We describe two separate outbreaks of blaOXA-48- and blaNDM-1-carrying K. pneumoniae strains associated with dissemination of the ST11 and ST893 clones, with the ICU acting as the epicentre. The spread of plasmids carrying carbapenemase genes resulting in fulminant antimicrobial resistance is a severe concern.

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Background: Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing Acinetobacter baumannii is a growing therapeutic concern, worldwide. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of SPM and IMP type genes among A. baumannii isolates from hospitalized patients in Loghman Hakim and Milad hospitals, Tehran-Iran from 2012 to 2013. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on 108 A. baumannii isolates collected from two hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion and Broth microdilution methods according to clinical laboratory standards institute (CLSI) guidelines, and combined disk diffusion test (CDDT) was performed for identification of metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs). The blaIMP and blaSPM genes were detected by PCR and sequencing methods. Results: The resistance of A. baumannii isolates against tested antibiotics were as follow: 108 (100%) to cefotaxime, 103 (95.4%) to ceftazidime, 99 (91.7%) to meropenem, 99 (91.7%) to imipenem, 44 (40.7%) to gentamicin, 87 (80.6%) to amikacin, 100 (92.6%) to ciprofloxacin, 105 (95.7%) to cefepime, 105 (97.2%) to piperacillin, 103 (95.4%) to piperacillin/tazobactam, 106 (98.1%) to ampicillin/ sulbactam, 106 (98.1%) to co-trimoxazole, 87 (80.6%) to tetracycline and 1 (1.8%) to colistin. Using combined disk diffusion test, it was found that out of 99 imipenem non-susceptible A. baumannii strains, 86 (86.86%) were MBL producers. The prevalence of IMP-1 gene among metallo-beta-lactamase-producing A. baumannii isolates was 3 of 86 (3.48%). Conclusions: The prevalence of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing A. baumannii strains detected in this study is of great concern and highlights the need of infection control measures including antibacterial management and prompt identification of betalactamase-producing isolates.

Background Probiotics positively affect inflammatory responses, in part, through Janus kinase/signal transduction and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) and inflammatory signaling pathways. To evaluate the precise effects of probiotics as protective treatment, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and a mixture of these probiotics in modulating the JAK/STAT and inflammatory signaling pathways. Methods A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was used to analyze the expression of JAK/STAT and inflammatory genes (TIRAP, IRAK4, NEMO, and RIP) following HT-29 cell line treatment with sonicated pathogens Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and a mixed cocktail. A cytokine assay was also used to evaluate the IL-6 and IL-1β production following the probiotic treatment. Results The probiotic cocktail downregulated the JAK genes and TIRAP, IRAK4, NEMO, and RIP genes in the NF-kB pathway compared to sonicate pathogen treatment cells. The expression of STAT genes was variable following probiotic treatment. The IL-6 and IL-1β production decreased after probiotic treatment. Conclusions Our probiotic cocktail showed anti-inflammatory effects on HT-29 cells by modulating JAK/STAT and NF-kB pathways. Therefore, Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. probiotics as nutritional supplements may reduce inflammation-associated diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Background: Probiotics have a beneficial effect on inflammatory responses and immune regulation, via Janus kinase/signal transduction and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) and NF-κB signaling pathways. To evaluate the precise effects of Lactobacillus spp. as a protective and therapeutic agent, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of Lactobacillus spp. in modulating JAK/ STAT and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inflammatory signaling pathways. Methods: A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was used to analyze the expression of JAK/STAT and inflammatory genes (TIR-associated Protein [TIRAP], Interleukin 1 Receptor Associated Kinase [IRAK4], Nuclear factor-kappa B Essential Modulator [NEMO], and receptor interacting protein [RIP]) followed by treatment of the HT-29 cell line with sonicated pathogens before, after, and simultaneously with Lactobacillus spp.A cytokine assay was also used to evaluate interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β production after treatment with Lactobacillus spp. Results: Lactobacillus spp. downregulated JAK and TIRAP, IRAK4, NEMO, and RIP genes in the NF-κB pathway compared to sonicate-treated cells. The expression of STAT genes was different after treatment with probiotics. The production of IL-6 and IL-1β decreased after probiotic treatment.Conclusions: Our Lactobacillus spp. cocktail showed anti-inflammatory effects on HT-29 cells by modulating JAK/STAT and NF-κB signaling pathways in all three treatment variants. Therefore, Lactobacillus spp. as a dietary supplement can both prevent and reduce inflammation-related diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.