Browsing by Author "Milivojević, Vladimir (57192082297)"

Helicobacter pylori eradication is characterized by decreasing successful eradication rates. Although treatment failure is primarily associated with resistance to antibiotics, other unknown factors may influence the eradication outcome. This study aimed to assess the presence of the antibiotics resistance genes in H. pylori and the presence of Candida spp., which are proposed to be endosymbiotic hosts of H. pylori, in gastric biopsies of H. pylori-positive patients while simultaneously assessing their relationship. The detection and identification of Candida yeasts and the detection of mutations specific for clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones were performed by using the real-time PCR (RT-PCR) method on DNA extracted from 110 gastric biopsy samples of H. pylori-positive participants. Resistance rate to clarithromycin and fluoroquinolone was 52% and 47%, respectively. Antibiotic resistance was associated with more eradication attempts (p < 0.05). Candida species were detected in nine (8.18%) patients. Candida presence was associated with older age (p < 0.05). A high rate of antibiotic resistance was observed, while Candida presence was scarce, suggesting that endosymbiosis between H. pylori and Candida may not be a major contributing factor to the eradication failure. However, the older age favored Candida gastric mucosa colonization, which could contribute to gastric pathologies and microbiome dysbiosis. © 2023 by the authors.

Helicobacter pylori eradication is characterized by decreasing successful eradication rates. Although treatment failure is primarily associated with resistance to antibiotics, other unknown factors may influence the eradication outcome. This study aimed to assess the presence of the antibiotics resistance genes in H. pylori and the presence of Candida spp., which are proposed to be endosymbiotic hosts of H. pylori, in gastric biopsies of H. pylori-positive patients while simultaneously assessing their relationship. The detection and identification of Candida yeasts and the detection of mutations specific for clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones were performed by using the real-time PCR (RT-PCR) method on DNA extracted from 110 gastric biopsy samples of H. pylori-positive participants. Resistance rate to clarithromycin and fluoroquinolone was 52% and 47%, respectively. Antibiotic resistance was associated with more eradication attempts (p < 0.05). Candida species were detected in nine (8.18%) patients. Candida presence was associated with older age (p < 0.05). A high rate of antibiotic resistance was observed, while Candida presence was scarce, suggesting that endosymbiosis between H. pylori and Candida may not be a major contributing factor to the eradication failure. However, the older age favored Candida gastric mucosa colonization, which could contribute to gastric pathologies and microbiome dysbiosis. © 2023 by the authors.

Elaboration of carotid atherosclerosis in the setting of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection should emphasize the significance of extrahepatic manifestations of the infection pathogenesis. Diverse processes comprise the pathoevolution of HBV infection, rendering it a multi-systemic disease in its essence. Our work not only exemplified atherosclerosis as an often-underestimated contributor to the severity of HBV infection but has also highlighted the bidirectional relationship between the two. Therefore, it is suggested that HBV-induced inflammation is one of the root causes of atherosclerosis, which in turn has a consequent effect on the severity of the chronic infection disease state, creating a vicious cycle. Additionally, we coupled prior data with the current concepts of HBV infection to postulate intriguing perspectives and theories. © The Author(s) 2022. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Background and Objectives: Early reports on COVID-19 infection suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 virus solely attacks respiratory tract cells. As the pandemic spread, it became clear that the infection is multiorganic. Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic liver disease strongly associated with insulin resistance and diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess a possible interplay between MAFLD and COVID-19 infection and its implication in COVID-19 outcome. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study, including 130 COVID-19 positive patients was conducted. MAFLD diagnosis was made based on the International Consensus criteria. Patients were divided into two groups, group A (MAFLD) and group B (nonMAFLD). Anthropometric and laboratory analysis were obtained. COVID-19 severity was assessed using the NEWS2 score. Disease outcome was threefold and regarded as discharged, patients who required mechanical ventilation (MV), and deceased patients. Results: MAFLD prevalence was 42%, 67% of patients were discharged, and 19% needed MV. Mortality rate was 14%. MAFLD patients were significantly younger (p < 0.001), and had higher body mass index (p < 0.05), respiratory rate (p < 0.05) and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.05) than nonMAFLD patients. Regarding metabolic syndrome and inflammatory markers: group A had significantly higher glycemia at admission (p = 0.008), lower HDL-c (p < 0.01), higher triglycerides (p < 0.01), CRP (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.05) and ferritin (p < 0.05) than group B. MAFLD was associated with more prevalent type 2 diabetes (p = 0.035) and hypertension (p < 0.05). MAFLD patients had a more severe disease course (NEWS2 score, 6.5 ± 0.5 vs. 3 ± 1.0, p < 0.05). MAFLD presence was associated with lower patient discharge (p < 0.01) and increased need for MV (p = 0.024). Multiple regression analysis showed that BMI (p = 0.045), IL-6 (p = 0.03), and MAFLD (p < 0.05) are significant independent risk factors for a poor COVID-19 outcome. Conclusions: The prevalence of MAFLD is relatively high. MAFLD patients had a more severe COVID-19 clinical course and worse disease outcome. Our results imply that early patient stratification and risk assessment are mandatory in order to avoid poor outcomes. © 2023 by the authors.