Phenotypic and genotypic evaluation of antibiotic resistance and molecular characterization of Streptococcus species isolated from hospital cockroaches

Abstract

Background The present investigation aimed to assess the antibiotic resistance properties and distribution of virulence factors in the Streptococcus spp. isolated from hospital cockroaches. Methods Six-hundred and sixty cockroach samples were collected. Cockroaches were vigorously washed with normal saline, and the achieved saline was used for bacterial culture. Isolated Streptococcus spp. were subjected to disk diffusion as well as PCR amplification of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes. Results Prevalence of S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae and S. pneumonia was 4.82%, 1.66% and 6.96%, respectively. The highest prevalence of S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae and S. pneumonia were found in oriental (5.71%), oriental (2.85%) and American (7.71%) cockroaches, respectively. Cfb (53.93%), cyl (52.8%), scaa (51.68%) and glna (50.56%) were the most commonly detected streptococcal virulence factors. Pbp2b (71.91%), pbp2 × (58.42%), mefA (46.06%), ermB (46.06%) and tetM (46.06%) were the most commonly detected antibiotic resistance genes. Streptococcal spp. exhibited the highest prevalence of resistance against tetracycline (80.89%), trimethoprim (65.16%), and penicillin (56.17%). Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first prevalence report of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes in the Streptococcal spp. isolated from American, German and oriental hospital cockroaches. Findings recommended a certain role for cockroaches in the transmission of nosocomial infections and particularly those caused by virulent and resistant Streptococcus spp. in the hospital environment.

The use of RNA-based treatments in the field of cancer immunotherapy

“…This therapy has shown remarkable success in treating certain types of blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, where the targeted antigen is abundantly expressed [23]. Chehelgerdi and Chehelgerdi Molecular Cancer (2023) 22:106 CAR-T cell therapy represents a personalized and highly targeted approach that harnesses the power of the patient's immune system to fight cancer. Once infused back into the patient, the CAR-T cells multiply and persist in the body, allowing for a sustained anti-tumor response [24].…”

“…Their personalized nature, potential for immune memory, and relatively favorable side effect profile make them a compelling avenue for cancer treatment. As research advances and our understanding of the immune response to cancer deepens, therapeutic vaccines are likely to play an increasingly Chehelgerdi and Chehelgerdi Molecular Cancer (2023) 22:106 important role in the broader landscape of cancer immunotherapy [38].…”

Antibiogram and MDR Pattern of the Bacterial Isolates from German Cockroaches (<i>Blattella germanica</i> L.) at RMCH, Rajshahi, Bangladesh

“…In Ethiopia, however, food-borne illness was found to be associated with five bacterial species from the gut of cockroaches [15]. Recently, antibiotic resistance properties and distribution of virulence factors in the pathogenic bacteria isolated from hospital cockroaches have been reported in Iran [16,17], Saudi Arabia [18], and Spain [19].…”