Publications by authors named "W Achour"
Article Synopsis
- - The study identified the first vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VREfs) strain in Tunisia from an 8-year-old patient with bone marrow issues, using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) after isolating it during a hospital stay.
- - The strain showed significant resistance levels, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of vancomycin >256 mg/L and teicoplanin at 16 mg/L, and was classified as the ST249 clone typically found in avian sources.
- - This report highlights a novel case where an initially vancomycin-susceptible strain acquired resistance via a plasmid that carried a transposon, aided by specific genetic mechanisms related to conjugation and CRISPR interference
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are a public health concern as they lead to therapeutic impasses and play a pivotal role in the dissemination of vancomycin resistance genes. As recent evidence suggests that wildlife can play a role in the dissemination of bacterial resistomes, this study explored the potential role of Algerian wild birds as a reservoir of VRE. A total of 222 cloacal and fecal samples were collected from various wild bird species and screened for VRE using a selective medium.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The study focused on identifying and characterizing colistin-resistant bacteria from livestock in Algeria, specifically sheep, goats, and dromedaries.
- Researchers screened 197 swabs and found 21 colistin-resistant strains, mainly from Escherichia coli, some of which carried the dangerous mcr-1 gene associated with antibiotic resistance.
- The findings indicate a concerning presence of resistant bacteria in farm animals, posing a significant risk for spreading severe infections to humans.
Article Synopsis
- This study investigates vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) in Tunisia, focusing on its molecular characteristics and the genetic factors behind its resistance.
- The research analyzed 80 VREfm isolates from hospitalized patients over six years, showing a significant increase in prevalence from 2% to 27%, all containing the vanA gene and common resistance genes like ermB and tetM.
- The findings highlight a concerning trend in VREfm's persistence and genetic variability due to horizontal gene transfer, emphasizing the complexity of its resistance mechanisms.