Journal of Microbiology and Related Research

Introduction: Burn wound infections are among the most serious complications following thermal injuries and contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. Approximately 75% of deaths following burns are attributed to infection. The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms, such as Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative bacilli and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a major therapeutic challenge. This highlights the need for periodic surveillance of microbial profiles and antibiotic susceptibility patterns in burn units. Aim: To determine the bacteriological profile and antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial isolates from burn wound patients admitted to the burns ward over one year (September 2018 – October 2019), and to compare the findings with data from a similar study conducted 18 years ago in the same institution. Methods: Wound swabs were collected aseptically from burn patients admitted to the burns ward of King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam, and processed at the Department of Microbiology, Andhra Medical College. Bacterial identification was done using standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and interpreted as per CLSI guidelines. ESBL, MBL, and MRSA were identified using standard phenotypic tests. Results: Of the 264 samples processed, 238 bacterial isolates were obtained. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4.6%) and Enterococcus faecalis (1.6%) were among the isolated organisms. Among the 238 isolates, 163 (68%) were identified as multidrug-resistant. Notably, 31 isolates (13%) were Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci, 81 (34%) were ESBL producers, and 51 (21%) were MBL producers. Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms in burn wounds, underscoring the urgent need for regular microbiological surveillance and rational antibiotic use. The evolving resistance trends over 18 years necessitate updated antibiotic stewardship protocols to optimize treatment outcomes and reduce burn-related morbidity and mortality.

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is a commensal organism residing on human skin and mucosal surfaces as part of the normal flora. However, it is an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing infections when enters human body. The emergence of multidrug-resistant S. aureus, particularly methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA), has become a significant public health challenge. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of S. aureus isolated from various body fluids. Methods: The bacterial samples were procured from Dr. Micro Lab between July 2024 and September 2024. S. aureus isolates were identified based on microscopic examination and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. Results: Out of over 160 bacterial isolates, 70 were identified as S. aureus. Among these, 29 isolates (40%) were recovered from pus and wound infections. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) accounted for 33 (49%) of the S. aureus isolates. Resistance patterns showed that Linezolid exhibited no resistance, while Nitrofurantoin demonstrated the highest resistance rates. Conclusion: The study highlights a significant prevalence of S. aureus infections, particularly in females aged 21–30 years, with a higher frequency of isolates obtained from urine and pus infections. The findings show the growing resistance of S. aureus to commonly used antibiotics such as Penicillin and Erythromycin, raising concerns about treatment efficacy. However, Linezolid’s lack of resistance suggests it remains a reliable therapeutic option for managing MRSA infections.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major threat to global public health, particularly in developing nations with high infection burdens and widespread antibiotic misuse. Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are critical sites for the emergence and transmission of multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms, with critically ill patients at increased risk due to invasive procedures and compromised immunity. ESKAPE pathogens and other Gram-negative bacteria are frequently implicated in ICU infections, complicating empirical treatment and contributing to adverse outcomes. Despite this, there is limited surveillance data on resistance trends in ICUs, especially in low and middle-income countries like India. Materials and Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional observational study was conducted over six months (October 2023-March 2024) in the Department of Microbiology, Sharda Hospital, Greater Noida. Clinical samples from ICU patients including blood, urine, respiratory secretions, and pus were processed using standard microbiological techniques. Bacterial identification involved Gram staining, colony morphology, and biochemical testing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, interpreted as per CLSI 2023 guidelines. Results: A total of 2,125 ICU samples were analyzed, including blood (46%), urine (30%), respiratory samples (20%), and pus (4%). From these, 285 clinical isolates were recovered: respiratory samples yielded the highest proportion (46%), followed by blood (23%), urine (20%), and pus (11%). The most common isolates included Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus spp., consistent with the global ESKAPE pathogen profile. Conclusion: The study highlights a predominance of Gram-negative organisms in ICU infections, with significant antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the need for regular surveillance and updated antibiograms. Tailored empirical therapy based on local resistance patterns is crucial to improve patient outcomes and support antimicrobial stewardship efforts in resource-limited settings.

The increasing environmental burden of conventional plastic pollution 5 particularly from packaging waste has intensified the global pursuit of sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. Seaweeds, or marine macroalgae, have emerged as promising renewable biomass for bioplastic production due to their rapid growth, abundant polysaccharide content, and non-reliance on freshwater or arable land. This review critically examines the recent advancements (2010–2025) in the development of seaweed-derived bioplastics, focusing on the extraction of biopolymers such as alginate, agar, and carrageenan from brown and red algae.20 Key fabrication methods, including solution casting and extrusion, are explored alongside mechanical and biodegradation properties of the resulting materials. For instance, alginate-based films have demonstrated tensile strength values up to 38 MPa, while carrageenan films are noted for their transparency and potential for blending. Biodegradability tests have shown that certain seaweed bioplastics degrade within 30–60 days under natural conditions, offering significant environmental advantages.21 The review also highlights challenges such as water sensitivity, mechanical brittleness, and higher production costs, while identifying potential solutions in polymer blending, nanocomposites, and green extraction techniques. By synthesizing findings across multidisciplinary studies, this review underscores seaweed’s potential as a sustainable raw material for biodegradable plastics and its role in addressing the global plastic crisis.

Vitiligo is a common, acquired skin disorder characterized by the progressive loss of melanocytes, resulting in well-defined, depigmented patches on the skin. Its etiology remains unclear but is believed to be multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental triggers. The pathogenesis of vitiligo is primarily autoimmune, with cytotoxic T lymphocytes attacking melanocytes in affected areas. Oxidative stress also plays a crucial role in melanocyte destruction. Clinically, vitiligo manifests as symmetrical depigmented patches that can affect any area of the body, with the face, hands, and genital regions being common sites. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical features, though dermoscopy and skin biopsy can be used to confirm the condition. While there is no cure for vitiligo, various treatment options, including topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, and surgical interventions, are used to manage symptoms and restore pigmentation. The disease also has significant psychosocial impacts, with patients often experiencing social stigma, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. Despite advances in understanding its pathogenesis, vitiligo remains a challenging condition, and further research is needed to identify more effective therapies. This review provides an in-depth examination of the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic methods, and treatment approaches for vitiligo, with an emphasis on the need for ongoing research to improve patient outcomes.