Development of a Triplex Endpoint PCR Assay for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2: Insights on Cost-Efficiency and Method Design.

Introduction: Lower respiratory tract infections, including COVID-19, have a substantial global impact, making the development of diagnostic tests crucial. The study aimed to develop a new, accurate, fast, and cost-effective PCR-based detection method for SARS-CoV-2, applicable in limited settings and capable of detecting all current variants and potential future pathogens.

Methods: The study was conducted between 2020 and 2022 at the molecular biology department of Mures County Clinical Hospital (MCCH), Romania.

Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles in Carbapenemase-Producing Gram-Negative Rods-A Comparative Analysis between Screening and Pathological Isolates.

(1) Background: Carbapenem-resistant (CR) bacteria pose a significant global public health challenge due to their ability to evade treatment with beta-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems. This study investigates the biofilm-forming capabilities of CR clinical bacterial isolates and examines the impact of serum on biofilm formation. Additionally, the study evaluates the resistance profiles and genetic markers for carbapenemase production.

Uncovering the Resistance Mechanisms in Extended-Drug-Resistant Clinical Isolates: Insights from Gene Expression and Phenotypic Tests.

(1) Background: The purpose of the study was to describe the activity of efflux pumps in Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) clinical isolates of and to compare the carbapenem-resistance identification tests with PCR; (2) Methods: Sixty MDR were analyzed for detection of carbapenemase by disk diffusion inhibitory method, carbapenem inactivation method and Modified Hodge Test. Endpoint PCR was used to detect 7 carbapenemase genes (, , , , , , ) and for colistin resistance. The expression of A, B, C, E and X genes corresponding to the four main efflux pumps was also evaluated; (3) Results: From the tested strains, 71.

Antibacterial Effect of 16 Essential Oils and Modulation of Efflux Pumps Gene Expression on Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Isolates: Is Cinnamon a Good Fighter?

The purpose of the study was to describe the antimicrobial activity of 16 common essential oils (EOs) on multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates, including the determination of the effects on efflux pumps gene expression. Seventy-two clinical isolates of collected between 2020-2022 were screened for susceptibility to EOs using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion to identify potential candidates for future alternative therapies. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was further determined for the EO that proved antibacterial activity following the disk diffusion screening.

Epidemiology, Evolution of Antimicrobial Profile and Genomic Fingerprints of before and during COVID-19: Transition from Resistance to Susceptibility.

Background: The purpose of the study was to describe the epidemiological implication of between 2017-2022 in a tertiary hospital from Romania, including the molecular fingerprinting of similar phenotypic strains (multidrug-resistant isolates), which would have an important health impact. The study also describes the resistance profile of before and during COVID-19, which might bring new information regarding the management of antibiotic treatments.

Materials And Methods: Information regarding wards, specimen types, species, and antibiotic resistance profile of 1994 strains of spp.