Quinolones are a family of synthetic broad-spectrum antimicrobial drugs. These molecules have been widely prescribed to treat various infectious diseases and have been classified into several generations based on their spectrum of activity. Quinolones inhibit bacterial DNA synthesis by interfering with the action of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Mutations in the genes encoding these targets are the most common mechanisms of high-level fluoroquinolone resistance. Moreover, three mechanisms for plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) have been discovered since 1998 and include Qnr proteins, the aminoglycoside acetyltransferase AAC(6')-Ib-cr, and plasmid-mediated efflux pumps QepA and OqxAB. Plasmids with these mechanisms often encode additional antimicrobial resistance (extended spectrum beta-lactamases [ESBLs] and plasmidic AmpC [pAmpC] ß-lactamases) and can transfer multidrug resistance. The PMQR determinants are disseminated in Mediterranean countries with prevalence relatively high depending on the sources and the regions, highlighting the necessity of long-term surveillance for the future monitoring of trends in the occurrence of PMQR genes.

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Our findings indicate that PMQR determinants are prevalent in Enterobacteriaceae isolates from the community studied. We describe the first report of the qnrD gene in Algeria.

This is the first report of a high prevalence of E. coli O25b/ST131 from Yemen.

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QepA is a plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinant of low prevalence described worldwide, mainly in Enterobacteriaceae. This study describes, for the first time in Algeria, two clonally related, QepA-producing Escherichia coli clinical isolates positive for CTX-M-15. The clonal spread of these multidrug-resistant isolates is a major public health concern.

Background: In traditional medicine, Linum usitatissimum treats inflammatory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular diseases. Objectives: The present study aims to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of total alkaloid extract from Linum usitatissimum seeds (ALU) on the ear histological integrity and oxidant-antioxidant status in a mice model of a sub-chronic inflammation induced by multiapplication of TPA. Methods: Topical TPA treatment induced various inflammatory changes, including edema formation, epidermal thickness, and the excess production of reactive oxygen species. Tissue samples were used for the measurement of reduced glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO) levels and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Catalase (CAT) activities. Results: Oral administration of ALU (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) produced anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Also, ALU significantly reduced ear edema and inflammatory cell infiltration and restored the integrity of the ear. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the total alkaloid extract from Linum usitatissimum seeds presents significant anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects on TPA-induced sub-chronic inflammation model in NMRI mice and can be used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent for the therapeutic management of inflammatory disorders.

Background: Linum usitatissimum is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Methods: Acute oral toxicity, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of total alkaloid extract from Linum usitatissimum seeds (ALU) were investigated in vivo. Xylene induced ear edema was used to determine anti-inflammatory effect, and acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin induced paw licking and tail-immersion tests were used to investigate analgesic activity. Results: Oral administration of ALU (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) produced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. ALU significantly diminished the edema induced by xylene. ALU also significantly reduced the abdominal construction induced by acetic acid. Furthermore, ALU also inhibited responses in both phases of formalin-induced paw licking and increased reaction time of mice in the tail-immersion test. Conclusion: These findings suggest the total alkaloid extract from Linum usitatissimum seeds presents significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects on chemical behavioral models of inflammation and nociception in mice.