lack of issues with resistance. In this study, the nature of the antibacterial activity of a clinical isolate of was investigated. Optimization of the production of an inhibitor from strain AB39 was performed using different broth media and supplements.