Infection Of Intestinal Tract Research Articles

Oleuropein and Antibacterial Activities of Olea europaea L. Leaf Extract

In this study, we reported the determination of phenolic compounds in olive leaves by reversed phase HPLC/DAD and the evaluation of their in vitro activity against several microorganisms. These organisms might however, be causal agents of human intestinal and respiratory tract infections. Extract of the leaves of two varieties of Olea europaea L. (Chemlel and Dathier) was investigated for antibacterial activity against four pathogenic bacteria. Leaves extract was prepared using water and methanol (20/80) in a cold extraction process. The tested bacteria were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus .The extracts were found to be effective against all isolates tests. Ethanolic extract at a concentration of 100 % presented the highest potential of inhibiting variety of Dathier against S.aureus .This is with an inhibition zone of 17.49 mm and 15.66 mm for the variety Chemlel against S.aureus. The high Oleuropein content and the important antibacterial activities of olive leaves extract could be useful sources for industrial extraction and pharmacological application.

Spectrum of opportunistic infections with correlation to CD4 counts in newly diagnosed HIV seropositive cases

Background: A rise in HIV/AIDS is observed in resource poor countries like India despite successful implementation of control programmes. Most of these deaths recorded in cases of AIDS are because of opportunistic infections [OI] and other malignancies. The reason may be attributed to the effective destruction or decrease in CD4 cells which play a pivotal role in immune system. OI cause substantial morbidity and hospitalization, economical loss to the society and shorten the survival time of HIV patient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the different type of infections and identify the frequent pathogens affecting the HIV patients who are attending a tertiary care hospital in India. The clinical profile of these patients was studied and proportion of CD4 counts with respect to their type of infection and pathogen is also evaluated.Methods: A prospective cross sectional study was conducted for one year period. Clinical samples were collected from all the newly diagnosed cases of HIV and performed various staining techniques and cultured on appropriate culture media. All the isolates were identified as per standard guidelines. Serological evaluation for IgM antibodies for toxoplasma was done by ELISA. CD4 counts were estimated by FACS.Results: Tuberculosis was the commonest (67%) OI in HIV cases, followed by candidiasis (61.5%), respiratory tract infections (50%), gastro intestinal tract infections (44%) and meningitis (38%) in our study. The mean CD4 cell counts in the study was 267.11cells/µl. The commonest fungal pathogen was C.albicans and Cryptosporidium parvum the parasitic pathogen. The mean CD4 cell counts were lesser in parasitic infections when compared to bacterial and fungal infections. Six cases of P.jiroveci pneumonia were identified in our study. Mortality was recorded among the HIV cases with CD4 cell counts <50 cells/ µl.Conclusions: Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of OIs contributes to increased life expectancy among infected patients, delaying the progression to AIDS. This study helps the clinicians in proper guidance to come up with right diagnosis and early response to manage the patients in resource poor countries like India.

Subunit Vaccine Based on Plant Expressed Recombinant Eimeria Gametocyte Antigen Gam82 Elicit Protective Immune Response against Chicken Coccidiosis

Avian coccidiosis is an intestinal tract infection caused by protozoan parasite of the genus Eimeria which is an economically important disease affecting poultry globally. In this study, E. maxima gametocyte antigen (Gam82) was expressed in tobacco leaves by agro-infiltration. The expression of Gam82 protein in plants was found to be 20 mg/kg fresh weight. The recombinant protein was purified by affinity column chromatography and its immunogenicity was evaluated in chickens. The birds immunized with plant purified plant expressed Gam82 protein showed 39% of increased weight gain and 69% of reduced oocyst output compared to control birds indicating that the plant expressed Gam82 antigen can elicit protective immune response in immunized birds. Our study demonstrated that the plant expressed Gam82 antigen can potentially be a candidate subunit vaccine against coccidiosis.

A Study on Rare Cases and Bacterial Infections in Children

The present was a short-term study and conducted for a period of five months in order to study the incident rate of bacterial infections that occur commonly and rarely in children. A total of 50 clinical samples like blood, urine, pus, stool, nasal secretions, sputum etc. were collected from children suffering with various types of diseases like urinary tract, gastro intestinal, skin, ear, upper and lower respiratory tract infections caused by bacteria. Positive growth was identified in 31 samples and the bacterial infections represented by Streptococcus pneumoniae (2 samples), Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (5), Staphylococcus aureus (3), Escherichia coli (3), Klebsiella species (2), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5), Citrobacter species (1), Enterococcus species (2), Coagulase negative staphylococci (5), Enterobacter species (1), Methicillin sensitive coagulase negative Staphylococcus aureus (2). Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the major pathogen isolated from the majority of clinical samples. The organism Staphylococcus aureus was also isolated from 5 years old boy suffering with Beta thalassemia Major and diagnosed with severe respiratory tract infections characterized by fever, cold, cough, and bronchiolitis. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the organisms was studied using Kirby-Bauer method.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and urinary pathogens among prison inmates in central jail of Bhopal (MP)

Introduction: Jail lacks adequate health facilities resulting in greater burden of illness than other members of society due to the factors like poor sanitation, poor personal hygiene and ignorance. Prevalence of Intestinal parasitic infections and urinary tract infections have been studied extensively in community in various set up and different age groups, but yet to be explored in prison inmates whose health problems are often neglected. Methodology: A Cross sectional study was conducted at central Jail of Bhopal for a period of 2 months among 114 prison inmates. Proforma containing structured questionnaire was also filled. 114 stool samples and 111 urine samples were obtained. Stool samples examined using saline, iodine wet mount. Urine samples processed for aerobic bacterial culture, isolates identified by standard microbiology techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines. Results: Intestinal parasites found among 7.9% prison inmates. Protozoan parasites contributed 7.0% and intestinal helminth 0.9%. Significant growth of uropathogens obtained in 9.91% urine samples. 6.31% were gram negative bacilli (GNB) and 3.60% gram positive cocci (GPC). GNB isolates were more sensitive for imipenem followed by amikacin. GPC showed maximum sensitivity for vancomycin and linezolid. Conclusions Our study showed low prevalence rate of both intestinal and urinary tract infections among prison inmates of central jail Bhopal. This may be attributed to maintenance of adequate sanitary conditions in jail premises. Keywords: Gram negative bacilli, Gram positive cocci, Intestinal parasites, Prison inmates, Urinary pathogens

The Serine Protease Pic From Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli Mediates Immune Evasion by the Direct Cleavage of Complement Proteins.

Enteroaggregative and uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Shigella flexneri 2a, and the hybrid enteroaggregative/Shiga toxin-producing E. coli strain (O104:H4) are important pathogens responsible for intestinal and urinary tract infections, as well as sepsis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. They have in common the production of a serine protease called Pic. Several biological roles for Pic have been described, including protection of E. coli DH5α from complement-mediated killing. Hereby we showed that Pic significantly reduces complement activation by all 3 pathways. Pic cleaves purified C3/C3b and other proteins from the classic and lectin pathways, such as C4 and C2. Cleavage fragments of C3, C4, and C2 were also observed with HB101(pPic1) culture supernatants, and C3 cleavage sites were mapped by fluorescence resonance energy transfer peptides. Experiments using human serum as a source of complement proteins confirmed Pic proteolytic activity on these proteins. Furthermore, Pic works synergistically with the human complement regulators factor I and factor H, promoting inactivation of C3b. In the presence of both regulators, further degradation of C3 α' chain was observed. Therefore, Pic may contribute to immune evasion of E. coli and S. flexneri, favoring invasiveness and increasing the severity of the disorders caused by these pathogens.

Anaerobes in biofilm-based healthcare-associated infections.

Anaerobic bacteria can cause an infection when they encounter a permissive environment within the host. These opportunistic pathogens are seldom recovered as single isolates but more frequently are involved in polymicrobial infections, together with other anaerobes or aerobes. Nowadays it's known that some anaerobic bacteria are also able to grow as biofilm even if this feature and its role in the healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are still poorly characterized. As consequence, the involvement of biofilm-forming anaerobic bacteria in infections related to healthcare procedures, including surgery and medical devices implantation, is underestimated.The current knowledge on the role of biofilm-growing anaerobes in HAIs has been here reviewed, with particular reference to respiratory, intestinal, intra-abdominal, wound, and urogenital tract infections. Even if the data are still scarce, the ability to form biofilm of opportunistic anaerobic species and their possible role as causative agents of HAIs should alert even more clinicians and microbiologists on the need to search for anaerobes in clinical samples when their presence can be reasonably assumed.

Infection of the sigmoid colon during TNFα antagonist therapy for chronic inflammatory joint disease

We report 7 cases of sigmoid colon infection in patients taking TNFα antagonist therapy to treat chronic inflammatory joint disease. There were 5 women and 2 men with a mean age of 57.5years (range, 21–77years). The presenting symptoms were abdominal pain, bowel habit changes, and a fever. These symptoms developed within 6months after starting TNFα antagonist therapy in 5 of the 7 patients. Empirical antibiotic therapy was used in all 7 patients. Surgical colectomy was performed in 4 patients, including 1 who required a temporary Hartmann's procedure. The risk of infection associated with TNFα antagonist therapy is well documented. However, few cases of colon infection have been reported and little is known about this potentially severe complication. Glucocorticoids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may worsen the infection, particularly as they can attenuate the clinical symptoms, thereby delaying the diagnosis. A history of sigmoid colon infection, diverticulosis, and/or diverticulitis must be sought before starting treatment with a biological agent. Prophylactic treatment may be considered if such a history is found. Diagnostic investigations are in order to develop a standardized management strategy in patients with a history of intestinal tract infection.

Isolation of Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV) in Vero Cell Line and its Confirmation by Direct FAT and RT-PCR

Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV) is widespread both in dairy and beef cattle throughout the world. The virus is one of the largest RNA virus and has specific tropism for intestinal and pulmonary epithelial cells. It is responsible for huge economic losses by causing winter dysentery in adult dairy cattle and respiratory and intestinal tract infections leading to pneumo-enteritis in young calves. Isolation of BCoV has been reported to be difficult. Studies regarding epidemiology, virus isolation and molecular detection from India are very few. In the present study Vero cell line was used for isolation of the BCoV from Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) positive samples. Direct florescent antibody technique (dFAT) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to confirm the isolated virus strains at antigenic and genomic levels, respectively. Out of the 15 positive fecal samples, virus from only seven was able to infect vero cell line. Subsequently BCoV got adapted to the vero cell line upto three passages, which was confirmed both at genomic and antigenic levels by dFAT and RT-PCR testing. It can be concluded that vero cell line can be used for isolation of BCoV, however due to the enormous stain diversity of the virus it is possible that many stains can't grow and get adapt in this cell line. Further studies are required for isolation of different viral strains, finding the susceptible cell lines and also to confirm the variations among the BCoV isolates at antigenic/genomic levels.

A study on the position and etiology of infection in cirrhotic patients: A potential precipitating factor contributing to hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a severe and high-mortality complication in cirrhotic patients. In this study, we analyzed infection, one of the common precipitating factors of HE in patients with cirrhosis, in order to identify common infection sites and the etiology. In addition, we aimed to identify information useful in the early prevention and effective treatment of HE. Ninety-two patients presenting with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis with HE (HBC-HE) and 45 patients presenting with alcoholic cirrhosis with HE (ALD-HE) were enrolled in this study. We collected and analyzed data concerning the precipitating factors of HE using blood tests, biochemical detection and bacterial culture to identify which precipitating factor was the most common. Fifty-three patients with HE (37 with HBC-HE and 16 with HBC-HE) had infection as the precipitating factor. These infections included respiratory tract infection (56.6%), intestinal tract infection (20.7%), peritoneal infection (17.0%) and urinary tract infection (5.7%). The white blood cell (WBC) counts increased in 17 cases (32.1%) and neutrophil (NEUT) numbers increased in 39 cases (73.6%), while WBC counts were lower in the patients with respiratory tract infection compared with those in the patients with infections at other sites (P<0.05). The levels of plasma ammonia were significantly higher in patients with intestinal tract infection than in those with other sites of infection (P<0.05). The proportions of patients with hyperammonemia, increased NEUT numbers, hyponatremia and low albumin were higher in the infection group compared with those in the non-infection group (P<0.05). Pneumococci and E. coli were common bacteria that induced infection in the respiratory tract and at other infection sites, respectively. Respiratory tract infection was identified to be the most common precipitating factor for HE.

Mycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisSheep Strains Isolated from Cyprus Sheep and Goats

Paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), is a chronic incurable infection of intestinal tract of animals. Molecular characterization of Map isolates classifies them into two major groups, 'Cattle' or Type II and 'Sheep' or Type I/III with a different phenotype, epidemiology, virulence and pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine 192 Map ELISA-positive sheep and goats from Cyprus using faecal culture and genotype Map isolates using IS1311 PCR and restriction endonuclease analysis (IS1311 PCR-REA) with HinfI restriction enzyme. Map was isolated from only four (4.6%) faecal samples out of 88 sheep and 15 (14.4%) faecal samples out of 104 goats. Genotyping of the isolates using IS1311 PCR-REA revealed that sheep and goat populations on the island are infected primarily by 'Sheep' strains. Only three Map isolates from goats originated from one farm were characterized as 'Cattle' strains.

Replication of 2 Subtypes of Low-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus of Duck and Gull Origins in Experimentally Infected Mallard Ducks

Many subtypes of low-pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) virus circulate in wild bird reservoirs, but their prevalence may vary among species. We aimed to compare by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, virus isolation, histology, and immunohistochemistry the distribution and pathogenicity of 2 such subtypes of markedly different origins in Mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos): H2N3 isolated from a Mallard duck and H13N6 isolated from a Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis). Following intratracheal and intraesophageal inoculation, neither virus caused detectable clinical signs, although H2N3 virus infection was associated with a significantly decreased body weight gain during the period of virus shedding. Both viruses replicated in the lungs and air sacs until approximately day 3 after inoculation and were associated with a locally extensive interstitial, exudative, and proliferative pneumonia. Subtype H2N3, but not subtype H13N6, went on to infect the epithelia of the intestinal mucosa and cloacal bursa, where it replicated without causing lesions until approximately day 5 after inoculation. Larger quantities of subtype H2N3 virus were detected in cloacal swabs than in pharyngeal swabs. The possible clinical significance of LPAI virus-associated pulmonary lesions and intestinal tract infection in ducks deserves further evaluation.

Chemical Analysis of Ginger Root

Ginger root( Zingiber officinal Rose) was analysed to identify its nutritional and anti- nutritional contents. The results showed that Ginger has 34.13% crude protein, 4.07% Ether Extract, 4.02% crude fibre content, 13.75% moisture content, 7.64% Ash content and 1.036% vitamin C. Furthermore, ginger contains major minerals like: Zn 64.0 mg/l , Mn 5.90 mg/l, Fe 279.7 mg/l, Cu 8.80 mg/l, Ca 280.0 mg/l and P 8068.0 mg/l. The result obtained confirmed the usefulness of ginger root as a potential functional food and could be explored further in new product and formulation. I. Introduction Ginger (Zingiber officinal rose) is an underground stem or rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinate. It has ben used as traditional medicine in China, India, Malaysia and Arabic countries since ancient times. Ginger has been used to treat stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, colic, arthritis, heart conditions, flu- like symptoms and painful menstral periods 1 . It was found that Ginger extracts have antimicrobial properties against E.Coli, sslmonella typhi and bacillus substilis that are common cause of gastro intestinal tract infections 2 . The important active component of ginger root is the volatile oil and pungent phenol compound such as gingerol, which is a very potent anti-inflammatory compound. Mordern scientific research has revealed that ginger possesses numerous therapeutic like anti-oxidant effects, an ability to inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds and direct anti-inflammatory effects 3 . Ginger has aso been found to reduce all symptoms associated with motion sickness like dizziness, cold sweating, nausea and vomiting 4 .

Enhanced protection against infection with transmissible gastroenteritis virus in piglets by oral co-administration of live attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium expressing swine interferon-α and interleukin-18

The enhanced effect of cytokine combinations has been assessed empirically, based on their immunobiological mechanisms. However, far less is known of the enhanced protection of practical cytokine combinations against viral infection in the livestock industry, due to cost and production issues associated with mass administration. This study demonstrates the enhanced protection of oral co-administration of swine interferon-α (swIFN-α) and interleukin-18 (swIL-18) against infection with transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) in piglets using attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium as carrier of cytokine proteins. A single oral co-administration of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium expressing swIFN-α and swIL-18 induced enhanced alleviation of the severity of diarrhea caused by TGEV infection, compared to piglets administered S. enterica serovar Typhimurium expressing swIFN-α or swIL-18 alone. This enhancement was further observed by the reduction of TGEV shedding and replication, and the expression of IFN-stimulated gene products in the intestinal tract. The results suggest that the combined administration of the swIFN-α and swIL-18 cytokines using attenuated S. enterica serovar Typhimurium as an oral carrier provides enhanced protection against intestinal tract infection with TGEV.

Prevalence of bacteremia among children complaining different kinds of infections under 12 years old in Baghdad

This study was designed to determine the percentage and the main causative agent causing bacteremia among children aged up to 12 years and complaining from different types of infections (Respiratory, intestinal, and urinary tract infection) in Baghdad. Results showed that the percentage of infection was 46.19 % the main causative agents were Enterobacteriaceae including (E.coli , Pseudomonas , Salmonella.typhi .Serratia , Enterobacter , Klebsiella )and other than Enterobacteriaceae which includes(Staph.aureus , Staph.epidermidis , Streptococcus.Pneumonia and ?-hemolytic streptococci ) .Regarding the age factor ,results showed that the highest infection rate was among the age group (1 day-12 month ) and (12 -36month ) (64.89%)and (15.95%)respectively while the lowest was in (61 month – 12 years )and (37 -60 month) (12.76%) and( 6.38) respectively . All bacterial strains isolated from patient were submitted to sensitivity test, results showed various reactions towards different types of antibiotics used in this study.

Prevalence of bacteremia among children complaining different kinds of infections under 12 years old in Baghdad

This study was designed to determine the percentage and the main causative agent causing bacteremia among children aged up to 12 years and complaining from different types of infections (Respiratory, intestinal, and urinary tract infection) in Baghdad. Results showed that the percentage of infection was 46.19 % the main causative agents were Enterobacteriaceae including (E.coli , Pseudomonas , Salmonella.typhi .Serratia , Enterobacter , Klebsiella )and other than Enterobacteriaceae which includes(Staph.aureus , Staph.epidermidis , Streptococcus.Pneumonia and ?-hemolytic streptococci ) .Regarding the age factor ,results showed that the highest infection rate was among the age group (1 day-12 month ) and (12 -36month ) (64.89%)and (15.95%)respectively while the lowest was in (61 month – 12 years )and (37 -60 month) (12.76%) and( 6.38) respectively . All bacterial strains isolated from patient were submitted to sensitivity test, results showed various reactions towards different types of antibiotics used in this study.

Risk factors for invasive fungal infection in pediatric intensive care unit

Objective To analyze the incidence,clinical feature and the risk factors of invasive fungal infection in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods We retrospectively summaried the invasive fungal infection in our PICU from Jan 2007 to Dec 2009 in order to analyze the incidence, clinical feature and the risk factors of invasive fungal infection in PICU. Multiple clinical data were collected such as pediatric critical illness score, mechanical ventilation, urinary drainage tube, indwelling gastric canal and continuous blood purification. Results ( 1 ) The incidence rate of invasive fungal infection was 1.65 % ( 35/2 116 ). The morbidity was 20. 00% ( 7/35 ). ( 2 ) Mean infected day was ( 10. 4 ±- 8. 3 ) d after admission. The clinical manifestations included fungal pneumonia( 60. 0% ), peritonitis ( 14. 3% ), urinary tract infection ( 11.4% ),intestinal tract infection(8. 6% ) ,sepsis(2. 9% ) and meningitis(2. 9% ). All of the patients had used broad spectrum antibiotic. (3) The risk factors of invasive fungal infection included lower pediatric critical illness score, mechanical ventilation, indwelling gastric tube, urinary drainage tube and continuous blood purification.(4) Candia albicans was the predominant pathogen in invasive fungal infection. Conclusion Invasive fungal infection has become one of the main nosocomial infection in PICU. Lung is most commonly involved and candida albicans is the major pathogen. Using antibiotics appropriately, decreasing unnecessary invasive performance,and rationally using antifungal agent mi.ght be effective strategy for invasive fungal infection in PICU. Key words: Invasive fungal infection; Risk factor; Intensive Care Unit; Children

Clinical characteristics and therapeutic analysis of invasive fungal infection in chronic severe hepatitis patients.

To investigate clinical features and antifungal therapeutic effect of chronic severe hepatitis (CSH) patients with invasive fungal infection (IFI), and to improve the diagnosis and treatment. Clinical manifestation, blood routine, imageology and mycetology characteristic, antifungal treatment perscription and therapeutic effect of 79 CSH patients with IFI were retrospectively analyzed. Antifungal therapeutic effect was compared between fluconazole and voriconazole. Thirteen (16.5%) patients received glucocorticoid or other immunodepressants for a relatively long time, 40 (50.6%) patients had invasive operation, and 61 (77.2 %) patients were administered 1-6 kinds of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Seventy-three patients had fever. Leucocytes and neutrophilic granulocyte increased in 96.2% of the patients. Lung (31.6%), intestinal tract (26.2%) and oral cavity (14%) infections were common. Fungus was found in 70.9% of the patients. Candida albicans (40.9%) and aspergillus (21.1%) were often seen. Halo signs and crescent signs on lung CT were relatively specific in 40% of the patients with fungal pneumonia. Voriconazole was more effective than fluconazole(71.4% vs. 39.0%, P<0.05). Twelve patients with lung aspergillus infection were administered voriconazole, 8 (66.7%) patients of whom was effective, and the other 4 (33.3%) patients died. There are high risk factors in major CSH patients with IFI. The most common clinical manifestations of CSH patients with IFI are fever, leukocytosis, lung and intestinal tract infection. Candida albicans and aspergillus infection are common. Voriconazole is more effective than fluconazole, and can increase the survival rate of CSH patients with IFI.

On the in-vitro antimicrobial activity of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol.

Secoiridoides (oleuropein and derivatives), one of the major classes of polyphenol contained in olives and olive oil, have recently been shown to inhibit or delay the rate of growth of a range of bacteria and microfungi but there are no data in the literature concerning the possible employment of these secoiridoides as antimicrobial agents against pathogenic bacteria in man. In this study five ATCC standard bacterial strains (Haemophilus influenzae ATCC 9006, Moraxella catarrhalis ATCC 8176, Salmonella typhi ATCC 6539, Vibrio parahaemolyticus ATCC 17802 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923) and 44 fresh clinical isolates (Haemophilus influenzae, eight strains, Moraxella catarrhalis, six strains, Salmonella species, 15 strains, Vibrio cholerae, one strain, Vibrio alginolyticus, two strains, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, one strain, Staphylococcus aureus, five penicillin-susceptible strains and six penicillin-resistant strains), causal agents of intestinal or respiratory tract infections in man, were tested for in-vitro susceptibility to two olive (Olea europaea) secoiridoides, oleuropein (the bitter principle of olives) and hydroxytyrosol (derived from oleuropein by enzymatic hydrolysis and responsible for the high stability of olive oil). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) calculated in our study are evidence of the broad antimicrobial activity of hydroxytyrosol against these bacterial strains (MIC values between 0.24 and 7.85 microg mL(-1) for ATCC strains and between 0.97 and 31.25 microg mL(-1) for clinically isolated strains). Furthermore oleuropein also inhibited (although to a much lesser extent) the growth of several bacterial strains (MIC values between 62.5 and 500 microg mL(-1) for ATCC strains and between 31.25 and 250 microg mL(-1) for clinical isolates); oleuropein was ineffective against Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. These data indicate that in addition to the potential employment of its active principles as food additives or in integrated pest-management programs, Olea europaea can be considered a potential source of promising antimicrobial agents for treatment of intestinal or respiratory tract infections in man.

A formula containing galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides prevents intestinal and extra-intestinal infections: An observational study

The addition of prebiotics to infant formula modifies the composition of intestinal microflora. Aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that prebiotics reduce the incidence of intestinal and respiratory infections in healthy infants. A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, open trial was performed. Healthy infants were enrolled and randomized to a formula additioned with a mixture of galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides or to a control formula. The incidence of intestinal and respiratory tract infections and the anthropometric measures were monitored for 12 months. Three hundred and forty two infants (mean age 53.7+/-32.1 days) were enrolled. The incidence of gastroenteritis was lower in the supplemented group than in the controls (0.12+/-0.04 vs. 0.29+/-0.05 episodes/child/12 months; p=0.015). The number of children with more than 3 episodes tended to be lower in prebiotic group (17/60 vs. 29/65; p=0.06). The number of children with multiple antibiotic courses/year was lower in children receiving prebiotics (24/60 vs. 43/65; p=0.004). A transient increase in body weight was observed in children on prebiotics compared to controls during the first 6 months of follow-up. Prebiotic administration reduce intestinal and, possibly, respiratory infections in healthy infants during the first year of age.