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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) rank among the most prevalent medical complications during pregnancy, affecting a significant number of women of reproductive age. We aimed to determine the prevalence of urinary tract infections among pregnant women and assess their knowledge of developing UTIs in Lebanon. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 215 pregnant women in Lebanon recruited via convenience sampling from various gynecologists and midwives between March 2023 and May 2023. A structured questionnaire was utilized to evaluate UTI prevalence and participants' knowledge levels. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics version 27. A significance level of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses. This analysis revealed a UTI prevalence of 42.79% (95% CI: 38.21%-47.37%), The mean age of participants was 28.57 years. Knowledge assessment revealed that 66.51% (143/215) had average knowledge about UTIs, 20.47% (44/215) demonstrated good knowledge, and 12.79% (28/215) showed poor knowledge. Significant correlations were found between UTI prevalence and socioeconomic factors (P = 0.03), indicating higher incidence among women from lower economic backgrounds. Abnormal vaginal discharge was strongly associated with UTI prevalence (P < 0.001), suggesting it as a prominent symptom or risk factor. Additionally, a history of abortion correlated significantly with increased UTI incidence (P = 0.02), highlighting its relevance in pregnancy-related UTI risk. The study underscores the need for education programs tailored to raise awareness about UTI risks during pregnancy and promote preventive measures. Implementing these programs could significantly enhance maternal health outcomes in Lebanon.

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INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a worldwide problem that threatens treatment effectiveness against the most serious bacterial infections. AMR in Enterobacterales is highly prevalent in Lebanon. However, recent reports regarding the distribution of Enterobacterales and related antimicrobial susceptibility are scarce. METHODOLOGY: In this retrospective study at the Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui Medical Center in Lebanon, all data regarding culture specimens from urine, blood, sputum, deep tracheal aspirate, broncho-alveolar lavage, wounds, surgical sites, tissue, body fluids, and central venous catheter that were positive for at least one of the 4 bacterial isolates (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae and Proteus mirabilis) were collected. All susceptibility testing was performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 4283 non-duplicate Enterobacterales were isolated during the study period (January 2017 to December 2020). Urine was the most common site of infection. E. coli was the most detected isolate as well as the leading pathogen in urine, wounds and surgical sites, and blood. Regarding antimicrobial susceptibility, the mean susceptibility to third generation cephalosporins was 55.53% and a mean extended-spectrum ß-lactamases production of 31.2% was measured in E. coli. Mean carbapenem susceptibility was the lowest in K. pneumoniae and E. cloacae. The lowest mean susceptibility to fluoroquinolones was detected in E. coli isolates. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the predominance of E. coli among Enterobacterales in Lebanese patients, with the urinary tract being the most common site of infection and underlined the high rates of AMR in Enterobacterales in Lebanon.

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BACKGROUND: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) represent a major problem in wound infections. Here, we investigated the prevalence and molecular characterization of ESBL-PE associated with wound infections in North Lebanon. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 103 non-duplicated E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains isolated from 103 patients with wound infections, were collected from seven hospitals in North Lebanon. ESBL-producing isolates were detected using a double-disk synergy test. In addition, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the molecular detection of ESBLs genes. RESULTS: E. coli was the predominant bacteria (77.6%), followed by K. pneumoniae (22.3%). The overall prevalence of ESBL-PE was 49%, with a significantly higher rate among females and elderly patients. K. pneumoniae was the common MDR and ESBL-producer bacteria (86.95% and 52.17%) compared to E. coli (77.5% and 47.5%). Most of the isolated ESBL producers harbored multiple resistant genes (88%), where blaCTX-M was the most predominant gene (92%), followed by blaTEM (86%), blaSHV (64%), and blaOXA genes (28%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first data on the ESBL-PE prevalence associated with wound infections in Lebanon, showing the emergence of multidrug-resistant ESBL-PE, the dominance of multiple gene producers, and the widespread dissemination of blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes.

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Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) pathogens have been increasingly isolated and reported in Lebanon. Several studies have been published over the last two decades about the CRE situation in the country. However, compared to the worldwide data, those studies are scarce and mostly restricted to single center studies. In this review, we aim to present a comprehensive and reliable report illustrating the current situation regarding CRE in Lebanon. Variable studies have shown an increasing pattern of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacterales since the first reports of CRE isolates in 2007 and 2008. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most detected ones. The OXA-48 class D carbapenemases were the most prevalent carbapenemases among CRE isolates. Moreover, the emergence of other carbapenemases like the NDM class B carbapenemase has been noticed. Strict infection control measures in hospitals, including the identification of CRE carriers, are needed in Lebanese hospitals since carriage is a potential risk for the spread of CRE in healthcare settings. The dissemination of CRE in the community is noticed and attributed to multiple causes, such as the refugee crisis, water contamination, and antimicrobial misuse. In conclusion, strict infection control measures in healthcare settings, in addition to accurate antimicrobial stewardship program implementation, are urgently needed.

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BACKGROUND: The impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) on the burden of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and serotype distribution was examined across age groups from data collected by the Lebanese Inter-Hospital Pneumococcal Surveillance Program. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2020, 593 invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates were collected from 79 hospitals throughout Lebanon. Serotypes and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles were identified, and trends compared over 3 eras: PCV7, post-PCV7/ pre-PCV13, and PCV13 eras. RESULTS: The prevalence of PCV7 serotypes decreased significantly from 43.6% in the PCV7 era to 17.8% during the PCV13 era (p<0.001). PCV13-only serotypes remained stable in the PCV13 compared to the post-PCV7 eras, especially serotypes 1 and 3, whereas non-vaccine types (NVT) increased throughout the study period, especially 24 and 16F. The mortality rate increased substantially from 12.5% (PCV7 era) to 24.8% (PCV13 era). A significant decrease in AMR was observed across the three study eras. CONCLUSION: PCVs substantially impacted IPD and AMR in vaccinated and unvaccinated populations despite an increase in mortality driven by NVT. Broadening the recommendation of vaccination to include older age-groups, using higher valency vaccines, and implementing stringent antimicrobial stewardship are likely to further impact the burden of IPD.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hypertension is a multifactorial disease where numerous constitutive, genetic, and environmental factors interplay. Among the constitutive factors, age is a major determent continuously reported to be associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of hypertension. In addition to age, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection was also shown to be associated. On the other hand, Vitamin D (Vit D) plays an important role in the development of hypertension. In the current study, it was investigated whether H. pylori interacts with Vit D levels to influence hypertension. ; Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on seven hundred and eighty-two "a priori" healthy individuals equally divided according to hypertension status. To study the association between Vit D, H. pylori, and hypertension, a multivariate logistic regression model was used while correcting for different confounding factors. Power analysis was also performed. ; Results: Approximately half of the participants were hypertensive and had Vit D insufficiency and they were also matched for age. Using a multiple logistic regression model, the results showed an inversely proportionate association between H. pylori infection and the risk of hypertension (OR=0.38, P<0.001). On the other hand, a proportionate association between Vit D deficiency and hypertension was observed (OR=2.76, P=0.004). Furthermore, Vit D and H. pylori status interacted to affect the risk of hypertension (OR=0.97, P=0.004). Stratification, according to Vit D status, showed that 59.1% of Vit D deficient participants were infected with H. pylori organisms (P<0.001). When taking hypertension, Vit D, and H. pylori statuses into account, it was found that the prevalence of hypertension was doubled when the participants were negative for H. pylori infection but had Vit D deficiency (P<0.001). ; Conclusion: H. pylori infection and Vit D deficiency could predict hypertension. The odds of hypertension development were double when the participants were negative for H. pylori infection and had vitamin D deficiency.

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INTRODUCTION: Extended-spectrum - beta lactamases (ESBLs) are increasingly detected globally among Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The correlation between antibiotics use and resistance, though not fully described, has been addressed and shown in several studies. In this study, the profiles of ESBLs in E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolated from two Lebanese hospitals and their relationship to antibiotic consumption were determined. METHODOLOGY: A total of 205 E. coli and 67 K. pneumoniae isolates resistant to third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins were collected between January 2011 and January 2012. Antibiotic susceptibility and consumption data were also collected from 2010-2012. Double-disk synergy and Etest ESBL assays were performed, followed by PCR for ESBL genes. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed for representative isolates. Statistical analysis for consumption and susceptibility data over 3 years was performed. RESULTS: As expected, CTX-M-15 was predominant. In both hospitals, strains of E. coli and K. pneumoniae harbored at least one ESBL, and in some cases (23%) harboured four different ESBLs. A significant correlation was detected between total use of antimicrobial agents and resistance to various antibiotics. This was obvious for the use of penicillins and resistance to aztreonam, ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin, and use of third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins and resistance to ceftazidime, cefuroxime, cefoxitin and ciprofloxacin in both bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the predominance of CTX-M-15 among cephalosporin-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae in Lebanese hospitals and highlights the direct relationship between the use of antibiotics and the emergence of resistance in bacteria.

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OBJECTIVES: Extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs) are increasingly detected globally among Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. Studies show a link between inappropriate use of antibiotics and resistance. In this study, the profiles of ESBLs in E. coli and Klebsiella spp. isolated from three Lebanese hospitals and their relationship to antibiotic consumption were determined. METHODS: A total of 300 E. coli and 91 Klebsiella spp. isolates resistant to third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins were collected between May 2011 and December 2012. Antibiotic susceptibility and consumption data were also collected from 2010-2012. Double-disk synergy and Etest ESBL assays were performed, followed by PCR for ESBL genes. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed for representative isolates. Statistical analysis for consumption and susceptibility data over 3 years was performed. RESULTS: Similar to other Lebanese studies, CTX-M-15 was predominant. Among the Klebsiella spp. isolated in hospitals 1 and 2, 43% harboured four different ESBLs. Eight Klebsiella spp. and fourteen E. coli pulsotypes were detected, showing genetic diversity among isolates. A significant correlation was detected between total use of antimicrobial agents and resistance to various antibiotics. A correlation was also detected between use of penicillins and resistance to aztreonam, ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin, and use of third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins and resistance to ceftazidime, cefuroxime, cefoxitin and ciprofloxacin in Klebsiella spp. (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the predominance of CTX-M-15 among cephalosporin-resistant E. coli and Klebsiella spp. in Lebanese hospitals. It also shows that the heightened use of antibiotics could be a driving factor for resistance emergence.

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BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacteriaceae can cause severe infections with high morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Individuals can be fecal carriers of these resistant organisms. Data on the extent of MDR Enterobacteriaceae fecal carriage in the community setting in Lebanon are very scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the fecal carriage of MDR Enterobacteriaceae among the elderly residents of two nursing homes located in north Lebanon. METHODS: Over a period of 4 months, five fecal swab samples were collected from each of 68 elderly persons at regular intervals of 3-4 weeks. Fecal swabs were subcultured on selective media for the screening of resistant organisms. The phenotypic detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC, metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL), and Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) production was performed using the beta-lactamase inhibitors ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, phenylboronic acid, and cloxacillin. A temocillin disk was used for OXA-48. Multiplex PCRs were used for the genotypic detection of ESBL and carbapenemase genes, and sequencing was performed to identify CTX-M-15. The medical records of each subject were reviewed on a regular basis in order to assess the risk factors associated with MDR Enterobacteriaceae fecal carriage. RESULTS: Over the study period, 76.5% of the recruited elderly persons were at least one-time carriers. A total of 178 isolates were obtained. Phenotypic testing revealed that 91.5% of them were ESBL producers, 4% were AmpC producers, 2.8% were co-producers of ESBL and AmpC, and 1.7% were co-producers of OXA-48 and ESBL. Recent antibiotic intake was found to be the only independent risk factor associated with the fecal carriage of MDR Enterobacteriaceae. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of MDR Enterobacteriaceae detected in this study and the emergence of carbapenem resistance is alarming. Efficient infection control measures and antibiotic stewardship programs are urgently needed in these settings in order to limit the spread of resistant strains.

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[This corrects the article on p. 26 in vol. 2, PMID: 4415468.].

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The early treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is directly related to decrease in morbidity, which makes the empirical treatment of great importance. Recently, beta lactamases of several types have emerged as significant mechanisms of resistance in Gram-negative bacilli, especially Escherichia coli. Our aim was to study the urinary E. coli isolated from Lebanese patients and to characterize their mechanisms of resistance. The study analyzed data between 2005 and 2012 of UTIs caused by E. coli. The mechanisms of resistance were characterized by phenotypic and genotypic methods and the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to determine the different bacterial clusters. As expected, the highest incidence was observed with E. coli (60.53-73.98%) followed by K. pneumoniae (5.32-8.33%). ICU isolates were constantly associated with the lowest rates of susceptibility to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, ciprofloxacin, as well as most of the tested antibiotics. A 100% occurrence of CTX-M in extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates was recorded, followed by TEM, SHV, and OXA. In addition, 15.9% harbored 4 different ESBL enzymes and only 13 isolates (14.8%) harbored only one enzyme (CTX-M). Over the years, the simultaneous susceptibility of E. coli to ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin decreased from 62.5% in 2006 to 48.7% in 2012. PFGE results demonstrated that 10 clusters were 32 generated, denoting diversity among detected isolates. Understanding the epidemiology of resistance is 33 instrumental for the implementation of recommendations for the management of antimicrobials, infection 34 control measures, as well as active surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship.