High Bacterial Load Research Articles

Quality, safety, and microbiological assessment of loose market milk and antibiotic resistance analysis of Escherichia coli isolates in different areas of Faisalabad, Pakistan

Unpacked milk consumption is common in developing countries like Pakistan, raising concerns regarding adulteration and pathogen contamination. This study analyzed market-sold unpacked milk samples (n = 40) from Faisalabad for qualitative, adulteration, and microbiological parameters and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli. The mean ± standard deviation for each component was determined: Fat% (4.22 ± 0.78), Solid-Not-Fat (SNF)% (7.98 ± 1.19), Protein% (2.96 ± 0.50), Lactose% (4.49 ± 0.70), Density (25.59 ± 3.81 g mL−1), Salts% (0.66 ± 0.08), Added water% (8.56 ± 9.72), Temperature (28.00 ± 1.67), and Freezing point (−0.52 ± 0.72). Adulterants such as sodium chloride, detergent, formalin, urea, carbonate, and hydro-peroxide, along with high heterotrophic bacterial load, were detected. Antibiotic resistance profiling of E. coli strains exhibited resistance, including Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) strains. These findings highlight compromised microbiological and hygiene standards in locally sold unpacked milk in Faisalabad, necessitating urgent attention to ensure public health safety.

Evaluation of Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) of Novel Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl- Phenylalanine Antimicrobial Agent.

To assess the pharmacokinetic profile, in-vivo toxicity, and efficacy of 9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-L-phenylalanine (Fmoc-F) as a potential antibacterial agent, with a focus on its suitability for clinical translation. An RP-HPLC-based bio-analytical method was developed and qualified to quantify Fmoc-F levels in mouse plasma for pharmacokinetic analysis. Oral bioavailability was determined, and in-vivo toxicity was evaluated following intra-peritoneal administration. Efficacy was assessed by measuring the reduction in Staphylococcus aureus burden and survival rates in BALB/c mice. The RP-HPLC method is highly sensitive, detecting as low as 0.8µgmL-1 (~ 2µM) of Fmoc-F in blood plasma. This study revealed that Fmoc-F has an oral bioavailability of 65 ± 18% and suitable pharmacokinetic profile. Further, we showed that intra-peritoneal administration of Fmoc-F is well tolerated by BALB/c mice and Fmoc-F treatment (100mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduces Staphylococcus aureus burden from visceral organs in BALB/c mice but falls short in enhancing survival rates at higher bacterial loads. The study provides crucial insights into the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of Fmoc-F. The compound displayed favourable oral bioavailability and in-vivo tolerance. Its significant reduction of bacterial burden underscores its potential as a treatment for systemic infections. However, limited effectiveness for severe infections, short half-life, and inflammatory response at higher doses need to be addressed for its clinical application.

IFNγ insufficiency during mouse intra-vaginal Chlamydia trachomatis infection exacerbates alternative activation in macrophages with compromised CD40 functions

Chlamydia trachomatis (C.tr), an obligate intracellular pathogen, causes asymptomatic genital infections in women and is a leading cause of preventable blindness. We have developed in vivo mouse models of acute and chronic C. trachomatis genital infection to explore the significance of macrophage-directed response in mediating immune activation/suppression. Our findings reveal that during chronic and repeated C. trachomatis infections, Th1 response is abated while Treg response is enhanced. Additionally, an increase in exhaustion (PD1, CTLA4) and anergic (Klrg3, Tim3) T cell markers is observed during chronic infection. We have also observed that M2 macrophages with low CD40 expression promote Th2 and Treg differentiation leading to sustained C. trachomatis genital infection. Macrophages infected with C. trachomatis or treated with supernatant of infected epithelial cells drive them to an M2 phenotype. C. trachomatis infection prevents the increase in CD40 expression as observed in western blots and flow cytometric analysis. Insufficient IFNγ, as observed during chronic infection, leads to incomplete clearance of bacteria and poor immune activation. C. trachomatis decapacitates IFNγ responsiveness in macrophages via hampering IFNγRI and IFNγRII expression which can be correlated with poor expression of MHC-II, CD40, iNOS and NO release even following IFNγ supplementation. M2 macrophages during C. trachomatis infection express low CD40 rendering immunosuppressive, Th2 and Treg differentiation which could not be reverted even by IFNγ supplementation. The alternative macrophages also harbour high bacterial load and are poor responders to IFNγ, thus promoting immunosuppression. In summary, C. trachomatis modulates the innate immune cells, attenuating the anti-chlamydial functions of T cells in a manner that involves decreased CD40 expression on macrophages.

Targeted sequencing from cerebrospinal fluid for rapid identification of drug-resistant tuberculous meningitis.

Mortality from tuberculous meningitis (TBM) remains around 30%, with most deaths occurring within 2 months of starting treatment. Mortality from drug-resistant strains is higher still, making early detection of drug resistance (DR) essential. Targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) produces high read depths, allowing the detection of DR-associated alleles with low frequencies. We applied Deeplex Myc-TB-a tNGS assay-to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 72 adults with microbiologically confirmed TBM and compared its genomic drug susceptibility predictions to a composite reference standard of phenotypic susceptibility testing (pDST) and whole genome sequencing, as well as to clinical outcomes. Deeplex detected Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA in 24/72 (33.3%) CSF samples and generated full DR reports for 22/24 (91.7%). The read depth generated by Deeplex correlated with semi-quantitative results from MTB/RIF Xpert. Alleles with <20% frequency were seen at canonical loci associated with first-line DR. Disregarding these low-frequency alleles, Deeplex had 100% concordance with the composite reference standard for all drugs except pyrazinamide and streptomycin. Three patients had positive CSF cultures after 30 days of treatment; reference tests and Deeplex identified isoniazid resistance in two, and Deeplex alone identified low-frequency rifampin resistance alleles in one. Five patients died, of whom one had pDST-identified pyrazinamide resistance. tNGS on CSF can rapidly and accurately detect drug-resistant TBM, but its application is limited to those with higher bacterial loads. In those with lower bacterial burdens, alternative approaches need to be developed for both diagnosis and resistance detection.

STING dependent BAX-IRF3 signaling results in apoptosis during late-stage Coxiella burnetii infection

STING (STimulator of Interferon Genes) is a cytosolic sensor for cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) and initiates an innate immune response upon binding to CDNs. Coxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of the zoonotic disease Q fever. The ability of C. burnetii to inhibit host cell death is a critical factor in disease development. Previous studies have shown that C. burnetii inhibits host cell apoptosis at early stages of infection. However, during the late-stages of infection, there is host cell lysis resulting in the release of bacteria to infect bystander cells. Thus, we investigated the role of STING during late-stages of C. burnetii infection and examined STING’s impact on host cell death. We show that the loss of STING results in higher bacterial loads and abrogates IFNβ and IL6 induction at 12 days post-infection. The absence of STING during C. burnetii infection significantly reduces apoptosis through decreased caspase-8 and -3 activation. During infection, STING activates IRF3 which interacts with BAX. BAX then translocates to the mitochondria, which is followed by mitochondrial membrane depolarization. This results in increased cytosolic mtDNA in a STING-dependent manner. The presence of increased cytosolic mtDNA results in greater cytosolic 2′-3′ cGAMP, creating a positive feedback loop and leading to further increases in STING activation and its downstream signaling. Taken together, we show that STING signaling is critical for BAX-IRF3-mediated mitochondria-induced apoptosis during late-stage C. burnetii infection.

VapC12 ribonuclease toxin modulates host immune response during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Mechanistic understanding of antibiotic persistence is a prerequisite in controlling the emergence of MDR cases in Tuberculosis (TB). We have reported that the cholesterol-induced activation of VapC12 ribonuclease is critical for disease persistence in TB. In this study, we observed that relative to the wild type, mice infected with ΔvapC12 induced a pro-inflammatory response, had a higher pathogen load, and responded better to the anti-TB treatment. In a high-dose infection model, all the mice infected with ΔvapC12 succumbed early to the disease. Finally, we reported that the above phenotype of ΔvapC12 was dependent on the presence of the TLR4 receptor. Overall, the data suggests that failure of a timely resolution of the early inflammation by the ΔvapC12 infected mice led to hyperinflammation, altered T-cell response and high bacterial load. In conclusion, our findings suggest the role of the VapC12 toxin in modulating the innate immune response of the host in ways that favor the long-term survival of the pathogen inside the host.

Bacterial load in cerebrospinal fluid predicts unfavourable outcome in pneumococcal meningitis: a prospective nationwide cohort study

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bacterial load in adults with pneumococcal meningitis. MethodsWe quantified bacterial load in CSF samples from the diagnostic lumbar puncture of adults with community-acquired pneumococcal meningitis. We also measured CSF concentrations of complement component 5a (C5a), and determined associations between bacterial load, clinical characteristics, C5a and unfavourable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score <5). ResultsBacterial load was quantified in 152 CSF samples. Median age of these patients was 61 years (interquartile range [IQR] 51–68), and 69 of 152 (45%) were female. Median CSF bacterial load was 1.6 × 104 DNA copies/mL (IQR 3.4 × 103–1.2 × 105), and did not correlate with CSF white cell count nor with CSF protein concentrations. Median CSF C5a concentration was 35.8 mg/L (IQR 15.9–105.6), and was moderately correlated with CSF bacterial loads (Spearman's rho = 0.42; p < 0001). High bacterial loads were associated with development of complications, such as circulatory shock (OR per logarithmic increase: 2.4, 95% CI: 2.0–2.9; p < 0.001) and cerebrovascular complications [OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.6–2.3; p < 0.001]). High bacterial loads were also associated with unfavourable outcome (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 2.4–3.3; p < 0.001) and death (OR: 3.1, 95% CI: 2.6–3.8; p < 0.001). In a multivariable regression model including age, immunocompromised state, extrameningeal infection focus, admission Glasgow Coma Scale score and CSF C5a concentration, CSF bacterial load remained an independent predictor of unfavourable outcome (adjusted OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.6–3.9; p < 0.001). DiscussionHigh CSF bacterial load predicts the development of complications and unfavourable outcome in adults with pneumococcal meningitis.

Comparative study of bacterial load and organoleptic quality changes between lean fish and fatty fish in fresh, iced and non-iced state under laboratory condition

The study conducted in the laboratory conditions of Sylhet Sadar Upazila compared the bacterial load and organoleptic quality changes in lean fish (Oreochromis niloticus) and fatty fish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) across fresh, iced, and non-iced states. Preservation times of 6- and 8-hours intervals were examined, focusing on organoleptic quality changes and Total Viable Count (TVC). The evaluation of defect points and fish grading revealed that all fresh and iced Tilapia and Pangas samples were in excellent condition (Grade A) at 0, 6, and 8 hours, while non-iced samples at 6- and 8-hours intervals were in acceptable condition (Grade B). Notably, non-iced Pangas exhibited higher defect points than non-iced Tilapia at the same intervals. The bacterial load varied, with the highest observed in non-iced Pangas at an 8-hour interval in May and the lowest in iced Tilapia at a 6-hour interval in April. Compliance with International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF) standards was noted in both fish types across all states. The temperature dependence of bacterial growth was evident, with the highest bacterial load at 35 ℃ in May and the lowest at 24 ℃ in April. Overall, the study suggests that fresh Tilapia and Pangas, whether iced or non-iced at 6- and 8-hour intervals, meet ICMSF standards, ensuring their safety for consumption and potential export.

Preventing Microbial Growth in Game Meat by Applying Polyphenolic Extracts from Olive Mill Vegetation Water.

We studied the efficacy of different formulations of polyphenol extracts (mainly containing hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol) from olive mill vegetation water on the microflora on the surfaces of game meat cuts with high or low initial bacterial loads. Meat with a high microbial load (>5 Log cfu/g; mean value = 6.83 ± 0.45 standard deviation) was immersed for 10 or 60 sec into 25% and 10% solutions of microencapsulated freeze-dried and non-encapsulated polyphenolic extracts. Aerobic colony, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., and lactic acid bacteria counts were determined on treated samples compared to controls after 7 days of storage (in vacuum-packed conditions at +3 °C). Significant differences were registered only for aerobic colony count for a 10% liquid extract treatment (0.64 log reduction). In contrast, the dipping or immersion of game meat with low initial microbial loads (<5 Log cfu/g; mean value = 3.58 ± 0.72 standard deviation) in 10% solutions of the polyphenol extracts effectuated significant reductions in all bacteria counts (p < 0.002) at 7 and 14 days of storage for different extracts, independently from the application methods. The use of the extracts to inhibit bacterial growth in game meat should only be considered if a good hygienic baseline is guaranteed.

An objective comparative study of non-surgical cleansing techniques and cleanser types in bacterial burden management.

Cleansing is a vital component of effective wound hygiene and biofilm management, often accomplished through vigorous mechanical action or through soaking with moistened gauze. In the present study, a quantitative comparison of the effectiveness of different cleansing techniques and solutions in removing bacteria was conducted on 71 chronic wounds using bacterial fluorescence imaging as a real-time diagnostic for moderate to high bacterial loads. Vigorous gauze cleansing for 30 s proved most effective by reducing bacterial fluorescence by 33.99%, surpassing 10-min soaking in bacterial reduction (13.24%). Among different cleansers, no statistically significant differences in effectiveness were observed, but povidone-iodine showed the strongest trend towards bacterial reduction. Sub-analysis highlighted the superiority of antiseptic cleansers over saline and gentle soap (-33.30% vs. -1.80% bacterial reduction respectively). Five percent acetic acid was also shown to be more effective in removing specific bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Findings from studies like this contribute to refining wound hygiene guidelines and clinical algorithms for bacterial and biofilm management.

MICROBIAL LOAD AND ANTIBIOTICS RESISTANCE PATTERNS OF BACTERIAL ISOLATES FROM NIGERIA NAIRA NOTES

In our society today, exchange of goods and services usually involves exchange of currency notes by hand. This can serve as a means of transferring microorganisms and antibiotics resistant bacterial isolates. This study was aimed at assessing the contamination of Naira notes in Ungwan Rimi area of Kaduna State and to determine the antibiotics resistance patterns of the isolated bacteria. A total of 160 samples of naira notes, were collected randomly from staff and students, marketers, hospital and pharmacies, food vendors and transporters at strategic spots in Ungwan Rimi. Bacteria isolation and identification of samples were carried out using spread plate technique on medium and standard biochemical characterization, respectively. Antibiotics susceptibility testing were carried out using agar disc diffusion method. Isolates that were non-susceptible to at least one antimicrobial agent in three or more antimicrobial classes were classified as multidrug resistant (MDR), those that remain susceptible to agent(s) in only one or two classes as extended drug resistant (XDR) while pandrug resistant (PDR) isolates were classified as those isolates that were resistant to all antibiotics used. Highest bacterial load was observed with N100 notes with marketers (5.33 x 105) while the least bacterial load was 1.2 x 104 in N50 notes from hospitals and pharmacies. The following bacteria were isolated Staphylococcus aureus 70 (26.8%), Bacillus spp 60 (23.0%), Clostridium spp 31 (11.9%), Escherichia coli 30 (11.5%), Streptococcus species 25 (9.6%), Klebsiella spp 24 (9.2%), Salmonella 15 (5.8%), Shigella species 4 (1.5%) and Pseudomonas species 2 (0.8%)...

TBscreen: A passive cough classifier for tuberculosis screening with a controlled dataset.

Recent respiratory disease screening studies suggest promising performance of cough classifiers, but potential biases in model training and dataset quality preclude robust conclusions. To examine tuberculosis (TB) cough diagnostic features, we enrolled subjects with pulmonary TB (N = 149) and controls with other respiratory illnesses (N = 46) in Nairobi. We collected a dataset with 33,000 passive coughs and 1600 forced coughs in a controlled setting with similar demographics. We trained a ResNet18-based cough classifier using images of passive cough scalogram as input and obtained a fivefold cross-validation sensitivity of 0.70 (±0.11 SD). The smartphone-based model had better performance in subjects with higher bacterial load {receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve (ROC-AUC): 0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87 to 0.88], P < 0.001} or lung cavities [ROC-AUC: 0.89 (95% CI: 0.88 to 0.89), P < 0.001]. Overall, our data suggest that passive cough features distinguish TB from non-TB subjects and are associated with bacterial burden and disease severity.

MOLECULAR DETECTION OF BACTERIA AND EFFECTS OF HEAVY METALS POLLUTION OF SELECTED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Aim: The prevalence and systemic impact of heavy metals in agricultural products in the Ijaw region of southern Bayelsa State, Nigeria was evaluated on selected foods. The study aimed to evaluate and quantify the impact of heavy metals on selected foods, including the effect of boiling on heavy metal content, and to determine the resident microbial community in selected foods. Methods: Standard methods of analysis were employed to evaluate the toxicological effect of the heavy metals in the selected foods in vivo. The microorganisms in the foods were isolated and identified to molecular level using sequencing. Results: The results showed that boiling did not reduce the heavy metal content, and the results showed that the lead content in the food samples was high, exceeding the standards of the World Health Organization. A total of eight different isolates were differentiated by their Gram reactions and colonial morphology. Six of them were Gram negative and two were Gram positive. Their probable identities are Achromobacter, Escherichia, Acinetobacter, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Serratia and Staphylococcus. The highest bacterial load was found in the snail (1.8×104cfu/g). Microbial analysis revealed multiple bacterial species. In vivo experimental study showed that heavy metals have significant toxic effects on the kidneys and liver, affecting the sedimentation rate of white blood cells and red blood cells, indicating that heavy metal pollution in the region poses a serious health risk. Conclusion: The presence of lead and zinc in the selected agricultural products, especially cray fish, plantain, water yam and sweet potatoes is far higher than the WHO limit and this calls for attention.

Isolation and characterisation of potential bacterialpathogens from Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) of Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia

The aim of the current study was to isolate and identify potential bacterial pathogens from Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia. The study was conducted during January to December 2021. A total of 360 Nile tilapia were sampledfrom Lake Hawassa and subjected to bacteriological investigations. The results showed 64.2% prevalence of bacterial infection in Nile tilapia from the lake. Potential bacterial pathogens such as Aeromonas hydrophila, Escherichia coli, Edwardsiella tarda, Vibrio sp,,Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Salmonella sp., Flavobacterum sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Shigella sp. were isolated. The prevalence of infection in female fish (52.4%) was higher compared to male fish (47.6%). Comparatively higher prevalence was recorded in thesmaller fish group than in the larger ones. The average bacterial loads recorded in various organs such as intestine, skin, gill, liver and kidney were, 4.86±0.56 x 105, 4.72±0.48 x 105, 4.14±0.53 x 105, 3.45±0.23 x 105 and 2.63±0.324 x 105 CFU ml-1 respectively. Significantly high bacterial loads were recorded from the intestine (5.81±0.01 x 105 CFU ml-1) of fishduring the summer season (p&lt;0.05). The results of the study indicated that there is a risk of occurrence of disease outbreak under stressful situations. Moreover, the recovery of these bacteria in the fish which are potentially pathogenic to humans, suggests that if the fish are improperly handled, undercooked or consumed raw, may cause diseases to susceptible individuals. Keywords:Bacterial pathogens, Lake Hawassa, Oriochromis niloticus, Prevalence

Changes in the Microbiota from Fresh to Spoiled Meat, Determined by Culture and 16S rRNA Analysis

Growth of meat microbiota usually results in spoilage of meat that can be perceived by consumers due to sensory changes. However, a high bacterial load does not necessarily result in sensory deviation of meat; nevertheless, this meat is considered unfit for human consumption. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate changes in the microbiota from fresh to spoiled meat and whether the proportions of certain bacteria can probably be used to indicate the hygiene status of meat. For this purpose, 12 fresh pork samples were divided into two groups, and simultaneously aerobically stored at 4°C and 22°C. At each time-temperature point (fresh meat, days 6, 13, and 20 at 4°C, and days 1, 2, 3, and 6 at 22°C), 12 meat subsamples were investigated. Sequences obtained from next-generation sequencing (NGS) were further analyzed down to species level. Plate counting of six bacterial groups and NGS results showed that Pseudomonas spp. and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were found in a high proportion in all stored meat samples and can therefore be considered as important “spoilage indicator bacteria”. On the contrary, sequences belonging to Staphylococcus epidermidis were found in a relatively high proportion in almost all fresh meat samples but were less common in stored meat. In this context, they can be considered as “hygiene indicator bacteria” of meat. Based on these findings, the proportion of the “hygiene indicator bacteria” in relation to the “spoilage indicator bacteria” was calculated to determine a “hygiene index” of meat. This index has a moderate to strong correlation to bacterial loads obtained from culture (p < 0.05), specifically to Pseudomonas spp., LAB and total viable counts (TVCs). Knowledge of the proportions of hygiene and spoilage indicator bacteria obtained by NGS could help to determine the hygiene status even of (heat-) processed composite meat products for the first time, thus enhancing food quality assurance and consumer protection.

Quantifying and mapping digital dermatitis–associated bacteria in lesion and nonlesion body sites and dairy farm environment

The source of infection of digital dermatitis (DD), an infectious lameness condition, is still uncertain. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to identify potential reservoirs of DD bacteria in dairy cattle body sites with different stages of the disease and farm environments. We collected skin swabs from 85 dairy cows from 5 herds, 3 with and 2 without DD, from foot, hock, and udder cleft skin (with lesions or not), saliva, urine, and feces. We also obtained environmental samples. Real-time quantitative PCR targeted Treponema phagedenis, Treponema medium, Treponema pedis, Porphyromonas levii, Bacteroides pyogenes, Fusobacterium necrophorum, and Fusobacterium mortiferum. Digital dermatitis-associated Treponema spp. were exclusively detected in DD-affected herds in DD-foot and other skin lesions, healthy skin, saliva, and environmental samples. In contrast, the non-Treponema spp. were found in samples from both DD-negative and affected herds. As expected, DD lesions had higher bacterial loads than healthy skin. Interestingly, similar counts were observed in udder cleft lesions, indicating a potential opportunistic behavior on compromised skin. None of the targeted species were detected in fecal samples, but P. levii, B. pyogenes, and F. necrophorum were detected in urine. All 7 species were detected in saliva, although in low quantities. No associations were observed between the presence of each bacterial species in DD lesions and urine; however, there was an association between the presence of DD-Treponema spp. in lesions and saliva, hock, and udder skin. Feces and urine do not seem to be a DD bacteria primary source, but saliva and other skin lesions may play a role. Longitudinal studies would improve our understanding of DD-associated bacteria's transient or persistent presence in these sites. Investigating the sources of DD-associated bacteria will guide future interventions to minimize bacterial shedding and transmission, ultimately more effectively reducing bacterial load, transmission, and sources of infection in dairy herds.

Periodontal Inflammation and Dysbiosis: Contributors to Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a continuum condition characterized by specific pathologies such as amyloid β plaques (Aβ), neurofibrillary tangles, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. There is consensus that the preclinical phase in which there is AD pathology but no symptomatology could be the appropriate phase to target AD pathology with preventive measures. Therefore, an important focus is placed on identifying modifiable risks for AD and other dementia before severe irreversible brain damage occurs. Recent studies show that peripheral inflammation and microbes play a crucial role in AD pathogenesis by inducing neuroinflammation, brain pathology, and cognitive decline. Periodontal disease a localized peripheral chronic inflammatory condition affecting about 50% of people over 55 years of age is characterized by dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) with high Gram-negative pathogenic bacterial load and increased systemic inflammation. We posed that periodontal disease with its significant local and systemic inflammatory and microbial burden contribute to AD pathogenesis. Literature data including results coming from our group will show support for periodontal disease cont ribution to AD brain pathology.

Interleukin-36 is overexpressed in human sepsis and IL-36 receptor deletion aggravates lung injury and mortality through epithelial cells and fibroblasts in experimental murine sepsis

BackgroundSepsis is defined as a life-threatening syndrome caused by an unbalanced host response to infection. The role of interleukin (IL)-36 cytokines binding to the IL-36 receptor (IL-36R) in host response during sepsis remains unknown.MethodsSerum IL-36 level was measured in 47 septic patients sampled on the day of intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency department admission, 21 non-septic ICU patient controls, and 21 healthy volunteers. In addition, the effects of IL-36R deletion on host inflammatory response in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced polymicrobial sepsis was determined.ResultsOn the day of ICU and emergency department admission, the patients with sepsis showed a significant increase in serum IL-36 levels compared with ICU patient controls and healthy volunteers, and the serum IL-36 levels were related to the severity of sepsis. Non-survivors of septic patients displayed significantly lower serum IL-36 levels compared with survivors. A high serum IL-36 level in ICU and emergency department admission was associated with 28-day mortality, and IL-36 was found to be an independent predictor of 28-day mortality in septic patients by logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, IL-36R deletion increased lethality in CLP-induced polymicrobial sepsis. Septic mice with IL-36R deletion had higher bacterial load and demonstrated more severe multiple organ injury (including lung, liver, and kidney) as indicated by clinical chemistry and histopathology. Mechanistically, IL-36R ligands released upon lung damage activated IL-36R+lung fibroblasts thereby inducing expression of the antimicrobial protein lipocalin 2. Moreover, they induced the apoptosis of lung epithelial cells.ConclusionsSeptic patients had elevated serum IL-36 levels, which may correlate with disease severity and mortality. In experimental sepsis, we demonstrated a previously unrecognized role of IL-36R deletion in increasing lethality.

Assessment of bacterial loads and water quality parameters of three different types of fish pond

The present study was conducted to determine bacterial loads in the water columns and mud of three different pond systems,includingan overwintering fish fry pond,a brood fish rearing pond, anda recreational fish pond (L-shaped fish pond) situated at the Field Laboratory Complex of the Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh.Three samplings were done atevery 15-day interval. Bacterial loads in water columns and mud were determined using the drop count method. Water quality parameters, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and ammonia, were also determined. Significantly (p&lt;.001),the highest bacterial loads in three different water columns were observed in the overwintering fish fry pond, and the lowest bacterial loadswere found in the L-shaped fish pondat all sampling points. Bacterial loads in the bottom water were also significantly higher than those in the surface and middle layers of the water in all ponds. Pond mud was significantly (p&lt;.001) richer in bacterial loads than pond water. Bacterial load was strongly correlated with temperature, and the correlation faded with the increase in depth of the water column.&#x0D;

High Bacterial Contamination Load of Self-Service Facilities in Sakaka City, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia, with Reduced Sensitivity to Some Antimicrobials.

Although self-service facilities (SSFs) have been used on a large scale worldwide, they can be easily contaminated by microorganisms from the hands of their sequential users. This research aimed to study the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility/resistance of bacteria contaminating SSFs in Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia. We randomly swabbed the surfaces of 200 SSFs, then used the suitable culture media, standard microbiological methods, and the MicroScan WalkAway Microbiology System, including the identification/antimicrobial susceptibility testing-combo panels. A high SSFs' bacterial contamination load was detected (78.00%). Ninety percent of the samples collected in the afternoon, during the maximum workload of the SSFs, yielded bacterial growth (p < 0.001 *). Most of the contaminated SSFs were supermarket payment machines, self-pumping equipment at gas stations (p = 0.004 *), online banking service machines (p = 0.026 *), and barcode scanners in supermarkets. In the antiseptic-deficient areas, 55.1% of the contaminated SSFs were detected (p = 0.008 *). Fifty percent of the contaminated SSFs were not decontaminated. The most common bacterial contaminants were Escherichia coli (70 isolates), Klebsiella pneumoniae (66 isolates), Staphylococcus epidermidis (34 isolates), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (18 isolates), and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (14 isolates), representing 31.53%, 29.73%, 15.32%, 8.11%, and 6.31% of the isolates, respectively. Variable degrees of reduced sensitivity to some antimicrobials were detected among the bacterial isolates. The SSFs represent potential risks for the exchange of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria between the out-hospital environment and the hospitals through the hands of the public. As technology and science advance, there is an urgent need to deploy creative and automated techniques for decontaminating SSFs and make use of recent advancements in materials science for producing antibacterial surfaces.