Emergence of -bearing MDR-hypervirulent ST307.

We report for the first time whole-genome sequencing of four multidrug-resistant sequence type (ST) 307 recovered from patients in two hospitals in Armenia. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the isolates were closely related, with a maximum of 39 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) differences in the core genome. All Armenian isolates carried the integrative and conjugative element ICE4, which bears the yersiniabactin locus, and shared a common evolutionary origin, diverging around 2005 (95% CI: 1999 to 2011).

Short- and Long-Read Sequencing Reveals the Presence and Evolution of an IncF Plasmid Harboring and Genes in Escherichia coli ST131.

Escherichia coli sequence type 131 (ST131) has contributed to the spread of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and has emerged as the dominant cause of hospital- and community-acquired urinary tract infections. Here, we report for the first time an in-depth analysis of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 4 ESBL-producing E. coli ST131 isolates recovered from patients in two hospitals in Armenia using Illumina short-read sequencing for accurate base calling to determine their genotype and to infer their phylogeny and using Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-read sequencing to resolve plasmid and chromosomal genetic elements.

Whole-Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomics Analysis of a Newly Emerged Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolate of ST967.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common cause of hospital- and community-acquired infections globally, yet its population structure remains unknown for many regions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Here, we report for the first-time whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of a multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolate, ARM01, recovered from a patient in Armenia.

An Emerging Lineage of Uropathogenic Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Escherichia coli ST127.

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is one of the most common causes of urinary tract infections. Here, we report for the first time the whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and analysis of four extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), UPEC sequence type (ST) 127 isolates that were recovered from patients in five hospitals in Armenia from January to August of 2019. A phylogenetic comparison revealed that our isolates were closely related to each other by their core and accessory genomes, despite having been isolated from different regions and hospitals in Armenia.

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococci Isolated from Goats and Their Farm Environments in Saudi Arabia Genotypically Linked to Known Human Clinical Isolates: a Pilot Study.

We conducted a pilot whole genome sequencing (WGS) study to characterize the genotypes of nine methicillin resistant staphylococci (MRS) isolates recovered from goats and their farm environments in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, between November 2019 to August 2020. Seven out of nine isolates were methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and two were methicillin resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE). All MRSA isolates possessed genotypes previously identified to infect humans, including isolates harboring ST6-SCC IV-t304 ( = 4), ST5-SCC VI- t688 ( = 2) and ST5-SCC V-t311 ( = 1).

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Physicians Regarding Vaccinations in Yerevan, Armenia: A Case Study of HPV.

This paper highlights the low levels of vaccine coverage and high levels of reported vaccination hesitancy in Yerevan, Armenia, that present profound challenges to the control of disease through routine vaccination programmes. We draw on investigations of hesitancy towards the introduction of new vaccines, using the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine Gardasil as a case study, to interrogate underlying challenges to vaccine acceptance. We analyse primary data from the introduction of Gardasil, first used in Armenia in 2017, to investigate how levels of medical knowledge amongst physicians in 20 health facilities in Yerevan, Armenia, regarding vaccine science influence attitudes towards the introduction of a newly developed vaccine.

Surveillance and prevalence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria from public settings within urban built environments: Challenges and opportunities for hygiene and infection control.

Antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria present one of the biggest threats to public health; this must not be forgotten while global attention is focussed on the COVID-19 pandemic. Resistant bacteria have been demonstrated to be transmittable to humans in many different environments, including public settings in urban built environments where high-density human activity can be found, including public transport, sports arenas and schools. However, in comparison to healthcare settings and agriculture, there is very little surveillance of AMR in the built environment outside of healthcare settings and wastewater.

Comparative Genomics Analysis Demonstrated a Link Between Staphylococci Isolated From Different Sources: A Possible Public Health Risk.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) have been recovered from different ecological niches, however, little is known about the genetic relatedness of these isolates. In this study, we used whole genome sequencing to compare positive ( ) , and isolates recovered from hand-touched surfaces from general public settings in East and West London with data of isolates deposited to European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) by other research groups. These included isolates associated with hospital settings (including those recovered from patients), healthy humans, livestock, pets, plants and natural, and other public environments.

Molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant and -susceptible recovered from hospital personnel.

Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) is one of the major causes of hospital-acquired infections. Over the past two decades MRSA has become 'epidemic' in many hospitals worldwide. However, little is known about the genetic background of recovered from hospital personnel in China.

Changes in blood biomarkers in Arabian horses with Clostridium difficile-induced enterocolitis.

Clostridium difficile (CD) is considered a major health care problem both in developing and developed countries; frequently reported to be associated with enterocolitis and diarrhea in horses and other animals. In this study, we examined acute phase response (APR), cytokines response, neopterin (NP) procalcitonin (PCT) production and oxidative stress condition in horses and foals with C. difficile-induced enterocolitis (CDIE) and evaluated the effectiveness of these parameters as biomarkers for the disease.

Antibiotic resistance and molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis recovered from hospital personnel in China.

Objectives: Staphylococcus epidermidis is a major nosocomial pathogen predominantly associated with indwelling medical device infections. Studies reporting on S. epidermidis recovered from hospital personnel in China are scarce.

Use of procalcitonin, neopterin, haptoglobin, serum amyloid A and proinflammatory cytokines in diagnosis and prognosis of bovine respiratory disease in feedlot calves under field conditions.

Bovine respiratory diseases (BRD) have long been considered a serious problem that causes major economic losses in feedlot calves (FC). This study aimed to determine the diagnostic and prognostic effect of selected biological markers including, procalcitonin (PCT), neopterin (NP), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α, IF-γ), haptoglobin (HP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) on FC with BRD under field conditions. Sixty-nine FC that were identified to be infected with Mannheimia haemolytica and Histophilus somni and had different clinical respiratory signs (diseased group) were selected for this study.

Comparative Proteomic Profiling of Methicillin-Susceptible and Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus is a highly successful human pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections. This study provides insights into the virulence, pathogenicity, and antimicrobial resistance determinants of methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MSSA; MRSA) recovered from non-healthcare environments.

Whole genome sequencing revealed new molecular characteristics in multidrug resistant staphylococci recovered from high frequency touched surfaces in London.

The rise of antibiotic resistance (AMR) is one of the most important public health threats worldwide.Today, increasing attention is being paid to multidrug resistant staphylococci isolated from healthcare and non-healthcare environments as the treatment of these bacteria has become increasingly difficult. In this study, we compared staphylococci isolates recovered from high frequency touched surfaces from public areas in the community and hospitals in East and West London.

Novel Methicillin-Resistant CC8 Clone Identified in a Hospital Setting in Armenia.

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of methicillin-resistant (MRSA) has been sparse in low- and middle-income countries, therefore, its population structure is unknown for many regions. We conducted a pilot surveillance of MRSA in the maternity ward of a teaching hospital in Armenia, to characterize the genotypes of circulating MRSA clones. In total, 10 MRSA isolates from a hospital environment ( = 4) and patients ( = 6) were recovered between March and May 2015 and April and May 2016, respectively.

The prevalence, antibiotic resistance and characterization of coagulase negative staphylococci recovered from non-healthcare settings in London, UK.

Background: Coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) are important reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes and associated mobile genetic elements and are believed to contribute to the emergence of successful methicillin resistant (MRSA) clones. Although, these bacteria have been linked to various ecological niches, little is known about the dissemination and genetic diversity of antibiotic resistant CoNS in general public settings.

Methods: Four hundred seventy-nine samples were collected from different non-healthcare/general public settings in various locations ( = 355) and from the hands of volunteers ( = 124) in London UK between April 2013 and Nov 2014.

Whole Genome Sequence and Comparative Genomics Analysis of Multi-drug Resistant Environmental ST59.

is a major opportunistic pathogen primarily recovered from device-associated healthcare associated infections (DA-HAIs). Although and other coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are less virulent than , these bacteria are an important reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes and resistance-associated mobile genetic elements that can be transferred between staphylococcal species. We report a whole genome sequence of a multidrug resistant (strain G6_2) representing multilocus sequence type (ST) 59 and isolated from an environmental sampling of a hotel room in London, UK.

Detection of diverse genotypes of Methicillin-resistant from hospital personnel and the environment in Armenia.

Background: Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) is a public health concern internationally. Studies examining a range of cohorts have been reported from various regions of the world, but little is known about the molecular epidemiology of MRSA in Armenia.

Methods: Between May and September 2013, twenty isolates of methicillin-resistant (MRSA; positive) were recovered from hospital personnel ( = 10; 9 females, 1 male) and environmental sites ( = 10) in the maternity ward of one of the teaching hospitals in Armenia.

Antibiotic resistance and mecA characterization of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from three hotels in London, UK.

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria isolated from non-healthcare environments, is a potential problem to public health. In our survey a total of 71 coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) belonging to 11 different species were isolated from three large hotels in London, UK. The most prevalent species was Staphylococcus haemolyticus, with S.

Could public restrooms be an environment for bacterial resistomes?

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria remains a major problem and environments that help to maintain such resistance, represent a significant problem to infection control in the community. Restrooms have always been regarded as potential sources of infectious diseases and we suggest they have the potential to sustain bacterial "resistomes". Recent studies have demonstrated the wide range of different bacterial phyla that can be found in non-healthcare restrooms.