Mortality and clinical outcomes of colistin versus colistin-based combination therapy for infections caused by Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in critically ill patients.

Background: Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii emerged as a threatening "superbug" with significant morbidity and mortality and limited antimicrobial therapy options. The results of different antibiotic combination studies are heterogeneous and controversial. Further comparative studies are crucial to overcome such difficult-to-treat infections and to improve patient outcomes.

Novel circular antimicrobial peptides to combat a critical listed bacterial pathogen multi drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii, acritical nosocomial pathogen, is one of the leading causes of human mortality, globally. The extraordinary genetic plasticity of A. baumannii leads to a high propensity antimicrobial resistance trait that demands urgent attention for alternative therapeutics.

Binding Antibodies Responses to SARS-COV-2 Infection in Hospitalized Patients and Vaccinated Subjects: A Longitudinal Prospective Observational Study.

Background: Prevalence of seropositivity following SARS-CoV-2 infection is vital in evaluating herd immunity. However, depending on illness severity, it remains unclear whether the breadth and magnitude of immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is for short or long term.

Objective: To test the persistence of humoral antibody responses after SARS-CoV-2 exposure in patients with different illness severity and among volunteers who had been vaccinated.

Leprosy with subsequent type 2 reaction masquerading as cutaneous tuberculosis: a case report and diagnostic pitfalls in a non-endemic area.

Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by complex, remains a significant global health concern despite being curable with multidrug therapy. Delayed diagnosis is common, particularly in non-endemic regions or when presenting with atypical symptoms. This can lead to missed opportunities for early intervention, potential disabilities, and increased transmission.

Carbapenem resistance in Enterobacterales: Predicting clinical outcomes in bloodstream infections.

Purpose: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are a global concern due to their high mortality rates and limited therapeutics. CRE-caused bloodstream infections (BSIs) are challenging to manage, especially in healthcare settings. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of mortality in BSI patients caused by CRE.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of multi-drug resistant isolated from King Fahad Hospital of the University, AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia.

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) remain a major clinical problem. Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant strains are particularly difficult to treat. This study aimed to assess the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of MDR isolates.

Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics of Candidemia Cases in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: Candidemia and antifungal resistance are major healthcare challenges. The aim of this study is to describe the frequency of candidemia cases, distribution of spp., and the associated risk factors for mortality in an academic institution in Saudi Arabia over an 18-month period.

Antimicrobial Resistance in Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Predictive Microbiology and Evidence-Based Therapy.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious intensive care unit (ICU)-related infection in mechanically ventilated patients that is frequent, as more than half of antibiotics prescriptions in ICU are due to VAP. Various risk factors and diagnostic criteria for VAP have been referred to in different settings. The estimated attributable mortality of VAP can go up to 50%, which is higher in cases of antimicrobial-resistant VAP.

Bloodstream Infections Caused by Drug Resistant : A Case Series During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

. is an emerging, non-fermentative Gram-negative rod that demonstrates multidrug resistance. Herein, four cases of bloodstream infections (BSI) caused by are presented.

Diagnosis of group A streptococcal pharyngitis in the paediatric emergency department using a fluorescence-based RADT: predicted impact on antibiotic prescription.

. Using rapid antigen diagnostic tests (RADTs) in clinical practice has shown excellent specificity but often has diminished sensitivity..

Nano-treatment of HEPA filters in COVID-19 isolation rooms in an academic medical center in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has spread globally. The major reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 transmission remains controversial, with the airborne route remaining a possible transmission vehicle for carrying the virus within indoor environments. This study aimed to detect contamination of SARS-CoV-2 in high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters within hospital isolation rooms of confirmed COVID-19 patients, exploring the role of nano-treatment of these filters with silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Ag/TiO NPs).

Pneumococcal empyema: Resistance patterns, fitness cost and serotype distribution.

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a recognized etiology of invasive infections including parapneumonic empyema, and its resistance to antibiotics is evolving worldwide, raising concerns of encountering untreatable strains. This study measured the serotype distribution, antimicrobial susceptibility and biological cost incurred by resistance of pneumococci from pleural samples.

Methods: The serotype profiles, susceptibility results and growth rates were phenotypically determined for a panel of clinical strains of S.

Eleven-Year surveillance of methicillin-resistant infections at an Academic Health Centre.

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important human pathogen associated with nosocomial and community infections. There is a continual focus on the epidemiology of this public health threat owing to the increase in its spread and rapid development of resistance.

Aim: We aimed to demonstrate the time trend of antibiotic resistance by describing the epidemiology of MRSA infections at an academic health centre.

Low levels of soluble DPP4 among Saudis may have constituted a risk factor for MERS endemicity.

Most of the cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) were reported in Saudi Arabia. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) was identified as the receptor for the virus. The level of soluble DPP4 (sDPP4) was found to be reduced in MERS-CoV infected patients while high levels of sDPP4 were suggested to be protective against MERS-CoV in animal models.

Bacterial and Fungal Coinfection in Critically Ill COVID-19 Cases and Predictive Role of Procalcitonin During the First Wave at an Academic Health Center.

Background: Coinfection at various sites can complicate the clinical course of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) patients leading to worse prognosis and increased mortality. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of coinfection in critically ill COVID-19 cases, and the predictive role of routinely tested biomarkers on admission for mortality.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of all SARS-CoV-2-infected cases, who were admitted to King Fahad Hospital of the University between March 2020 and December 2020.

Pooled Specimen Testing Using Automated Cartridge-Based System for COVID-19: The Cost on Sensitivity.

Background: Pooled specimen screening for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can improve laboratory testing capacity. This study assessed the impact of pooling and retesting individual swabs on the overall detection rate and reduction in the frequency of retesting.

Methods: One hundred respiratory swabs specimens were tested individually and in pools of three or five samples using the Cepheid's Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 test kit.

Predictive Role of Targeted, Active Surveillance Cultures for Detection of Methicillin-Resistant .

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) colonisation is an important source of healthcare-acquired infections. Reliable screening strategies for MRSA colonisation are essential for the timely implementation of infection control measures.

Aim: This study determined reliable MRSA screening sites to predict colonisation in resource-limited settings and estimated the impact of missed MRSA cases when shifting from multi- to single-site screening.

The Environmental Deposition of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Nosocomial Settings: Role of the Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide.

Background: Data on the role of aerosolized hydrogen peroxide (AHP) systems in the control of the COVID-19 pandemic are still emerging. This study provides evidence of the environmental shedding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the hospital environment, and the efficacy of AHP to eliminate it.

Methods: A total of 324 environmental sites (224 surfaces and 100 air samples) belonging to 54 patient rooms were contextually collected and tested for genes of SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR assays and Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2.

Predictors of Illness Severity in COVID-19 Cases in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: Multiple studies worldwide have reported the clinical and epidemiological features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with limited reports from the Middle East. This study describes the clinical and epidemiological features of COVID-19 cases in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and identified factors associated with the severity of illness.

Patients And Methods: This was an observational study of 341 COVID-19 cases.

The diagnostic impact of implementing a molecular-based algorithm to standard mycobacterial screening at a reference laboratory with an intermediate prevalence for non-respiratory samples.

Rapid, reliable results can be given by molecular, direct detection and identification of the (MTB/Mtb) complex from clinical samples. The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is an assay that has been availablefor more than a decade for identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and resistance to rifampicin. However, there is minimal evidence on its clinical usefulness in paucibacillary, non-respiratory samples.

Inverse correlation between biofilm production efficiency and antimicrobial resistance in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

This study assessed the correlation between biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains with both the level of antibiotic resistance, and the number of virulence- and biofilm-related genes encoded. A total of sixty-six, non-replicate and prospectively collected P. aeruginosa strains were identified and tested.

A seven-year surveillance of bloodstream infection at a university hospital in KSA.

Objectives: Candidemia incidence has increased in the past few years, with high mortality. Previous studies have reported a variable distribution of spp. among different regions.

Prevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Post-Quarantine Healthcare Workers.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 is an emerging highly communicable disease. Nosocomial transmission needs to be prevented through the implementation of stringent screening and infection control measures.

Objective: The objective of the study is to estimate the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome- coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among health care workers (HCWs) post quarantine period.

Whole Genome Sequencing of Ceftolozane-Tazobactam and Ceftazidime-Avibactam Resistant Isolated from a Blood Stream Infection Reveals VEB and Chromosomal Metallo-Beta Lactamases as Genetic Determinants: A Case Report.

is a common gram-negative bacillus in nosocomial settings. Consideration of this organism is important due to its potential to acquire multi-drug resistance through various mechanisms causing severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised hosts. Here, we present a challenging case of a blood stream infection caused by a drug-resistant strain of in a debilitated young patient.