Alcaligenes Spp Research Articles

Evaluation of Holocellulase Production Capacity of Alcaligenes spp by Submerged Fermentation for Potential Valorization of Corn Cob

Evaluation of Holocellulase Production Capacity of Alcaligenes spp by Submerged Fermentation for Potential Valorization of Corn Cob

Microbiological Evaluation of Various Oilfield Wastewaters from Oben Land Rig Location in Edo State, Nigeria

Oilfield wastewater contains poisonous and dangerous compounds that harm microorganisms and the quality of the water. According to estimates, Nigerian oil industry operations generate significant amounts of wastewater that are improperly treated before being released into the environment. For a period of two months, biweekly analyses of the microbiological effects of various oilfield wastes on the microbial population and variety of aquatic environments were conducted. Water samples collected 10 cm from pit 1, pit 2, pit 3, camp pit 1, and camp pit 2 were analyzed for total heterotrophic bacterial count, hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial count, total fungal count, and hydrocarbon utilizing fungal count, and for microflora using standard microbiological methods. Total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) counts ranged from 4.0×104 Log10cfu/ml to 4.4×104 Log10cfu/ml, total fungal (TF) count ranged from 2.0×104 Log10cfu/ml to 2.2×104 Log10cfu/ml. The total hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial (THUB) count ranged from 3.0 ×104 Log10cfu/ml to 3.1 ×104 Log10cfu/ml, while the total hydrocarbon utilizing fungal (THUF) count ranged from 1.0×104 Log10cfu/ml to 1.1×104 Log10cfu/ml. Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the THB between the pits and the sampling stations. The types of bacteria isolated in the study included Kurthia spp, Bacillus spp, Pediococcus spp, Enterococcus spp, Aeromonas spp, Micrococcus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Escherichia coli, Alcaligenes spp and Lactobacillus spp. The fungi isolated included Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium brevicompactum, Rhizopus oryzae and Fusarium spp. The study's bacterial and fungal counts showed how oilfield effluent affected aquatic microorganisms. According to the significant frequency of hydrocarbon-using bacteria, the water under investigation contained active native hydrocarbon utilizers that might be used in the bioremediation process.

PECULIARITIES OF THE GUT MICROBIOTA IN PATIENTS WITH MIGRAINE COMPARING TO HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS.

The aim: Analyze the gut microbiome state in patients with migraine (M) and healthy individuals, to assess possible correlations between the detected changes in patients with migraine and the frequency, intensity of headaches, psycho-emotional state of the patients, and their quality of life. Materials and methods: 100 objects were enrolled, divided into 2 groups: main - patients with M and control - healthy volunteers. Investigation of the intestinal microbiome was performed by chromato-mass spectrometry. For M patients the following scales were used: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), Back Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: In main group increased amount of Alcaligenes spp (p = 0.0061), Clostridium coccoides (p = 0.0021), Clostridium propionicum (p = 0.0287), Eggerthella lenta (p = 0.0138), Pseudonocardia spp (p = 0.0210), Rhodococcus spp (p = 0.0164), Candida spp (p = 0.0079), Micromycetes spp (campesterol) (p = 0.0011) were found. Patients with M had a raised amount of Herpes simplex (p = 0.0305) and endotoxin level (p = 0.0459). Differences in gut microorganisms in both groups were significant. In patients with M negative correlations were observed between Alcaligenes spp ammount and BDI score (r = -0.6226, p =0.007), VAS score (r = -0.489, p = 0.046), headache frequency (r = -0.487, p = 0.046); between the levels of Clostridium coccoides and MIDAS score (r =-0.51, p = 0.035), BDI score (r = -0.54, p = 0.025) and positive correlation between Eggerthella lenta level and VAS score (r =0.4830, p=0.049). Conclusions: Correlations between changes of gut microbiome and M are promising for further research.

1620. Minocycline Activity Against Unusual Clinically Significant Gram-Negative Pathogens

BackgroundUnusual non-glucose fermenting Gram-negative (NFGN) pathogens, including Burkholderia cepacia species complex, Achromobacter spp, Alcaligenes spp, Aeromonas spp, and other genera, can cause serious hospital-acquired infections in immunocompromised patients. Some genera are inherently resistant to common drug classes and can acquire other resistance mechanisms, making them difficult to treat. In this study, we analyzed the susceptibility of NFGN isolates to minocycline (MIN). Isolates were collected as part of the SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program from 2014-2019.MethodsFrom 2014-2019, unusual NFGN isolates were collected from hospitalized patients in 102 hospitals in 35 countries on 4 continents. Hospitals submitted 1 isolate per patient per infection episode that met local criteria for being the likely causative pathogen. Identification was performed by the submitting laboratory and confirmed by JMI Laboratories with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry or other molecular methods as required. Isolates were tested for MIN susceptibility using the CLSI broth microdilution method at JMI Laboratories. All infection types were included in the susceptibility analysis.ResultsThe most common infection from which the NFGN were isolated was pneumonia. The top 5 NFGN species were Achromobacter xylosoxidans (n=202), Burkholderia cepacia species complex (n=199), unspeciated Achromobacter (n=190), Aeromonas spp (n=127), including Aeromonas hydrophila (n=35), Chryseobacterium spp (n=59), and Alcaligenes faecalis (n=42). The % susceptible and MIC50/90 values of MIN for these species are shown in the table.ConclusionMIN had > 85% susceptible for the most frequently isolated unusual NFGN, including 92% susceptible for Achromobacter spp. and 85.9% for B. cepacia. These data suggest that MIN remains a useful treatment option for infections caused by unusual NFGN.Activities of MIN when tested against NFGN isolates DisclosuresS. J. Ryan Arends, PhD, Allergan (Research Grant or Support)Cipla Ltd. (Research Grant or Support)GlaxoSmithKline (Research Grant or Support)Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. (Research Grant or Support) Jennifer M. Streit, BS, A. Menarini Industrie Farmaceutiche Riunite S.R.L. (Research Grant or Support)A. Menarini Industrie Farmaceutiche Riunite S.R.L. (Research Grant or Support)Allergan (Research Grant or Support)Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Merck (Research Grant or Support)Paratek Pharma, LLC (Research Grant or Support) Mariana Castanheira, PhD, 1928 Diagnostics (Research Grant or Support)A. Menarini Industrie Farmaceutiche Riunite S.R.L. (Research Grant or Support)Allergan (Research Grant or Support)Allergan (Research Grant or Support)Amplyx Pharmaceuticals (Research Grant or Support)Cidara Therapeutics (Research Grant or Support)Cidara Therapeutics (Research Grant or Support)Cipla Ltd. (Research Grant or Support)Cipla Ltd. (Research Grant or Support)Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center (Research Grant or Support)GlaxoSmithKline (Research Grant or Support)Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Merck (Research Grant or Support)Merck (Research Grant or Support)Merck & Co, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Merck & Co, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Paratek Pharma, LLC (Research Grant or Support)Pfizer (Research Grant or Support)Qpex Biopharma (Research Grant or Support) Robert K. Flamm, PhD, A. Menarini Industrie Farmaceutiche Riunite S.R.L. (Research Grant or Support)Amplyx Pharmaceuticals (Research Grant or Support)Basilea Pharmaceutica International, Ltd (Research Grant or Support)Department of Health and Human Services (Research Grant or Support)Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)

Identification of Aminoglycoside Resistance Genes From Bacteria Isolated From Selected Municipal Drinking Water Distribution Systems in Southwestern Nigeria

Background: Multidrug-resistant bacteria can lead to treatment failure, resulting in infectious diseases being transferred through nonpotable water. Aminoglycosides are an important class of antibiotics that are abused in Nigeria. Few studies have investigated aminoglycoside-modifying genes (AMGs) that are likely responsible for resistance in Nigeria bacteria isolates. Therefore, we aimed to characterize AMGs from isolates in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) in southwestern Nigeria. Methods: Multidrug-resistant bacteria (n = 181) that had been previously characterized by 16S rDNA sequencing and that were positive for resistance to at least 1 aminoglycoside antibiotic were selected from 6 treated and untreated water distribution systems. Strains were PCR genotyped for 3 AMGs: aph(3)c, ant(3)b and aph(6)-1dd. Results: Of 181 MDR bacteria tested, 69 (38.12%) were positive for at least 1 of the AMGs. The most common was ant(3)c (27.6%), followed by aph(3")c (18.23%). Both aph(3)c and ant(3")b were found in 7.73% of tested isolates, ant(3)b was most commonly found in Alcaligenes spp (50%). Furthermore, aph(3")c was most commonly detected in Proteus spp (50%). Other genera positive for AMGs included Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Bordetella, Brevundimonas, Chromobacterium, Klebsiella, Leucobacter, Morganella, Pantoae, Proteus, Providencia, Psychrobacter, and Serratia. Conclusions: High occurrence of ant(3)c and aph(3)c among these bacteria call for urgent attention among public health workers because these genes can be easily disseminated to consumers if present on mobile genetic elements like plasmids, integrons, and transposons.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Biodegradation of Vegetable Oil Factory Effluent Using Extracellular Lipase Obtained from Alcaligenes Spp.

This study determined the degradation of vegetable oil factory effluent by extracellular lipase obtained from Alcaligenes spp. The extracellular lipase produced by isolated Alcaligenes spp was obtained and concentrated using Glycerol before Gel Filtration Chromatography. The partially purified enzyme obtained from the Gel Filtration Chromatography purification showed optimum activity at a temperature of 55° C and pH 7. The enzyme was then concentrated using glycerol prior to treatment. The raw effluent samples (from the vegetable oil factory) were treated with the partially purified enzyme for 20 days. The degradation activity of the enzymes on contaminant concentrations was monitored at every 5 days. A control experiment was also set up for possible natural degradation of contaminants. Effluents were analyzed for metals (Fe, Mn and Zn), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Lipid Content using the standard method. Data were analysed for graphical presentation using the Microsoft Excel package. Results showed reduction in Fe, Mn, Zn, COD and Lipid Contents between day 5 and 20 as 46.28%, 68.71%, 62.53%, 71.45% and 72.57% respectively. The application of extracellular enzyme in the treatment of the effluent enhanced the degradation of the effluent at a higher percentage than the natural attenuation process of the effluent. This showed the promising bioremediation potential of Alcaligenes spp.

First Report of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases TEM-116 and OXA-10 in Clinical Isolates of Alcaligenes Species from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

There is an alarming increase in the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) present mainly in Enterobacteriaceae and other nonfermenting gram-negative bacteria, such as Alcaligenes faecalis, which is the only species in that genus that is clinically relevant. We investigated Alcaligenes species from 7 cases (6 inpatients and one outpatient) at our tertiary-care hospital. Four patients had urinary tract infections, and one each had systemic lupus erythematosus, pulmonary stenosis, and diabetic ulcer. All 7 isolates were identified as Alcaligenes spp. based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences, and antibiotic susceptibility was determined using a Vitek 2 system with AST-GN87 cards. All the strains were resistant to cefazolin; 6 were resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole; 5 manifested resistance to ampicillin/sulbactam, cefepime, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin; whereas 5 had multidrug resistance profiles. All the strains (7/7) expressed ESBL activity; PCR screening and sequencing showed evidence of genes blaTEM-116 (7/7) and blaOXA-10 (4/7), and we believe that this is the first report on the presence of TEM-116 and OXA-10 in an Alcaligenes spp. A combination of the 2 genes was present in 4 strains. All 7 strains were found to harbor at least one ESBL gene probably contributing to the drug resistance.

Isolation and characterization of drought resistance bacteria for plant growth promoting properties and their effect on chilli ( Capsicum annuum ) seedling under salt stress

The search for efficient drought resistant bacteria from unexplored environments is worldwide to alleviate the negative effects in plant growth. Thus, 67 bacteria were isolated from Commiphora wightii rhizosphere soil collected in the desert region. Initial screening for drought tolerance revealed that 29 (43.0%) isolates were able to grow in the presence of 15 g NaCl (w/v), 40 (58.20%) isolates were shown thermo tolerance capacity up to 70 °C and 32 (47.8%) isolates were shown maximum tolerance for polyethylene glycol concentration (13 g/100 ml). A subset of 10 strains was identified based on 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and belonged to four genera (Bacillus spp, Alcaligenes spp, Proteus sp. and Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus). All strains could produce siderophore and showed indole-3-acetic acid production ranged from 120 to 520 µg/ml. The drought resistant bacterized seeds of chilli were evaluated in the pot soil supplemented with 50 mM NaCl, the isolates showed 23.3–114.6% and 44.2–125.9% higher root and shoot lengths, respectively, compared with control. Our results demonstrated that drought resistant bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of C. wightii grown on desert lands could be used for alleviating salinity stress in crop plants.

Ammonium removal from high-salinity oilfield-produced water: assessing the microbial community dynamics at increasing salt concentrations.

Water generated during oil exploration is chemically complex and contains high concentrations of ammonium and, in some cases, high salinity. The most common way to remove ammonium from effluent is a biological process, which can be performed by different routes and different groups of microorganisms. However, the presence of salts in the effluents could be an inhibiting factor for biological processes, interfering directly with treatment. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the profile of a microbial community involved in the process of ammonium removal when subjected to a gradual increase of salt (NaCl), in which the complete inhibition of the ammonium removal process occurred at 125gL-1 NaCl. During the sludge acclimatization process, samples were collected and submitted to denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and massive sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. As the salt concentration increased in the reactor, a change in the microbial community was observed by the DGGE band profiles. As a result, there was a reduction in the presence of bacterial populations, and an increase in archaeal populations was found. The sequencing data suggested that ammonium removal in the reactor was carried out by different metabolic routes by autotrophic nitrifying bacteria, such as Nitrosococcus, Nitrosomonas, Nitrosovibrio, Nitrospira, and Nitrococcus; ammonium-oxidizing archaea Candidatus nitrosoarchaeum; ANAMMOX microorganisms, such as Candidatus brocadia, Candidatus kuenenia, and Candidatus scalindua; and microorganisms with the potential to be heterotrophic nitrifying, such as Paracoccus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., Marinobacter sp., and Alcaligenes spp.

Urinary tract infection among symptomatic outpatients visiting a tertiary hospital based in midwestern Nigeria.

Microbial pathogens implicated in urinary tract infection and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns as prevalent in UTI symptomatic outpatients resident in Benin City, Nigeria was the focus of this study. One hundred (100) midstream urine samples were collected into sterile plastic universal bottles from outpatients who visited the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria and who were tentatively diagnosed as manifesting symptoms of UTI. Patients were referred to the Medical Microbiology department by the consulting doctors. Significant bacterial counts and neutrophil (pus cells) counts were carried out on samples by standard methods. Positive samples for both counts were inoculated aseptically on sterile MacConkey agar, Cystine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) agar and Sabouraud Dextrose agar plates and incubated appropriately. Microbial isolates were identified and antibiotic sensitivity testing was carried out on isolates by standard methods. Thirty nine (39.0%) and 61 (61.0%) samples recorded significant microbial growth and no growth respectively. Gram negative bacilli constituted 86.1% (of which enterobacteriaceae made up 49.9%) while gram positive cocci made up 13.9%. Strains of uropathogens isolated were Alcaligenes spp (19.4%), Klebsiella aerogenes (16.7%), Escherichia coli (13.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (13.9%), Candida albicans (11.1%), Proteus mirabilis (8.3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.5%), Enterobacter spp (5.5%) and Providencia spp (5.5%). Occurrence of UTI in male and female patients were 58.3% and 41.7% respectively of which UTI occurred highest in the 25-46, 15-54 and 27-54 age groups in that decreasing order. Alcaligenes spp occurred most in very old female patients. Candida albicans (the only fungal uropathogen) occurred in an 8day old male patient. Other isolates occurred in much older patients. A significantly high microscopic neutrophil count or pyuria was recorded from deposits of UTI positive patients (i.e. < 5/HPF). Eighteen (representing 50.5%) and 15 (47.8%) of total microbial strains isolated were sensitive to nitrofurantoin and ceftriaxone respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility profile also showed 13(41.6%), 13(41.6%), 13(41.6%) for ciprofloxacin, cefuroxime and ofloxacin respectively suggesting moderate sensitivity of the fluoroquinolones and second/third generation cephalosporins. Gentamicin, ampicillin and augmentin recorded over 70.0% resistance level each. A total of nineteen bacterial strains made of E. coli, Enterobacter spp, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia spp, Staph. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were multi drug resistant as they resisted 3, 3, 4, 4, 5 and 8 antibiotics respectively.

Impact of pesticide contamination on aquatic microorganism populations in the littoral zone.

The effect of pesticide contamination of the littoral zone on the population of bacteria and fungi was analyzed using the example of a eutrophic water reservoir exposed for >30 years to the influence of expired crop-protection chemicals, mainly DDT. For three consecutive years, quantity analyses of bacteria and fungi were conducted and the composition of the microorganism population analyzed against seasonal dynamics. Mold and yeast-like fungi were also isolated and identified. Within the Bacteria domain, in addition to the large groups of microorganisms (Alphaprotobacteria, Betaprobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Cytophaga-Flavobacterium), the analysis also involved the presence of bacteria predisposed to degraded pesticides in natural environments: Pseudomonas spp. and Alcaligenes spp. The quantity dynamics of aquatic microorganisms indicated that bacteria and fungi under the influence of long-term exposure to DDT can adapt to the presence of this pesticide in water. No modifying effect of DDT was observed on the quantity of microorganisms or the pattern of seasonal relationships in the eutrophic lake. Changes were shown in the percentage share of large groups of bacteria in the community of microorganisms as was an effect of contamination on the species diversity of fungi. The data show the effectiveness of aquatic microorganism–community analyses as a tool for indicating changes in the water environment caused by pesticide contamination.

Qualitative estimation of polyhdroxybutyrate in Alcaligenes spp. NCIM 5085 by transmission electron microscopy and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Microscopy)

Qualitative estimation of polyhdroxybutyrate in Alcaligenes spp. NCIM 5085 by transmission electron microscopy and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Microscopy)

DNA-fingerprinting di stipiti di Chryseobacterium spp isolati da pazienti con Fibrosi Cistica

Objectives: Pulmonary infections by Gram-negative bacteria, as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, are the major cause of morbidity in Cystic Fibrosis patients. In the past decade, several pathogens as Alcaligenes spp and no tuberculosis mycobacteria have been recovered in these patients. Bacteria of genus Chryseobacterium are widespread Gram-negative microrganisms and involved in human infections. Aims of this study were to value the isolation frequency of Chryseobacterium strains in a cohort of Cystic Fibrosis patients, to investigate their antimicrobial sensibility and to establish possible clonal likeness between strains. Methods:A retrospective study was undertaken between January 2003 and December 2005 on 300 patients receiving care at the Regional Cystic Fibrosis Centre of Naples University “Federico II”. Sputum samples were checked: for bacterial identification, selective media and commercial identification systems were used.The activity of antimicrobial agents was determined using diffusion and microdiluthion methods. For DNA-fingerprinting, a genomic DNA macrorestriction followed by pulsed-field electrophoresis was carried out. Results:A total of 26 strains from 17 patients were isolated (7 C. meningosepticum, 14 C. indologenes, 5 C. gleum). Strains were resistant to cephalosporins and carbapenems; some were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole. Macrorestriction analysis showed substantial heterogeneity among strains. Conclusions: Actually, the prognostic role of Chryseobacterium in Cystic Fibrosis is unclear and although the small number of isolations, it is need to be on the look out regard such microorganisms. The considerable resistance implies difficulties on therapeutic approach. Results of DNA-fingerprinting indicate no evidence of clonal likeness and then of patient-to-patient spread.

In-situ characterization of microbial community in an A/O submerged membrane bioreactor with nitrogen removal

The bacterial community involved in removing nitrogen from sewage and their preferred DO environment within an anoxic/oxic membrane bioreactor (A/O MBR) was investigated. A continuously operated laboratory-scale A/O MBR was maintained for 360 d. At a sludge age of 150 d and a C/N ratio of 3.5, the system was capable of removing 88% of the influent nitrogen from raw wastewater through typical nitrogen removal transformations (i.e. aerobic ammonia oxidation and anoxic nitrate reduction). Characterization of the A/O MBR bacterial community was carried out using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques. FISH results further showed that Nitrosospira spp. and Nitrospira spp. were the predominant groups of ammonia and nitrite oxidizing group, respectively. They constituted up to 11% and 6% of eubacteria at DO below 0.05 mg/l (low DO), respectively, and about 14% and 9% of eubacteria at DO between 2-5 mg/l (sufficient DO), respectively, indicating preference of nitrifiers for a higher DO environment. Generally low counts of the genus Paracoccus were detected while negative results were observed for Paracoccus denitrificans, Alcaligenes spp, and Pseudomonas stutzeri under the low and sufficient DO environments. The overall results indicate that Nitrosospira spp., Nitrospira spp. and members of Paracoccus spp. can be metabolically functional in nitrogen removal in the laboratory-scale A/O MBR system.

Isolation measurements for cystic fibrosis patients

Respiratory tract infections significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality of cystic fibrosis patients. We conducted a systematic literature review (Pubmed 01/1966 up to 09/2003) in order to present recommendations for the isolation of CF patients colonized with Burkholderia cepacia spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Alcaligenes spp. Evidence and quality of 64 publications dealing with pathogen transmission or isolation measurements of colonized patients were evaluated. B. cepacia spp. was dealt most often with and 35 of 36 authors recommended the isolation of patients colonized with this pathogen. Isolation of patients colonized with P. aeruginosa was proposed by 21 of 25 authors. Only 5 studies concerned S. maltophilia or Alcaligenes spp. A) B. cepacia spp. colonized patients need to get a single room for their own. B) P. aeruginosa colonized CF patients should be separated from non-colonized CF patients. C) Patients harbouring even multi drug resistant P. aeruginosa, S. maltophilia or Alcaligenes spp. may not share their room with immunocompromised patients and should also be isolated when treated in intensive care units.

Purple urine bag syndrome

A93-year-old woman with advanced gastric cancer was admitted with epigastric pain and loss of appetite. She had been treated conservatively because of her age and physical condition. She was bedridden, incontinent, and constipated. She passed purple urine 1 week after placement of an indwelling urine catheter (Fig. 1). Her physical examination was unremarkable. Urinalysis showed a pH of 9.0 and 3 to 5 red blood cells per high-power field, but no casts. Cultures yielded Providencia stuartii and Alcaligenes spp. Purple urine bag syndrome was diagnosed. The purple urine disappeared after placement of a new urine catheter and plastic bag without using antibiotics. She died of carcinomatosis 2 months later.

Alcaligenes faecalis subsp. parafaecalis subsp. nov., a Bacterium Accumulating Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate from Acetone-butanol Bioprocess Residues

The authors have previously isolated a solvent tolerant bacterium, strain G(T), (T = type strain) capable to convert acetone-butanol bioprocess residues into poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate. Strain G(T) was initially identified as Alcaligenes spp by standard bacteriological tests. In this study the taxonomic position of the bacterium was investigated in detail. The 165 rDNA sequence analysis, the G + C content of DNA (56 mol%) and the presence of ubiquinone Q-8 confirmed strain G(T) as a representative of the genus Alcaligenes. In the polyamine pattern of the bacterium putrescine and cadaverine were detected, but only trace amounts of 2-hydroxyputrescine. The extremely low content of 2-hydroxyputrescine is remarkable, since this unique diamine is a common marker for beta-proteobacteria. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rDNA demonstrated that Alcaligenes sp. G(T) is most closely related to the species Alcaligenes faecalis (99.6% sequence similarity to A. faecalis HR4 and 98.7% sequence similarity to A. faecalis [ATCC 8750T = DSM 30030T]. On the basis of DNA-DNA relatedness (56% similarity), the unique polyamine pattern, the physiological and biochemical differences strain G(T) could be distinguished from the species A. faecalis. Therefore, a new subspecies for the species Alcaligenes faecalis is proposed; Alcaligenes faecalis subsp. parafaecalis subsp. nov.

Microbiological hazard identification and exposure assessment of street food vending in Johannesburg, South Africa

One hundred and thirty-two samples of beef, chicken, salad and gravy were collected from two street vendors over eleven replicate surveys to assess microbiological safety and quality. For each food type samples were collected during preparation and holding. Dish water was also collected and food preparation surfaces swabbed during preparation and display. Standard methods were used to determine aerobic plate counts, Enterobacteriaceae counts, coliform counts and spore counts. Six hundred and seventy-five predominant colonies were isolated from aerobic plate counts of all samples and characterised. The incidence of selected foodborne bacterial pathogens and non-pathogenic E. coli 1 was also determined. In most cases mean bacterial counts of the raw materials were significantly higher ( P<0.05) than those of corresponding cooked foods. No significant differences ( P>0.05) in all count types were observed between food samples collected during cooking and those collected during holding. In addition, no significant differences ( P>0.05) in all count types were observed between prepared salads and their raw materials. Mean bacterial counts of water and swab samples collected from vendor 1 were lower than those of water and swab samples collected from vendor 2.The predominant populations isolated from the aerobic plate counts were Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Enterobacteriaceae and Alcaligenes spp. Bacillus cereus was detected in 17%, Clostridium perfringens in 1%, Staphylococcus aureus in 3% and Vibrio metchnikovii in 2% of the food samples. Campylobacter jejuni, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli 0157:H7 were not detected. Non-pathogenic E. coli 1 was detected in 13% of food samples, in 86 and 36% of dish water samples collected from vendors 1 and 2, respectively, and in 36% of surface swab samples from vendor 2.

Evaluation of the ID 32E for the identification of Gram-negative glucose-fermenting and glucose-non-fermenting bacilli.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ID 32E bacterial identification system for accuracy in the identification of members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Acinetobacter baumannii/Iwoffii. METHODS: Stock cultures of 497 Enterobacteriaceae and 27 commonly encountered non-enteric Gram-negative rods were tested in the ID 32E system. For each isolate, the resulting 11-digit profile number was converted to an identification using the APILAB Plus software (version 3.2.2). This identification was then compared to the reference identification obtained using conventional biochemicals. RESULTS: Of the 524 isolates tested, 405 (77.3%) were identified correctly; 52 (9.9%) were identified incorrectly. Sixty-seven (12.8%) identifications were either doubtful or unacceptable, and were not limited to any particular genus or species, with the exception of Ewingella americana and Serratia plymuthica, which did not grow well enough in the strip at 35 degrees C to be correctly identified. All five isolates of Acinetobacter Iwoffii were misidentified as Alcaligenes spp. CONCLUSIONS: With this challenge set of organisms, the ID 32E correctly identified 77.3% of the isolates tested. For commonly encountered isolates, the accuracy approached 90%. We conclude that the ID 32E offers an alternative for the identification of common clinical isolates.

Effects of waste drilling fluid on bacterial isolates from a mangrove swamp oilfield location in the Niger Delta of Nigeria

Four bacterial strains isolated from a mangrove swamp oilfield location in the Niger Delta of Nigeria were cultured aerobically in the presence of 1.0% waste drilling fluid, to determine the effect of the waste on their growth. A 2-h lag phase of growth was produced by the waste in cultures of Micrococcus and Pseudomonas species, while the waste increased the lag phases of Alcaligenes and Staphylococcus species to 4 h. The exponential phase of growth of Pseudomonas sp. was depressed by the waste drilling fluid but fluid stimulated the exponential phases of Micrococcus and Alcaligenes spp. There was enhancement of the growth rate of Alcaligenes and Micrococcus spp. while those of Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas spp. were decreased. The depressed growth rates of Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas spp. in the presence of the waste drilling fluid might lead to a decrease in their contribution to the removal of the waste from the environment during spillage or disposal and, therefore, may result in an accumulation of the waste in the environment.