High Concentrations Of Bacteria Research Articles

Real-time recombinase-aided amplification with improved propidium monoazide for the rapid detection of viable Escherichia coli O157:H7 in milk

Escherichia coli O157:H7, the causative agent of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans, generates a effective harm to community health because of its high pathogenicity. A real-time recombinase-aided amplification (rRAA) is an emerging method for nucleic acid detection. However, genomic DNA of bacteria could exist in food and the environment for a long time after death and could be amplified by rRAA assay, resulting in false-positive signal; thus, developing a fast and sensitive method is necessary to detect viable foodborne pathogens in food products. In our research, rRAA assay coupled with an enhanced nucleic acid binding dye named improved propidium monoazide (PMAxx) was established and applied in viable E. coli O157:H7 identification in skim milk. The PMAxx could eliminate interference from dead bacteria by permeating impaired membranes and covalently linking to DNA to prevent DNA amplification. The PMAxx-rRAA assay was performed with high sensitivity and good specificity. The PMAxx-rRAA assay could detect as low as 5.4 × 100 cfu/mL of viable E. coli O157:H7 in pure culture, and 7.9 × 100 cfu/mL of viable E. coli O157:H7 in skim milk. In addition, the PMAxx-rRAA assay was performed in the presence of a high concentration of dead bacteria or nontarget bacteria in skim milk to verify the capacity to resist interference from dead bacteria and nontarget bacteria. Therefore, the established PMAxx-rRAA assay is a valuable tool for the identification of viable E. coli O157:H7 in complex food matrix.

Assessment of Microbiological Quality of Indoor Air at Different Hospital Sites of Dilla University: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background:In both residential and hospital indoor environments, humans can be exposed to airborne microorganisms. The hospital’s indoor air may contain a large number of disease-causing agents brought in by patients, staff, students, visitors, ventilation, or the outside. Hospitalized patients are at a higher risk of infection due to confined spaces, crowdedness, and poor infection prevention practices, which can accumulate and create favorable conditions for the growth and multiplication of microorganisms. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the indoor air bacterial load in Dilla University Hospital, Southern Ethiopia.Methods:An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used to assess the bacterial load in the indoor air at Dilla University Hospital. To determine the bacterial load, a passive air sampling technique was used. The settle plate method was used to collect data, which involved exposing Petri-dishes filled with blood agar media to the indoor air of the sampled rooms for 60 minutes.Result:A total of 72 indoor air samples were collected once a week for 2 weeks at 14-day intervals from 18 rooms in 8 wards, and samples were collected twice a day in the morning and afternoon. The mean bacterial concentrations ranged from 450 to 1585.83 CFU/m3 after 60 minutes of culture media exposure. The mean bacterial concentrations in the obstetrics, surgical, pediatric, gynecology, and medical wards exceeded WHO guidelines. A high indoor air bacterial load was found in 58 (80.6%) of the samples in this study. Gram-positive bacteria in the air were the most common 51 (71%) of the bacterial population measured in all indoor environments. Fungal growth was found in 65 (90.3%) of the samples. Temperatures (26.5°C-28.3°C) and relative humidity (61.1%-67.8%) in the rooms were both above WHO guidelines, creating favorable conditions for bacterial growth and multiplication.Conclusion:The majority of the wards at Dilla University Hospital had bacterial loads in the air that exceeded WHO guidelines. Overcrowding, high temperatures, inadequate ventilation, improper waste management, and a lack of traffic flow control mechanisms could all contribute to a high concentration of bacteria in the indoor air. To control the introduction of microorganisms by patients, students, caregivers, and visitors, it is critical to regularly monitor indoor air bacterial load and implement infection prevention and control measures.

3D Impedimetric Biosensor for Cyanobacteria Detection in Natural Water Sources

The excessive growth of cyanobacteria in freshwater sources produces the development of toxic blooms mainly due to the production of cyanotoxins. Here, a novel impedimetric biosensor based on a three-dimensional interdigitated electrode array (3D-IDEA) for detection of cyanobacteria cells is reported. The 3D-IDEA sensor surface biofunctionalization was performed by means of the layer-by-layer method using polyethyleneimine (PEI) as the anchoring layer and concanavalin A (Con A) as the bioreceptor to lipopolysaccharides of cyanobacteria cells. The developed PEI-Con A 3D-IDEA sensors show a linear response (R2 = 0.992) of the impedance changes (RS) versus the logarithm of cyanobacteria concentrations in the range of 102–105 cells·mL−1 with the detection limit of 100 cells·mL−1. Moreover, to prevent the interference from components that may be present in real water samples and minimize a possible sample matrix effect, a filtration methodology to recover cyanobacterial cells was developed. The proposed methodology allows 91.2% bacteria recovery, permitting to obtain results similar to controlled assays. The developed system can be used in aquatic environments to detect cyanobacteria and consequently to prevent the formation of blooms and the production of cyanotoxins. Con A can bind to most polysaccharides and so react with other types of bacteria. However, currently, on the market, it is not possible to find specific biorecognition elements for cyanobacteria. Taking into consideration the specificity of samples to be analyzed (natural water resources), it is difficult to expect high concentration of other bacteria. In this sense, the developed methodology may be used as an alarm system to select samples for more thorough and precise laboratory analysis.

Evaluation of bacterial contaminants and heavy metals in cow and buffalo raw milk sold in Baghdad governorate

The purpose of this study was to investigate bacterial contamination and heavy metal concentrations in 80 samples of raw milk (cow:40 and buffalo:40) gathered from local markets in Baghdad, Iraq. The culture results were classified into ten categories: E. coli was 100% in each cows and buffaloes, Enterobacter Spp 23.75% (25% cow, 22.5% buffalo), Pseudomonas Spp 13.75% (15% cow,12.5% buffalo), Klebsiella Spp 15% (17.5% cow, 12.5% buffalo), Staphylococcus aureus 12.5% (15% cow, 10% buffalo), Staph. epidermidis 5% (for each cow and buffalo), Proteus spp. 10% (12.5% cows, 7.5% buffaloes), E. coli O157 15% (25% cow, 5% buffalo), Yersinia enterocolitica 3.75% (5% cow, 2.5% buffalo) and Salmonella 13.75% (25% cow 2.5% buffalo). The averages of heavy metals concentrations in cow milk samples were (0.62±0.25), (0.25±0.22), (0.31±0.20) and (21±2) mg/kg and in buffalo milk samples were (0.60±0.3), (0.33±0.15), (0.27±0.11) and (18±2.5) mg/kg for Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu) and Nickel (Ni) respectively. The high concentrations of pathogenic bacteria and metals found in the milk products is a sign of inadequate hygiene and sanitation during milking and post-milking operations, as well as excessive levels of heavy metal pollution in the environment which will affect meat and milk produced by these animals.

Electrochemical Bacteria Decontamination of Water Samples Using Fluid Permeable Electrochemical Cells

Waterborne pathogenic bacteria pose a health risk to human's health and is related to thousands of hospitalizations each year into the US. To decontaminate water from bacteria, chlorination, ozonation or UV treatment is typically performed. In this presentation we will describe a hand-held, inexpensive device that can inactivate high concentrations of bacteria in water (up to 104 CFU/mL), and biological broth (up to 108 CFU/mL) in seconds. This device consist of three flow-through electrochemical cells connected in series. A drop of hydrogen peroxide is added into the water volume to be decontaminated and then the aqueous volume is simply passed through the fluid permeable electrochemical cells and the bacteria are killed. This device can be used to decontaminate environmental waters to become safe to drink, or decontaminate biological wastes produced in research facilities.

Development of a Cyberinfrastructure for Assessment of the Lower Rio Grande Valley North and Central Watersheds Characteristics

Lower Laguna Madre (LLM) is designated as an impaired waterway for high concentrations of bacteria and low dissolved oxygen. The main freshwater sources to the LLM flow from the North and Central waterways which are composed of three main waterways: Hidalgo/Willacy Main Drain (HWMD), Raymondville Drain (RVD), and International Boundary & Water Commission North Floodway (IBWCNF) that are not fully characterized. The objective of this study is to perform a watershed characterization to determine the potential pollution sources of each watershed. The watershed characterization was achieved by developing a cyberinfrastructure, and it collects a wide inventory of data to identify which one of the three waterways has a major contribution to the LLM. Cyberinfrastructure development using the Geographic Information System (GIS) database helped to comprehend the major characteristics of each area contributing to the watershed supported by the analysis of the data collected. The watershed characterization process started with delineating the boundaries of each watershed. Then, geospatial and non-geospatial data were added to the cyberinfrastructure from numerous sources including point and nonpoint sources of pollution. Results showed that HWMD and IBWCNF watersheds were found to have a higher contribution to the water impairments to the LLM. HWMD and IBWCNF comprise the potential major sources of water quality impairments such as cultivated crops, urbanized areas, on-site sewage facilities, colonias, and wastewater effluents.

Disease surveillance of cultured marine fish in the North of Bali, Indonesia

A regular surveillance of marine fish diseases was conducted from March to November 2019 in order to determine the occurrence time of the diseases within the mariculture centre of the North of Bali, Indonesia. The monthly surveillance was conducted by collecting 15 fish samples from each of the three hatcheries in Gerokgak and Penyabangan villages and of the two floating net cages in Pegametan Bay, Sumberkima village. Bacterial concentrations were grouped into 4 categories including low, moderate, high and very high. Surveillance data were analyzed using bivariate descriptive statistical methods. The results showed some important findings. First, the results of the study showed that NNV infection was found during the transitional seasons in March to June and September to November. Parasite infection were more frequent observed in fish with high and very high bacterial population. Second, high concentration of total bacteria in fish-feces occurred throughout the year. The prevalence of NNV infection and bacterial populations at the high to very high concentration were mostly occurred in the cultured fish in hatcheries at the size of 1-10 g, while in cultured fish at the net cages were mostly occurred at the size of > 50 g.

Bacteriological Assessment of the Indoor Air of a Private University in Nigeria

The bacteriological assessment of indoor air of the male hostel at Rhema University Nigeria was undertaken in this study. Bacteriological analyses of Air samples from male hostels was carried out weekly for 4 weeks using standard microbiological methods in June, 2021 to determine their bacteriological content. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables. The result showed that the concentration of bacteria isolates increased as the duration of exposure of the media increased. The highest bacteria concentration was seen at room 205 at 40 minutes (29.8 x 102CFU/M3) and the least at room 204 at 20 minutes (0.9 x 101 CFU/M3). The concentration of bacteria at other rooms were room 305 at 40 minutes (17.7 x 102 CFU/M3), room 304 at 20 minutes had 1.3 x 101 CFU/M3, room 405 at 40 minutes had 17.8 x 102 CFU/M3, room 404 at 20 minutes had 3.6 x 101 CFU/M3, room 504 at 40 minutes had 17.6 x 102 CFU/M3 and room 503 at 20 minutes had 11.9 x 102 CFU/M3. A total of eleven (11) different bacteria species were isolated and identified as Staphylococcus aureus (100%), Escherichia coli (75%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (75%), Klebsiella spp (75%), Bacillus subtilis (75%), Streptococcus pyogenes (50%), Bacillus megaterium (50%), Bacillus cereus (50%) and Serratia marcescens (25%). Staphylococcus aureus is the most occurring bacteria specie (100%) while Serratia marcescens is the least occurring bacteria specie (25%). Potential pathogenicity testing of isolates revealed Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Streptococcus pyogenes as potential pathogenic species found in the hostel rooms. Bearing in mind that some of the bacteria species isolated showed potential pathogenic abilities, it means that the air quality of the male hostel rooms may have health implications. There is therefore need for periodic air quality evaluation in the male hostel to discover and manage those environmental variables which favours the multiplication of bacteria. Students are advised to implement good sanitation and hygiene practices to improve indoor air quality in the hostels and prevent possible infection or disease.

Assessment of the effects of seasonal changes, urban discharges and leachates on the parasitological and bacteriological qualities of soil and water from Oued Larbaâ (North-eastern, Morocco)

The objective of this study is to evaluate the parasitological and bacteriological qualities of the soil and water of the Oued Larbaâ, through nine stations covering the part of the Oued crossing the Taza city of Morocco (7km of length). This study was conducted during two dry periods (2017 and 2018) and one wet period (2018). Soil parasitological studies revealed high contamination by helminths belonging to the species Enterobius vermicularis and Toxocara sp., which recorded the highest concentrations in stations S2 and S8, respectively, with values of 11.41 and 29.26 eggs/g. Concerning water, the majority of stations indicated contamination mainly by Ascaris lumbricoides, which reached concentrations of 56.49, 37.39, and 56.15 eggs/l in stations S3, S6, and S8, respectively. Bacteriological examination of the soil showed very high concentrations of bacteria, especially Streptococcus, due to the high retention of this type of bacteria in the soil. The water analysis indicated that stations S3, S4, and S8 are the most impacted, with total coliform and Streptococcus concentrations in station S3 of 2.45 105 and 0.20 107CFU/ml, respectively, Fecal coliforms and Staphylococci are detected in high concentrations in station S8 with values of 1.35 104 and 8.92 106CFU/ml, respectively, and total aerobic mesophilic flora in station S4 with a concentration of 1.89 109CFU/ml. During the study periods, influences of sampling season, nature of discharge existed (wastewater or leachate) on the parasitological and bacteriological composition of the river were established with high concentrations during the dry period and in the stations in which large amounts of liquid discharge were observed.

Simultaneous Detection of Viability and Concentration of Microalgae Cells Based on Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Bright Field Dual Imaging.

Ship ballast water contains high concentration of plankton, bacteria, and other microorganisms. If the huge amount of ballast water is discharged without being inactivated, it will definitely spell disaster to the marine environment. Microalgae is the most common species exiting in ballast water, so the detection of the concentration and viability of microalgae is a very important issue. The traditional methods of detecting microalgae in ballast water were costly and need the help of bulky equipment. Herein, a novel method based on microalgae cell intracellular chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) imaging combines with cell bright field (BF) microscopy was proposed. The geometric features of microalgae cells were obtained by BF image, and the cell viability was obtained by CF image. The two images were fused through the classic image registration algorithm to achieve simultaneous detection of the viability and concentration of microalgae cells. Furthermore, a low-cost, miniaturized CF/BF microscopy imaging prototype system based on the above principles was designed. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, four typical microalgae in ballast water (Platymonas, Pyramimonas sp., Chrysophyta, and Prorocentrum lima) were selected as the samples. The experimental results show that the self-developed prototype can quickly and accurately determine the concentration and the viability of microalgae cells in ship ballast water based on the dual images of BF and CF, and the detection accuracy is equivalent to that of commercial microscope. It was the first time to simultaneously detect the viability and concentration of microalgae cells in ship ballast water using the method that combining the fluorescence and bright field images; moreover, a miniaturized microscopic imaging prototype was developed. Those findings expected to contribute to the microalgae detection and ship ballast water management.

Tracking antibiotic resistance genes and class 1 integrons in Escherichia coli isolates from wastewater and agricultural fields.

Considering high concentrations of multidrug-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in wastewater, agricultural reuse of treated wastewater may be a public health threat due to ARG dissemination in different environmental compartments, including soil and edible parts of crops. We investigated the presence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli as an indicator bacterium from secondary treated wastewater (STWW), water- or wastewater-irrigated soil and crop samples. ARGs including blaCTX-m-32, blaOXA-23, tet-W, sul1, cml-A, erm-B, along with intI1 gene in E. coli isolates were detected via molecular methods. The most prevalent ARGs in 78 E. coli isolates were sul1 (42%), followed by blaCTX-m-32 (19%), and erm-B (17%). IntI1 as a class 1 integrons gene was detected in 46% of the isolates. Cml-A was detected in STWW isolates but no E. coli isolate from wastewater-irrigated soil and crop samples contained this gene. The results also showed no detection of E. coli in water-irrigated soil and crop samples. Statistical analysis showed a correlation between sul1 and cml-A with intI1. The results suggest that agricultural reuse of wastewater may contribute to the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to soil and crop. Further research is needed to determine the potential risk of ARB associated with the consumption of wastewater-irrigated crops.

Bacterial Population of Fish and Their Environment in Ponds Utilized for Natural Purification of Wastewater

Viable threats from waste-fed aquaculture have become a genuine subject of discussion presumably since the initiation of such fishery. An aquaculture-based sewage treatment system, blending fish as biological component was assessed in Bandipur, Titagarh, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India. The 5 MLD (million litres per day) system receiving domestic sewage flow comprised of anaerobic ponds (areas-0.7 ha, depths-2.5m), facultative ponds (areas-4.8 ha, depths-1.5m) and maturation ponds (areas-4.8 ha, depths-1m). The observation revealed substantial aptitude of the system for biological sewage treatment, with respect to reduction of ammonia nitrogen, BOD (Biological oxygen demand) and COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand). The TVC (Total Viable Count) and enteric bacterial counts were detected in higher numbers from water and fish. Some of the members customarily recovered in this study like Vibrio were established fish and human pathogens. Counts of faecal coliforms in fish culture ponds were found to outstrip the World Health Organization (WHO) standards of ≤103 faecal coliforms per 100 ml of water to be used in aquaculture. High concentrations of pathogenic bacteria were reported to be present in fish even at low numbers of indicatory bacteria. Estimated risk of bacteriological infection of fish for most of the times crossed the guide line proposed by international commission on the microbiological specification of foods (1995). Public health risks associated from fish and fishery products of Bandipur sewage fed farm clearly indicate infelicity of wastewater treatment along with inappropriateness of treated waste water to be reused in aquaculture.

POS0329 GASTROINTESTINAL INVOLVEMENT IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: PATHOGENETIC ROLE OF GUT MICROBIOME, CYTOKINES AND ADIPOKINES

Background:Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement is very common in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). The pathophysiology of GI manifestations has not yet been defined. Cell-mediated immunological reactions appear to lead to endothelial damage resulting in fibrosis. The risk of developing malnutrition reinforces the need to better understand GI pathophysiology in these patients.Objectives:The study aimed to evaluate GI symptoms (GIT 2.0) and malnutrition status (MUST) and to determine specific bacterial changes in gut microbiome by investigating the possible presence of positive hot spots in bacterial species in SSc patients and their potential role in the disease progression. We also evaluated serum levels of adipokines and cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of SSc and their role, in addition to gut microbiome, in predicting the onset of GI involvement and malnutrition in SSc patients.Methods:We enrolled 25 scleroderma patients (EULAR/ACR 2013 criteria). UCLA-SCTC GIT 2.0 questionnaire to evaluate GI symptoms and MUST to investigate the risk of malnutrition were used. Gut microbiome was analyzed and the samples were subjected to extraction for the 16S rRNA gene (Earth Microbiome Project and the NIH-Human Microbiome Project). The microbiome was investigated at phenotypic and genotypic level. Serum levels of cytokines and adipokines (adiponectin and leptin) were evaluated by ELISA.Results:79.9% of patients had GERD and 63.5% abdominal distension at GIT 2.0 questionnaires. 48% of patients had moderate risk of malnutrition (MUST=2) and 12% had high risk (MUST=3). Gut microbioma: 19 patients (76%) had low similarity and 11 (44%) low diversity compared to the healthy population. The prevailing enterotypes of gut microbiome was Bacteroides (80%) and Prevotella (20%). The genotypic evaluation showed a reduced concentration of: gluten-digesting (Lactobacillus); lactose-digesting (Faecalibacterium); vitamin K-producing (Enterococcus, Desulfovibrio and Veillonella); acetaldehyde-degrading bacteria. 24 patients (96%) showed a reduction in bacteria devoted to maintaining weight control (Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcus). The patients had an altered intestinal permeability with less mucolytic bacteria (Bacteroides) and reduced production of LPS (Enterobacter and Escherichia). Low levels of butyrate (Eubacterium and Clostridium), acetate and propionate were found for SCFA-producing bacteria. Potentially pathogenic bacteria were also investigated: Salmonella was found in 14 (56%), Klebsiella in 9 (36%) and Enterococcus Faecalis in 3 (12%) patients. 11 (44%) patients had elevated serum levels of IL10 and IL12; 4 (16%) had high value of leptin. Correlation was found in patients who had a reduced concentration of gluten-digesting bacteria and MUST. Elevated MUST was correlated with serological increase in IL17A and IFN-α. Serum levels of IL12 and IL10 were found to correlate with specific bacteria alterations: high concentration of acetaldehyde-producing bacteria and low levels of acetaldehyde-degrade bacteria (also correlated with high serum levels of IL6), mucolytic bacteria and producers of hydrogen sulphide, acetate and propionate. Finally, reduced levels of mucolytic bacteria and acetate producing bacteria correlated with high serum leptin levels.Conclusion:The relationship between the gut microbiome and SSc seems to be multifactorial. In our study genotypic changes of gut microbioma might play a role in damaging the permeability of the mucosa and increasing risk of malnutrition. The evaluation of gut microbiome and cytokine profile is probably going to be of value in the follow-up of SSc. However, further studies are needed to clarify the impact of GI dysbiosis on the immune system in SSc.

Seasonal dynamics in the number and composition of coliform bacteria in drinking water reservoirs

Worldwide, surface waters like lakes and reservoirs are one of the major sources for drinking water production, especially in regions with water scarcity. In recent years, increased numbers of coliform bacteria have been observed in these surface waters. In our monitoring study we analyzed two drinking water reservoirs (Klingenberg and Kleine Kinzig Reservoir) over a two-year period in 2018 and 2019. We detected high numbers of coliform bacteria up to 2.4 × 104 bacteria per 100 ml during summer months, representing an increase of four orders of magnitude compared to winter. Diversity decreased to one or two species that dominated the entire water body, namely Enterobacter asburiae and Lelliottia spp., depending on the reservoir. Interestingly, the same, very closely related strains have been found in several reservoirs from different regions. Fecal indicator bacteria Escherichia coli and enterococci could only be detected in low concentrations. Furthermore, fecal marker genes were not detected in the reservoir, indicating that high concentrations of coliform bacteria were not due to fecal contamination. Microbial community revealed Frankiales and Burkholderiales as dominant orders. Enterobacterales, however, only had a frequency of 0.04% within the microbial community, which is not significantly affected by the extreme change in coliform bacteria number. Redundancy analysis revealed water temperature, oxygen as well as nutrients and metals (phosphate, manganese) as factors affecting the dominant species. We conclude that this sudden increase of coliform bacteria is an autochthonic process that can be considered as a mass proliferation or “coliform bloom” within the reservoir. It is correlated to higher water temperatures in summer and is therefore expected to occur more frequently in the near future, challenging drinking water production.

Reduced Bacterial Counts from a Sewage Treatment Plant but Increased Counts and Antibiotic Resistance in the Recipient Stream in Accra, Ghana-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Wastewater treatment plants receive sewage containing high concentrations of bacteria and antibiotics. We assessed bacterial counts and their antibiotic resistance patterns in water from (a) influents and effluents of the Legon sewage treatment plant (STP) in Accra, Ghana and (b) upstream, outfall, and downstream in the recipient Onyasia stream. We conducted a cross-sectional study of quality-controlled water testing (January–June 2018). In STP effluents, mean bacterial counts (colony-forming units/100 mL) had reduced E. coli (99.9% reduction; 102,266,667 to 710), A. hydrophila (98.8%; 376,333 to 9603), and P. aeruginosa (99.5%; 5,666,667 to 1550). Antibiotic resistance was significantly reduced for tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, cefuroxime, and ceftazidime and increased for gentamicin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, and imipenem. The highest levels were for amoxicillin/clavulanate (50–97%) and aztreonam (33%). Bacterial counts increased by 98.8% downstream compared to the sewage outfall and were predominated by E. coli, implying intense fecal contamination from other sources. There was a progressive increase in antibiotic resistance from upstream, to outfall, to downstream. The highest resistance was for amoxicillin/clavulanate (80–83%), cefuroxime (47–73%), aztreonam (53%), and ciprofloxacin (40%). The STP is efficient in reducing bacterial counts and thus reducing environmental contamination. The recipient stream is contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria listed as critically important for human use, which needs addressing.

Gardnerella Vaginalis Associated Bacterial Vaginosis: A Review Article

Introduction: Gardnerella vaginalis is associated with bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis (bacterial vaginosis = BV) is a clinical syndrome due to replacement of Lactobacillus spp. producing hydrogen peroxidase (H2O2) in normal vagina with high concentrations of anaerobic bacteria (eg Bacteroides spp., Mobiluncus spp.), this clinical syndrome also has other names, namely Haemophilus vaginalis vaginitis, nonspecific vaginitis or Gardnerella vaginalis vaginitis. Because the cause of BV is bacteria which are normal vaginal flora, BV is referred to as an endogenous infection in the female reproductive tract. Previous published research on BV has shown disagreements about transmission through sexual contact. Post-puberty women without sexual experience experience BV less frequently than those who have sexual experience. However, longitudinal cohort studies provide evidence that women who have new sexual partners or have multiple sexual partners have an increased incidence of BV.The likelihood that a woman has BV has a 20-fold increase in risk if her partner has BV. This raises the suggestion that it is possible that BV can be transmitted through sexual contact. However, there was no association between the incidence of BV with smoking habits, a history of abnormal Pap smears, menstruation, and menarche. Aim of this article is to review gardnerella vaginalis infection in bacterial vaginosis. Discussion: The presence of sexually transmitted diseases can also increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis. The normal vaginal ecosystem is a complex aspect. Lactobacillius is the dominant bacterial species (normal flora) in the vagina of women of childbearing age, but there are also other bacteria, namely aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. At the time BV appears, there is an overgrowth of some bacterial species which are normally present in low concentrations. Therefore, BV is categorized as an endogenous infection of the female reproductive tract.. Women with positive G. vaginalis cultures do not need routine therapy, unless they have BV symptomatically. All women with symptomatic BV require treatment, including pregnant women. Treatment of BV in pregnant women is to relieve signs and symptoms of vaginal infection, reduce the risk of infectious complications that accompany BV during pregnancy, and decrease other risk factors. Several studies using placebo have shown that treatment of sexual partners of women with BV does not improve clinical outcome of BV or decrease recurrence. Conclusion: BV has a favorable prognosis, and spontaneous improvement is reported in over one-third of cases. With the treatment of metronidazole and clindamycin gave a high cure rate (84 - 96%).Prevention needs to be done to minimize the actions that can be taken to prevent bacterial vaginosis.

Kefir milk alleviates benzene-induced immunotoxicity and hematotoxicity in rats.

The adverse health effects of benzene occupational and circumstance pollution exposure are an increasing concern. It leads to damage to various human tissues including bone marrow and ovarian tissues and many vital physiological processes. Previous studies showed that kefir is a rich probiotic, having protective effect, thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory capacity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential efficacy of kefir to remediate benzene toxicity in rat. Thirty-two female rats were randomly allocated and administered orally with benzene and/or kefir during a period of 21 consecutive days. At the end of the experiment, hematological and bone marrow cell changes were estimated. The animals exposed to benzene exhibited anemia and a significant decrease in the levels of white blood cell. Moreover, benzene led to the activation of gene expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), a myelotoxicity in bone marrow cells. Our data showed that kefir treatment alleviated benzene-associated weight loss and increased the number of whole blood cells in peripheral blood and nucleated cells in the bone marrow. Furthermore, these physiological results were observed with animals showing high concentrations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) determined from fecal samples, which are considered an indicator of kefir-associated microorganisms. Our study suggests that kefir is a potential nutritional supplement target to attenuate hematotoxicity induced by benzene.

Application strategies by selective medium treated with entomopathogenic bacteria Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as potential biocontrol against Coptotermes curvignathus.

The success of microbial termiticides in controlling termites depends on the ability of microbes to grow in different media and the functionality of the microbes as a resistant barrier or toxic bait. This study was conducted to understand the mortality rate and behaviour changes of the subterranean termite Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren introduced with different concentrations of Serratia marcescens strain LGMS 1 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain LGMS 3 using wood and soil as bacterial transfer medium. In general, higher concentration of bacteria in soil caused a reduction in tunnelling activity and wood consumption and an increase in mortality. However, application on wood revealed a different outcome. Wood treated with S. marcescens of 106 CFU ml−1 concentration proved to be more efficient as bait than higher concentration applications as it caused a high mortality rate while still highly palatable for termites. Wood or soil treated with S. marcescens concentration higher than 109 CFU ml−1 creates a high toxicity and repellent barrier for termites. Pseudomonas aeruginosa of 109 CFU ml−1 concentrations applied on wood served as a slow-acting toxic bait. However, the ability for S. marcescens and P. aeruginosa to survive on wood is low, which made the bait unable to retain a useful level of toxicity for a long period of time and frequent reapplication is needed.

Competency of common northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) prey items to harbor Streptococcus lutetiensis and S. phocae.

Streptococcus lutetiensis and S. phocae have been associated with significant morbidity and mortality in northern sea otters Enhydra lutris kenyoni in Alaska, USA, but the route and mechanism(s) of transmission remain unknown. The goal of this study was to determine the competence of common northern sea otter prey to harbor 2 species of pathogenic Streptococcus bacteria. Prey items (bay mussels Mytilus trossulus, butter clams Saxidomus giganteus, Dungeness crab Metacarcinus magister and black turban snails Tegula funebralis) were exposed to known concentrations of exponential phase cultures of S. lutetiensis and S. phocae in seawater for 24 h. A quantitative PCR assay was developed targeting the sodA gene of both S. lutetiensis and S. phocae to quantify DNA in the prey samples. Results (mean ± SD) revealed that butter clams had the highest concentration of bacteria (4.32 × 107 ± 8.20 × 106 CFU ml-1 of S. lutetiensis, 1.20 × 108 ± 2.08 × 107 CFU ml-1 of S. phocae), followed by mussels (4.26 × 107 ± 1.66 × 107 CFU ml-1, 1.16 × 108 ± 5.39 × 107 CFU ml-1), snails (1.90 × 107 ± 5.26 × 106 CFU ml-1, 5.97 × 107 ± 2.07 × 107 CFU ml-1) and crab (1.46 × 107 ± 0 CFU ml-1, 1.64 × 107 ± 0 CFU ml-1). All prey species harbored higher concentrations of S. phocae than S. lutetiensis.

Ozone nanobubble treatment in freshwater effectively reduced pathogenic fish bacteria and is safe for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

High concentrations of certain pathogenic bacteria in water usually results in outbreaks of bacterial diseases in farmed fish. Here, we explore the potential application of an emerging nanobubble technology in freshwater aquaculture, specifically aimed to reduce the concentrations of pathogenic fish bacteria in freshwater, and assess whether nanobubbles are safe for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). An ozone nanobubble (NB-O3) treatment protocol was established, based on examination of nanobubble size, concentration, disinfection property, and impact on fish health. A 10-min treatment with NB-O3 in 50 L water generated approximately 2–3 × 107 bubbles/mL, with the majority of bubbles being less than 130 nm in diameter and an ozone level of 834 ± 22 mV oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). A single treatment with water spiked with either Streptococcus agalactiae or Aeromonas veronii effectively reduced the bacterial load by 26–48 fold or 96.11–97.92%. This same protocol was repeated three times. The result was a 22,058 to 109,978 fold reduction in bacteria or 99.93–99.99% decrease. In comparison, bacterial concentrations in the control tanks remained unchanged during the experiments. In Nile tilapia-cultured water with the presence of organic matter (e.g. mucus, feces, bacterial flora, feed, etc.), the disinfection property of NB-O3 was reduced; however, we still observe a reduction of 59.63%, 87.25%, and 99.29% after the first, second, and third consecutive treatments, respectively. To evaluate the safety of NB-O3 on fish, juvenile Nile tilapia were exposed to NB-O3 treatment for 10 min. No mortality was observed during the treatment or 48 h post treatment. Gill histology examination revealed that a single NB-O3 treatment caused no alteration in cell morphology. However, damage in the gill filaments, such as blood congestion, aggregates of basal cells at the secondary lamellae or loss of the secondary lamella was noticed in the fish receiving two or three consecutive exposures within the same day. Results of the experiments conducted in this study suggest that NB-O3 technology is promising for reducing pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture systems and may be useful at reducing the risk of bacterial disease outbreaks in farmed fish.