Labachevska gjatovska, Liljana
Preferred name
Labachevska gjatovska, Liljana
Official Name
Labachevska gjatovska, Liljana
Main Affiliation
Email
liljana.labacevska@medf.ukim.edu.mk
18 results
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Item type:Publication, Cranberry, a potential alternative treatment for urinary tract infections(Macedonian Association of Anatomists, 2023); ; ; ; Radomir JovchevskiVaccinium macrocarpon is perennial plant traditionally used as an herbal medicine in treatment and prevention of UTIs. Although the mechanisms of action are not jet fully understood it is presumed that they involve interferation with bacterial adhesion and changes in bacterial morphology mainly attributed to the plants proanthocyanidins. C ranberry extracts (CE) standardized for different concentrations of proanthocyanidinnes (PACs), CE in combination with antibiotics (norfloxacin and vancomy cin) and antibiotics alone (only antibiotics) were investigated for their effect on different strains of uropathogenic E.coli, S. saprophyticus and E. faecalis . As a source of CE we used commercial herbal supplements containing only Vaccinium macrocarpon extract (37.5 mg PACs) or CE in combination with D - manoza (25, 3 mg PACs). We used bacterial strains isolated from out patients with UTI s reffered for routine urine examination at the Institute of microbiology and parasitology. Sensitivity of the pathogen s to CE (as monoagent or combined in herbal mix) was evaluated with disc diffusion method. Our results showed stronger effect of CE on the growth of E.coli compared to G ram - positive strain s . S. saprophyticus strains were more susceptible to the extract/herbal mixes compared to the enterococci which predominantly presented as recalcitrant to the inhibitory activity of cranberry/herbal mixes. The sample size of this study was small to draw definite conclusions but our results illuminate avenues for future re search of the potential of cranberry as an alternative treatment in patients with UTIs. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Antimicrobial resistance in Gram-positive bacteria isolated from blood culture(Macedonian Association of Anatomists and Morphologists, 2024-10); ; ; ; Blood cultures are essential in diagnosing the existence of bacteria in the blood and they continue to be the gold standard for the diagnosis of septicemia. From Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. are the most common bacteria causing sepsis and septic shock. They are the leading causes of hospital-acquired infections globally. Aim of the paper was to identify Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. from hemoculture and to determine their susceptibility to antibiotics. Blood samples from hospitalized patients admitted for routine laboratory testing at the Institute of Microbiology from January 2023 to December 2023 were included in the study. Blood cultures bottles were incubated in automated Bact/Alert system. Isolated colonies were identified using automated VITEK 2 Compact system. MSSA and MRSA were isolated in 48.2% and 51.8% respectively. All isolates 100% were resistant to penicillin. Intermediate sensitivity to levofloxacin 92%, 60% and ciprofloxacin 96%, 64% was observed in MSSA and MRSA strains. Resistance to gentamicin of 63% was seen in MSSA isolates. Non-VRE and VRE were isolated in 67% and 33% respectively. Non-VRE strains had higher resistance towards gentamicin 77%, streptomycin 66%. VRE strains were resistant to gentamicin 93%, ampicillin 85%. Our findings give analysis of Gram-positive bacteria isolated from hemoculture and their resistance pattern. The findings give clinicians an insight for the right treatment option. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN GRAM NEGATIVE BACILLI ISOLATED FROM BLOOD CULTURE(University Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, 2023); ; ; - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, DISRUPTION OF HAIR FOLLICLE IMMUNE PRIVILEGE IN ALOPECIA AREATA: ENIGMATIC MECHANISMS AND EMERGING CONCEPTS(Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 2025-12-12); ; ; ; Mircheska Arsovska, ElenaImmune privilege (IP) is a specialized immunological state that protects certain tissues, including the hair follicle (HF), from immune-mediated destruction. The maintenance of hair follicle immune privilege (HFIP) is crucial for uninterrupted hair growth and is mediated by several mechanisms. These include the downregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), and the recruitment of regulatory immune cells that suppress pro-inflammatory responses. Additionally, the blood-hair follicle barrier limits immune cell infiltration, further preserving immune privilege. However, in alopecia areata (AA), HFIP collapses triggering an autoimmune attack against follicular structures. This breakdown is marked by increased antigen presentation, heightened expression of MHC class I and II molecules, and an influx of autoreactive cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. These T cells, particularly those expressing the NKG2D receptor, recognize stress-induced ligands on follicular keratinocytes and initiate a cytotoxic response. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-15 (IL-15) play central roles in amplifying inflammation by activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, further promoting immune cell infiltration and follicular destruction. Additional immune cells, including natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages, contribute to disease pathogenesis by enhancing antigen presentation and sustaining the inflammatory cascade. Given the central role of HFIP collapse in AA, therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring immune privilege represent a promising avenue for long-term disease management. Future research should focus on identifying key molecular regulators of HFIP and developing targeted interventions to re-establish immune tolerance within the hair follicle. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Seminal Fluid Microbiota and Male Infertility: An Emerging Frontier(Macedonian Association of Anatomists and Morphologists, 2024-10); ; ; ; Infertility is a multifaceted issue affecting millions globally, with male factors contributing to approximately 50% of cases. Traditionally, male infertility has been linked to genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. However, emerging research highlights that disruptions or imbalances of the microbiota residing in the male reproductive tract, including the prostate, seminal vesicles, and urethra have significant implications for male reproductive health. Male urogenital system, particularly the urethra is home to a wide variety of microorganisms with rather high quantity. The composition of male genital microbiome can vary significantly between individuals and while the core microbiome is consised of a few dominant species a high variability is noted in minor species. It is predominantly composed of bacteria, with species from the genera Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Propionibacterium being commonly found. Differentiating between pathogenic bacteria and the usual resident microflora is a difficulty in clinical practice, especially when it comes to male infertility. Furthermore, even though it is often benign, an imbalance in the commensal microbiota might encourage inflammation or foster an atmosphere that is favorable for pathogenic infections. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend and maintain this equilibrium in order to create successful plans for the treatment and prevention of infertility. Traditional diagnostic approaches on male infertility focus on hormonal levels, sperm analysis, sperm culture and genetic factors, but unlike conventional culture methods which might find it difficult to distinguish between pathogenic and benign microorganisms because of genotypic and phenotypic overlaps and low pathogen presentation, developments in molecular methods for microbiota analysis, offer the possibility of more precise diagnosis and treatment of urogenital infections and imbalances. Modulating the genital microbiome could offer new treatment strategies for male infertility and related conditions. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, THE ROLE OF THE FAECAL SAMPLES CULTIVATION IN THE DIAGNOSTICS OF CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE INFECTION(University Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, 2025-11-25); ; ; ; <jats:p>Introduction: Clostridioides difficile is one of the most important intra-hospital pathogens. A few years ago, a new diagnostic algorithm for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) was introduced by ESCMID, stating that cultivation of the bacteria is not necessary for the diagnosis of CDI. Aim: We aimed to explore the role of the cultivation of faecal samples in the diagnosis of CDI. Materials and Methods: In 4 years, we have cultivated 80 different strains of C. difficile from as many patients. Initially, 1380 faecal samples from CDI-suspected patients were planted on selective and non-selective blood agar media and were accordingly incubated in order to isolate the strains. Quick immuno-chromatographic tests were performed on each faecal sample for detection of GDH (glutamate dehydrogenase) and C. difficile toxins A and B as well as on each confirmed C. difficile isolate (from one colony-toxins detection only). Results: In 14 of the 80 faecal samples from which the isolates originated, toxins A and B have not been detected. In 8 of these 14 strains, toxins A and B were detected only from the culture. Only 6 strains were confirmed as non-toxigenic. Conclusions: Although there was no statistical significance, the detection rate of C. difficile toxins A and B was higher from the culture than from the faecal samples by up to 10%. Cultivation of the samples for C. difficile could reduce the rate of false negative findings for CDI.</jats:p> - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Importance of 6-Thioguanine Nucleotide Metabolite Monitoring in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Treated with Azathioprine(Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts / Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2019-05-01); ; ; ; Ribarska, Jasmina TonicThe active metabolite of azathioprine, 6-thioguanine nucleotide (6-TGN) is the main component responsible for the immunosuppressive effect in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the concentration of 6-thioguanine nucleotide and disease activity, azathioprine-related adverse effects and time duration of treatment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Thirty-four patients were included in this study. Type of disease, gender, time duration of therapy and adverse effects were recorded. Metabolite concentration was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Twenty-one percent of patients have experienced an adverse effect, with leucocytopenia most commonly occurring (42.9%). More adverse effects were registered when patients were treated with azathioprine in a period of less than 3 months in comparison to the group of patients that have been under therapy between 3-12 months and more than 12 months (p˂0.05). Most of the patients that presented any adverse effect had high 6-TGN concentration (>450 pmol/8x108 Er). The mean value of 6-TGN metabolite concentration in IBD patients treated with azathioprine was 437.46 pmol/8x108 Er ± 198.82 pmol/8x108. The time duration of azathioprine treatment did not have any significant impact on the achieved 6-TGN concentration (p>0.05).Twenty patients (58.9%) had achieved remission after therapy initiation with azathioprine. More alertness is recommended to clinicians towards patients in the first 3 months of the therapy. Our study demonstrated that higher 6-TGN concentration is associated with azathioprine toxicity. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Cutaneus Myiasis: report of nosocomial case(2019-11-23); ; ; Valentina Slavevska-Stamenkovic - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, DO LACTOBACILLI CHALLENGE GARDENELLA VAGINALIS BIOFILMS?(Macedonian Association of Anatomists, 2020); Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a highly prevalent vaginal dysbiosis that has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes and enhanced transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Key characteristics of the disease process are thought to be depletion of vaginal Lactobacillus and overgrowth of anaerobes (often dominated by G.vaginalis) and a pH > 4.5. Currently, is consensual that BV also involves the presence of a dense, structured and polymicrobial biofilm, primarily constituted by G.vaginalis clusters, strongly adhered to the vaginal mucosal surface. Biofilms are communities of microorganisms attached to a surface and encased in a selfproduced polymeric matrix. Reduction of the adhesive and biofilm forming capacity activity of G. vaginalis bacteria by Lactobacillus strains is a well-known and desired effect of strains for potential vaginal probiotic application. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate in vitro the effect of Lactobacillus on biofilm production by different species of G.vaginalis isolated from women with bacterial vaginosis (BV). A total of 36 isolates from women with BV identified as G.vaginalis were tested for their biofilm-forming capacity as monocultures and in bacterial coculture with confirmed non-biofilm producing strain of Lactobacillus, in a ratio of 1:1 by microtiter plate assay. Lactobacillus strain in our study was capable of interfering with the growth of G. vaginalis biofilms to different degrees. According to the criteria for biofilm-forming ability, after 24-h incubation 25%, 28% and 22% of Gardnerella monocultures were strong, moderate and weak biofilm producers, compared to 5.5%, 14% and 33.5% of Gardnerella+Lactobacillus cocultures, respectively. Our results indicate the potential of lactobacilli as probiotics, since they effectively reduced the adheration and biofilm formation of the tested Gardnerella species which is a well-known and desired effect of strains for potential vaginal probiotic application. Key words: biofilms, resistance, lactobacilli, genital. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a highly prevalent vaginal dysbiosis that has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes and enhanced transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Key characteristics of the disease process are thought to be depletion of vaginal Lactobacillus and overgrowth of anaerobes (often dominated by G.vaginalis) and a pH > 4.5. Currently, is consensual that BV also involves the presence of a dense, structured and polymicrobial biofilm, primarily constituted by G.vaginalis clusters, strongly adhered to the vaginal mucosal surface. Biofilms are communities of microorganisms attached to a surface and encased in a selfproduced polymeric matrix. Reduction of the adhesive and biofilm forming capacity activity of G. vaginalis bacteria by Lactobacillus strains is a well-known and desired effect of strains for potential vaginal probiotic application. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate in vitro the effect of Lactobacillus on biofilm production by different species of G.vaginalis isolated from women with bacterial vaginosis (BV). A total of 36 isolates from women with BV identified as G.vaginalis were tested for their biofilm-forming capacity as monocultures and in bacterial coculture with confirmed non-biofilm producing strain of Lactobacillus, in a ratio of 1:1 by microtiter plate assay. Lactobacillus strain in our study was capable of interfering with the growth of G. vaginalis biofilms to different degrees. According to the criteria for biofilm-forming ability, after 24-h incubation 25%, 28% and 22% of Gardnerella monocultures were strong, moderate and weak biofilm producers, compared to 5.5%, 14% and 33.5% of Gardnerella+Lactobacillus cocultures, respectively. Our results indicate the potential of lactobacilli as probiotics, since they effectively reduced the adheration and biofilm formation of the tested Gardnerella species which is a well-known and desired effect of strains for potential vaginal probiotic application. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, CHRONIC WOUNDS - MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOFILM FORMATION(Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 2024); ; ; ; Ahtarova, BiljanaIntroduction: Chronic wounds are wounds that do not heal for more than 4 weeks. Among the most important causes of wound chronicity are wound infection, biofilm formation with microbial agents that are resistant to antimicrobial agents. Aim: To investigate microbial agents in chronic wounds, their potential to form biofilm. Material and methods: This was a prospective study involving 24 patients from the University Clinic for in Skopje. Microbiological swabs were taken from patients with chronic wounds on the lower extremities,and were analyzed at the Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine in Skopje. The biofilm formation potential in isolates was determined using the tissue culture plate (TCP) biofilm detection method. Results: In 17 patients, at least one microorganism was isolated from 23 wounds, a total of 36, and in 7 patients there was no positive isolate from 7 wounds. Eighteen wounds (60%) had an isolate with the potential to form a biofilm. The following microorganisms from the wound samples were recorded: 17 (47%) isolates of the genus Staphylococcus, 4 (11%) isolates each from the genera Proteusand Pseudomonas, 3 (8%) isolates each from Enterococcusand Escherichia, 2 (6%) isolates from Streptococcus, 1 (3%) each isolate from the genera Acinetobacter, Enterobacterand Candida albicans. Conclusion: In 60% of the isolates, a biofilm formation with different degrees was confirmed. A statistically significant association was found between the degree of wound healing and isolates with low potential for biofilm formation, as well as the type of isolate.