Kocuria Kristinae Research Articles

Isolation and characterization of phosphate solubilizing bacteria in saline soil from Costal Region of Odisha

The present study was conducted to isolate phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) from rhizospheric saline soils of coastal Odisha, India and evaluated their phosphate solubilizing ability. Total four PSB were isolated based on the halo zone formation (solubilizing index 2.63-3.14) on PVK agar medium and were characterized based on biochemical and molecular characteristics as Bacillus subtilis (B1), B. megaterium (B2), Sphingomonas paucimobilis (P2) and Kocuria kristinae (P6). The inorganic phosphate released by PSB ranged from 18.532 to 38.250µg/ml with decreasing the pH PVK broth up to 3.9. Acid phosphatase activity for PSB were recorded 84.237-98.658µmol/min. Glucose was found to be the best carbon source for B. subtilis, Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Kocuria kristinae whereas mannitol for B. megaterium. Optimum acid phosphatase activity was observed for all the four PSB isolates in presence of ammonium sulphate as nitrogen source in PVK broth at 30oC and pH 7.0.

Isolation and Identification of Staphylococcus Spp. and Gram Negative in Meningitis Patients

Introduction: Meningitis is known as a disease that Infect the central nervous system (CNS), it is mainly caused by bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites that cause disease and death, bacterial infections constitute the highest percentage of the other species, with (56.6%) and viruses (30.2%). Aim: The present study aimed to isolate bacteria cause meningitis and identify these bacteria. Materials and Methods: A total 248 clinical samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from meningitis patients were collected, for the period of July to October 2018. From the Child Protection Teaching Hospital in the Medical City Complex in Baghdad. All clinical samples were collected and cultured on blood agar, chocholate agar and MacConkey agar or 24 hours. All isolates were identificated depending on macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical tests (Oxidase, Catalase, Gelatinase, Haemolysin, growth coagulase for Staphylococcus spp.) and (Voges-Proskauer, Methyl red, Indol, Citrate, Urase, Kliglar, Catalase, Oxidase, for Gram negative bacteria) and definite with Vitek-2 compact. Results: The results of the study showed growth of 42 samples, 7/16(44%) S. epidermidis, 3/16(19%) S. hominis, 3/16(19%) S.haemolyticus, 2/16(12%) S.aureus, 1/16(6%) S.warneri. Whereas the Gram negative bacteria include, 1(2%) isolate of Pseudomonas putida, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and 2(4%) isolates Burkholderia cepacia and Acinetobacter baumannii, and 19(45%) isolates were others (Enterococcus faecium, streptococcus thoraltensis, Kocuria kristinae, Leclerciaade carboxylata, Rothiadent ocariosa, Globicatella sulfidifaciens, Pantoea spp., Pantoeaag glomerans). Conclusion: Various species of bacteria appeared but Gram positive Staphylococcus spp. was more predominant.

Fogging With Peracetic Acid in Schools and Kindergartens

Disinfection is a key element in controlling infections. Fogging, also known as fumigation, is one of the most effective chemical disinfection methods. Peracetic acid (PAA) is a powerful oxidant with bactericidal and fungicidal properties. The aim of this study is to determine the type of bacteria and fungi present in educational institutions and whether disinfection by PAA fumigation in these institutions is also effective and useful, as demonstrated previously in healthcare centers. This study was carried out in five kindergartens and five primary schools in Bialystok, Poland. Three rooms have been selected in each of these educational institutions, and the disinfection was carried out in 30 rooms in total. Fogging with PAA was performed in selected rooms. Before and after disinfection, samples were collected from four surfaces: walls, tables, doors, and chair backs. Most frequently detected microorganisms in schools and kindergartens were Micrococcus luteus (M. luteus), Staphylococcus warneri (S. warneri), Paracoccus yeei (P. yeei), Staphylococcus hominis ssp. hominis (S. hominis), Kocuria rhizophila (K. rhizophila), Kocuria rosea (K. rosea). In addition, Staphylococcus haemolyticus (S. haemolyticus), Acinetobacter lwoffii (A. lwoffii), Kocuria kristinae (K. kristinae), Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis (L. lactis) were the most prevalent in kindergartens, whereas Kytococcus sedentarius (K. sedentarius) was the most prevalent in schools. Comparison of the bacterial flora of schools and kindergartens showed statistically significant differences in the prevalence of bacteria on different surfaces. A significant decrease in the number of colonies after disinfection was observed on all surfaces (p < 0.05). In addition, the calculated effectiveness of disinfection was 99.7% in kindergartens and 99.3% in schools. The results indicate that fogging of PAA is a highly effective method of surface disinfection in kindergartens and schools.

The Effect of Storage Time on the Growth of Microorganisms in Pasteurized and Unpasteurized Donor Human Milk in a Tertiary Hospital in Davao City: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Donor Human Milk (DHM) is the recommended food of infants whenever mom’s own milk (MOM) is not available. However, due to the pathogenic microbiological component of DHM, concerns on the safety of the milk are inevitable. Objective: To determine the effect of storage time on the microbial growth of pasteurized and unpasteurized Donor Human Milk maintained at a constant temperature of -20°C. Methodology: This is a Quasi-experimental Research done in the Newborn Care Unit (NCU) and Bacteriology Section of a private tertiary hospital in Davao City. The effect of storage time to the microbial growth of pasteurized and unpasteurized DHM was determined using Friedman Test 2-way Analysis of Variance by Ranks. Pairwise comparison of microbial growth between pasteurized and unpasteurized DHM at different storage times was determined using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Baseline DHM samples had moderately heavy bacterial growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis. There was a decrease from moderately heavy to light growth of the same species in the 24-hour storage time for both pasteurized and unpasteurized DHM. Pasteurized DHM did not have any microbial isolates at 48h, 72h, 4w, 8w and 12w while unpasteurized DHM had Acinetobacter baumanii, Staphylococcus warneri, Kocuria kristinae, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus growths. The analysis revealed that there is a statistically significant difference in the microbial growth in both pasteurized and unpasteurized DHM samples when stored at different times, χ2 (6) = 28.457, p = 0.00. Conclusions: Storage time significantly interacts with the microbial growth on both pasteurized and unpasteurized DHM samples. Therefore, microbial growth in DHM samples may be affected by the length of time stored at a constant temperature of -20°C. Pasteurized DHM samples when stored at -20°C for more than 48 hours resulted to a statistically reduced microbial growth.

Natural Pigments Production by Local Bacterial Isolates for Use as Antibacterial and Antioxidant

Among 46 local bacterial isolates capable synthetized pigments, 26% produced extracellular of blue green and fluorescent whereas 74% produced intra-cellular pigments of red, brown, yellow, orange, and rose. Seven isolates were selected as a potential candidate for the synthesis of pigments. They were Pseudomonas fluoresces, P. aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Azotobacter chroococcum, Micrococcus kristinae, M. luteus, and M. roseus after their morphological and biochemical studies. They capable to produce fluorescent, blue green, red, brown, orange, yellow, and rose with maximum absorbance at 400, 520, 530, 320, 440, 460, and 470 nm, with an optical density of 0.62, 1.42,1.35, 1.11, 0.45, 0.98, and 0.40, respectively. Antibacterial activity of pigments was studied against 7 bacterial pathogenic strains namely P. aeruginosa ATCC27853, Escherichia coli 0157h7 ATCC25922, Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC00607, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC25566, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC19115, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC29737, and Bacillus cereus ATCC33018. The last tested strain behaved high significant (p≤ 0.05) sensitivity for blue green, fluorescent, brown, and rose pigments while, L. monocytogenes ATCC19115 was more susceptible for red, and yellow pigments and S. aureus ATCC29737 had more inhibited by orange pigment. These bacterial pigments seemed to have antioxidant activity which inhibited the formation of diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals with percentage ranged from 40 % to 80 %. It could therefore be stated that the bacterial pigments tested had a broad impact on foodborne pathogens and had an antioxidant effect

MILKING ANTISEPTICS AGAINST BACTERIA MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT BOVINE MASTITIS

This work aims to verify the in vitro action of antiseptics used in the pre- and post-dipping against multidrug-resistant bacteria from bovine mastitis. Antiseptic solutions in the concentration of use of iodine, chlorhexidine and sodium hypochlorite were tested against Staphylococcus aureus (n=12), Staphylococcus sciuri (n=1), Staphylococcus lentus (n=1), Streptococcus sp. (n=1), Enterococcus faecalis (n=1), Enterococcus casseliflavus (n=1), Kocuria kristinae (n=2), Kocuria varians (n=1). Was verified the Minimal Inhibitory and Bactericidal Concentration. The cytotoxicity test complemented the work. It was found that the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration of the iodine, sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine was effective in the values recommended for use, however the presence of organic material reduced the activity of the tested products. Chlorhexidine showed higher efficiency of the other disinfectants.

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Kocuria Kristinae&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Meningitis and Cranial Nerve Palsies Secondary to Sphenoid Sinusitis: About a Case

Kocuria spp, previously classified as the members of Micrococcacae family, was rarely reported as a human pathogen. <i>Kocuria Kristinae</i> could cause invasive infections of large variety of tissues in patients of any age. We report the first case of meningitis with sixth and third nerve palsies secondary to sphenoid sinusitis caused by <i>Kocuria Kristinae</i> in a previously healthy 13 year-old boy. In effect, his cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed a cloudy appearance of the CSF, white blood cells count was 600 cells/µl (polymorphs 90% and 10% lymphocytes), red blood cells count was 200 cells/µl, protein level was elevated at 5.3 g/l and glucose level was low at 0.1 mmol/l. The direct examination showed positive-gram diplococci. The patient was initially treated with intravenous cefotaxim and vancomycin. The CSF culture was positive for gram-positive diplococci, which was identified as <i>Kocuria kristinae</i>. The meningitis was characterized by insidious evolution and persistent very low CSF glucose level. It was difficult to diagnose the sphenoid sinusitis because it is not accessible to direct clinical examination. It was diagnosed after the occurrence of a complication due to its anatomical location and proximity to the intracranial and orbital content. At day 5, the patient had remarkable resolution of symptoms. Complete recovery of cranial nerve palsy was noted at day 8. The aim of this case report is to present the first isolation of <i>Kocuria Kristinae</i> from cerebrospinal fluid sample and describe the clinical presentation and management outcomes.

Is it really Kocuria kristinae?

Is it really Kocuria kristinae?

Effects of NaCl and ethanol stresses on γ-aminobutyric acid synthesis in Kocuria kristinae

Kocuria kristinae, one of the dominant strains in Kedong sufu, can generate γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). NaCl and ethanol are added to sufu for preservation. This study aims to reveal the effects of NaCl and ethanol stresses on GABA synthesis in K. kristinae. The results suggested that high GABA production was obtained by adding 6% NaCl at the mid-exponential growth phase and 3% ethanol at the late exponential growth phase. Two GABA synthesis pathways were observed, including a new GABA synthesis pathway. Under NaCl stress, genes were upregulated by 1.46- to 3.67-fold in two synthesis pathways of GABA. Under ethanol stress, genes were upregulated by 1.20- to 6.39-fold in two synthesis pathways of GABA, except for speG and MAO. However, their corresponding metabolites were downregulated by 1.02- to 7.69-fold. The changes in genes and metabolites in the carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism pathways and in membrane transport suggested that different metabolic strategies were used to cope with NaCl and ethanol stresses in K. kristinae. The molecular mechanism in improving the production of GABA by NaCl and ethanol stresses was shown in K. kristinae. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of GABA-enriched sufu by NaCl and ethanol stresses.

Conventional and Molecular Identification of Culturable Airborne Bacteria

Bacteria isolated from the environment during the present study were representative of normal microflora of the skin, respiratory and urinary tracts; it also includes some soil and water-borne pathogenic and nonpathogenic genera. Six samples from different locations were studied for bacterial investigation. Among 14 isolates obtained, 13 were Gram positive, and the rest one was Gram negative. Out of 13 Gram positive isolates, 12 were round-shaped non spore forming and were identified as Planococcus citreus, Stomatococcus mucilaginosus, Kocuria kristinae, Micrococcus agilis (2), Kytococcus sedentarius (2), Micrococcus luteus, Micrococcus lylae and M. roseus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and rod-shaped non spore forming identified as Renibacterium salmoninarum. The Gram-negative bacteria was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Other than provisional identification, two isolates (JG 40 and SG 49) were further confirmed through molecular characterization on the basis of 16Sr RNA gene sequence analysis as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa repectively. Spearman’s correlation showed that air temperature and wind speed negatively correlated with the bacterial abundance. It is clear that none of the samples containing airborne pathogens collected was safe for human health due to presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Many were human pathogenic as well as food poisoning microorganisms.&#x0D; Plant Tissue Cult. &amp; Biotech. 30(1): 15-25, 2020 (June)

Pathogenicity of aerobic bacteria isolated from honeybees (Apis mellifera) in Ordu Province

The honeybee (Apis mellifera) is an important pollinator insect. Any pathogenic infection in this beneficial insect is undesirable. In this study, bacterial diversity in beehives was investigated to determine the potential of pathogenic bacteria in honeybees. To do this, bacterial isolations were carried out from dead and diseased adult bees collected from 9 districts in Ordu Province in Turkey.Twenty species of pathogenic bacteria, 18 of which were nonsporeforming Staphylococcus lentus, Klebsiella oxytoca, Citrobacter freundii, Leucanostoc mesenteroides ssp. cremoris, Kocuria rosea, Kocuria kristinae, Sphingomonas paucimobilis slashline, Burkholderia cepacia, Leucanostoc mesenteroides ssp. dextranicum,Hafnia alvei, Escherichia coli, Aeromonas salmonicida, Citrobacter braakii, Pantoea agglomerans, Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus lugdunesis and Staphylococcus vitulinus and 2 sporeforming Bacillus licheniformis and Paenibacillus polymyxa, were isolated and identified from the honeybees. The infectivity of these bacteria were also documented with bioassay experiments on the healthy bees.The highest insecticidal effectwas determinedwith Bacillus licheniformis (84%), Escherichia coli (84%), and Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (80%) on the adult honeybees.This result confirms that the honeybee contains a very large number of bacterial species and that the majority of them are pathogenic for the species in Turkey. In addition, some of the entomopathogenic bacteria used for biological control can have negative impact on this economically important insect.

Bacterial contamination of intravitreal needles by the ocular surface microbiome

PurposeThe ocular surface microbiota are recognised as one of causative microorganisms in post-procedural endophthalmitis but in many cases the vitreous tap is culture negative. This study investigated bacterial contamination of intravitreal (IVT) needles using multiple approaches covering culturing, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MethodsIVT needles were obtained immediately after injection from patients undergoing treatment for predominantly age-related macular degeneration. Eighteen needles were analysed by culturing on chocolate blood agar. In addition, 40 needles were analysed by extracting DNA and paired-end sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Sequences were quality filtered (USEARCH), taxonomically classified (SILVA) and contaminant filtered (DECONTAM). Nine needles were analysed by either FISH using the bacterial probe EUB338 or SEM. ResultsUsing culturing, three bacteria were identified from 5 of 18 needles (28%) - Kocuria kristinae, Staphylococcus hominis and Sphingomonas paucimobilis. The negative control needles showed no growth. Following rigorous data filtering, bacterial community analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed the presence of predominantly Corynebacterium but also Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Sphingomonas, Staphylococcus and Bacillus on the needles. Cocci-shaped cells in a tetrad formation were observed using FISH, while SEM images showed cocci-shaped bacteria in pairs and irregular tetrads. ConclusionsThe study showed evidence for a large diversity of bacteria on IVT needles and visually confirmed their adherence. The diversity was similar to that found on the ocular surface and in conjunctival tissue. This suggests the risk of exogenous endophthalmitis remains even with sterilization of the conjunctival surface.

Terfezia claveryi and Terfezia boudieri extracts: An antimicrobial and molecular assay on clinical isolates associated with eye infections

Background: Ocular infections are capable of spreading to different anatomical sites of the eyes and, if not appropriately treated, can lead to blindness. The emergence of difficult to treat microbial infections has led to the search of alternatives from natural sources. Objectives: The antimicrobial effects of Terfezia claveryi and Terfezia boudieri (T. boudieri) against bacteria isolates associated with eye infections and their molecular mechanism were investigated. Materials and Methods: Crude aqueous and methanolic extracts, including fractions of chloroform, petroleum, and ethyl acetate of T. claveryi and T. boudieri, were used for the investigation. Bacterial isolation and identification were carried out using basic microbiological and biochemical techniques. scanning electron microscopy.(SEM) and molecular docking were used to adduce possible antimicrobial mechanism of these extracts and their fractions. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, Serratia odorifera, Serratia liquefaciens, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, Proteus mirabililis, Kocuria kristinae, Kocuria rosea, and Micrococcus luteus were isolated from patients with ocular infections. Results: Isolates were resistant to benzylpenicillin (78.0%), rifampicin (57.0%), tetracycline (56.0%), clindamycin (33.3%), and tigecycline (24.0%). Furthermore, the percentage resistance to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin was 13.0% each. All isolates were susceptible to extracts/fractions of T. claveryi and T. boudieri. Docking analysis showed binding with surface protein Sortase A of Staphylococcus aureus, indicating that stigmasterol, the active compound in both Terfezia species, interacted with valine amino acid 110. SEM imaging showed morphological alterations in treated isolated Staphylococcal species. Conclusion: Therefore, extracts of both Terfezia species have demonstrated the potential to possess antibacterial activity, which can be further exploited for clinical use.

Decolorization of Azo Dyes using Dried Biomass of Bacillus cereus RC1 and Kocuria kristinae RC3

Decolorization of Azo Dyes using Dried Biomass of Bacillus cereus RC1 and Kocuria kristinae RC3

Kocuria kristinae: an emerging pathogen in medical practice.

Introduction. Kocuria kristinae is becoming a growing public health challenge, especially for its ability to cause infections in immunocompromised patients. This bacterium is a Gram+coccus, catalase+, coagulase, and it is a common inhabitant of skin and oral mucosa.Aim. To investigate the spectrum of infections caused by K. K ristinae.Methodology. Between January-March 2018, we carried out a systematic search in PubMed utilizing the key search term 'Kocuria kristinae'. The selection criteria for studies were studies reporting cases of human infections due to K. kristinae, case-control and cohort studies and studies published in English or Spanish.Results. The literature search yielded 48 publications: after title, abstract and full-text analysis, 20 papers were consistent with the selection criteria. These studies were carried out in the period 2001-2017 in the USA, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Ukraine, Egypt, Bahrain, Serbia, India, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Mexico. K. kristinae was involved in 17 cases of central venous catheter-related bacteremia, four infective endocarditis, three acute peritonitis, one abdominal abscess, umbilical sepsis, acute cholecystitis and urinary tract infection. Additionally, K. kristinae was found in 40 % of carious cavities, although it is not clear whether they are directly involved in the development of caries. Antibiotic susceptibility testing has sometimes revealed multi-drug resistance.Conclusions. The clinical spectrum of K. kristinae infections has recently widened. The increasing spread of this underestimated bacterium and its resistance to antibiotics represent a new challenge for public health, which requires specific actions to limit it.

Rare case report of infective endocarditis due to Kocuria kristinae in a patient with ventricular septal defect

BackgroundInfective endocarditis (IE) is an uncommon but life-threatening infection. It is commonly associated with diseased or damaged valves. Patients with congenital heart disease are more prone to getting IE than the general population. The typical organisms that cause IE include Staphylococcus , Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Streptococcus viridians and Enterococci. However, the importance of rare micro-organisms like Kocuria kristinae should not be underestimated especially when isolated from multiple blood cultures in patients suspected of IE.Case presentationWe report a rare case of right-sided infective endocarditis due to K. kristinae in a young non-diabetic, non-addict female of low socioeconomic class who presented with undiagnosed fever for 1 year. She was investigated and treated for fever by several general practitioners without relief. Later on, she was diagnosed by a local cardiologist to have perimembranous ventricular septal defect with a small pulmonary valve vegetation. She was referred to a tertiary care cardiac hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan for further management. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography confirmed IE secondary to preexisting congenital heart disease complicated with a small pulmonary vegetation. Her blood cultures yielded growth of K. kristanae, a rare micro-organism to cause IE. The patient responded to the antibiotic therapy.Conclusion Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for K. kristanae IE as a possible cause of a prolonged fever especially in the presence of congenital heart disease. Antibiotic susceptibility is required for adequate therapy.

Potential of five non-spore-forming bacteria, originated from the European cockchafer, Melolontha melolontha (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), on three economic insect pests

Five non-spore-forming bacteria were isolated from the European cockchafer, Melolontha melolontha (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Their potential was tested against the three economic insect pests, the great spruce bark beetle, Dendroctonus micans Kugelann (Coleoptera: Curculionidae); the pine processionary, Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae); and the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (Linn.) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), to find an effective biological control agent. All isolated bacteria were cultured and identified using VITEK bacterial identification systems and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The bacteria were identified as Enterobacter cloacae complex (isolate 1M), Serratia marcescens (isolate 3M), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (isolate 4M), Kocuria kristinae (isolate 5M), and Serratia liquefaciens (isolate 8M). Laboratory experiments, carried out to evaluate the virulence of these isolates, showed that all isolated bacteria had a pathogenic effect on the tested pests. E. cloacae had 35, 56.7, and 84%; S. marcescens 50, 60.9, and 47.8%; P. aeruginosa 55, 69.6, and 48%; K. kristinae 40, 43.5, and 16%; and S. liquefaciens 45, 65.2, and 36% mortality rates on the larvae of D. micans, T. pityocampa, and L. dispar, respectively. The isolated bacteria can be considered in integrated pest control programs.

Contrasting diversity of vaginal lactobacilli among the females of Northeast India

BackgroundLactobacilli are gatekeepers of vaginal ecosystem impeding growth of pathogenic microbes and their diversity varies across populations worldwide. The present study investigated diversity of human vaginal microbiota among females of Northeast India, who are distinct in dietary habits, lifestyle, and genomic composition from rest of India.ResultsAltogether, 154 bacterial isolates were obtained from vaginal swab samples of 40 pregnant and 29 non-pregnant females. The samples were sequenced for 16 s rRNA gene and analysed for identification using a dual approach of homology search and maximum likelihood based clustering. Molecular identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequence confirmed the isolates belonging to 31 species. Lactobacilli constituted 37.7% of the bacterial isolates with 10 species and other Lactic Acid Bacteria (39.61%) represented another 10 species, some of which are opportunistic pathogens. The remaining of the communities are mostly dominated by species of Staphylococcus (14.28%) and rarely by Propionibacterium avidum (3.90%), Bacillus subtilis, Escherchia coli, Janthinobacterium lividum, and Kocuria kristinae (each 0.64%). Interestingly Lactobacillus mucosae and Enterococcus faecalis, which are globally uncommon vaginal microbes is found dominant among women of Northeast India. This tentatively reflects adaptability of particular Lactobacillus species, in distinct population, to better compete for receptors and nutrients in vaginal epithelium than other species. Further, intrageneric 16S rRNA gene exchange was observed among Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, and two species of Lactobacillus, and deep intraspecies divergence among L. mucosae, which pinpointed possibility of emergence of new strains with evolved functionality. Lactobacilli percentage decreased from young pregnant to aged non-pregnant women with maximum colonization in trimester II.ConclusionThe study highlighted importance of assessment of vaginal microbiota, Lactobacillus in particular, across different population to gain more insight on female health.

Discovery and evaluation on the antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of a novel antifungalmycin N2 produced from Streptomyces sp. strain N2

Antifungalmycin N2 (3-methyl-3,5-amino-4-vinyl-2-pyrone, C6H7O2N) was a novel metabolite produced from Streptomyces sp. strain N2, and the present study aimed to evaluate its antibacterial and cytotoxic properties. By using Oxford cup method, the obtained results revealed that antifungalmycin N2 exhibited a significant antibacterial activity against the pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Micrococcus kristinae, especially the Gram-positive S. aureus. Meanwhile, the MTT assay showed that antifungalmycin N2 could exert a marked inhibitory action on tumor cell lines, such as the cell lines of BEL-7402 (human hepatocellular carcinoma), Hela (human cervical carcinoma), HCT116 (human colon cancer), and SW620 (human colon cancer). And the IC50 values antifungalmycin N2 against the above cell lines ranged from 11.23 to 15.37 μg/mL. In conclusion, the antibacterial and cytotoxic activities suggested that the novel antifungalmycin N2 was a promising active structure to be developed as new drug for treating infectious diseases and cancers.

Rare actinobacteria: a potential source of bioactive polyketides and peptides.

Polyketides and peptides obtained from actinobacteria are important therapeutic compounds which include front line antibiotics and anticancer drugs. Many screening programs are directed towards isolation of bioactive compounds from these organisms but the chances of finding novel antimicrobial leads among common actinobacteria are fast dwindling. As a result, the focus has shifted to the members of less exploited genera of rare actinobacteria. Three isolates, MMS8, MMS16 and KCR3 found to be potent polyketide and peptide producers were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and their sequences deposited in the GenBank under the accession numbers MG407702, MG372012 and MG430204 respectively. MMS8 identified as Micromonospora auratinigra, yielded one potent compound determined to be chloroanthraquinone with an minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8µg/ml against Bacillus subtilis and an IC50 value of 10µg/ml and 4μg/ml against HeLa and IMR cell lines respectively. This is the first report of the production of chloroanthraquinone by M. auratinigra. MMS16, identified as a member of the family Micromonosporaceae, yielded a potent compound MMS16B analyzed to be a novel bafilomycin analogue. The MIC of the compound was found to be 7μg/ml against B.subtilis and IC50 value against HeLa and IMR was observed to be 9μg/ml and 14μg/ml respectively. MMS16B was also found to exhibit anti-quorum sensing (AQS) activity at sublethal concentrations. KCR3 identified as Kocuria kristinae yielded a novel antimicrobial peptide with antibacterial, antifungal and AQS activity. To the best of our knowledge, no antimicrobial activity has ever been reported from K. kristinae.