Lawn Culture Research Articles

DETECTION OF BACTERIOPHAGES AGAINST ESKAPE GROUP OF NOSOCOMIAL PATHOGENS FROM GANGA RIVER WATER DURING COMMUNITY BATH AT VARIOUS RITUALS: SINCE 2013–2019

Introduction: Several species of bacterial contaminants are at the high level in river Ganga water but question arises that, why Ganga water is not spoiled even left for long time and answer is a presence of biological components including bacteriophage and bioactive component such as nanoparticles. Objective: In the present study our aim was to detect bacteriophages of resistant microbes such as ESKAPE group of nosocomial and S. Typhi. from different Ganga water samples collected on different rituals. Material & Methods: This study started since 2013 and completed in 2020. As per study design water sample from different places (Prayagraj, Mirzapur and Varanasi) and sites were collected. A total 210 strains (30 each) of Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Acinetobacter baumanii (A. baumannii), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Escherichia coli (E. coli) ( Called as ESKAPE group) and additionally S. Typhi were identified from the in 500 clinical samples. These identified strains were processed for their biochemical test microscopy and antibiotic sensitivity for its conformation. Confirmed ESKAPE and S. Typhi strains were used for lawn culture. The bacteriophages were isolated from the collected Ganga water samples by using the double layer agar assay method. Results and Discussion: Bacteriophages were observed in the form of plaques on the bacterial lawn culture. Among 210 strains (30 each) of E. faecium, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, E. coli and S. Typhi total 52 phages were detected in the form of plaques on the bacterial lawn culture. Maximum no of phage sensitivity were identified with E. coli (13) then in S. aureus (11). Eight phages of ware specific to S. Typhi and seven were specific to P. aeruginosa and how ever in six phages are specific to K. pneumoniae and E. faecium. Minimum no of phage sensitivity were identified with A. baumanii (1). Conclusion: Our study concludes that Ganga water is a huge source of above detected bacteriophages among all possible natural sources with full of diversity. This is development of a phage bank, which will be useful for bacteriophage therapy in near future.

Isolation and identification of free-living amoeba from the hot springs and beaches of the Caspian Sea

Free-living amoeba (FLA) such as Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Balamuthia, and Vermamoeba have been identified from both natural and human-made environments such as Hot springs and spa. Naegleria fowleri causes Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), while Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia cause chronic granulomatous encephalitis. Acanthamoeba also can cause cutaneous lesions and Amoebic Keratitis (AK) that is associated with contact lens use or corneal trauma. FLA are known to serve as host of and vehicles for diverse intracellular organisms. This study aimed was to identify the presence of FLA in the hot springs and beaches of the Caspian Sea in Ramsar tourist town located in the northern part of Iran. Water samples were collected in sterile bottles and were transferred to the laboratory. One litre of each sample passed through the nitrocellulose membrane filter. Each filter insert was then placed in non-nutrient agar plates already seeded with lawn culture of Escherichia coli. Positive samples were analyzed by morphological keys and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using 18S rDNA gene and ITS region to identify amoeba isolates. A total of 81 water sampled were tasted. After identified using the morphological key and PCR assay, 54 (66.6%) of the samples were positive for FLA. Ten of the samples were identified as Acanthamoeba (belong to T3, T4, and T5 genotypes), three as Vermamoeba vermiformis, four as Naegleria (3 N.australiensis and 1 N.grubery). Only one sample was positive Vahlkampfia. The presence of thermotolerant FLA in the Hot springs and beaches of the Caspian Sea as places for recreational purposes or wellness may be a potential health risk.

In vitro comparison of efficacy of triclosan coated & uncoated sutures against the bacteria isolated from SSI at tertiary care hospital, Aurangabad

Most common Health Care Associated Infections (HAI) are Urinary tract infection (UTI)33%,Pneumonia – 15%, Surgical Site Infections (SSI) – 15%, Blood stream infections – 13%, & other miscellaneous infections – 24%. SSI is defined as infection at the surgical site that occurs within 30 days of the surgical procedure or within one year – if there is an implant or foreign body such as prosthetic heart valve or joint prosthesis. Wound infections are always multifactorial. Risk factors for SSI include co-morbidity, malnutrition, nicotine, suture and implanted foreign material. SSI increases morbidity & mortality in post surgical patients, & also increases hospital stay, it affects quality of life and increases financial burden to healthcare system. It may lead to major complications such as sepsis and death. Patient related risk factors are smoking, obesity and diabetes. Skin preparation with antiseptic and preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis for clean-contaminated and contaminated surgery have proved efficient for decreasing SSI. Sutures in contaminated tissues may enhance penetration of micro organisms in deeper tissues & biofilm formation and this may protect organisms from host defence mechanism. One of the risk factors is the foreign material which includes suture. Commonly isolated pathogens from SSI are Staphylococcus aureus, CONS, Enterococcus species, E.coli & resistant pathogens like MRSA & candida (due to widespread use of broad spectrum anti-microbial agents.) In this study we have compared in vitro efficacy of triclosan coated polyglactin 910 suture with non – coated sutures against common bacteria isolated from SSI.We have randomly selected the strains of MRSA, MRCONS, Staphylococcus hemolyticus, E. Coli, Klebsiella, & Acinetobacter species isolated from clinical samples of SSI. These isolates were tested against triclosan coated & non coated sutures which are commercially available. Similar length of (4cm) of sutures cut & tested for zone of inhibition on lawn culture made on Muller Hinton Agar (MHA) by using 0.5 McFarland standard of above strains by touching 4 to 5 colonies of each bacterium. It is incubated overnight at 37C & examined for zone of inhibition. zone of inhibition of coated & uncoated sutures has been measured & compared for each strain.In vitro,triclosan coated sutures showed good antibacterial activity than non coated sutures & hence triclosan coated sutures may help in reducing bacterial SSI rate and thus reduce cost & duration of hospital stay for the patient.

Evaluation of antibacterial efficacy and healing with cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive after periodontal flap surgery

Surgical pocket therapy entails raising a mucoperiosteal flap in order to carry out effective debridement so as to eliminate periodontal pockets and result in a healthy periodontium. Braided silk is the most commonly used suture material following periodontal flap surgery. Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives are slowly gaining popularity as wound closure agents. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the antibacterial and healing properties of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives following periodontal flap surgery. METHODS: Patients undergoing full mouth periodontal flap surgery were randomly selected for placement of cyanoacrylates or silk sutures using split mouth study design. Wound healing was evaluated at 1 week using Early Wound Healing Index. Supragingival pooled plaque samples were collected for analysis of total bacterial count at 1week follow up using lawn cultures in blood agar. Pain and burning sensation with cyanoacrylates during and post surgery was recorded using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Silk sutures showed improved wound healing when compared with cyanoacrylates. However, use of cyanoacrylates resulted in reduced bacterial colony counts thereby exhibiting antibacterial properties. Enhanced patient compliance was noted with cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives. SIGNIFICANCE: Cyanoacrylates can be used as an alternative to silk sutures for periodontal wound closure. KEY WORDS: Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive, silk sutures, antibacterial efficacy, wound healing

Activity of homoeopathic drug sulphur with different potencies on lawn culture of escherichia coli and candida albicans – topically an in-vitro evaluation

Activity of homoeopathic drug sulphur with different potencies on lawn culture of escherichia coli and candida albicans – topically an in-vitro evaluation

Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Silver, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans

Objective: To determine the antimicrobial efficacy of silver, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans. Material and Methods: Serial dilution method was employed for preparing 1%, 0.5%, 0.25% concentrations of the three test compounds. ATCC 25175 strain of streptococcus mutans was used to assess the antimicrobial activity of test compounds. Equal quantity of BHI broth was dispensed in test tubes containing sectioned tooth and to this the prepared bacterial inoculum was added. Prepared concentrations of test compounds were added accordingly and incubated for 24hrs at 37 0 C. Then, the sectioned tooth was removed and the adherent bacteria were transferred into saline solution by vortexing. These suspensions were transferred onto sterile blood agar plate to make lawn culture and were further incubated at 37 0 C for 24hrs to determine viable bacterial count. The number of colonies were counted manually from each plate and recorded for further analysis. Decrease in number of colonies represents the effective concentration of the test compound against the inhibition of biofilm formation. Results: A significant difference in the colony forming units among all three concentrations of silver (Ag), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) and zinc (ZnO) nanoparticles was noted and the antimicrobial effect of nanoparticles was concentration dependent. Inter group comparison of colony forming units with 1%, 0.5% and 0.25% of the test compound revealed that the colony forming units on the ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated highest value followed by TiO 2 and the least were with that of the Ag nano particles. Conclusion: Silver, Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide showed significant antimicrobial effects and the antimicrobial effect of nanoparticles was concentration dependent.

Effects of Inoculation Procedures on Variability and Repeatability of Salmonella Thermal Resistance in Wheat Flour

Limited prior research has shown that inoculation methods affect thermal resistance of Salmonella in low-moisture foods; however, these effects and their repeatability have not been systematically quantified. Consequently, method variability across studies limits utility of individual data sets and cross-study comparisons. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effects of inoculation methodologies on stability and thermal resistance of Salmonella in a low-moisture food (wheat flour), and the repeatability of those results, based on data generated by two independent laboratories. The experimental design consisted of a cross-laboratory comparison, both conducting isothermal Salmonella inactivation studies in wheat flour (~0.45 water activity, 80°C), utilizing five different inoculation methods: (i) broth-based liquid inoculum, (ii) lawn-based liquid inoculum, (iii) lawn-based pelletized inoculum, (iv) direct harvest of lawn culture with wheat flour, and (v) fomite transfer of a lawn culture. Inoculated wheat flour was equilibrated ~5 days to ~0.45 water activity and then was subjected to isothermal treatment (80°C) in aluminum test cells. Results indicated that inoculation method impacted repeatability, population stability, and inactivation kinetics (α = 0.05), regardless of laboratory. Salmonella inoculated with the broth-based liquid inoculum method and the fomite transfer of a lawn culture method exhibited instability during equilibration. Lawn-based cultures resulted in stable populations prior to thermal treatment; however, the method using direct harvest of lawn culture with wheat flour yielded different D-values across the laboratories (α = 0.05), which was attributed to larger potential impact of operator variability. The lawn-based liquid inoculum and the lawn-based pelletized inoculum methods yielded stable inoculation levels and repeatable D-values (~250 and ~285 s, respectively). Also, inoculation level (3 to 8 log CFU/g) did not affect D-values (using the lawn-based liquid inoculum method). Overall, the results demonstrate that inoculation methods significantly affect Salmonella population kinetics and subsequent interpretation of thermal inactivation data for low-moisture foods.

First Cultivation of Health-Associated Tannerella sp. HOT-286 (BU063)

Despite significant advances in recent years in culture-independent molecular microbiology methods, the detailed study of individual bacterial species still relies on having pure cultures in the laboratory. Yet, more than a third of the approximately 700 bacterial taxa found in the human oral cavity are as yet uncultivated in vitro. One such taxon, Tannerella sp. HOT-286 (phylotype BU063), is the focus of much interest since it is associated with periodontal health, while Tannerella forsythia, its closest phylogenetic neighbor, is strongly associated with periodontal disease. HOT-286, however, has remained uncultivated despite the efforts of several research groups, spanning over a decade. The aim of this study was to cultivate Tannerella sp. HOT-286. A heavily diluted sample of subgingival plaque was inoculated onto culture plates supplemented with siderophores (pyoverdines-Fe complex or desferricoprogen) or a neat plaque suspension. After 8 d of anaerobic incubation, microcolonies and colonies showing satellitism were passaged onto fresh culture plates cross-streaked with potential helper strains or onto cellulose-acetate membranes placed over lawn cultures of helper strains. Subcultured colonies were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and purity was confirmed by sequencing 20 clones per library prepared from a single colony. Three colonies of interest (derived from pyoverdines- and plaque-supplemented plates) were identified as Tannerella sp. HOT-286. The isolates were found to be incapable of independent growth, requiring helpers such as Propionibacterium acnes and Prevotella intermedia for stimulation, with best growth on membranes over “helper” lawns. A representative isolate was subjected to phenotypic characterization and found to produce a range of glycosidic and proteolytic enzymes. Further comparison of this novel “periodontal health-associated” taxon with T. forsythia will be valuable in investigating virulence factors of the latter and possible health benefits of the former.

Penetration barrier contributes to bacterial biofilm-associated resistance against only select antibiotics, and exhibits genus-, strain- and antibiotic-specific differences.

Bacterial biofilms are implicated in a wide range of implant-based and chronic infections. These infections are often associated with adverse therapeutic outcomes, owing to the decreased antibiotic susceptibility of biofilms compared with their planktonic counterparts. This altered biofilm susceptibility has been attributed to multiple factors, including a reduced antibiotic penetration. Although several studies have addressed the role of penetration barrier in biofilm-associated drug resistance, it remains inconclusive. This study was done to elucidate antibiotic penetration through biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, using an agar disk diffusion assay. Penetration capacity of six antimicrobial drugs from different classes (β-lactams, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, phenicols, fluoroquinolones and glycopeptides) through biofilms formed by standard strains and clinical isolates from catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) was elucidated by measuring their growth-inhibition zones in lawn cultures on Mueller-Hinton agar, following diffusion of an antibiotic from an overlying disk through their biofilm to the agar medium. Penetration of only select antimicrobials (vancomycin and chloramphenicol) was hindered through biofilms. There was considerable variation in biofilm-permeating capacity depending upon the genus, strain/CRBSI isolate and antibiotic tested. Furthermore, antibiotics failed to kill the biofilm cells independent of penetration, indicating that other factors contributed substantially to biofilm resistance.

Density Distribution of Pharyngeal Carriage of Meningococcus in Healthy Young Adults: New Approaches to Studying the Epidemiology of Colonization and Vaccine Indirect Effects.

Improved understanding of Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) carriage biology and better methods for detection and quantification would facilitate studies of potential impact of new vaccines on colonization and transmission in adolescents. We performed plate cultures on 107 oropharyngeal swabs stored frozen in skim milk tryptone glucose glycerol (STGG) broth and previously positive for Nm. We compared quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) detection of Nm in 601 STGG-swabs with culture. Using qPCR (n = 87), a log-phase broth culture standard curve and semiquantitative plate cultures (n = 68), we measured density of carriage. We compared qPCR genogrouping of DNA extracts from STGG-swabs and from plate culture lawns (n = 110) with purified isolates (n = 80). Swab storage resulted in only 10% loss of culture sensitivity. Direct sodC qPCR Nm detection yielded more positives (87/601, 14.5%) than culture (80/601, 13.3%). Most samples (57/110) positive by culture were also positive by qPCR and vice versa, but discrepancies (single positives) were frequent among low-density samples. sodC qPCR was positive in 79/80 isolates but in only 65 by ctrA qPCR. Density both by culture and qPCR varied across 4 orders of magnitude with the majority being low (<50 bacteria-gene copies/mL) and a minority being high (>1000). Genogrouping qPCRs yielded more positive results when performed on DNA extracts from lawn cultures. We provide the first description of the distribution of Nm carriage density. This could be important for understanding transmission dynamics and population-level effectiveness of adolescent vaccine programs. Storage of swabs frozen in STGG for batched laboratory analysis facilitates carriage studies and direct sodC qPCR for Nm combined with qPCR genogrouping of lawn culture extracts provides accurate, detailed description of colonization.

The Formulation of Bacteriophage in a Semi Solid Preparation for Control of Propionibacterium acnes Growth.

AimsTo isolate and characterise phage which could lyse P. acnes and to formulate the phage into a delivery form for potential application in topical treatment of acne infection.Methods and ResultsUsing standard phage isolation techniques, ten phage capable of lysing P. acnes were isolated from human skin microflora. Their genomes showed high homology to previously reported P. acnes phage. These phage were formulated into cetomacrogol cream aqueous at a concentration of 2.5x108 PFU per gram, and shown to lyse underlying P. acnes cells grown as lawn cultures. These phage formulations remained active for at least 90 days when stored at four degrees Celsius in a light protected container.ConclusionsP. acnes phage formulated into cetomacrogol cream aqueous will lyse surrounding and underlying P. acnes bacteria, and are effective for at least 90 days if stored appropriately.Significance and Impact of the StudyThere are few reports of phage formulation into semi solid preparations for application as phage therapy. The formulation method described here could potentially be applied topically to treat human acne infections. The potential exists for this model to be extended to other phage applied to treat other bacterial skin infections.

Antifungal effect of green tea extracts on oral Candida species: An in vitro study

Background: Candida is one of the commensals housing the normal oral flora. Oral candidiasis is a common opportunistic infection caused by Candida species (Candida albicans being the most common one). Green tea is well-known for its various health benefits, and the literature reveals ongoing studies on the action mechanisms of green tea extract, in vitro and in vivo. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to assess antifungal effect of green tea extracts; if proven, could it be used in future as an adjunctive treatment modality for treating candidiasis. Materials and Methods: About 15 healthy volunteers with coated tongue were included for the study. Oral sample, from dorsum of the tongue was collected by commercially available pre-sterilized swabs. The material was inoculated into Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar; confirmed for the presence of Candida species. The sensitivity test was carried out on a lawn culture with 25% and 50% green tea extracts at 24 h and 48 h intervals. The antifungal activity was assessed. Distilled water was used as a control. Student’s paired t-test was used to assess the difference in inhibition effect between 25% and 50% of green tea extract solution. Results: Statistically significant increase in the zone of inhibition was noticed at both 25% and 50% concentration of green tea extracts when compared to control group, which did not show any zone of inhibition. Conclusion: Having shown antifungal effects, the green tea extracts may be considered in future as a therapeutic adjunct.

Prevalence of Naegleria fowleri in Environmental Samples from Northern Part of India.

Naegleria fowleri the causative agent of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, is ubiquitously distributed worldwide in various warm aquatic environments and soil habitats. The present study reports on the presence of Naegleria spp. in various water bodies present in Rohtak and Jhajjar district, of state Haryana, India. A total of 107 water reservoirs were screened from summer till autumn (2012 and 2013). In order to isolate Naegleria spp. from the collected water samples, the water samples were filtered and the trapped debris after processing were transferred to non-nutrient agar plates already seeded with lawn culture of Escherichia coli. Out of total 107 water samples, 43 (40%) samples were positive by culture for free living amoeba after incubation for 14 days at 37°C. To identify the isolates, the ITS1, 5.8SrDNA and ITS2 regions were targeted for PCR assay. Out of total 43 positive samples, 37 isolates were positive for Naegleria spp. using genus specific primers and the most frequently isolated species was Naegleria australiensis. Out of 37 Naegleria spp. positive isolates, 1 isolate was positive for Naegleria fowleri. The sequence analysis revealed that the Naegleria fowleri strain belonged to Type 2.

Antibacterial efficacy of Allium Cepa, P. Emblica and Zingiber officinale against E.Faecalis in comparison to sodium hypochlorite

Topic/ Aim: To determine whether fresh juices obtained from Allium cepa, P. emblica and Zingiber officinale have antibacterial activity against E. faecalis n comparison to sodium hypochlorite. Methodology: Agar plates were prepared using Mueller Hinton Agar and cultures were grown in BHI broth at 37 degrees centigrade. Lawn culture was carried out on Mueller Hinton Agar plates. Well diffusion method was used to derive the results. Wells were cut in agar plates which were 6 mm in diameter and 4 mm in depth. Then 50, 70, 90μl of fresh juice obtained from Allium cepa, P. emblica and Zingiber officinale was poured in the wells using a micropipette with sterile tips. Plates were incubated for 48 hrs at 37 degrees centigrade. Then agar plates without the culture but with wells containing 30μl fresh juices were also prepared as a negative control to confirm that the juices as well as the plates were free of contamination. Sodium hypochlorite was taken as a positive control. were also prepared as a negative control to confirm that the juices as well as the plates were free of contamination. Sodium hypochlorite was taken as a positive control. Result: results were calculated by measuring the zones of inhibition in mm. using a transparent ruler which were: P. emblica: 29mmZ. officinale:RA. cepa: 23mmSodium hypochlorite:25mm Further study is being conducted to prove it statistically by altering the volume of the various juices used. This study can open up new pathways in search of herbal alternatives that can be used against E faecalis that is known to cause endodontic treatment failure.

Is There a Preventive Role for Vernix Caseosa?: An Invitro Study.

Vernix caseosa is a naturally occurring substance covering the skin of the newborn babies. Chemical composition of Vernix caseosa has been studied. But the antibacterial properties have not been explored phenotypically. There has been only a few studies related to the properties of Vernix caseosa (VC) and most of them focused on deciphering the chemical nature of VC. These studies found that VC has enzymes such as lysozyme, cathelicidin, lactoferrin, defencins, etc, but no study has proved their presence phenotypically. To know the anti-bacterial and mechanical barrier properties of VC. A cross-sectional study done at Government Lady Goshen Hospital, Mangalore, India. Subjects- 63 healthy infants born by LSCS (Lower Segment Caesaren Section) (Confidence interval- 95%, Power- 90%). In lab, sterility of Vernix caseosa was determined. Lawn culture of S.aureus and E.coli on nutrient agar was done and wells were made in it. Vernix broth was prepared using Tween 80 and was put into the well. It was incubated overnight at 37°C and observed for area of Decreased Bacterial Growth (DBG) around the well. Filter papers impregnated with VC were used for testing for mechanical barrier properties. Data was entered in SPSS 12.0 version and analysed. The zone of inhibition (in mm) in case of bacterial growth was expressed as mean with standard deviation. Student's independent t-test was used to compare the means across the groups (males and females). There was no significant difference in the anti-bacterial property based on gender. DBG {mean (SD)} for E.coli and S.aureus was 18.06 mm (1.56) and 13.34 mm (1.94) respectively (p-value <0.000). Result for mechanical barrier was inconclusive due to limitations explained in the article. Vernix caseosa has antibacterial properties. But further studies are needed to explore the mechanical barrier properties against bacteria.

Prompt diagnosis and extraordinary survival from Naegleria fowleri meningitis: A rare case report

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare fatal meningitis caused by free living amoeba Naegleria fowleri, found in freshwater ponds and lakes. It infects children and young adults with exposure due to swimming or diving. We report a case of N. fowleri meningitis in a 6-year-old boy who presented with signs and symptoms of acute bacterial meningitis. No history of travelling or swimming was present. However, the boy frequently played with water stored from a "kuhl" (diversion channels of water). Wet mount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed amoeboid and actively motile flagellate forms of trophozoites. CSF culture done on 1.5% non-nutrient agar plates with a lawn culture of Escherichia coli kept at 37°C for 15 days did not reveal any growth. The test of flagellation on passing CSF in distilled water was however positive in 3 h. Water of the "kuhl" from the stored tank also showed actively motile trophozoites similar to the forms obtained from the CSF. Based on our reports, the boy was immediately treated with amphotericin B, rifampicin and fluconazole for 21 days. Repeat CSF examination after 14 days did not reveal any trophozoites in wet mount and patient was discharged after 3 weeks of successful treatment.

In vitro efficacy of triclosan coated polyglactin 910 suture against common bacterial pathogen causing surgical site infection

Surgical-site infections (SSIs) increase morbidity and mortality in post-surgical patients as well as represent an economic burden to healthcare systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-vitro efficacy of triclosan coated polyglactin 910 suture against the common bacteria isolated from post-operative wound infection. Our goal was to establish whether the use of a triclosan coated suture would reduce the incidence of microbial colonisation of suture material thus reducing the rate of surgical site infection. Similar length (4cm) of triclosan coated and uncoated sutures were put on the lawn culture made on Mueller Hinton agar by 0.5 McFarland standard suspensions prepared by touching 4-5 colonies of each bacterium isolated from post-operative wound infections. after overnight incubation at 37°C, the zone of inhibition around triclosan coated sutures was compared to the zone of inhibition that was found around uncoated sutures. among 271 (81.87%) positive cultures from 331 post-operative wound samples, the commonest bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (29.52%), followed by Escherichia coli (17.34%), Klebsiella spp. (15.13%), Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (9.96%), Pseudomonas spp. (9.22%), Proteus spp. (6.64%), Enterococcus spp. (5.53%), Citrobacter spp. (3.69%), and Acinetobacter spp. (2.95%). It was found that after overnight incubation at 37°C, a good zone of inhibition was present around triclosan coated sutures in all isolates except Pseudomonas spp. and Enterococcus spp. – but minimal or no such zone was seen around uncoated sutures. Triclosan coated suture showed good antibacterial activity in-vitro and may be assumed to significantly reduce the SSI rate, cost and duration of hospital stay as it is highly effective in-vitro against the common bacteria isolated from post-operative wound infection.

Study comparing the effectiveness of chlorhexidine, calcium hydroxide and linezolid based medicaments against enterococcus faecalis.

This study evaluated the efficacy of 2% chlorhexidine (CX), calcium hydroxide (CH), Vitapex® (VP), linezolid (LZ), a combination of LZ with CH (LC) against Enterococcus faecalis (EF). EF strains were mixed with peptone water and the turbidity was adjusted to the McFarland's turbidity standard tube No: 0.5. The inoculum obtained was used to make lawn cultures on the agar plates. A total of 30 agar plates were prepared, such that each plate had five wells containing the five medicaments. The plates were incubated and evaluated for zones of inhibition after intervals of 24 hours and 72 hours. The results were statistically evaluated by paired t-test, ANOVA and Post-hoc analysis using Tukey's HSD. The difference between values of the zones of inhibition around various medicaments after 24 hours and 72 hours was found to be statistically significant. A comparison between the five groups after 24 hours or 72 hours showed that each group differed significantly from the rest of the groups. LC had the greatest effectiveness against EF, followed by LZ, CX, VP and CH.

A Study on the AmpC Production Amongst the Urinary Enterobacteriaceae Isolates

A Study on the AmpC Production Amongst the Urinary Enterobacteriaceae Isolates

Lawn Control, Lawn Culture, and the Social Marketing of Sustainable Behaviors

Abstract A lawn is an alteration and physical control of a natural environment in the social and informational domain and can either facilitate or impede behavioral control over other members of the community. On the social level, the lawn's appearance bespeaks the personal values of the resident. Some believe that a person who keeps the lawn well groomed is a person who can be trusted. These perceptions are powerful social motivators and influence people's preferences. From the standpoint of a preference for lawns, it is a matter of aesthetics, personal taste, property values, and normative views of nature that drive people's choices and propagates and sustains the American lawn culture. In light of the growing ecological need to find viable alternatives to the chemically dependent lawns, the rationale for changing preferences and behavior modification need to be examined. But, the shifting of preference and attitudes toward conservation or sustainable behaviors often creates paradoxical and conflicting ...