Enterococcus Gallinarum Research Articles

The first study of probiotic properties and biological activities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Bat guano from Er-rachidia, Morocco

This research aimed to investigate the in vitro properties of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from bat guano (fresh and decomposed). From the 20 isolated bacteria we have screened the catalase-negative ones. Seven LAB were screened, identified through 16S rDNA sequencing and tested for their probiotic potential based on their tolerance to bile salts (0.3%) and simulated gastric juice, their adhesion properties through hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation and co-aggregation with food-borne bacteria, their safety (haemolytic, gelatinase activity, and antibiotic susceptibility), their antibacterial activity against three food-borne bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 114 and Escherichia coli ATCC8539. They were also tested for their β-galactosidase activity and for their antioxidant property. Only five bacteria showed an antibacterial and β-galactosidase activity (Enterococcus mundtii MAV6B, Enterococcus faecium V6-112, Enterococcus gallinarum HBUAS52471, Enterococcus casseflavus APHG2, and Bacillus wehenstephensis B31). All the strains were able to resist the different gastrointestinal conditions and showed a high antioxidant property. The results were used as an input for Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and showed that E. gallinarum HBUAS52471, E. mundtii MAV6B, E. faecium V6-112, and B. wehenstephensis B31 are the most promising probiotic in this study.

Detection of virulence factors, biofilm formation, and biogenic amine production in vancomycin‐resistant lactic acid bacteria (VRLAB) isolated from foods of animal origin

The objective of this study was to determine phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of virulence factors, biofilm and biogenic amine production properties of vancomycin-resistant 26 Enterococcus, 18 Pediococcus, and three Weisella strains. The most common virulence genes were observed to be hyl (80.77%, 21/26), ccf (38.46%, 10/26), gelE (30.77%, 8/26), and acm (30.77%, 8/26) in Enterococcus isolates, cylM (44.44%, 8/18) and gelE (33.33%, 6/18) were detected in Pediococcus isolates. Biofilm production was apparent in 97.87% of the investigated isolates. The epaB biofilm formation gene was observed in four Enterococcus isolates, and epaE was identified in one Enterococcus isolate. Tyramine production was detected only in Enterococcus gallinarum DYE22 strain while the tdc gene was also identified in this strain. The results of this study showed that the detection of high-level of virulence genes in VRLAB strains from food of animal origin is a concern for consumer health. Novelty impact statement The most common virulence factor gene in VRLAB strains was found to be hyl. Biofilm production was found to be very common in VRLAB strains. Tyrosine decarboxylation and tdc gene was detected only in one Enterococcus gallinarum strain.

Enterococcus gallinarum causing cervical vertebral osteomyelitis: Imagery detecting the process of rapid progression of degeneration-like change in 3 months.

We present a series of images of X-rays and MRI of vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Enterococcus gallinarum in a 65-year-old patient with persistent neck pain and fever accompanied by preceding transient biliary enzymes elevation. Images detected progression of degeneration-like changes of C5-7 in three months, which is too rapid for true degeneration and relatively slow for vertebral osteomyelitis of common pathogens. Though initial imagery evaluation detected merely degenerative change, the patient was followed up monthly because of persistent fever. Three months later, the images detected the typical imagery of vertebral osteomyelitis i.e., the destruction of vertebral bone: narrowing of intervertebral spaces with focal osteosclerosis and osteolysis on C5-7 became prominent. At this point, consultation to general internal medicine was made. With grade 3 regurgitation murmur, transthoracic echocardiography was performed and revealed 14-mm-in-diameter vegetation on aortic valve. Blood cultures detected Enterococcus gallinarum of which suspected entry was biliary tract. No previous case reports of Enterococcus gallinarum referred to vertebral osteomyelitis. While this case showed a typical clinical course of infective endocarditis, the course of progression of vertebral osteomyelitis and perhaps endocarditis was much slower comparing to common pathogens. This might reflect the relatively non-life-threatening features of this organism. Enterococcus gallinarum shows mild resistance to vancomycin and cephalosporins, initial therapy sometimes fails. Enterococcus gallinarum should be newly added to pathogenic candidates of vertebral osteomyelitis especially when feverish patients shows back or neck pain with preceding biliary tract problems.

Isolation and identification of Enterococcus gallinarum P581a, a strain of intestinal bacteria deglycosylating flavone C-glycosides.

Flavone C-glycosides are not easily degraded because of their strong C-C bond between sugar moieties and aglycones. However, some bacteria such as intestinal species can produce specific enzymes to degrade them. In this study, a bacterial strain P581a, which is capable of deglycosylating flavone C-glycosides, was isolated from human intestinal bacteria and was identified as Enterococcus gallinarum by morphological examination, physiological and biochemical analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This strain may produce a specific flavonoside glycosidase. The activity of the enzyme in the culture medium containing different quantity of carbon sources was also studied, and it was found that the content of carbon sources is negatively correlated with the deglycosylation efficiency of this strain.

Duplex Collecting System of Right Kidney in 3-Year-Old Child: A Case Report

<i>Background: </i>The duplex collecting system is one of the congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract. It occurs in 0.2-2% of the general population. It can remain asymptomatic or become symptomatic. Affected children may present with urinary tract infections. Treatment options include pharmacological and surgical approaches. <i>Case:</i> We reported a 3-year-old male child, who was referred to Sanglah Hospital with recurrent fever. From the physical examination, we found positive costovertebral angle tenderness. Urinalysis showed high leukocyte sediments (1655/field of view), positive urine culture (<i>Enterococcus gallinarum</i>), and decreased glomerular filtration rate (68.75 ml/minute/1.73 m²). Ultrasonography of the right kidney showed two pelvicalyceal systems with severe hydronephrosis of upper moiety. The intravenous pyelography showed the drooping lily sign in the right kidney. We diagnosed the patient with a complicated urinary tract infection caused by <i>Enterococcus gallinarum</i>, duplex collecting system of right kidney, chronic kidney disease stage II. Antibiotics were administered due to complicated UTI. Open heminephrectomy was done. The patient was discharged in stable condition. <i>Conclusion: </i>The duplex collecting system may cause recurrent urinary tract infection. It can be a risk factor for renal scarring and cause chronic kidney disease. Comprehensive diagnostic workup and multidisciplinary management are needed to promote a good clinical outcome.

Enterococcal infections in a tertiary care hospital, North India.

The emergence of Enterococcus as an important nosocomial pathogen is mainly attributed to its inherent resistance to commonly used antibiotics and now in recent times, it has acquired resistance to other available therapeutic options as well. Enterococcus isolates from clinical samples received in the department of microbiology over a period of 1 year were included in the study. Isolates were identified and species determined by standard methods. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion test. Epsilometer test was done to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration for vancomycin. A total of 145 Enterococcus isolates were obtained; 73 (50.3%) isolates were identified as Enterococcus faecalis, 69 (47.5%) Enterococcus faecium, 2 (1.3%) Enterococcus durans and 1 (0.68%) as Enterococcus gallinarum. Most of the isolates were from urine samples (125, 86.2%); followed by pus (16, 11.03%). Vancomycin resistance was seen in 14 (9.6%) isolates while linezolid resistance was seen in 8 (5.5%) isolates. E. faecalis is the most common clinical species isolated from clinical samples and the emergence of linezolid-resistant enterococci from the hospital is a matter of concern as till now it is considered to be the last resort for treatment in patients infected with vancomycin-resistant enterococci.

Comparison of Drug Resistance of Bile Isolated Bacteria in Nanjing from 2017 to 2020

Background: Analyzed pathogenic bacteria isolated from bile samples of patients with biliary tract infection and their drug resistance in the first Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from 2017 to 2020, so as to provide evidence for the treatment of biliary tract infection. Methods: Clinical strains isolated from bile specimens of patients suspected of biliary infection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from 2017 to 2020 were collected, The drug susceptibility criteria are based on the standards published by the National Standardization Committee of the US Clinical Laboratories. WHONET 5.6 software was used to analyze the distribution of pathogens and drug resistance. Results: From January 2017 to December 2020, a total of 2006 strains of bile pathogenic bacteria were cultured and identified. There were 1253 cases of gram-negative bacilli, 638 cases of gram-positive cocci, 98 cases of fungi, and 17 cases of Gram-positive bacilli. The top five pathogens of Gram negative bacilli were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii. The top five pathogens of gram positive cocci were Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus gallinarum, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus epidermidis. the resistance rate of Escherichia coli to ampicillin, ampicillin / sulbactam, cefotetan, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone,cefepime, itronam, compound trimethoprim decreased, the resistance rate of Klebsiella pneumoniae to gentamicin, levofloxacin decreased, the resistance rate of Enterobacter cloacae to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin decreased. the resistance rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to ceftazidime, cefepime, gentamicin decreased. the resistance rate of Acinetobacter baumannii to ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin decreased. the resistance rate of Enterococcus faecium to penicillin G, high concentration streptomycin, erythromycin decreased. Conclusions: Enterogenic pathogens were the main pathogens in China. Such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecalis; Nosocomial infection pathogens. For example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter also need to be paid attention to. Clinicians should improve their awareness of microbiological examination and provide more reliable pathogenic evidence for the selection of clinical antibiotic.

Enterococcus innesii sp. nov., isolated from the wax moth Galleria mellonella.

Four bacterial strains were isolated from two different colony sources of the wax moth Galleria mellonella. They were characterized by a polyphasic approach including 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, core-genome analysis, average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis, digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH), determination of G+C content, screening of antibiotic resistance genes, and various phenotypic analyses. Initial analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence identities indicated that strain GAL7T was potentially very closely related to Enterococcus casseliflavus and Enterococcus gallinarum , having 99.5–99.9 % sequence similarity. However, further analysis of whole genome sequences revealed a genome size of 3.69 Mb, DNA G+C content of 42.35 mol%, and low dDDH and ANI values between the genomes of strain GAL7T and closest phylogenetic relative E. casseliflavus NBRC 100478T of 59.0 and 94.5 %, respectively, indicating identification of a putative new Enterococcus species. In addition, all novel strains encoded the atypical vancomycin-resistance gene vanC-4. Results of phylogenomic, physiological and phenotypic characterization confirmed that strain GAL7T represented a novel species within the genus Enterococcus , for which the name Enterococcus innesii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GAL7T (=DSM 112306T=NCTC 14608T).

Antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in Enterococcus species isolated from raw and processed seafood.

This study evaluated the antibiotic resistance characteristics and virulence genes of enterococci isolated from raw and processed seafood sold in the Marmara Region, Turkey. In this context, the enterococcal load was determined as between 1.0 and 2.5 log CFU/g in 39 of a total of 397 samples. It was determined that 117 strains isolated from the samples belonged to Enterococcus gallinarum, E. casseliflavus, E. durans, E. faecium, and E. faecalis species. Erythromycin, tetracycline, streptomycin, and gentamicin resistance was observed, whereas the tetM, ermB, aac(6')-aph(2'')-la genes were found in a majority of the isolates. It was also determined that the isolates carried the agg2 and gelE virulence genes. When all these results are evaluated, the presence of these isolates in aquatic products may pose a risk in terms of food safety and public health.

Biotransformation of Ginsenoside Rb1 to Ginsenoside F2 by Recombinant β-glucosidase from Rat Intestinal Enterococcus gallinarum

Biotransformation of Ginsenoside Rb1 to Ginsenoside F2 by Recombinant β-glucosidase from Rat Intestinal Enterococcus gallinarum

Occurrence, Phenotypic and Molecular Characteristics of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Isolated from Retail Raw Milk in Egypt.

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence, phenotypic and molecular characteristics of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), isolated from retail raw cow's milk. One hundred milk samples collected from retail shops in Egypt were examined for the occurrence of VRE by using kanamycin aesculin azide agar supplemented with 4 μg/mL vancomycin. PCR was conducted to determine enterococcal species and to screen the isolated strains for the presence of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. All isolated strains were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing for 12 antibiotics. From 24 samples (24%), we recovered 22 isolates (91.6%) classified as VRE (minimum inhibitory concentration ≥32) and 2 isolates (8.3%) classified as intermediate resistant to vancomycin (≤16). Enterococcus faecium (29.1%), Enterococcus faecalis (12.5%), Enterococcus casseliflavus (16.6%), and Enterococcus gallinarum (4.1%) were identified by using multiplex PCR. The genus Enterococcus was resistant to clindamycin (100%), linezolid (91.6%), teicoplanin (91.6%), erythromycin (87.5%), and tetracycline (29.1%). Co-resistance to vancomycin, teicoplanin, and linezolid was detected in 83.3% of isolates. Antibiotic resistance genes vanB, tet(M), tet(L), and erm(B) were identified in 29.1%, 16.6%, 8.3%, and 4.1% of isolates, respectively. Virulence genes gelE and esp were detected in 16.6% and 12.5% of isolates, respectively. In conclusion, the high occurrence of co-resistance to vancomycin, teicoplanin, and linezolid reported in this study is alarming. The high frequency of linezolid resistance prompts increased the attention of researchers to routinely perform linezolid susceptibility in food isolates. This study declares potential food safety risks from consumption and improper handling of raw milk regarding clinically important bacteria and promotes necessary legislation for forbidding the selling and consumption of retail raw milk.

Biodiversity, antibiotic resistance and virulence traits of Enterococcus species in artisanal dairy products

The presence, biodiversity, and virulence traits of enterococci were investigated in 426 artisanal dairy products. Enterococci were detected in 62.91% of the samples, which consisted of 10 diverse species. Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, and Enterococcus casseliflavus isolates contained all 7 virulence genes tested. Of the tested virulence genes, esp with 63.55% and cylA with 13.41% showed the highest and the lowest frequency, respectively. The frequency for efaA, asa1, gelE, ace and hyl was estimated at 62.10%, 61.80%, 61.22%, 49.56% and 31.19%, respectively. Most of E. faecalis, E. faecium, Enterococcus durans, and Enterococcus gallinarum strains contained all antibiotic resistance genes tested, as well as Tn916-like transposons. In addition, 100% of E. durans, E. casseliflavus, and E. gallinarum were resistant to vancomycin. As part of this study, 75.55% of Enterococcus isolates produced biofilm. In conclusion, artisanal dairy products can be a vehicle in transmitting multidrug-resistant and virulent enterococci to humans.

Linezolid-resistant Enterococcus gallinarum isolate of swine origin carrying cfr, optrA and poxtA genes.

To characterize a linezolid-resistant Enterococcus gallinarum isolate of porcine origin co-carrying cfr, optrA and poxtA genes. The genome was sequenced using the Illumina and Nanopore platforms. The presence of circular intermediates was examined by inverse PCR. Transferability of oxazolidinone resistance genes was investigated by transformation and conjugation. Two plasmids, the cfr- and optrA-carrying pEgFS4-1 (35 kb) and the poxtA-harbouring pEgFS4-2 (38 kb), were identified. pEgFS4-1 disclosed a distinctive mosaic structure with two cargo regions bounded by identical IS1216 elements interpolated into a backbone related to that of Enterococcus faecium vanA-containing pVEF2. The first cargo region included the cfr and optrA contexts, whereas the second one carried a Tn554 remnant and the lnu(A) gene. Both regions were able to excise in circular form as a unique translocable unit. pEgFS4-2 plasmid was 99% identical to a not fully described E. faecium pSBC1 plasmid. The poxtA environment, flanked by IS1216, was proved to be unstable. pEgFS4-2 also exhibited another cargo region containing the tet(M)-tet(L) genes arranged in tandem and its circular form was detected. Transformation and conjugation experiments failed to demonstrate the transferability of both plasmids to enterococcal recipients. Both plasmids persisted in the absence of selective pressure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of a linezolid-resistant E. gallinarum isolate of swine origin carrying cfr, optrA and poxtA genes. The co-presence of three linezolid resistance determinants in an intrinsically vancomycin-resistant enterococcal species is cause of concern.

Identification and characterization of a novel Enterococcus bacteriophage with potential to ameliorate murine colitis

Increase of the enteric bacteriophages (phage), components of the enteric virome, has been associated with the development of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, little is known about how a given phage contributes to the regulation of intestinal inflammation. In this study, we isolated a new phage associated with Enterococcus gallinarum, named phiEG37k, the level of which was increased in C57BL/6 mice with colitis development. We found that, irrespective of the state of inflammation, over 95% of the E. gallinarum population in the mice contained phiEG37k prophage within their genome and the phiEG37k titers were proportional to that of E. gallinarum in the gut. To explore whether phiEG37k impacts intestinal homeostasis and/or inflammation, we generated mice colonized either with E. gallinarum with or without the prophage phiEG37k. We found that the mice colonized with the bacteria with phiEG37k produced more Mucin 2 (MUC2) that serves to protect the intestinal epithelium, as compared to those colonized with the phage-free bacteria. Consistently, the former mice were less sensitive to experimental colitis than the latter mice. These results suggest that the newly isolated phage has the potential to protect the host by strengthening mucosal integrity. Our study may have clinical implication in further understanding of how bacteriophages contribute to the gut homeostasis and pathogenesis.

Enterococcus gallinarum endophthalmitis and meningitis in an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient: A case report and literature review.

Endogenous endophthalmitis caused by Enterococcus gallinarum, an organism with intrinsic resistance to vancomycin, has rarely been reported. We present a case of persistent E. gallinarum bacteremia in a female recipient of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) complicated by endophthalmitis and meningoventriculitis, resulting in a fatal outcome despite treatment with intravenous ampicillin and daptomycin. Treatment of endophthalmitis often presents a challenge due to the lack of options for antimicrobials with reliable ocular penetration. Therapeutic decisions can become particularly complex with the involvement of drug-resistant pathogens and host characteristics that limit the choice of antimicrobials due to drug toxicity. This case illustrates a rare manifestation of an opportunistic pathogen.

Enterococcus gallinarum Causing Acute Cholangitis in an Immunocompetent Patient.

Enterococcus gallinarum Causing Acute Cholangitis in an Immunocompetent Patient.

Performance Evaluation of Selenite (SeO32−) Reduction by Enterococcus spp.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as Enterococcus spp. have an advantage over several bacteria because of their ability to easily adapt to extreme conditions which include high temperatures, highly acidic or alkaline conditions and toxic metals. Although many microorganisms have been shown to reduce selenite (SeO32−) to elemental selenium (Se0), not much work has been done on the combined effect of Enterococcus spp. In this study, aerobic batch reduction of different selenite concentrations (1, 3 and 5 mM) was conducted using Enterococcus hermanniensis sp. and Enterococcus gallinarum sp. (3.5 h, 35 ± 2 °C, starting pH &gt; 8.5). Results from the experiments showed that the average reductions rates were 0.608, 1.921 and 3.238 mmol·(L·h)−1, for the 1, 3 and 5 mM SeO32− concentrations respectively. In addition, more selenite was reduced for the 5 mM concentration compared to the 1 and 3 mM concentrations albeit constant biomass being used for all experiments. Other parameters which were monitored were the glucose consumption rate, protein variation, pH and ORP (oxidation reduction potential). TEM analysis was also conducted and it showed the location of electron-dense selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). From the results obtained in this study, the authors concluded that Enterococcus species’s high adaptability makes it suitable for rapid selenium reduction and biosynthesis of elemental selenium.

Enterococcal contamination of hospital environments in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Enterococci are implicated in hospital-acquired infections and show high tenacity on inanimate objects in the hospital environment. This study investigated the prevalence of Enterococcus spp. in selected wards in public hospitals at four levels of healthcare from a district in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Swabs were collected from frequently touched areas in the paediatric wards and intensive care units (ICUs). Presumptive Enterococcus spp. were isolated and confirmed to genus and species levels, followed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion against 14 antibiotics. The results showed that enterococci were recovered from all 11surfaces tested with the highest contamination rate observed on occupied beds and mops used to clean floors. A total number of 295 Enterococcus was identified. Polymerase chain reaction identified Enterococcus faecalis 83.1% (245/295) and Enterococcus faecium 12.9% (38/295), while whole genome sequencing identified Enterococcus gallinarum 2.0% (6/295) and Enterococcus casseliflavus 2.0% (6/295). Significant prevalence was observed in paediatric wards 64.1% (189/295) compared with the ICUs 35.9% (106/295), p<0.05, in central, regional and district hospitals. Collectively, 82.0% (242/295) of enterococcal isolates were multidrug resistant, and 80 different antibiograms were observed. The most prominent antibiogram for E. faecium was CIP-RIF-NIT-TET-ERY and for E. faecalis CIP-TET-ERY. E. faecalis was the most frequent enterococcal species isolated in all the hospitals investigated and correlates with studies conducted elsewhere. A substantially greater number of isolates were recovered from the paediatric wards compared with ICUs, and thus improved standards should be developed for infection control practices. It is suggested that the elevated use of antibiotics contributed to the increased nonsusceptible isolates observed from ICUs. This study highlighted the high recovery rate of enterococci in the hospital environment even in a nonoutbreak setting. Enterocci had a high prevalence rate on the surfaces within the hospitals studied. This study gives an insight into the possible roles all healthcare staff may play in infection control intervention, including proper handling of hospital cleaning equipment and lack of knowledge about the potential for bacteria dissemination.

​Effect of Probiotic Enterococcus gallinarum N3 Supplemented Feed on Growth Performance of Freshwater Fish Cyprinus carpio

Background: Probiotic is the best solution (Produce antimicrobial compounds, inhibit colonization of pathogenic microorganism, increase digestive ability and confer better health to the host) as an alternative to antibiotics against various microbial infection in freshwater and marine water. The freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio was selected for this research work (due to high growth rate, high protein content, ability to survive under different climatic conditions and its availability throughout the year) to observe the effect of probiotic Enterococcus gallinarum N3 supplemented feed on its growth. Methods: In this present research work Prepared three different concentration of probiotic Enterococcus gallinarum N3 (0.1%. 0.5% and 1.0%) along with basal diet containing other ingredients (fish meal, groundnut oil cake, wheat bran, starch and Vitamin mineral premix). Initially 14 days acclimatized freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio to laboratory condition selected randomly for four treatment groups as Control (C) and probiotic feed treated T1, T2 and T3 group. The experiment was carried out for 42 days with continuous aeration, natural photoperiod of 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark, maintain temperature constant and fishes fed diet twice daily. The feed ingredients and experimental diets analysed for proximate composition and measured Weight gain, Specific growth rate (SGR), and Feed conversion efficiency (FCE). Result: The proximate composition of the feed was determined as percentage dry matter in which 36.21% protein, 6.8% moisture and 7.8% of lipid. The probiotic feed experiment was conducted for 42 days and entire group of fishes was survived. The effect of probiotic feed on growth performance of Cyprinus carpio was measured as initial weight, final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion efficiency. The growth changes were observed before and after treatment with 0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0% of probiotic E. gallinarum N3 fed to Cyprinus carpio. The final weight (g) and final length (cm) was measured in treatment T1 (3.107 g; 3.32 cm), T2 (3.258 g; 3.40 cm) and T3 (3.413 g; 3.52 cm) respectively as compared with Control group C (2.255 g; 2.98 cm). The percentage weight gain obtained in group T1 (37.78%), T2 (44.45%) and (51.55%) respectively as compared with Control group C (29.54%). Maximum specific growth rate was observed in treatments T1 (0.94 % day-1), T2 (0.99% day-1) and T3 (1.02% day-1) as compared with control group C (0.56% day-1). The results showed better growth performance and feed utilization in all the three treated groups T1, T2 and T3. The best growth performance (final weight, final length, weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion efficiency) and feed utilization (moisture, protein and lipid) was observed best in T3 (1 g kg-1) group of fishes as compared to control C group. There was significant difference (P greater than 0.05) in final weight, final length, weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion efficiency.

Genomic-based characterization of Enterococcus spp.: an emerging pathogen isolated from human gut.

Enterococci are ubiquitous microorganisms having diverse ecological niches but most prominently in gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Production of enterocins makes them a good probiotic candidate. However, their role as probiotics has become ambiguous in the last few years because of the presence of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes. These virulence traits are known to be transferred genetically, which makes them opportunistic pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract leading to serious concerns about their being used as probiotics. In the present study, Enterococcusspp. isolated from the human gut were subjected to Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS) to determine the presence of resistance and virulence genes. Four human origins Enterococcus spp. including Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus casseliflavus, and two Enterococcus gallinarum were isolated from human fecal samples and further cultured on blood agar. Sanger sequencing was done using Applied Biosystems 3730xl DNA Analyzer. These strains were further subjected to WGS using oxford nanopore technology MinION. Raw data were analyzed using the free online tool epi2me. The Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) and RAST (Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology) software were used to look for the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in these strains. Resistance determinants for clinically important antibiotics (vancomycin) and functional virulence factor genes were detected. G-view server was used for comparative genomics of all strains. The genomic sequencing of Enterococcus suggested that E. faecalis, E. casseliflavus, and E. gallinarum strains are opportunistic pathogens, having antibiotic resistance genes. All isolates had vancomycin resistance genes, which were expressed phenotypically. Genes related to bacteriocin resistance were also present in E. casseliflavus and E. gallinarum.