Bacteriological Aspects Research Articles

Analisis Pengaruh Sisa Klor Terhadap Air Distribusi PDAM Surya Sembada IPAM Karang Pilang 3 Kota Surabaya

The provision of drinking water for the community must meet quality standards that include physical, chemical and bacteriological aspects. The use of chlorine gas as a disinfectant can affect the quality of drinking water in an installation. One method to reduce bacteria in the water treatment process is to use disinfectants, among which chlorine is often used. The use of chlorine as a disinfectant in water treatment plays an important role in eliminating bacteria in water. This research aims to evaluate the quality of water treated by PDAM Surya Sembada, with the hope of providing an understanding to the public about the impact of residual chlorine on distributed water

Epidemiological, Clinical, Echographic and Bacteriological Aspects of Tuberculous Pericarditis in the Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakech

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a major public health problem and one of the leading causes of pericarditis. Its prevalence is still high in developing countries.

Օդակյաց վերքային վարակի պարագայում հեմոմիկրոցիրկուլյացիայի վիճակի վերաբերյալ / On the state of hemomicrocirculation in the aerobic wound infection

The article discusses various aspects of the morphofunctional changes occurring in organs and tissues undergoing aerobic wound processes. In recent years, morphofunctional changes undergoing aerobic wound process have been thoroughly examined, numerous studies have been carried out in order to clarify its morphological, histochemical, immunological, metabolic, and bacteriological aspects, the nature and features of the very wound inflammation process have been refined. Nevertheless, extremely insufficient studies have been carried out into the visceral presentations in aerobic wounds. Quite possibly, it is the structural changes in the internal organs that serve as the basis for the known complications, which in clinical conditions appear as signs of bacteremia, septicemia, and increasing intoxication. In this regard, the study of the state of microcirculation pathways not only in the lesion, but also in different organs and systems is of rather big interest, since the nature of microcirculatory disorders largely determines the characteristics of the course of pathological process at the tissue, organ, and system levels. To sum up the abovementioned, from a morphofunctional point of view, the author of the study has examined the microvasculature of the mesentery under conditions of inducing an aerobic purulent wound process in rats. It has been established that the most severe changes in the system of mesenteric microcirculation pathways occur on the 7th day of the regional pathological process. Changes appear in the form of signs of endothelial cell degeneration, increased vascular permeability, perivascular edema, and lymphocytic infiltration. In the mechanism of increased vascular permeability, tissue basophils play an important role, which is determined by the processes and their intensive degranulation and the histamine delivery into the perivascular space.

Surgical Site Infections: Epidemiological, Clinical and Bacteriological Aspects in the Urology Department of the Regional Hospital of Saint-Louis

Introduction: Surgical site infections occur within 30 days or one year after operation. They are important factors of morbidity and mortality in surgery, with a significant economic impact especially in developing countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, rate is estimated between 6.8-26% and 3.36% in Senegal. The objective of this study was to evaluate SSI in urology of Regional Hospital of Saint-Louis and study bacteria isolated. Material and Method: A prospective, descriptive and analytical study was conducted in urology department with patients operated on and hospitalized from february 2019 to january 2020 and who presented suppuration of surgical site. Samples were taken by swabbing wound or by puncture. Microbiology examination was done by microscopic, culture and identification of bacteria who were tested with antibiotics according to the CA-SFM 2019. Data entry was done with Excel 2019 and analysed by SPSS version 22. Results : 134 patients were concerned witch mean of age 49.69 years and the most risk factors were hypertension (23.88%), and diabetes (5.97%). Stage I (70.90%) of ASA and stage I (37.31%) of Altemeier were predominant. Eighteen patients (13.43%) had an SSI and 27 bacterial strains were isolated with predominance of enterobacteria (81.5%). Six isolates produced extended spectrum beta-lactamase with multi-resistant bacteria associated by longer hospital stay. Conclusion: Surgical Site Infections are a real factor of morbidity and mortality in surgery. In addition, increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant makes treatment more difficult. It is urgent to set up a system of coordinated control of these SSI and all action undertaken must be multidisciplinary.

Bacteriological Examination of Bottled Drinking Water in Benghazi-Libya

During the past three years a new trend has been widely spread, represented in the sale of bottled water produced by reverse osmosis, in the city of Benghazi. A cross-sectional descriptive study has been carried out aiming to evaluate the quality of water produced as purified and sold as “bottled water”, under the bacteriological aspects. Fourteen sites of these locations were inventoried by means of search and inspect as related data was not available by concerned authorities on the number of these locations and their conditions of operations. A questionnaire was prepared gathering information including all owners which were catalogues, and one hundred citizens representing all society’s segments and consumers of such water, were equally poled. Study results showed: 1) 7.7% of bottled water samples were bacteriologically contaminated. 2) Lack of awareness and environmental education and the citizens being influenced by rumors and advertisement of outlets’ owners, have all lead 52% of consumers, covered by the study, to decline the use of tap water doubting its purity and safety.

Bacteriological aspects of bacteremia in the intensive care unit of the Mohammed V Military Hospital: 10 months prospective study.

Bacteremia is responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality. The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in intensive care units (ICU) is a growing concern. Hence, prior knowledge of bacterial epidemiology and resistance phenotypes is required to optimize these infections' management. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological profile of bacteremia in ICU settings, as well as the place occupied by MDR bacteria in these infections. It is a prospective study carried out over 10 months on episodes of bacteremia in the ICU of Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital (Rabat, Morocco). Microorganism growth was detected using fluorescent technology, species identification was based on morphological and biochemical characteristics. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed following the recommendations of the Antibiogram Committee of the French Society of Microbiology (CA-SFM) and the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). Among 504 hospitalized patients, sixty-one (12.1%) presented at least one episode of bacteremia. Forty patients (65.6% of bacteremic patients) presented at least one episode of bacteremia due to MDR bacteria. Male gender, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and previous hospitalization were significant risk factors for the acquisition of MDR bacteremia. Isolated bacteria were mainly Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) (n = 62; 68.9%) dominated by Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 19; 21.1%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 16; 17.8%). MDR bacteria were represented by multi-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 19; 44.2%), extended-spectrum beta-lactamases-producing Enterobacterales (n = 9; 20.9%) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (n = 7; 16.3%). Carbapenems (n = 40; 65.6%), Aminoglycosides (n = 32; 52.5%) and Polypeptides (n = 24; 39.3%) were the most used antimicrobials. Mortality rates were 66.6% (n = 40) and 85% (n = 43) in patients with non MDR bacteremia and MDR bacteremia respectively. Limiting the spread of MDR bacteria and improving the management of bacteremic patients require continuous monitoring of bacteremia as well as adapting the therapeutic and preventive strategy.

Bacteriological aspects and risk factors for the acquisition of ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae in urinary tract infections in the elderly

Aim. Our study aimed to know the antibiotic resistance of the isolated strains, as well as the risk factors for acquiring extended-spectrum betalactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, in the urinary tract infection of the elderly. Methods. All the urine specimens received from elderly people at the Microbiology Laboratory of Batna Hospital, Algeria, from March 2012 to March 2014 were included in a prospective observational study. The bacteria were identified by API gallery or mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed as per CLSI guidelines. Multi-drug resistant gramnegative bacilli were studied by PCR and sequencing to determine their resistance mechanisms. The risk factors for ESBL-E acquisition were determined by univariate analysis. Results. From a total of 1024 urinary specimens, 372 microorganisms were isolated. The resistance rates of the community Escherichia coli strains to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (51.2%) and ciprofloxacin (26.5%) were high. In Enterobacteriaceae, ESBL (11.4%) were all of the CTX-M type, mainly the CTX-M-15 variant, often associated with the qnrB gene. The CTX-M-1 type predominated in E. coli. The carbapenemases produced by non-fermenting bacilli were of the oxacillinase-23 and VIM types while none were produced by Enterobacteriaceae. A recent history of surgery and antibiotic treatment were the main risk factors identified in the ESBL-E acquisition. Conclusion. This study is the first to describe the antibiotic resistance of UTI strains in the elderly in Algeria. Risk factors identified in the acquisition of resistant uropathogens highlight the importance of good hygiene practices and antimicrobial prescription.

Sodium reduction in “spam-like” product elaborated with mechanically separated tilapia meat

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of five substitution levels (0%; 15%; 30%; 45%, and 60%) of sodium chloride (NaCl) by potassium chloride (KCl) on the physical, chemical, technological, bacteriological and sensory qualities of cooked “spam-like” products formulated with mechanically separated tilapia meat (MTM). Substitution of NaCl by KCl increased the weight loss during cooking (between 6.65 and 17.55 g/100 g), fat exudation (between 0.64 and 2.91 g/100 g) and water exudation (between 3.32 and 5.91 g/100 g), and decreased hardness, springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness of the cooked “spam-like” products, representing evidence of the fundamental action of NaCl in the dissolution of myofibril proteins. All the samples were adequate for consumption considering their bacteriological aspects, and the treatments from 15% to 45% substitution showed greater sensory acceptance. The reduction of sodium between 1.05 and 9.2% by substituting NaCl with KCl made it possible to produce a “spam-like” product from MTM, allowing for exploiting this by-product. The product made with 15% substitution of NaCl by KCl was considered the best treatment concerning the technological characteristics, showing less fat and water exudation, less lipid oxidation and higher scores for sensory flavor and global impression.

Staphylococcus aureus Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Study of Bacterio-Epidemiological Profile and Virulence Factors.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) represents a major cause of nosocomial infections in the intensive care units in which Staphylococcus aureus is frequently involved. Better knowledge of this pathogen is required in order to enhance the patient’s treatment and care. In this article, we studied the bacteriological profile and virulence factors of S. aureus-related VAP on a 3-year period. We included a collection of S. aureus strains (n = 35) isolated from respiratory samples from patients diagnosed with VAP in the intensive care units. We studied the bacteriological aspects and we searched for the presence of virulence factors (SpA, FnbpA, Hla, and PVL genes) in the strains, and we also studied the clinical and biological aspects of the infections. The average age of our patients was of 36 years and they were predominantly males (sex ratio = 3.37). A severe head trauma or a history of coma was noted in 73.43% of the patients. The average duration of ventilation was 29 days. Among the studied strains, five were Methicillin-resistant S. aureus of which three expressed the mecA gene. Overall, the Hla gene was detected in 85.7% of the strains and it was more prevalent in Methicillin-susceptible than Methicillin-resistant strains (93.3% versus 40%; P = 0.014). FnbpA, Spa, and PVL genes were detected, respectively, in 80%, 45.7%, and 20% of the strains. Therefore, our studied strains were essentially associated with the production of Hla and FnbpA genes. It is, however, important to elucidate their expression in order to establish their role in the VAP pathogenesis.

Surgical Site Infections in General Surgery at the Regional Hospital of Thies (Senegal): Epidemiological, Bacteriological Aspects and Risk Factors

Introduction: Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) are frequent and lead to serious consequences and in terms of morbidity and mortality, with an increase in the length of hospitalization and health costs. Developing countries are the most affected. The aim of our study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and bacteriological aspects of SSIs in general surgery at the RH of Thies. Methods: This is a prospective study over a period of seven months (7 months) from September 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019 at the level of the general surgery department of the Regional Hospital of Thies. Bacteriological studies were carried out at the level of the Bacteriology unit of the National Public Health Laboratory of Senegal. Results: The incidence of SSIs in our study was 9.9%. The SSIs rate was 15.3% among resident surgeons, 10% among junior surgeons, 6.8% among senior ones. The surgical intervention was classified as Altemeier stage 1 in 3.4% of cases (n = 1), stage 2 in 27.6% of cases (n = 8), stage 3 in 24.1% of cases (n = 7) and stage 4 in 44.8% of cases (n = 13). Twenty-two of the isolated stems (73.3% of cases) were multidrug-resistant bacilli. The extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) phenotype was found in 22 isolates and 1 stem of K. pneumoniae was resistant to all antibiotics. Conclusion: SSIs constitute a challenge because of their high frequency and the high resistance of germs to common antibiotics. Currently, the main mode of resistance of bacteria in SSIs is the secretion of ESBL. This phenomenon seems to be major in our regions where it is urgent to review the therapeutic protocols in practice in the services.

Laboratory study on bacteriological aspects of beverages and thickeners for dysphagia patients : Growth survey of Escherichia coli on thickeners and beverages

Currently, there is little evidence-based guidance on bacteriological aspects of thickeners or beverages for dysphagia patients in Germany that can be recommended to prevent aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the lowest cell amount of E.coli on M9 agar media with beverages and thickeners. In the laboratory experiment 1 · 107 cells of E.coli were plated on adefined minimal medium (M9 agar plates) with different carbon sources and incubated at 37 °C for 2 days. The increase in cell number was determined using aphotometer. Carbon sources were water, beer, orange juice, thickened beer, maltodextrin-xanthan gum-based thickeners, corn starch-based thickeners and potato starch-based thickeners. The lowest E.coli cell amount was measured on water compared to beer, orange juice and all thickeners. A higher E.coli cell count was measured on maltodextrin-based thickeners than on potato starch-based and corn starch-based thickeners. In the present laboratory experiment, no individual risk factors for the development of aspiration pneumonia in humans were considered; however, initial bacteriological evidence for dysphagia patients could be collected. Due to the high growth of E.coli on maltodextrin, yeast, fructose and glucose, these ingredients should be used with caution by dysphagia patients. Further research on thickeners and beverages is needed to make acomprehensive recommendation for action in this aspect.

The Profile of the Patients with Double Infection HIV and TB in South West of Romania.

Background: Co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) / tuberculosis (TB) raises important diagnostic and treatment problems as the lung is one of the target organs for HIV. Studies have shown that an HIV patient is 5-15 times more likely to switch from Koch's bacillus-infected status to active tuberculosis. Material and method: Retrospective study on 207 patients with HIV/TB coinfection in the Oltenia area registered in the Regional Center for Monitoring and Evaluation of HIV/AIDS infection in Craiova to define the profile of patients with double TB-HIV infection in southern Romania for cases registered between 2005-2015. Results: 53.14% of patients were females. Most cases were from rural areas (56.10%) Half of them are born between 1988 and 1990 but only 5% graduated university. 66.18% don’t have a job and are supported by state with a monthly minimum income. 29.4% are smokers. More than 60% of cases had pulmonary TB and other 25% had concomitant pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB. TB and HIV have been diagnosed almost at the same time in 25% of cases. At the time of TB diagnosis 75% of patients had CD4+lymphocytes count <200cel/ml. We also noticed the absence of prophylaxis for TB in patients infected with HIV (PIH) and high incidence of hepatitis B (30.43%). Conclusions: Clinical expression, radiological and bacteriological aspects are often atypical in HIV/TB coinfected patients. The lack of TB prophylaxis and TB endemicity in the studied area may justify the large number of TB cases in HIV-infected patients.

First Report on the In Vivo Prebiotic, Biochemical, and Histological Effects of Crude Polysaccharide Fraction of Golden Chantharelle Mushroom, Cantharellus cibarius (Agaricomycetes)

In this study, we hypothesize that Cantharellus cibarius polysaccharide (CCP) could contribute to the growth performance, specific growth rate, and bacteriological, biochemical, and histological aspects of the gut in rats. Three groups of seven rats received one of three diets; negative control, treatment, and positive control groups were supplemented with commercial feed, + 0.25% CCP, and + 0.25% inulin, respectively. The highest Lactobacillus and the lowest Clostridium counts (1.84 × 109 and 0.03 × 109 CFU/ml, respectively) were obtained in the colon content of rats fed with CCP. The prebiotic index value of the treatment group (9.39) was higher than that of the positive control, inulin (7.74). There was a slight increase in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein and a slight decrease in high-density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels in the treatment group. Histologically, any important increase in mesenteric mast cell counts and degranulation has not been determined. The results indicate that CCP displays a prebiotic effect through the change of the intestinal microbiota. To our knowledge, the prebiotic effect of polysaccharide of C. cibarius fruiting body under in vivo conditions is reported here for the first time.

Residual effect of oxytetracycline medicated diet on shelf life of mrigal carp (Cirrhinus cirrhosus) stored in ice under laboratory condition

Among the six common classes of antimicrobials approved for aquaculture by World Health Organization (WHO), the use of oxytetracycline (OTC) is common in the aquaculture of Bangladesh. Since OTC hampers the growth and reproduction of fish microbial communities including the commensal and pathogenic flora, efforts were made to investigate the residual effect of OTC via medicated feed on the shelf life of apparently healthy mrigal carp (Cirrhinus cirrhosus) during ice storage. A group of live fish (average weight:18 ± 0.05 g) were fed OTC supplemented diet (2g OTC /kg diet) twice a day for 21 days and compared to another group fed with basal diet (control). After a brief withdrawal period (14 days), fish were killed by ikejime fish-slaughtering method and kept in separate ice boxes containing 1:1 ice to fish ratio for determining their shelf life using organoleptic, biochemical and bacteriological aspects of fish. Organoleptically, control fish were found to be acceptable up to 11 days whereas fish of treated group were found acceptable up to 15 days, showing significant rise in shelf life for OTC-treated fish. Proximate analysis showed a slight increase in moisture and a gradual decrease in protein and ash contents that were statistically insignificant (p>0.05) between control and OTC-treated group. The decline in lipid content was, however, significantly different between the two groups (p<0.05). Muscle pH increased sharply other than control fish as well as total volatile based nitrogen (TVB-N), peroxide value (PV) increased rapidly. The aerobic plate count (APC) was significantly higher for control fish than OTC-treated fish during storage time. According to the parameters assessed, the OTC-treated fishes were found to be delayed spoilage along with a prolonged shelf life in ice storage condition.

Bacteriological Profile of Acute Respiratory Infections in Children: About a Prospective Study at the Albert Royer Hospital in Dakar

Introduction: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) is a global public health priority. It is the leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. The main objective of this work was to look mainly at the bacteriological aspects of ARI in children in Senegalese hospitals. Methodology: We have been conducted a prospective descriptive mono-centric study over a period of one year (from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018) at the Albert Royer National child hospital in Dakar. A multiplex PCR (protein chain reaction) has been performed on nasopharyngeal swabs taken from all patients. This technique (viral RNA transcribed into DNA, then the DNA of the different pathogens is simultaneously amplified in the same tube by PCR Fast-tract&reg, multiplex). Results: During the study period, 109 patients were included. The hospital prevalence of acute respiratory infections was 3.7%. The mean age was 23.7 months with extremes between 1 month and 144 months. Peaks of consultations were found in the months of August, March and April with 22%, 15.6% and 12.8% respectively. Fever, respiratory distress and pulmonary condensation syndrome were the main signs found in our patients. Bacteriology was positive in 82.6% of samples and the most frequently found bacteria were Streptococcus pneumoniae in 38.5%, Haemophilus influenza b in 32.1% and Moraxella catarrhalis in 25.7%. Pneumonia was the main diagnosis, found in 61 cases, a prevalence of 59.9%. The average length of hospitalization was 10 days. Lethality was 1.8% or 2 cases. Conclusion: Acute Respiratory Infections in children still remains a public health problem in developing countries; children under 5 years of age are the most affected hence the need to strengthen ARI control programs. The identification of germs is indispensable in treatment and epidemiological surveillance in our regions.

Corona Virus (COVID-19): A Pandemic which is Threat to Human Species

The Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology is an open access, peer-reviewed international journal that publishes scientific articles related to all aspects of bacteriology and Parasitology. It includes the topics of all the Micro-organisms, Viruses, Bacterial Ecology, Parasitic Infection, Pathogenic Bacteria, Bacterial toxin, Bacterial genomics, Bacteraemia, Salmonella, Bacterial Diseases,Intestinal parasites, Parasitic Worms, Anthrax, Clostridial infections, Leprosy, Listeriosis, etc.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL & BACTERIOLOGICAL COMPARATIVE STUDY OF NEONATAL SEPSIS IN AL AZHAR UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS AND MAIN SHAREYANOENATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS

Background: Neonatal sepsis is defined as a clinical syndrome in an infant 28 days of life or younger, manifested by systemic signs of infection and isolation of a bacterial pathogen from the blood stream. Diagnosis and management of sepsis are a great challenge facing neonatologists in NICUs. Aim and objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate and Compare the Epidemiological and Bacteriological Aspects of neonatal sepsis during a period of six months in neonatal Intensive Care units of Al Azhar University Hospitals and Main Shareya NICUs. Subjects and methods: This was A prospective study conducted over a period of six months from 1/7/2018 to 31/12/2018 at NICUs of Al Azhar University Hospitals (Al Hussain &Sayed Galal Hospitals) and Some of Main Shareya NICUs in Grand Cairo, Egypt (Almaza, El-Shohadaa, Istiqamaand 6th October). During the study period, all admitted neonates were recorded, then cases with clinical signs and symptoms of sepsis at the time of admission or who developed sepsis during their hospital stay were assessed (Clinically , Laboratory and Bacteriologically) and included in the study. Results: Out of 1874 of total admitted cases during study period, the incidence of clinically suspected neonatal sepsis among the admitted neonates at the neonatal intensive care units of the included hospitals and Units was 50.3% (942/1874). The sepsis was proved in 410 (43.5%) cases by positive blood culture: 361(44.5%) from Main Shareya and 49 (37.1%) from Azhar hospitals.Regarding demographic characteristics of studied cases, presence of neonatal sepsis is more in (full term, CS, urban residence, male neonates and single) cases, with significant difference between both groups in Post-natal age, Sex and Birth number. Klebsiella is the most organisms in blood cultures in both EOS and LOS of Main Shareya and Azhar cases followed by Staph. Aureus, Proteus, Candida Albicans then E. Coli and finally Strept. Pneumonia .There is no statistically significant difference between types of sepsis regarding to the causative organisms in blood cultures. Death occurs more frequent in EOS than in LOS while improvement is more frequent in LOS. There is no statistically significant difference in Main Shareya and Azhar cases.

Bacteriology and Parasitology Leads the Way to Origination in Microbiology

Bacteriology is the conventional branch of Microbiology, which focuses on basic microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, biochemistry, molecular biology and mechanisms, ecology and epidemiology of bacteria. Parasitology is a closest relative of Medical Microbiology that encompasses the parasite world ranging from protozoans to helminthes. The Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology is an open access, peer-reviewed international journal that publishes scientific articles related to all aspects of bacteriology and parasitology, It includes the topics of Bacterial Ecology, Parasitic Infection, Pathogenic Bacteria, Bacterial toxin, Bacterial genomics, Bacteraemia, Salmonella, Bacterial Diseases, Intestinal parasites, Parasitic Worms, Anthrax, Clostridial infections, Leprosy, Listeriosis, etc. The volume 10 has various aspects of bacteriology & parasitology discussed by the authors from different parts of the world. In the research article, Vu Quang Huy, et al. Trial samples for specific serodiagnosis of anti-Fasciola gigantica antibodies via external quality assessment can be produced with homogeneity and stability lasting for 24 weeks by freeze-drying and freezing methods [1]. Waleed Abu Al-Soud in his research article has done the Detection of the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin Gene in Swedish Isolates of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus using a Multiplex PCR Assay [2]. Arthur Hinton, et al. investigated the use of nBPW will improve verification testing and increase the confidence of FSIS in the results of the Agency’s Salmonella testing data, thus enhancing the ability of the Agency to protect consumers [3]. Linder R et al. have demonstrated about the cooperative (or synergistic) hemolysis, the ability of two bacterial species to jointly lyse erythrocytes, has long been recognized as a helpful tool in the identification of common pathogens (i.e. the CAMP reaction between Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus) [4]. Halimatou Diop-Ndiaye, et al. concluded that M. genitalium appeared as a second most common STI pathogen identified in patients attending a private laboratory, indicating the need to include its routine detection for STI suffering patients also in public health sector in his research article [5]. Stephane Lepretre, et al. reported a case report a case of a 27year-old patient with severe aplastic anemia who developed Trichosporon inkin sepsis with skin lesions during aplasia after myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplant [6].

Progress in laboratory diagnostic technology of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a common chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( M. tb ) infection, of which pulmonary tuberculosis is the most common. At present, tuberculosis ranks among the top ten leading causes of death in the world and is the top killer due to a single infections agent, causing serious public health problems around the world. In 2017, there were about 10 million new tuberculosis cases worldwide, and approximately 1.57 million people died of tuberculosis. China is one of the countries with high burden of tuberculosis, with the annual number of patients only less than India, ranking second in the world. It is estimated that about a quarter of the global population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is at risk of progressing to active tuberculosis. Tuberculosis patients are the main source of infection. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis patients at an early stage is of great significance for the prevention and control of tuberculosis. This article reviews the research progress of tuberculosis laboratory diagnostic techniques from three aspects of bacteriology, immunology and molecular biology, and introduces its basic principles and application prospects, aiming to provide reference for the clinical diagnosis of tuberculosis. 摘要： 结核病是一种常见的慢性传染性疾病, 由结核分枝杆菌感染引起, 其中, 以肺结核最为常见。目前, 结核病 位列全球十大死因之一, 是单一传染病中的头号杀手, 在全球范围内造成严重的公共卫生问题。2017 年, 全球新发结 核病约 1 000 万例, 约 157 万人死于结核病。中国是结核病高负担国家之一, 年发病人数仅次于印度, 位居世界第 2 位。 据估计, 全球约有 1/4 的人口感染了结核分枝杆菌, 面临进展为结核病的风险。结核病患者是结核病主要的传染源, 因 此, 在早期对结核病患者做出准确的诊断并提供治疗, 对于结核病的防治工作具有重大意义。本文从细菌学、免疫学 和分子生物学三个方面对结核病实验室诊断技术的研究进展进行综述, 介绍其基本原理及应用前景, 旨在为结核病的 临床诊断提供参考。

Hydraulic Behavior of Karst Aquifers

The objective of this Special Issue, “Hydraulic Behavior of Karst Aquifers”, is to focus on recent advances in karst hydrogeology in different areas of the world, focusing on topics dealing with the peculiar characteristics of karst aquifers. In particular, thirteen peer-reviewed articles were collected, focusing on hydraulic aspects and their relationship with geological features, geochemical and bacteriological aspects, tunneling and engineering mining inrush, and forecasting water resources and drought occurrences. Overall, these contributions describe several aspects of karst aquifers and are of great value for water resource management and protection.