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Aim: The aim of the current study is to determine: (1) the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing K. pneumoniae (ESBL-Kp) isolated from clinical samples and a hospital environment in Hassan II Hospital (Settat, Morocco); (2) the associated risk factors of ESBL-Kp infections; (3) the link between clinical and environmental isolates. Methods: During the study period (April 2010 to March 2011), all patients infected and hospital environment sites contaminated by K. pneumoniae were considered as the potential study population and environmental site. The clinical data were collected to identify risk factors for ESBL carriage of K. pneumoniae infection. Screening of ESBL-and carbapenemase-producing isolates was performed by using a double-disk synergy test and the modified Hodge test, respectively. ESBL-Kp isolates were tested for the presence of genes encoding β-lactamases and were investigated by PCR. The clonal relationship between * Corresponding author. S. Natoubi et al. 153 ESBL-producing isolates was analysed by ERIC-and REP-PCR method. Results:The overall prevalence of ESBL-Kp among clinical and environmental K. pneumoniae isolates was 35.13% (13/37) and 4.04% (4/99), respectively. The main risk factors for carrying ESBL-Kp were renal disease (46.15%), recent surgery (53.84%), previous hospitalisation (76.92%), and the presence of many invasive devices (53.84%). All ESBL isolates were multidrug resistant. The blaCTX-M group1and blaSHV (70.58% for each) were the most prevalent followed by blaTEM (52.94%). Thirteen strains expressed at least two bla genes. One isolate was positive in the modified Hodge test and was a blaOXA-48 producer. ERIC and Rep-PCR methods revealed an epidemic clonal dissemination of these isolates. Conclusion: The emergence of OXA-48 carbapenemase, endemic clonal dissemination and multi-drug resistance of ESBL-Kp isolates in our institution is highly alarming.

Objective: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are still commonly diagnosed in outpatients as well as in hospitalized patients. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and performed molecular characterization of extended-spectrum-β-lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemases produced by Enterobacteriaceae isolates that cause community UTIs in Settat city, Morocco. Methods:From January 2012 to December 2013, all uropathogenic community Enterobacteriaceae isolates were collected from the microbiology laboratory of Hassan II Hospital, Settat, Morocco. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed as recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute. Phenotypic identification of ESBL and carbapenemase producer isolates was confirmed by the double-disk synergy test and the modified Hodge test, respectively. Molecular characterization of β-lactamase genes was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by sequencing of the obtained products.Results: Among 153 isolates, 31 (20.26%) were multi-drug resistant (MDR). Nine strains (5.88%) were ESBL producers, of which Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=5; 20.83%), Escherichia coli (n=3; 3.15%), and Enterobacter cloacae (n=1; 9.09%) species were identified. The results of ESBLencoding gene detection by sequencing revealed the presence of CTX-M-15 (n=9) in association with other β-lactamase genes such as temoneira 1 (n=8) and sulfhydryl variable 1 (n=5). According to the modified Hodge test and PCR, three isolates (1.96%) were positive carry the bla OXA-48 gene. Conclusion:The emergence of MDR uropathogenic Enterobacteriaceae isolates in our community is highly alarming. Strict measures will be required to control the further spread of these uropathogenic isolates.

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<p><strong>Objective: </strong><em>Thymus satureioides</em> is a well-known aromatic perennial shrub widely used throughout the Mediterranean basin as a culinary herb, in traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety of diseases, and as a natural preservative ingredient in the food industry. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition of <em>T. Satureioides</em> essential oil and to assess its antibacterial and antioxidant activities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The chemical composition of the essential oil was investigated by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The essential oil was evaluated for its antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using agar diffusion method and macro-broth dilution. The antioxidant activity was tested by three different methods, namely DPPH free radical scavenging, β-carotene/linoleic acid and TBARS assays.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty compounds were identified, representing 85.52% of the total composition of this essential oil. Borneol (26.45%) and thymol (11.24%) were the major components. The oil had a bactericidal activity against all tested bacteria, with the exception of <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em>. In addition, the <em>T. satureioides</em> essential oil revealed strong antioxidant activity in all conducted assays.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest that essential oil of <em>T. satureioides</em> may be used as an alternative to synthetic antibiotics and antioxidants.</p>