Enterobacteriaceae Bacteria Research Articles

Impact of lyophilized Lactobacillus salivarius DSPV 001P administration on growth performance, microbial translocation, and gastrointestinal microbiota of broilers reared under low ambient temperature

This study was undertaken with the aim of investigating the effects of dietary supplementation of probiotic strain Lactobacillus salivarius DSPV 001P on growth performance, microbial translocation, and gastrointestinal microbiota of broilers reared under low ambient temperature. Two hundred and forty, one-day-old male Cobb broilers were randomly distributed into two treatment groups, a probiotic group and a control group, with four replicates per treatment and 30 broilers per replicate. The temperature of the broiler house was maintained at 18–22°C during the first three weeks, after which the temperature was at range of 8°C to 12°C. The results showed that probiotic treatment significantly improved body weight of broilers when compared with the control group. After 42days, the weight means were 2905±365.4g and 2724±427.0g, respectively. Although there were no significant differences, dietary inclusion of L. salivarius tended to increase feed intake and to reduce feed conversion ratio during the six-week experimental period. Similarly, supplementation tended to reduce the rate of mortality, with 12 deaths occurring in the probiotic group, and 20 in the control group. However, no differences were observed in intestinal bacterial concentrations of Enterobacteriaceae, E.coli, and lactic acid bacteria in both crop and caecum among treatments. Through our study, it appears that L. salivarius DSPV 001P was non-pathogenic, safe and beneficial to broilers, which implies that it could be a promising feed additive, thus enhancing the growth performance of broilers and improving their health.

Bad bacteria in acute appendicitis: rare but relevant.

Bacterial infections are a factor for morbidity in patients with acute appendicitis (AA). The spreading of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is a significant problem in surgery, and the most relevant MDR pathogens are summarized as Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococci (ESKAPE) bacteria. Data regarding the species and distribution of bacteria in AA are available, but information about the resistances and their relevance is deficient. In this retrospective study, we analyzed microbiological swabs of patients with AA. The outcome parameters of patients after laparoscopic appendectomy were analyzed against microbiological results, including antibiotic resistance testing. Positive swabs were compared with bacteria cultivated after alternative abdominal emergency surgery (AES). In total, 584 patients with AA were included and had a mean age of 35.5years. In 216 patients (36.9%), a swab was taken, and in 128 (59.3%) swabs, bacteria could be cultivated. The most frequent organisms were Escherichia coli, Bacteroides species, and Pseudomonas. In 9.4% of the positive AA swabs, MDR germs were cultivated, and all of them were ESKAPE pathogens. Patients with MDR bacteria in AA suffered more infectious complications (p=0.006) and needed longer hospitalizations (p<0.009). In AES, aside from appendicitis, a different spectrum containing more MDR bacteria was cultivated (5.9 vs. 20.9%; p<0.0001). Although they occur less frequently in appendectomy compared to emergency surgeries for other abdominal diseases, MDR bacteria are traceable in this common disease and contribute to additional morbidity.

Environmental Escherichia coli: ecology and public health implications-a review.

Escherichia coli is classified as a rod-shaped, Gram-negative bacterium in the family Enterobacteriaceae. The bacterium mainly inhabits the lower intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and is often discharged into the environment through faeces or wastewater effluent. The presence of E.coli in environmental waters has long been considered as an indicator of recent faecal pollution. However, numerous recent studies have reported that some specific strains of E.coli can survive for long periods of time, and potentially reproduce, in extraintestinal environments. This indicates that E.coli can be integrated into indigenous microbial communities in the environment. This naturalization phenomenon calls into question the reliability of E.coli as a faecal indicator bacterium (FIB). Recently, many studies reported that E.coli populations in the environment are affected by ambient environmental conditions affecting their long-term survival. Large-scale studies of population genetics revealed the diversity and complexity of E.coli strains in various environments, which are affected by multiple environmental factors. This review examines the current knowledge on the ecology of E.coli strains in various environments with regard to its role as a FIB and as a naturalized member of indigenous microbial communities. Special emphasis is given on the growth ofpathogenic E.coli in the environment, and the population genetics of environmental members of the genus Escherichia. The impact of environmental E.coli on water quality and public health is also discussed.

Comparison of UV-C and thermal treatments for the preservation of carrot juice

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of UV-C and thermal treatments on the shelf life of carrot juice. Carrot juice samples were exposed to UV-C radiation and thermal treatment. After the treatments, all carrot juice samples were stored at 4 °C for 16 days. Parameters taken into account were: physicochemical [colour values (L*, a*, and b*) and browning index, viscosity, optical density, density, pH, turbidity], microbiological [total plate count mesophilic, total plate count psychrotrophic, lactic acid bacteria Enterobacteriaceae and yeast and moulds) and sensory attributes. Results showed that the shelf life of carrot juice samples was 4 days for the fresh (control samples) and increased to 12 days for the thermally and UV-Ctreated, respectively. In addition, no significant changes occurred in the investigated physicochemical parameters, while sensory characteristics were not downgraded by UV-C treatment. Present results obtained, support the use of UV-C technology for improving shelf life stability of carrot juice.

Wastewater is a reservoir for clinically relevant carbapenemase- and 16s rRNA methylase-producing Enterobacteriaceae

The aim of this study was to evaluate wastewater for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) and 16S rRNA methylase-producing Gram-negative bacteria (MPB) and to assess their occurrence following wastewater treatment. Wastewater samples were collected between June 2015 and March 2016 in the sewage network of the city of Basel (Switzerland) from sites located before and after influx of wastewater from the hospital into the sewage network. Samples were also obtained from the influent and effluent of the receiving wastewater treatment plant. Samples were screened for CPE and MPB using selective media. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were typed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Carbapenemase and 16S rRNA methylase genes were identified by PCR and sequencing. Resistance profiles were determined by the disk diffusion test and Etest. The occurrence of CPE and MPB was increased downstream of hospital wastewater influx. Of 49 CPE isolates, 9 belonged to OXA-48-producing E. coli clone D:ST38, 7 were OXA-48-producing Citrobacter freundii, and 6 were KPC-2- or OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae belonging to clonal complex 258. NDM (NDM-1, -5 and -9) and VIM (VIM-1) producers were detected sporadically. MPB included ArmA- and RmtB-producing E. coli and Citrobacter spp. Isolates corresponding to strains from wastewater were detected in the effluent of the treatment plant. Conclusively, CPE and MPB, predominantly OXA-48-producing Enterobacteriaceae, are readily detected in wastewater, survive wastewater treatment and are released into the aquatic environment. OXA-48-producers may represent an emerging threat to public health and environmental integrity.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing &lt;i&gt;Enterobacteriaceae&lt;/i&gt; causing urinary tract infections in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Objective: To determine the frequency of extended-spectrum beta lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL) and other antibioticsresistant bacteria in urinary tract isolates.Study Design: prospective and experimental study.Methodology: Place and duration of study :YalgadoOuedraogo University Hospital Center, Charles De Gaulle Pediatric Hospital Center, Saint Camille Hospital and National Public Health Laboratory, Ouagadougou, from November 2014 to October 2015.AllEnterobacteriaceaestrains isolated from urinary samples of patients were identifiedusing API 20E chemical gallery (BioMerieux, France). All strains were subjected to an array of 14 antibiotics to study their drug susceptibility by using Kirby- Baeurdisk diffusion method. Detection of ESBL was carried out by double disk diffusion technique. Statistical analysis was performed by Microsoft Excel and Anova one-way GrapPad Prism version 5.01. Chi-square (χ2) test was used to determine significance. A p˂ 0.05was considered to be statistically significant.Results: A total of 324 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were identified during the study period, including211(65%) E. coli, 75 (23%)Klebsiella spp., 18 (6%) Enterobacter spp., 11 (3%)Proteus spp., 5 (2%) Citrobacter spp., Serratia spp. 3 (1%).All the clinical isolates were susceptible to imipenem. Resistance to amikacinwas 14% (45/324); gentamicin 54% (175/324); tobramycin 58% (187/324); nalidixic acid 72% (234/324),ciprofloxacin 63% (204/324) and to cotrimoxazole 83% (269/324).The overall rate of the EBSL producing strains was 35% (114/324). Their susceptibility to antibiotics was (imipenem,amikacin, cefoxitin and fosfomycin) 100% (114/114), 93% (106/114), 74% (84/114) and 84% (96/114) respectively. ESBL positivity within individual organism group was highest inEscherichia coli 64% (73/324) followed byKlebsiellaspp. 28% (32/324), Enterobacterspp. 3% (4/324), Proteus spp. and Citrobacterspp. 2% (2/324).Conclusion: The results showeda high frequency of ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae, especially Escherichia coli and Klebsiellaspp. The data points to theneed of routine detection and surveillance of ESBL producing bacteria in Burkina Faso.Keywords: Antimicrobial susceptibility, Enterobacteriaceae, Urine, Burkina Faso

Prevalence and characterization of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and AmpC β-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae in fresh pork meat at processing level in Germany

ESBL or AmpC β-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae is an increasing concern in human medicine. A distribution via the food chain is discussed, but less is known about these bacteria on fresh pork meat. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ESBL/AmpC Enterobacteriaceae bacteria in fresh pork meat at processing level in Germany. The analysis comprised microbiological hygiene parameters and further pheno- and genotypical characterization of ESBL/AmpC isolates. The examination included three pools of meat and one corresponding meat juice sample from each of the tested pork meat batches (n=63). ESBL/AmpC producers were found in 42.9% (36.5% confirmed by genotype, gt) of the investigated batches, either in meat or meat juice. Meat juice was more often (28.6%) contaminated with ESBL/AmpC bacteria than meat (20.6%). Hygiene parameters were satisfactory in all samples and were thus not a suitable tool for predicting the presence of ESBL/AmpC producers. Most of the 37 confirmed ESBL/AmpC bacteria were identified as Escherichia coli (n=18) or Serratia fonticola (n=13). Susceptibility testing identified 32 of the 37 isolates to be multidrug-resistant. The most common resistance genes TEM, SHV, and CTX-M were found in 19 of the ESBL/AmpC isolates, mostly E. coli. A single detected AmpC β-lactamase producing E. coli carried a CMY-2 gene. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) investigations of the ESBL/AmpC E. coli revealed 11 different sequence types. In conclusion, fresh pork meat can harbor highly diverse multidrug-resistant ESBL Enterobacteriaceae, even though at low rates. The study suggests that fresh pork meat might be a source for multidrug-resistant ESBL/AmpC Enterobacteriaceae of various origins. Therefore these data contribute to the epidemiological understanding of the distribution of resistant bacteria and the impact of the food chain on public health.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking studies of novel quinuclidinone derivatives as potential antimicrobial and anticonvulsant agents

Synthesis and investigation of antimicrobial and anticonvulsant activity of eleven novel quinuclidinone-thiazole derivatives are presented. Among the derivatives, compounds 3a–3f showed a broad-spectrum antibiotic activity against all reference Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. These compounds exhibited very strong or good bactericidal activity towards Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus spp., Micrococcus spp. and Bacillus spp.) with MIC = 0.48–15.62 µg/ml. The tested substances 3a–e and 3f were found also to be active against reference Gram-negative bacteria (Bordetella spp. and rod-shaped bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae) with MIC = 31.25–500 µg/ml. The fungicidal effect of compounds 3a–e was very strong or strong against Candida spp. with MIC = 1.95–31.25 µg/ml. The results of anticonvulsant screening revealed that the compound 3f demonstrated high anticonvulsant activity in electrically-induced seizure models, i.e., MES and 6-Hz tests. It was also effective in pilocarpine-induced model of seizures. Noteworthy, 3f did not impair animals’ motor skills in the rotarod test. Molecular docking studies of all compounds into the active sites of microbial enzymes indicated secreted aspartic proteinase as possible antifungal target and DNA gyrase subunit A as possible antibacterial target.

Spatial Structure of the Mormon Cricket Gut Microbiome and its Predicted Contribution to Nutrition and Immune Function.

The gut microbiome of insects plays an important role in their ecology and evolution, participating in nutrient acquisition, immunity, and behavior. Microbial community structure within the gut is heavily influenced by differences among gut regions in morphology and physiology, which determine the niches available for microbes to colonize. We present a high-resolution analysis of the structure of the gut microbiome in the Mormon cricket Anabrus simplex, an insect known for its periodic outbreaks in the western United States and nutrition-dependent mating system. The Mormon cricket microbiome was dominated by 11 taxa from the Lactobacillaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Streptococcaceae. While most of these were represented in all gut regions, there were marked differences in their relative abundance, with lactic-acid bacteria (Lactobacillaceae) more common in the foregut and midgut and enteric (Enterobacteriaceae) bacteria more common in the hindgut. Differences in community structure were driven by variation in the relative prevalence of three groups: a Lactobacillus in the foregut, Pediococcus lactic-acid bacteria in the midgut, and Pantoea agglomerans, an enteric bacterium, in the hindgut. These taxa have been shown to have beneficial effects on their hosts in insects and other animals by improving nutrition, increasing resistance to pathogens, and modulating social behavior. Using PICRUSt to predict gene content from our 16S rRNA sequences, we found enzymes that participate in carbohydrate metabolism and pathogen defense in other orthopterans. These were predominately represented in the hindgut and midgut, the most important sites for nutrition and pathogen defense. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA sequences from cultured isolates indicated low levels of divergence from sequences derived from plants and other insects, suggesting that these bacteria are likely to be exchanged between Mormon crickets and the environment. Our study shows strong spatial variation in microbiome community structure, which influences predicted gene content and thus the potential of the microbiome to influence host function.

Microbiological Quality, Shelf Life and Fermentation Activity of Active Dried Yeast

The microbiological quality and shelf life of 10 active dried yeast preparations were determined. The dried yeasts were tested for total microbial count, total yeast count, total wild yeast count, total bacterial count, spore forming bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and lactic acid bacteria. For the shelf life test, the yeasts were stored at 0°C, 4°C, 15°C and 25°C for six months and tested at monthly intervals for total viable yeast count and total bacterial count. After six months storage fermentations were carried out in Colombar must and the wines subsequently analysed. All dried yeasts complied with the International Wine Office ( 0 .I. V.) guideline of 1 x 109 viable yeasts per gram dried yeast, whilst only some preparations complied with the guideline for total bacterial count of 1 x 105 bacteria per gram dried yeast. Results of the shelf life test showed optimum storage temperature to be 4°C.

International high-risk clones of Klebsiella pneumoniae KPC-2/CC258 and Escherichia coli CTX-M-15/CC10 in urban lake waters

The emergence of high-risk clones of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in aquatic environments has generated an important public health problem, creating an urgent need to strengthen surveillance. This study reports the occurrence of clinically significant MDR Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermentative bacteria carrying carbapenemases (KPC-2), extended-spectrum β-lactamases (CTX-M) and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in urban lakes and reservoirs, in Southeastern Brazil. In this regard, the detection of hospital-associated lineages of KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae belonging to the international clonal complex CC258 (ST11) and CTX-M-15-producing Escherichia coli belonging to the international CC10 (ST617), in an urban lake, is reported for the first time. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae ST11 revealed that blaKPC-2 gene was carried by an IncN plasmid on a Tn4401b element. This study support that aquatic environments with public access can act as reservoirs of clinically important MDR bacteria, constituting a potential risk to human and animal health. On the other hand, the detection of high-risk clones highlights the extra-hospital spread of clinically significant bacteria into urban aquatic environments.

Use of a Pan-Genomic DNA Microarray in Determination of the Phylogenetic Relatedness among Cronobacter spp. and Its Use as a Data Mining Tool to Understand Cronobacter Biology.

Cronobacter (previously known as Enterobacter sakazakii) is a genus of Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, oxidase-negative, catalase-positive, rod-shaped bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae. These organisms cause a variety of illnesses such as meningitis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and septicemia in neonates and infants, and urinary tract, wound, abscesses or surgical site infections, septicemia, and pneumonia in adults. The total gene content of 379 strains of Cronobacter spp. and taxonomically-related isolates was determined using a recently reported DNA microarray. The Cronobacter microarray as a genotyping tool gives the global food safety community a rapid method to identify and capture the total genomic content of outbreak isolates for food safety, environmental, and clinical surveillance purposes. It was able to differentiate the seven Cronobacter species from one another and from non-Cronobacter species. The microarray was also able to cluster strains within each species into well-defined subgroups. These results also support previous studies on the phylogenic separation of species members of the genus and clearly highlight the evolutionary sequence divergence among each species of the genus compared to phylogenetically-related species. This review extends these studies and illustrates how the microarray can also be used as an investigational tool to mine genomic data sets from strains. Three case studies describing the use of the microarray are shown and include: (1) the determination of allelic differences among Cronobacter sakazakii strains possessing the virulence plasmid pESA3; (2) mining of malonate and myo-inositol alleles among subspecies of Cronobacter dublinensis strains to determine subspecies identity; and (3) lastly using the microarray to demonstrate sequence divergence and phylogenetic relatedness trends for 13 outer-membrane protein alleles among 240 Cronobacter and phylogenetically-related strains. The goal of this review is to describe microarrays as a robust tool for genomics research of this assorted and important genus, a criterion toward the development of future preventative measures to eliminate this foodborne pathogen from the global food supply.

Shelf-life extension of chilled olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus ) using chitosan coatings containing clove oil

This work aims to evaluate the effects of clove oil combined with a chitosan coating on the quality and shelf-life of refrigerated flounder using microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory assessments. The effects of the chitosan (Ch) coating combined with clove oil (Ch + CO) on the quality of olive flounder were examined during 15 days of chilled storage. The microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory attributes of the olive flounder were determined. The growth of microbes on the olive flounder was most rapid in the control samples, followed by growth on the Ch coating, and was least on the Ch + CO coating. Bacterial counts of Pseudomonas spp., lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and H2S-producing bacteria were significantly lower than that in the samples coated with Ch + CO. The TBA values of all of the samples were lower than 0.4 mg/100 g during storage, and the lowest TBA value of the flounder coatings was obtained with the Ch + CO coating. The total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and K values for all of the samples increased during storage, but the increases were significantly less rapid in the samples coated with Ch and Ch + CO. Interestingly, the TVB-N and K values were well correlated with the microbiological data, indicating that the TVB-N and K values could serve as useful indices for evaluating fish freshness. The results indicated that the Ch + CO coating extended the shelf-life of the fish by 6 days. Practical application Applications of edible chitosan-based coatings may be useful in prolonging the shelf-life of fish and meat because these coatings provide a barrier against moisture, moisture transfer, and oxygen penetration. Clove oil is an essential oil that is mainly composed of eugenol, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-humulene, and eugenyl acetate, and has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The development of targeted antioxidant and antimicrobial natural food coatings to prolong the shelf-life of fish is desirable. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the effects of clove oil combined with a chitosan coating on the quality and shelf-life of refrigerated flounder by microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory assessments.

Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern and Plasmid Profile of Diarrheal Salmonallae and Shigallae Bacteria Isolated from Clinical Samples in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

Salmonallaeand Shigellae bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae has been implicated as the causal agent of many gastro-intestinal disorders in man and animal. To determine the antimicrobial resistant pattern and plasmid profile of different resistant Salmonellae and Shigellae bacteria in Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna state, Nigeria, a total of fifty eight (58) isolates of clinical were collected randomly from diarrheal patients in the metropolis and tested against ten (10) commonly used antimicrobial agents using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Plasmid DNA was extracted using FosmidMAX DNA purification kit and separated by agarose gel electrophoresis. Results indicated a varying degree of resistance to the different drugs tested, however, all Salmonella and Shigella isolates were found to be sensitive to at least one of the ten (10) drugs tested. Augmentin, Amoxicillin and streptomycin were found to be most resisted with no effect on any of the isolates while Chloramphenicol was the most effective with 25mm±1.00 and 23mm±1.00 against Salmonella and Shigella respectively. Plasmid profile revealed 31% success, suggesting no correlation between presence of plasmid and antibiotic resistance in the isolates. It was concluded that isolates might have harboured the presence of multi-drug resistance in their chromosomal genes rather than in plasmids.

Динаміка мікрофлори охолодженої і примороженої яловичини за її зберігання

The article contains results of research on the study the dynamics of microbiological changes in frosted and chilled beef during storage. It is established that observance of all veterinary and sanitary requirements in the procurement of beef in slaughter departments, microbiological indicators of meat meets the standards of the EU Regulation №2073/2005. In 8 days of storage at a temperature of 0 °C the total number of microorganisms on the surface of the half carcasses increased in 16.6 times, and after 16 days – 3 350 times and exceeded the permissible level according to standards 1.3 times and 258 times respectively. In 8 days of storage of beef number of Enterobacteriaceae on the surface of half carcasses grew in 87 times and meet the established standards to 316.22 CFU/cm2 of surface or to 3162,2 CFU/cm3 of flushing. Storage of meat up to 16 days at a temperature of 0 °C leads to increase the amount of Enterobacteriaceae into thousands of times, which exceeded the permissible level of bacteria according to EU regulations. It is also established the growth in beef the number of psycho traffic microorganisms in 350 times after 8 days of storage and in 52 thousand times in 16 days. By comparing the number of psycho traffic microorganisms with the the number of MAFAnM during storage of beef it was determined that psycho traffic microorganisms on the surface of the cooled meat was 12.4 times less, compared to the number of MAFAnM, but due to the faster rate of reproduction at this temperature their number on the eighth day of storage was already 1.7 times higher. Psycho traffic microorganisms of chilled meat for its storage were dominant microflora, which indicates its primary role in the occurrence of microbiological defects of meat. It was found that the temperature storage mode of chilled meat 0 ± 0,5 °C is not suitable for bacterial growth of genus Enterococcus and they gradually die. Established that storage of meat in frosted condition inhibits or completely stop the development of mesophilic microorganisms within 20 days. It is revealed the growth of bacteria of genus Enterobacteriaceae within 10 days at 2.3 times, and over the next 10 days of storage – in 4.1 times. However, the total number of 1 cm3 of flushing from the the surface of the meat does not exceed 300 CFU. Number of psycho traffic microorganisms that are able to withstand low temperatures and survive and multiply under these conditions was increasing on the surface of beef half carcasses on storage temperature -2– -3 ° C. Their numbers grew after 10 days in 4.5 times, and in furthering the next 10 days, ie 20 days – in 7.9 times and amounted to 2.2·105 cfu/cm3 of flushing from the surface. Despite the fact that the meat corresponds the standards for the number of MAFAnM, the development of psycho traffic microorganisms in frosted meat requires constant monitoring of the quality evaluation of beef.

Antibacterial Activities of Surfactants in the Laundry Detergents and Isolation of the Surfactant Resistant Aquatic Bacteria.

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (POLE) are major surfactants contained in the laundry detergents. In the present study, the antibacterial activities of the surfactants to aquatic microorganisms were compared. When freshwater samples from a small river in Okayama city were treated with each of the surfactants, only LAS showed the significant antibacterial activity. Several strains, which survived after the treatment with 2.0% LAS, were isolated and identified by sequencing of 16S rDNA. All strains were classified into the family Enterobacteriaceae. However, this family was not a major member of the aquatic microflora, suggesting that the bacteria in Enterobacteriaceae have a common property of LAS-resistance in the river water.

In vitro antibacterial and antioxidant properties of Elettaria cardamomum Maton extract and its effects, incorporated with chitosan, on storage time of lamb meat

In this experimental study, ethanolic extract of Elettaria cardamomum Maton (ECM) was prepared, the amount of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties were measured using colorimetric methods and β-carotene bleaching assay, respectively. The effects of chitosan with a concentration of 1% and 2% (w/w) of ECM extract at refrigerated temperature (4 ± 1 °C) on the microbial quality of lamb meat was evaluated. Changes in pH level, the total count of bacteria, psychrotrophic and lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, yeast, mold counts and also the organoleptic characteristics of lamb meat in specific storage times (day zero, 1st, 3rd and 5th) were examined. The total amount of phenols of ECM ethanolic extract was 19.27 ± 0.02 mg/g Gallic acid equivalent, and antioxidant capacity was 45.7 ± 7.5%. In all treated samples, a reduction in the total count of bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, psychrotrophic and lactic acid bacteria, molds and yeasts were observed (P<0.05). Besides, the addition of extract incorporated with chitosan to meat increased its overall acceptance rate (P<0.05). It may be concluded that ethanolic extract of ECM mixed with chitosan can be used as a natural antibacterial and antioxidant coating, safe to be consumed with meat products.

Accessing the Microbial Diversity of Sugarcane Fields from Gujjarwal Village, Ludhiana and their Molecular Identification

Soil is the richest ecosystem there is, as far as the diversity and populations of microorganisms is concerned. It is known that there could be over ten billion microbes per gram of soil, making soil the ideal ecosystem for mining different genes, ORFs etc. Microbial Diversity forms the lifeline of an ecosystem, interfering, regulating and participating in the biogeochemical activities therein. The present study was conducted to explore and assess the microbial community by culture dependent and independent approach, of sugarcane fields of Gujjarwal Village of Ludhiana. To study microbial diversity in sugarcane fields, a total of nine different colonies were isolated and differentiated based on their cell morphology and size. Biochemical characterizations lead to the identification of Enterobacter cloacae, Proteus mirabilis and Serratia marcescens. Molecular characterization was done by isolating soil DNA (GJSF DNA) and subjected to PCR amplification for identification via 16S rRNA gene analysis. BLAST analysis revealed presence of Serratia sp., uncultured bacterium clones SS-22C07, ep138, K-15-14-19, S127B31, L1A.11C01 and uncultured Enterobacteriaceae bacterium.

Public health risk of antimicrobial resistance transfer from companion animals.

Antimicrobials are important tools for the therapy of infectious bacterial diseases in companion animals. Loss of efficacy of antimicrobial substances can seriously compromise animal health and welfare. A need for the development of new antimicrobials for the therapy of multiresistant infections, particularly those caused by Gram-negative bacteria, has been acknowledged in human medicine and a future corresponding need in veterinary medicine is expected. A unique aspect related to antimicrobial resistance and risk of resistance transfer in companion animals is their close contact with humans. This creates opportunities for interspecies transmission of resistant bacteria. Yet, the current knowledge of this field is limited and no risk assessment is performed when approving new veterinary antimicrobials. The objective of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the use and indications for antimicrobials in companion animals, drug-resistant bacteria of concern among companion animals, risk factors for colonization of companion animals with resistant bacteria and transmission of antimicrobial resistance (bacteria and/or resistance determinants) between animals and humans. The major antimicrobial resistance microbiological hazards originating from companion animals that directly or indirectly may cause adverse health effects in humans are MRSA, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, VRE, ESBL- or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and Gram-negative bacteria. In the face of the previously recognized microbiological hazards, a risk assessment tool could be applied in applications for marketing authorization for medicinal products for companion animals. This would allow the approval of new veterinary medicinal antimicrobials for which risk levels are estimated as acceptable for public health.

Survival and detection of coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, and gram-negative bacteria in Greek yogurt

Despite the widespread use of coliforms as indicator bacteria, increasing evidence suggests that the Enterobacteriaceae (EB) and total gram-negative groups more accurately reflect the hygienic status of high-temperature, short-time pasteurized milk and processing environments. If introduced into milk as postpasteurization contamination, these bacteria may grow to high levels and produce a wide range of sensory-related defects. However, limited information is available on the use and survival of bacterial hygiene indicators in dairy products outside of pasteurized fluid milk and cheese. The goal of this study was to (1) provide information on the survival of a diverse set of bacterial hygiene indicators in the low pH environment of Greek yogurt, (2) compare traditional and alternative detection methods for their ability to detect bacterial hygiene indicators in Greek yogurt, and (3) offer insight into optimal hygiene indicator groups for use in low-pH fermented dairy products. To this end, we screened 64 bacterial isolates, representing 24 dairy-relevant genera, for survival and detection in Greek yogurt using 5 testing methods. Before testing, isolates were inoculated into plain, 0% fat Greek yogurt (pH 4.35 to 4.65), followed by a 12-h hold period at 4 ± 1°C. Yogurts were subsequently tested using Coliform Petrifilm (3M, St. Paul, MN) to detect coliforms; Enterobacteriaceae Petrifilm (3M), violet red bile glucose agar and the D-Count (bioMérieux, Marcy-l'Étoile, France) to detect EB; and crystal violet tetrazolium agar (CVTA) to detect total gram-negative bacteria. Overall, the non-EB gram-negative isolates showed significantly larger log reductions 12 h after inoculation into Greek yogurt (based on bacterial numbers recovered on CVTA) compared with the coliform and noncoliform EB isolates tested. The methods evaluated varied in their ability to detect different microbial hygiene indicators in Greek yogurt. Crystal violet tetrazolium agar detected the highest portion of coliforms, whereas EB Petrifilm detected the highest portion of EB, as well as highest portion of total gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, the D-Count method allowed for faster detection of EB in yogurt by generating results in approximately 13 h rather than the 24 h required when using EB Petrifilm and violet red bile glucose agar. Results from this study indicate that the coliform and EB groups encompass a broad range of dairy-relevant gram-negative bacteria with the ability to survive in Greek yogurt, supporting their use as microbial hygiene indicator groups in low-pH fermented dairy products.