Kocuria Kristinae Research Articles

Identification of Microbiota Causing Bromhidrosis in the Axillary

Bromhidrosis is a clinical condition defined by an uncomfortable or unpleasant body odor. Since the apocrine glands are only active during puberty, most bromhidrosis occurs in the apocrine glands in the armpit and occurs when apocrine gland secretions approach the skin's surface, where they undergo various biochemical reactions caused by the presence of microbiota in the axillary skin, resulting in odor in the axilla. This research aims to identify microbiota species in the axilla that can cause bromhidrosis. A laboratory experimental research design with purposive sampling is used in this study. In this study, 60 samples were collected from students aged 15 to 18 years old at a high school in Medan, and the samples were analyzed at the University of North Sumatra Hospital's Microbiology Laboratory. All samples were taken from the right axillary skin swab, a Gram stain was performed, and the identified microbiota isolates were identified. The results of skin smear culture revealed a Gram-positive cocci group in 59 samples (98.3%) and a Gram-positive bacilli group in only one sample (1.7%). The microbiota responsible for bromhidrosis was identified as Staphylococcus hominis spp. hominins (30.4%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (27.8%), Staphylococcus aureus (16.5%), Kocuria kristinae and Staphylococcus haemolyticus (6.3%), Staphylococcus lugdunensis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. The most common microbiota that causes bromhidrosis in the axilla is Staphylococcis hominis spp. Hominis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Investigating the bacterial consortia properties of electrogenic anodic biofilm in a double-chamber microbial fuel cell: electrochemical, physical, biochemical and molecular characterization

This work evaluated the electrochemical, physical, biochemical, and molecular characterization of electrogens from a graphite felt anode when zinc oxide on activated carbon (ZnO/AC) was used as a cathodic electrocatalyst in a double-chambered microbial fuel cell (DCMFC). The electrochemical polarization behavior of the DCMFC showed that ZnO/AC had a higher power density (PDmax) of 89 mW m−2 with a corresponding cell current density (CD) of 248 mA m−2 and a voltage output of 395 mV, which was higher than those of the blank electrode used as a benchmark (PDmax of 68 mW m−2 at a CD of 161 mA m−2 and a voltage of 421 mV). Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the morphology and interior properties of the strains varied among the rods (bacilli), spirals (vibrios), and spheres (diplococci, staphylococci and streptococci). In addition, biochemical characterization via the Vitek2 compact system and molecular analysis via 16 S rRNA and 18 S rRNA gene sequencing revealed the occurrence of nine prevalent species that were correlated with Sphingobacterium spiritivorum, Ochrobactrum anthropicus, Pseudomonas mendocina, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Staphylococcus equorum, Bacillus subtilis HQ334981.1, Kocuria kristinae KC581674.1 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae NR111007.1. Consequently, the present study outlines different characterization strategies for electrogenic microbes that play an important role in the overall performance of DCMFC for scaling up and managing existing environmental pollution for sustainable energy generation.

#784 Peritoneal dialysis-related infections by Kocuria kristinae: cases from a Mexican hospital

Abstract Background and Aims Kocuria species, gram-positive actinobacteria, are typically found in the environment, on human skin and as oral flora. These microorganisms are considered saprophytes and non-pathogenic. They rarely cause infections. Patients generally have some compromise due to underlying conditions, including solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, or metabolic disorders. There are few cases in the literature of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis due to these germs. Reports of exit site infections or tunnel infections are even rarer or doesn't exist. Method Retrospective description of 4 cases of exit site and/or tunnel infections due to Kocuria kristinae over a 3-year period in a single center. Results Four cases of exit site infection were evaluated, with an average age of 63.2 ± 8.8 years. Half of the patients were diabetic. No patient had a history of peritoneal dialysis-related infection. The dialysis modality for all patients was CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis). All patients presented symptoms of exit site infection, such as erythema and purulent discharge, but none of them had peritonitis. Three cases were treated with quinolones, and one received linezolid. One case received two antibiotic treatment regimens without an adequate response, and tunnel infection developed, required the removal of the dialysis catheter and a change in modality to HD (hemodialysis). Conclusion Exit site infections due to Kocuria are extremely rare. Despite the absence of specific management guidelines, the response to treatment is usually adequate. Due to the theoretical ability to produce biofilm, Kocuria infections should be considered a potential risk for recurrence and refractory disease. To our knowledge, there are no reports of exit site infections due to Kocuria.

Haematogenous Pneumonia Caused by Kocuria Kristinae in a Patient with a Central Venous Catheter.

Kocuria kristinae is a Gram-positive commensal bacterium, potentially responsible for infection.In the case of central venous catheter infection, in addition to the risk of right endocarditis, haematogenous pneumonia must also be considered.A differential diagnosis between bacterial and fungal infection is necessary (less, but to be suspected, neoplastic metastases).

Isolation and identification of some predominant bacteria and assessment of TNF-α level in serum of patients with gingivitis

This study was conducted to diagnose the aerobic bacterial species causing gingivitis, reveal the antibiotic susceptibility pattern and assess the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in serum of patients with gingivitis. In total, 110 samples (including patient group and control group) were collected during the period from November 2021 until March 2022. Of which, 80 samples were collected by using oral swabs from patients attending the College of Dentistry at Tikrit University and outpatient clinics of both gender with different age groups. While the remaining 30 samples were collected from healthy individuals representing the control group. Identification of bacterial isolates was performed depending on micro and macroscopic cultural characteristics and biochemical tests. In addition to assessing the biochemical characteristics of the isolates, a VITKE2 compact system was used to ensure the identification of species level. The TNF-α concentrations in the serum were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay known as a sandwich ELISA. Out of 80 samples, 60 (75%) samples showed positive bacterial growth cultures, while 20 (25%) samples showed no bacterial growth. The most common isolated bacteria species was Streptococcus mutans (18%), followed by Streptococcus mitis (13%), Staphylococcus aureus (12%) Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus pyogenes (8%) Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus feacalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsilla pneumoniae (6%), Rothia dentocariosa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4%), and Streptococcus pneumonia, Kocuria kristinae, Granulicatella adiacens (3%). The sensitivity of the bacterial isolates under study was tested to 11 antibiotics. Different species of bacteria showed various sensitivity patterns to several kinds of antibiotics. The study recorded a high significant difference (P=0.0007) between the patients (56.54 + 9.32 pg/ml) and the control group (31.88 + 7.44 pg/ml) concerning the level of TNF-α. In conclusion, the predominant bacteria identified from gingivitis patients were S. mutans and S. mitis. In addition, the levels of TNF-α in gingivitis patients were significantly higher than in the control group.

Kocuria species: an underappreciated pathogen in pediatric patients—a single-center retrospective analysis of 10 years’ experience in China

Kocuria species are known to be opportunistic pathogens that cause infections in humans, especially immunocompromised hosts. However, reports of pediatric patients are limited. This retrospective study was designed to investigate the spectrum of infections in pediatric patients caused by Kocuria species. Thirty-six patients were enrolled; of these, 29 were infected by Kocuria kristinae, 4 by Kocuria roseus, 2 by Kocuria varians, and 1 by Kocruria rhizophila. Twenty-six patients were diagnosed with bloodstream infection; 6 had ventilator-associated pneumonia; and one each had a catheter-associated urinary tract infection, purulent meningitis, cholangitis, and empyema. Twenty-seven patients were immunocompromised or debilitating, had congenital abnormalities or fitted with indwelling devices. Nine patients were immunocompetent, 4 with early onset before 1 year of age. All Kocuria species were susceptible to lenezolid, vancomycin, and tigecycline; while showing frequent resistance to penicillin and oxacillin. Most cases were cured by administering appropriate antimicrobial agents. To our knowledge, this is the largest case series of pediatric patients with Kocuria species infection. We highlight Kocuria species should be considered as an underappreciated pathogen in pediatric patients.

Kocuria kristinae - An unusual opportunistic pathogen in head and neck malignancy: Case series from central India's regional cancer care centre.

Kocuria kristinae is a commensal organism, sometimes considered as a lab contaminant, but its repeated isolation from clinical samples in immunocompromised patients should raise red flags. We confirmed the infection with re-isolation of the organism from the same site before starting treatment. For the identification of Kocuria kristinae we used IDGP cards on VITEK 2 compact system. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done manually following CLSI guidelines 2018 for Coagulase-negative staphylococci. A total of 510 major head neck oncosurgeries were performed during the period of two years. Out of which 120 patients had skin and soft tissue infections. Out of these infected patients, 90 were culture positive and of these Kocuria kristinae were isolated in 12 patients. Resistance to penicillin and oxacillin is seen in all isolates. Kocuria kristinae should not be ignored as a commensal flora or lab contaminant in immunocompromised hosts. Its Increase in resistance pattern is a matter of concern. It is an ignored opportunistic pathogen whose detailed sensitivity test should be developed to treat patients timely and effectively.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Healthcare Professionals in the Central Region of Saudi Arabia Concerning Hand Cleanliness and the Identification of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Background and Aims: The hand, an ideal habitat for microbes, can be easily contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, especially among health workers who are in frequent contact with patients. Owing to the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant nosocomial microbes, investigating their modes of transmission is required to establish efficient preventive measures. In this study, we aimed to investigate the levels of bacterial contamination on healthcare workers’ hands in three Saudi Arabian hospitals and determine the frequency and nature of antibiotic resistance in the isolated bacteria. Methods: We administered a questionnaire among 216 healthcare professionals in three hospitals in the central region of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and collected data on their knowledge about hand hygiene at the workplace, commitment to wearing gloves while performing tasks, and awareness on hands as a source of infection. Bacterial isolates were collected and screened using the Vitek 2 Compact system. Results: Out of the 64 hand swabs obtained from the three hospitals, 42 were positive for culture. The frequencies of positive cultures varied among the three hospitals, with hospitals A, B, and C showing contamination rates of 87.5% (21/24), 59% (13/22) and, 44.44% (8/18), respectively. The identified bacteria included Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus hominis, Kocuria kristinae, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, Pantoea agglomerans, and others. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that majority of the coagulase-negative and coagulase-positive staphylococci were resistant to clindamycin, benzylpenicillin, and fosfomycin. Conclusions: The present study may help public health experts raise issues concerning infection control and increase awareness among healthcare personnel on the importance of hand hygiene.

The Incidence of Multirsistance Kocuria spp. among Different Clinical Samples in Erbil City, Iraq

Background: Gram positive Kocuria spp. are a part of normal of the skin and oropharynx commensals in mammals but also described as opportunistic pathogens in human infections including urinary tract infection, pneumonia, wound infection, Ear infection, bronchial infection and also peritonitis and brain abscess, isolated from different clinical specimens increasing resistance to some antibiotics all over the world by distribution between patient with high morbidity and mortality rates.
 Objective: Our study aimed to carry out retrospective study on Kocuria spp. isolated from various clinical samples in Erbil city and analyzed its epidemiology, antibiotic resistance pattern and pathogenic potential.
 Methods: A total of thirty Kocuria spp. isolated distributed according to their source of isolation such as blood, wound, CSF, ear swab, throat swab, ascetic fluid and bronchial wash isolated and identified by using microscopical, morphological, biochemical tests and API and Vitek 2 compact system. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed by manually by using 8 antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin, Amikacin, Nitrofurantion, Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone, Cifixime, Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (2:1)). Phenotypic screening of ESBLs was undertaken using Vitek 2 compact system.
 Results: Out of 4399 samples, 30 samples were tested positive for Kocuria spp., the highest percentage of Kocuria spp. In female 20(0.76%) was higher than those in male patients 10(0.57%) Results showed that 30 isolates of Kocuria distributed as (13) isolates were indicated as Kocuria kristinae, (5) Kocuria varians, and (6) Kocuria rosea Kocuria spp.isolates showed high resistance (43.3%) to Cifixime, (30%) to Amoxicillin-Clavulanate 2:1, (26.7%) to Amikacin, (20%) to Nitrofurantion and (13.3%) to both Gentamicin and Cefotaxime. Kocuria spp. was surprisingly (100%) sensitive to Ciprofloxacin and Ceftriaxone with all the 30 samples that we had. Relation between bacteria species and gender, all species showed higher number in female than male.

INVESTIGATION OF THE MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION OF USED LIPSTICKS AND MASCARAS

Objective: Carbon and nitrogen sources, minerals, growth factors in the composition of cosmetic products, and environmental conditions such as convenient acidic environment and humidity constitute the suitable environment for microbial growth. Microbiological contamination of these products is important in terms of both posing a risk to consumer health and causing economic losses due to changes occurring in the product. This study aimed to examine the lipstick and mascara samples used by consumers in terms of microbiological contamination.
 Material and Method: Thirty lipsticks and thirty mascaras used by consumers were investigated for microbiological contamination. The samples were evaluated according to the microbiological limits specified in the European Standard EN ISO 17516. Contaminant bacteria were identified by VITEK® 2 Compact (bioMérieux, France).
 Result and Discussion: According to the results obtained, it was determined that only one of the tested mascara samples and four of the lipstick samples did not comply with the specified microbiological limit values. Staphylococcus sciuri was the contaminant bacterium determined in the mascara sample. In addition, Kocuria kristinae, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus alactolyticus, Rothia mucilaginosa, Rothia dentocariosa were detected in lipstick samples. All the bacteria detected as contaminants are Gram-positive, most of which are the members of the mouth, throat, respiratory, and skin microbiota. The contamination may have been caused by the inappropriate use of consumers, such as using the same product by more than one person, contamination of saliva, and not paying attention to hand hygiene.

Smoothie Drinks: Possible Source of Resistant and Biofilm-Forming Microorganisms.

Smoothie drinks are currently very popular drinks sold especially in fast food establishments. However, smoothies are a significant source of microorganisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of smoothies purchased in Eastern Bohemia. A higher prevalence of mesophilic aerobic bacteria (5.4-7.2 log CFU/mL), yeast (4.4-5.9 log CFU/mL) and coliform bacteria (3.1-6.0 log CFU/mL) was observed in vegetable smoothies, in which even the occurrence of enterococci (1.6-3.3 log CFU/mL) was observed. However, the occurrence of S. aureus, Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. was not observed in any samples. Nevertheless, antimicrobial resistance was observed in 71.8% of the isolated strains. The highest level of resistance was found in isolates from smoothie drinks with predominantly vegetable contents (green smoothie drinks). Considerable resistance was observed in Gram-negative rods, especially to amoxicillin (82.2%) and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (55.6%). Among enterococci, only one vancomycin-resistant strain was detected. The vast majority of isolated strains were able to form biofilms at a significant level, which increases the clinical importance of these microorganisms. The highest biofilm production was found in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Kocuria kristinae and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Overall, significant biofilm production was also noted among isolates of Candida spp.

Reproductive tract infection caused by Kocuria kristinae in an entire female sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps)

AbstractThe presence of a cloaca in the reproductive tract of marsupials may predispose them to ascending infections. A 7‐year‐old, entire, female sugar glider presented with abdominal swelling. Whole‐body radiographs and abdominal ultrasound revealed a mass in the abdomen. Initial treatment included meloxicam, buprenorphine and subcutaneous fluids. Abdominal exploratory surgery revealed a severe purulent distention of the reproductive tract with multiple adhesions to the intestines, both ureters, urinary bladder and spleen. Because reproductive tissue removal was not feasible, an incision in the mass was performed, the pus aspirated and it was flushed with saline. A biopsy of the affected tissue was indicative of chronic suppurative endometritis. The microbiological culture and biochemical characterisation revealed Kocuria kristinae. The animal was discharged with azithromycin for 1 month and there were no complications over the ensuing 9‐month period. This pathogen should be considered in the differential diagnosis of reproductive tract infections in female sugar gliders.

Quantitative and qualitative profile of aerobic bacteria in the second mandibular molar free of caries and caries, based on a case–control study

Bacteria growing in the oral cavity are an important effective factor in causing caries. Molars are the most commonly affected by bacterial decay. Bacterial species and their counts in caries of the second mandibular molar compared with those in caries-free teeth were investigated. A total of 100 patients with caries in the second mandibular molar and 95 caries-free individuals participated in a case–control study. A swab from the molar zone was cultured to identify the bacterial species. Colony counts and the frequency with which isolated bacteria occur were also determined. The isolated bacteria comprised 34 species ranging between 22 Gram-positive and 12 Gram-negative bacteria from caries molar and 14 species from the control group were diagnosed. Staphylococcus aureus and Kocuria rosea were revealed to have a more significant frequency in caries patients, whereas Kocuria kristinae was isolated with a high frequency from caries-free individuals. The majority of isolates had a large number of colonies, mostly Gram-positive bacteria. Some species have been found in one group of participants but not in another. Six bacterial species were only isolated from control group, whereas the patient group had 16 species that were not found in the control group. In conclusion, Gram-positive bacteria are most frequently associated with caries on the second mandibular molar. Some species of Gram-positive bacteria such as S. aureus and K. rosea and Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas fluorescens and Escherichia coli occur with great diversity and quantity with caries of the second mandibular molar compared with that of healthy individuals. Meanwhile, some species may disappear or be limited to the decayed area of the second mandibular molar.

Microorganisms present in the masks used by the population of Pucallpa for the protection of covid-19

The microorganisms present in the masks of the inhabitants of Pucallpa for the protection of COVID-19 were determined by collecting surgical masks, KN95 and cloth, used by the inhabitants from the districts of Campoverde, Yarinacocha, Manantay and Callería, obtaining 15 masks per district. The identification of mycoorganisms was carried out through biochemical (traditional method) and automated (Vitex) tests. Twelve bacterial species were isolated (Eneterobacter cloacae ssp cloacae, Entererobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp pneunoniae, Raoltella ornithinolytica, Kocuria kristinae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Acinetobacter cacoacetocus, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putidaand Staphylococcus epidermidis) distributed in 6 families as Eneterobateriaceae. Microcococcaceae, Moraxellaceae, Morganellaceae, Pseudomonadaceae and Staphylococcaceae. In the case of fungi, two families Trichocomaceae (Aspergillus spp) and Saccharomycetaceae (Candida famataand Candida parapsiliosis) were found. It was not possible to find the COVID-19 virus in the masks, since there was no evidence of the presence of the N gene, ORF1ab gene. The highest number of bacterial species corresponds to the Enterobacteriaceae family, recorded in the district of Campoverde and Yarinacocha, while Aspergillus spp. were recorded in the four districts.

Indole-3Acetic Acid Production by Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria of Saline Soil, Odisha and its Role in Root Elongation in Rice Plant

In the present study five PGPR were isolated from Casuarina rhizosphere, coastal Odisha, India and were identified as B. acidiceler, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Kocuria kristinae, B. subtilis and B. megaterium by 16SrDNA sequencing. The production of IAA by five PGPR ranges from 1.34 µg/ml to 2.509 µg/ml in absence of tryptophan whereas 3.103 µg/ml to 7.929 µg/ml in presence of tryptophan by using Salkowski’s reagent. The optimum activity of five PGPR was recorded at 2 mg/ml of tryptophan concentration. The optimum temperature and pH for IAA production by five PGPR were recorded at 30oC and 7.0. Partial purification of tryptophan was also done by TLC with Rf value 0.9. It is also found that the five PGPR have potential in the elongation of root length of rice plant grown in saline soil.

Enterobacter cloacae Keratitis: Clinicomicrobiological Profiles, Risk Factors, and Outcomes.

The purpose of the study was to report the clinical features, risk factors, antibiotic susceptibility, and treatment outcomes in a series of Enterobacter cloacae keratitis. A retrospective analysis was performed of the electronic medical records of microbial keratitis caused by E. cloacae identified by the Vitek 2 system (BioMerieux, Craponne, France). We collected data pertaining to demographics, risk factors, ulcer characteristics, antibiogram, visual acuity at presentation and final follow-up, and management outcome. The main outcome measure was resolution of infection. The final visual acuity was the secondary outcome measure. Ten episodes of E. cloacae keratitis in 9 patients were identified between January 2009 and December 2019. Nine (90%) cases had undergone penetrating keratoplasty and 8 were failed grafts. Other risk factors included topical steroid use and irregular ocular surface due to epithelial bullae. The mean ulcer size was 17.55 ± 13.99 mm 2 . More than 80% of isolates were sensitive to chloramphenicol, gentamicin, and colistin. Nine (90%) cases healed on medical management within 56.55 ± 26.74 days (range 9-120 d), although almost all required adjunctive procedures: tissue adhesive application (n = 6) and/or tarsorrhaphy (n = 4). One case with a near total infiltrate had a mixed infection with Kocuria kristinae requiring therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. One case developed endophthalmitis and phthisis after the corneal infiltrate resolved. E. cloacae keratitis is a rare clinical entity seen more often in immunocompromised host conditions such as failed corneal transplants with concomitant topical steroids. Most cases healed with medical management.

Occurrence of emerging multiresistant pathogens in the production chain of artisanal goat coalho cheese in Brazil

Sanitary-hygienic failures in cheese making can pose health risks to consumers. This study aimed to identify multiresistant pathogens in different production stages of artisanal goat coalho cheese in Brazil and characterize their phenotypic and genotypic resistance. Eleven properties in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, participated in the study. Samples were obtained from different stages of production and the humans involved. The samples obtained were submitted to microbiological culture, then all the isolated microorganisms were submitted to the Matrix Associated Laser Desorption-Ionization - Time of Flight technique for the microbiological identification of the species. Subsequently, Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp. and Macrococcus caseolyticus were subjected to polymerase chain reaction to search for resistance genes and disc diffusion technique to evaluate the resistance profile. A total of 111 isolates were obtained and 31 species were identified, with the frequency of Staphylococcus spp. (62.20%; 69/111), Enterococcus spp. (11.60%; 13/111), Macrococcus caseolyticus (10%; 11/111), Bacillus spp. (3.60%; 4/111), Enterobacter spp. (3.60%; 4/111), Aureobasidium pullulans (1.80%; 2/111), Corynebacterium camporealensis (1.80%; 2/111), Issatchenkia occidentalis (1.80%; 2/111), Kocuria kristinae (1.80%; 2/111), Aerococcus viridans (0.90%; 1/111) and Filifactor villosus (0.90%; 1/111). Phenotypic and genotypic resistance was also detected with the occurrence of 15.90% (7/44) of the mecA gene, 4% (1/25) vanA, and 4% (1/25) vanB in Staphylococcus spp. and 20% (2/10) vanB in and Enterococcus spp. Emerging multiresistant pathogens are present in the production chain of artisanal goat cheese and humans, who exert an important role in disseminating these bacteria with imminent risks to human health.

Biochemical Profile and Antimicrobial Activity of an Herbal-Based Formula and Its Potential Application in Cosmetic Industry

Microbial infections, and especially microbial resistance, are critical and actual problems that require targeted and efficient therapeutic intervention. Natural-based solutions are a viable alternative, at least for complementary therapy, due to few or no side effects and high safety and efficacy levels. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the potential use of a patented formula based on Achillea millefolium, Origanum vulgare, and Lychnis coronaria species as an antibacterial ingredient, mainly for skin and mucosal infections, in order to support its pharmaco-cosmetic application. The chemical composition of the formula was analyzed by HPLC and spectrophotometric methods. Furthermore, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity were evaluated. To determine the formula’s safety for topical application, it was used on a reconstructed human epidermal model. The formula showed inhibitory activity on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively, moderate inhibition on B. cereus, Kocuria kristinae, P. aeurginosa, S. enterica Typhimurium, methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensible S. aureus, as well as high inhibition on S. epidermidis, Serratia marescens, and Streptococcus pyogenes. The developed product was biochemically characterized for its content in polyphenols, triterpenes, and polyphenol carboxylic acids. The formula was proven to have a nonirritant effect on the human epidermis and important antioxidant activity.

Evaluating bacterial resistance to antimicrobials in isolated bacteria from food contact surfaces

Bacteria isolated from food contact surfaces, can transfer resistance factors when exposed to pressure exerted by inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to evaluate bacterial resistance against antibiotics and disinfectants commonly used (NaOCl and CH3COOH) in bacteria isolated from food contact surfaces. Additionally, using PCR, the presence of tetracycline resistance genes was evaluated. Results showed that 47% of the isolates exhibit resistance against more than one antibiotic, being Tetracycline the antibiotic that most isolates were resistant to (35.3%). A PCR analysis found that the tet M gene is the most frequent of the genes tested. Likewise, it was evidenced that although NaOCl is effective as a surface disinfectant, Aerococcus urinae and Kocuria kristinae isolates could resist up to 10 min of exposure. Likewise, all isolates were resistant to CH3COOH, demonstrating the low inhibitory capacity of this disinfectant. Finally, the observed correlation between resistance to antibiotics and resistance to disinfectants is confirmed. An important factor that should be studied since the generalized use of disinfectants can increase the spectrum of antibiotic resistance.

Pneumonia due to Kocuria kristinae in patient with severe chronic pulmonary obstructive disease: first case in Europe

article: Pneumonia due to Kocuria kristinae in patient with severe chronic pulmonary obstructive disease: first case in Europe - Minerva Respiratory Medicine 2021 December;60(4):160-1 - Minerva Medica - Journals