Kovacheva-Trpkovska, Danica
Preferred name
Kovacheva-Trpkovska, Danica
Official Name
Kovacheva-Trpkovska, Danica
Translated Name
Ковачева-Трпковска, Даница
Main Affiliation
Email
danica.kovacheva.trpkovska@medf.ukim.edu.mk
6 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, 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, ANTIBIOTICS: CURE AND RISK FACTOR FOR CLOSTRIDIOIDESDIFFICILE INFECTION(Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 2024-04-22); ; ; ; Introduction: The major risk factor for acquiring an infection with Clostridioides difficile (CDI) is a long-term antibiotic treatment. Contrarily, the treatment of severe CDI cases involves application of antibiotics like vancomycin or metronidazole. Our aim was to investigate the percentage of resistance to eight antibiotics (vancomycin, metronidazole, tetracycline, clindamycin, erythromycin, imipenem, ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin) among Clostridioides difficile isolates, indirectly evaluating the risks of acquiring CDI and the risks of therapeutic failure.