Identification Of Specific Microorganisms Research Articles

Effects of maternal toxic substance consumption during breastfeeding on lactic acid bacteria abundance and nutritional content.

Breast milk is widely recognized as the primary source of nourishment for newborns, making it an unparalleled and indispensable provider of essential nutrients, microbiological components, immunological factors, and energy content. To investigate this further, a cohort comprising 254 breastfeeding women participated in interviews, and milk samples were aseptically collected for subsequent analysis involving bromatological, microbiological, and clinical analysis. The investigation focused on the identification of specific microorganisms in breast milk and their susceptibility to the exposure of toxic substances and controlled medications. Notably, this study places particular emphasis on the significant decline in lactic acid bacteria observed in breast milk when influenced by substances such as cocaine, cannabis, crystal, and morphine. These detrimental agents have been found to adversely affect the growth of microorganisms within breast milk. On the contrary, the outcomes of this study indicate that the utilization of toxic substances does not exert a noteworthy impact on the nutritional quality of breast milk.

Biofilm colonization of metamorphic lithotypes of a renaissance cathedral exposed to urban atmosphere

Stone architectural heritage exposed outdoor represents a challenging habitat for biological growths; nevertheless, biocolonization on heritage structure is ubiquitous and represents a major mechanism of alteration. However, the identification of specific microorganisms with known reactivity towards the stone substrate does not necessarily imply that a biodeterioration process is in progress and, in specific conditions, bioprotection effects have been highlighted as a result of colonization. The main objective of the present research is to evaluate the biofilm formation on different lithotypes exposed to similar environmental polluted conditions, and to investigate whether the presence of subaerial biofilms can be associated to an increased magnitude of deterioration of the colonized surfaces with respect to the not colonized ones. In particular, the research examines the extensive biological colonization of the stone surfaces of the façade of the Cathedral of Monza (Italy). Four metamorphic stones widely used in the façade and showing rather different compositional, mineralogical and microstructural features were studied. The state of conservation of the stones was characterized under the mineralogical and compositional point of view by X-ray diffraction and Fourier Transformed infrared analysis. The microstructure of colonized substrates and of reference not colonized ones was studied by means of optical and electron microscopy, to comparatively evaluate the damage extent and weathering patterns in both conservative conditions. The structure and the architecture of biofilms growing on different lithic surfaces were investigated by CLSM in both fluorescence and reflection modes. Captured images were analyzed for 3D reconstructions of biofilm samples. The biovolumes were also calculated to estimate the total biomass. The results indicate that the four lithotypes showed different colonization extents. However, even in presence of extensive biological growth, chemical-physical deterioration mechanisms caused by environmental exposure were largely responsible for deterioration. A relationship between compositional and surface morphological features and biocolonization was also observed.

Identification of specific microorganisms in fresh squeezed street vended fruit juices

Introduction: In developing country like India, street foods such as salads and fresh cut fruits are widely consumed. Among all street foods, fruit juices are common beverages, consumed more because of higher consumer preference both in terms of taste and health. Moreover, there is a dearth of Indian studies on contamination of street vended fruit juices. Aim: To determine the pH and specific microorganisms in freshly squeezed street vended fruit juices. Materials and Methods: Four fruit juices i.e., Grapes, Sweet Lime, Pineapple and Sapota were chosen for the study. Juices were collected in summer season in months between April and June 2013. Ten samples of 50 ml each fruit juice was collected in sterile bottles from various street vendors of Dilshuknagar area of Hyderabad city. Transportation of samples to Food Toxicology laboratory, National Institute of Nutrition was done in the ice box and processing was done within 2–4 h. Results: All juices showed bacterial contamination except one sample of grape juice. Pineapple juice samples showed the high bacterial contamination with all samples positive for fecal coliforms and Shigella spp. (100%). Salmonella spp. was detected only in one sample of Sapota juice (10%). Significant difference among fruit juices for prevalence of microorganisms was seen only for Escherichia coli (P = 0.03) with least count in Grape juice (20%). Conclusion: Freshly squeezed street vended fruit juices were contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, which significantly attributed to public health problem.

MICOBACTÉRIAS: EPIDEMIOLOGIA E DIAGNÓSTICO

It is estimated that one third of the world population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, resulting in 2 million deaths annually. More than 8 million new cases of tuberculosis (TB) are registered per year worldwide, and Brazil ranks 19th among the top 23 countries with the highest rates of TB. The determining factors for the control of this disease include early detection, appropriate therapy and measures for avoiding transmission. The conventional diagnoses (smear and microorganism culture) have time limitations for implementation and operation, since the result may take up to 60 days to be released. Therefore, early detection is critical for blocking the chain of TB transmission. Mycobacterial diseases caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria are also having a major impact due to increased outbreaks of surgical infections. Thereby, the rapid and specific identification of microorganisms is important for the diagnosis, which will determine the type of treatment (treatment according to species). Knowledge of etiologic agents of mycobacterial diseases, as well as sensitive and specific diagnosis allows proper treatment by blocking the chain of TB transmission and controlling nontuberculous mycobacteria outbreaks.

Efficacy of intraoperative surgical irrigation with polihexanide and nitrofurazone in reducing bacterial load after nail removal surgery

A common challenge of nail avulsion surgery is the associated bacterial contamination and infection that can manifest. The toe has a difficult anatomy to antiseptically prepare and properly maintain throughout the surgical procedure, lending to this widespread problem. We conducted a controlled, prospective randomized study to examine the antiseptic efficacy of 3 intraoperative irrigation methods during nail avulsion surgery. We compared intraoperative antiseptic irrigation using 0.9% saline solution (24 patients), 0.2% nitrofurazone (22 patients), and 0.1% polihexanide (25 patients). Swab samples were taken from each patient at 5 distinct stages throughout the surgical procedure, and bacterial culture analysis was performed (positive culture rate, total inocula count, reduction of bacterial load, and identification of specific micro-organisms). All 3 intraoperative irrigation methods reduced the total bacterial load, but polihexanide was significantly more effective. Furthermore, no patient from the polihexanide group developed postoperative infection. The reduction in bacterial load was lost for all 3 methods after partial nail avulsion surgery, returning to similar values as the initial presurgical bacterial load. An intraoperative irrigation step after partial nail avulsion with saline, nitrofurazone, and polihexanide was effective in reducing the bacterial load by 95.2%, 96.6%, and 99.5%, respectively. Our patients underwent phenol-based nail avulsion, resulting in no bacterial load after complete nail removal because of the intrinsic antiseptic nature of the phenol. Intraoperative irrigation with 0.1% polihexanide substantially reduced the bacterial load and subsequent infections, highlighting the importance of an irrigation step in nail avulsion surgery.

Efficacy of Preoperative and Intraoperative Skin and Nail Surgical Preparation of the Foot in Reducing Bacterial Load

A common problem associated with toenail removal surgery is the accompanying bacterial infection that often ensues. The foot has a particularly difficult anatomy to prepare antiseptically for surgery, which contributes to this wide-spread problem. To compare the antiseptic efficacy of two skin pretreatment methods before toenail avulsion surgery. Two presurgical methods were performed on 24 patients each (48 patients total). Swab samples were taken from each patient at five distinct stages (pretreatment, post-treatment, after surgery, after saline solution irrigation of the nail bed, and after phenol application) throughout the surgical procedure, and bacterial culture analysis was performed (total inocula count and identification of specific microorganisms). We found both methods to be effective at reducing the initial bacterial load when used at pretreatment, but the reduction in bacterial load was lost after the nail avulsion surgery, achieving values similar to the initial bacterial load before the presurgical scrub, from 5.17 and 5.04 log(10) colony-forming units (CFU)/cm(2) to 4.86 and 5.07 log(10) CFU/cm(2), respectively. An interoperative irrigation step was effective in reducing the bacterial load by 95.2% and 95.3%, respectively. Our patients underwent phenol-based nail avulsion, resulting in no bacterial load after complete nail removal because of the intrinsic antiseptic nature of the phenol. Incorporation of intraoperative irrigation of sterile saline solution after nail avulsion surgery reduces potential bacterial load. Every effort should be made to lower the risk of contamination after nail plate avulsion.

Specific information concerning taxonomy, pathogenicity and methicillin resistance of staphylococci obtained by a multiplex PCR.

The use of DNA amplification techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in modern diagnostic microbiology not only allows the sensitive and specific identification of micro-organisms but also the detection of specific antibiotic resistance genes. This study describes a multiplex PCR on bacterial colonies picked directly from agar plates without preceding DNA preparation. Eubacteria and staphylococci were identified by, 16S rRNA specific PCR products. In parallel, specific primers were used for the detection of staphylococcal coa and mecA genes. This 4-h multiplex PCR, consisting of four sets of primers, was evaluated for rapid and specific differential diagnosis of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci. To analyse specificity of the amplification products, 100 non-staphylococcal, eubacterial isolates and 20 Candida albicans strains were tested. In a first step, specificity of all four single sets of primers was evaluated before the co-amplification within the multiplex PCR procedure was performed. The results were compared with those of conventional susceptibility and typing methods. The specific 16S rRNA PCR product for eubacterial isolates (n = 786) and staphylococci (686) was found in all strains tested. The coa gene was detected only in S. aureus (488) strains with a specificity of 100%, and was not detected in any of the coagulase-negative staphylococci (198). The mecA gene was detected in 98% of methicillin-resistant staphylococci (393) and in 2% of all methicillin-susceptible staphylococci (293). The multiplex PCR with co-amplification of different determinants provides rapid reliable information on staphylococcal identification and methicillin susceptibility supporting the diagnosis, treatment and control of staphylococcal infections.

Microbial and biochemical spoilage of foods: an overview

During harvesting, processing and handling operations food may become contaminated with a wide range of microorganisms. Subsequently, during distribution and storage only a small fraction of these will develop and cause serious deteriorations. Which microorganisms will develop or what (bio)chemical reactions occur is dependent upon food derived or environmental factors. This paper will describe the main mechanisms involved in the loss of food quality for the most important food commodities. Food spoilage may be caused by a wide range of reactions including some that are mainly physical or chemical, others due to action of enzymes or microorganisms. The primary factors associated with food spoilage are associated with intrinsic food properties (e.g., endogenous enzymes, substrates, sensitivity for light, oxygen) and (cross)contamination during harvesting, slaughter and processing in combination with temperature abuse. For fresh foods the primary quality changes may be categorized as (i) bacterial growth and metabolism resulting in possible pH-changes and formation of toxic compounds, off-odours, gas and slime-formation, (ii) oxidation of lipids and pigments in fat-containing foods resulting in undesirable flavours, formation of compounds with adverse biological effects or discoloration. Although interrelated with the microbial spoilage, the last category is 'purely' chemical in nature and will, all other things being equal, increase in importance with decreasing temperature. Little is known about the relationship between microbial activity and (bio)chemical spoilage parameters under different packaging and storage conditions. Although there is much progress in the characterisation of the total microflora and metabolites developing during spoilage, not much is known about the identification of specific microorganisms in relation to food composition. Despite the fact that food spoilage is a huge economical problem world wide, it is obvious that the mechanisms and interaction leading to food spoilage are very poorly understood.

Gene probes and their use in microbiology

A gene probe (nucleic acid probe) is a single-stranded nucleic acid fragment that interacts with a complementary sequence of a target nucleic acid. The test is based upon the principles of nucleic acid hybridization reactions. Different assay formats (dot-blot, colony, whole-cell hybridizations) can be applied. Gene probes can be used for the rapid and specific identification of microorganisms. The phylogenetic identification and in situ detection of uncultured bacteria will be discussed.

John Brown, and the Nonspecific Component of Human Sickness

JOHN BROWN, AND THE NONSPECIFIC COMPONENT OF HUMAN SICKNESS W. R. TROTTER, D.M., F.R.C.P.* Medicine has advanced by isolating symptom complexes and searching for causal factors associated with them. No progress was possible until the vast, bewildering problem of human sickness had been reduced in this way to more manageable units, which then became amenable to study in detail. The idea behind this extremely effective manoeuvre has been called "the concept of specificity" by Lindeboom [1], in a paper in which he outlined the history of the idea. The first effective use of this procedure was in the eighteenth century, when James Lind (1716-1794) showed that scurvy was a specific disease caused by lack of fresh vegetables, and George Baker (1722-1809) showed that "Devonshire colic" was a specific disease caused by lead poisoning. But it only became applicable on a large scale with the identification of specific microorganisms as the causes of specific diseases. Nearly all subsequent progress has been won by the use of the same general type of method. The enormous success of this method has engendered the implicit belief that all the problems presented by human sickness will ultimately be soluble in the same way. This belief implies that patients are only sick because they suffer from one of a number of specific diseases, all of which, when we have become a little smarter, we shall be able to identify and treat. This sounds a little too good to be true; although there must still be many specific diseases waiting to be recognised, there is also likely to be a residue of human sickness which obstinately refuses to be categorized in this way. Even now, there are areas of medicine in which the definition of specific diseases has been difficult and unsatisfactory. In psychiatry, for example, it has been impossible to develop diagnostic criteria anything like as stringent as those used in somatic disorders, and in consequence 'Consulting Physician. University College Hospital, London, England. Address: Surrey End, Tennyson's Lane, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 3AF, England.© 1978 by The University of Chicago. 0031-5982/78/2102-0008J01.00 258 J W. R. Trotter ¦ John Brown most psychiatric diseases have a rather woolly look about them. It seems reasonable to suspect that a good deal of psychiatric disability is due not to any specific disease, but rather to a disproportion between patients' innate abilities and the demands of the social environment. Another area in which the search for specific diseases has not been conspicuously successful is that of senescence. The assumption behind much research in this field has been that the process of aging is simply a matter of acquiring a succession of age-related specific diseases. When these have been identified and their causes found (it is implied), appropriate treatment will then abolish old age. This is, to say the least, an improbable scenario, and this is perhaps one ofthe reasons why progress in this field has so far not been particularly impressive. The relative lack of success of this approach in psychiatry and geriatrics is, of course, no reason for advocating the abandonment of the search for specific diseases. But it may well be an indication that this particular method of attack on the problems of human sickness will one day reach its limits and that we ought to be prepared with a contingency plan for dealing with those which still remain. In this connection, it may be helpful to look back to the time before the concept of specificity came to dominate the scene. The eighteenth century was a formative period in medical epistemology, when various alternatives to the discredited Galenical system were tried out. Some were manifest failures, like the artificial nosologies which assumed that diseases could be classified like plants. Of more interest were the systems which treated sickness as a disturbance of a physiological equilibrium. These, too, were failures, largely because the physiology on which they were based was fallacious. The approach of these system makers to the general problem of human sickness is nevertheless of interest in the present context. One of the best defined, and also one of the most influential, of the eighteenth-century...

A Laboratory Guide to Clinical Diagnosis

While today, for better or worse, clinical medicine depends on laboratory examination, yet in the jungle of laboratory tests even the astute clinician may wander and the neophyte easily gets lost. Eastham and Pollard have provided a compass to guide both the clinician and the pathologist. The authors avoid the shot gun approach sometimes found in this country, wherein the attending physician first sharpens a pencil, then checks virtually every test on the laboratory requisition form, and, finally, when the results are in, starts to consider what the patient might actually have. Instead, this book assumes preliminary clinical diagnosis and then indicates what laboratory tests can fruitfully be applied. The authors indicate five degrees of significance for laboratory procedures. Some tests are diagnostic, or, more modestly stated, most strongly suggestive. Specific identification of microorganisms, for example, falls into this category. Other tests, such as transaminase determinations, serve to support a