Abstract The purpose of the study was to investigate the molecular characteristics and genetic relatedness of the first reported cases of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) from the Tripoli Medical Center, Libya. In total, 43 VRE isolates were obtained from various clinical sites throughout the years 2013-2014, including 40 vanA-type and 2 vanB-type vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium isolates and 1 vanC1-type Enterococcus gallinarum. Of the 42 E. faecium, 19 isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing. Core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) analysis revealed three sequence clusters (SCs) of clonally related isolates, which were linked to different hospital wards. The first two VRE isolates, isolated early 2013 from patients in the medical intensive care unit, were grouped in SC1 (MLST [ST] 78, vanB) and differed in only 3 of 1423 cgMLST alleles. The SC2 (n = 16, special care baby unit, neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric surgery ward, and oncology ward) and SC3 (n = 1, antenatal ward) were all ST80 vanA-VRE, but the single SC3 isolate differed in 233 alleles compared with SC2. Within SC2, isolates differed in 1-23 alleles. Comparison with a larger database of E. faecium strains indicated that all isolates clustered within the previously defined hospital clade A1. A combination of Resfinder and mlplasmid analysis identified the presence of resistance genes on different plasmid predicted genetic elements among different SCs. In conclusion, this study documents the first isolates causing outbreaks with VRE in the Libyan health care system. Further surveillance efforts using molecular typing methods to monitor spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the Libyan health care system are urgently needed.
Mohamed O. Ahmed, Et Al.(10-2020)

Background: Whole muscle meat, meat products, and seafood contain different nutrients in adequate quantity providing a better environment for presence and replication of different microorganisms. There are underreported and inaccurate estimations of foodborne diseases due to the lack of effective surveillance systems in Libya. Aim: To determine the extent of microbiological contamination of whole muscle meat, meat products, and seafood. Methods: A total number of 731 samples of retail meat were collected from different stores in four cities in Libya. Samples were analyzed for aerobic plate count and subjected to microbiological enumeration and isolation techniques, followed by molecular identification by PCR and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA. Results: The results showed contamination of samples with enteric and spoilage bacteria. Fifteen genera of spoilage bacteria yielded 149 isolates which were detected and identified by PCR and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA as: Proteus spp., Provedencia spp., Raouttella ornithinolytical, Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., Morganella morgi, Shewanella algea, Rhodobacter capsulatus, Listonella pelagia, Kluyvera spp., Pectobacterium spp., Brenneria spp., Klebsiella spp., Acintobacter radioresistens, and Pantoea spp. While for pathogenic bacteria, 143 isolates distributed among nine genera were identified by PCR and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA as: Bacillus spp., Escherichia spp., Shigella spp., Enterococci spp., Cronobacter spp., Staphylococci spp., Salmonella spp., Aeromonas spp., and Vibrio spp.. Many isolated bacteria are zoonotic bacteria with high importance for public health. Conclusion: Excessive handling and processing of meat and meat products seems to be one of the poorest microbiological qualities. These findings ought to be helpful in risk assessments and quality assurance of meat in order to improve food safety.
Ibrahim Eldagahyes(9-2020)

Objective To (1) evaluate thoracic limb loads and symmetry, and elbow function and morphology, before and after arthroscopic treatment of unilateral medial coronoid process disease (MCPD), and (2) determine if functional variables correlate with morphologic findings.Study DesignProspective case series.AnimalsDogs (n = 14) with thoracic limb lameness.Methods Dogs were included when unilateral MCPD was confirmed as the cause of lameness. Kinetic analysis of both thoracic limbs, along with kinematic analysis and goniometry of both elbows were carried out before, and 60, 120, and 180 days after partial coronoidectomy by arthroscopy. Radiography and computed tomography of both elbows were performed before and 180 days after arthroscopy.ResultsA nonsignificant (P = .11) increase in the peak vertical loads (PFz), and a significant (P = .022) increase in the vertical impulse (iFz) applied by the affected limb were seen. Symmetry indices improved, with significant differences between sessions (PFz: P = .019; iFz: P = .003). Kinematic variables showed no significant differences, between sessions or when comparing both elbows within sessions. Goniometry revealed no significant differences between sessions, but some significant differences were identified when comparing both elbows within sessions. Osteophytosis and degree of lameness showed no correlation, before (rs = −0.077; P = .79) or after arthroscopy (rs = 0.27; P = .35).Conclusions Kinetic variables improved after arthroscopy, without full restoration of function. Kinematic variables did not change significantly. Osteoarthritis and goniometric measurements in the affected joint worsened. Functional variables did not correlate with morphologic findings. arabic 23 English 137
Jalal Mohamed Abdelhadi(7-2004)