Microbially-derived cocktail of carbohydrases as an anti-biofouling agents: a 'green approach'

Mapping of audiometric analysis with microbiological findings in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM): a neglected clinical manifestation

Otitis media (OM) is an umbrella term for a number of conditions associated with middle ear inflammation. Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), a type of OM, is characterized by long-term middle ear infection with perforated ear drum and otorrhea. The most common outcome associated with it is acquired hearing impairment in infected individuals which ultimately affects their cognitive and scholastic developments. Clinically, CSOM is thought to be a sequel of re-occurring episodes of Acute otitis media (AOM). Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are found to be the predominant pathogenic isolates in these patients. However, with the emergence of antibiotic resistance amongst these pathogens, the adequate evaluation and treatment of this condition has become more problematic. The disease has also been recognized as one of the neglected tropical clinical manifestations with high prevalence in school-age children, especially in poor or underprivileged countries. Moreover, untreated cases have further worsened the situation by contributing to various life-threatening complications. Thus, effective treatment and surgical strategies, as well as strengthening of hearing care algorithms along with the discovery of novel animal models for advanced clinical research, can jointly help to fight this disease. In this regard, mapping of the audiological analysis with microbiological findings in CSOM patients may help elucidate the frequency that favors growth of specific pathogens. Knowledge about this potential correlation can then support timely detection of the infection, which is perceived as one of the emerging approaches for its management. In addition to these strategies, creating a true sense of awareness among people can also help mitigate this pathological condition by facilitating early identification, prevention, and treatment. This review discusses the incidence, pathogenesis, investigations, complications, and available treatment modalities associated with CSOM.

Coumarin-Encapsulated Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as an Effective Therapy against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Bacterial infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens are a significant public health problem. This is because the transmission of infectious diseases is shifting, and new antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria are emerging. The development of biofilms that are resistant to antibiotics poses another hurdle to drugs and treatment alternatives. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop innovative strategies to effectively eliminate antibiotic-resistant microorganisms effectively. Natural coumarins have broad spectrum bioactivity and the potential for lower resistance. Coumarin is a secondary metabolite found in certain plants, fungi, and bacteria. It is highly effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Therefore, coumarin can be used as an alternative to combat MRSA. However, most antibacterial agents lack selective targeting of pathological sites, limiting the efficacy of their antibacterial activity. Efficient MRSA treatments can be achieved through nanoparticle (NPs)-based targeted therapies. To address this challenge, a novel coumarin-loaded solid lipid nanocarrier for MRSA was developed to overcome this challenge. The developed systems exhibited a particle size of 138.5 ± 76.06 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.245 ± 0.00. The zeta potential of coumarin-loaded SLNs was reported to be -22.2 ± 8.15 mV with a spherical shape. The encapsulation efficiency of coumarin was reported to be 63.09 ± 3.46% in the final formulation. The developed formulation was biocompatible with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.08 µg/mL. This study suggests that coumarin-loaded SLNs can effectively treat MRSA infections.