Microbiological Examination Research Articles

Bidens sulphurea and Tanacetum vulgare L. extracts against Staphylococcus spp. mecA positive in pregnant women

The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of aqueous extracts of Bidens sulphurea and Tanacetum vulgare L. against Staphylococcus spp. methicillin-resistant (mecA) isolates from the vaginal microbiota of pregnant women. Fifteen isolates of Staphylococcus spp. with the presence of the mecA gene, from the vaginal swabs of pregnant women, aged between 16 and 38 years, who underwent microbiological examination during the first trimester of pregnancy. The aqueous extracts of B. sulphurea and Tanacetum vulgare L. were obtained by infusion, as recommended by popular use, and then, the chemical identification of the extracts was performed by gas chromatography. The antibacterial activity of plant extracts was performed by the method of microdilution in broth. B. sulphurea extract had as major compounds: custonolide (8.06%), Isohumulene (6.19%), artemetin (21,13%), β-sitosterol (28.68%), phytol (7.36%) e 7,8-epoxylanostan-11-ol, 3-acetoxy- (7.09%). T. vulgare extract presented as the majority artemetin (13.38%), verrucarol (13.27%) and phytol (11.93%), ergosterol (5.43%), ethyl iso-allocholate (6.95%), 7,8-epoxylanostan-11-ol, 3-acetoxy- (14,46%), lycopene, 1,1',2,2'-tetrahydro-1,1'-dimethoxy-, all-trans (7.09%) e 9,19-cyclochloestene-3,7-diol, 4,14-dimethyl-, 3-acetate (8.58%). The isolates tested against aqueous extracts of B. sulphurea and T. vulgare L., obtained minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 1.17mg/mL and 37.5mg/mL, minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of B. sulphurea varied between 75mg/mL and 150mg/mL, on the other hand, T. vulgare L. MBC had lower values ranging from 9.37mg/mL to 150mg/mL. It was confirmed the bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity of the tested extracts against isolates that have the mecA resistance gene, and it is possible to attest that these extracts are a therapeutic alternative.

Shellfish Meat Safety on the Montenegro Coast

Exploitation of natural resources of the marine ecosystem to feed a growing human population has led to the possibility of their application in the future. In order to solve this problem, mariculture develops and the create adequate conditions for the breeding of marine organisms which are using in human nutrition and one of them are shellfish known as nutritionally valuable food. Microflora of marine organisms, and therefore shells largely depends on environmental factors such as time of the year, temperature of the sea water etc. This work was focused on growing shells on the Montenegrin coast, and a special emphasis was put on placing health-safe shells on the Montenegrin food market. In addition to meat shells, physical and chemical parameters of sea water were studied: water temperature, salinity, oxygen saturation, pH, transparency, nitrate concentration, Examination of these parameters is related to the period of one year. The own results of the microbiological examination of the samples of shellfish sampled in six production zones in April according to presence of Escherichia coli in the value of ˂18 MPN – (Most Probably Number) per 100 g of meat and intra-shell liquid, which means that shellfish in general at the Montenegrin coasts satisfy and meet microbiological criteria in view of the presence of Escherichia coli. When its own results compare with the results of the SVL (Specialist Veterinary Laboratory) for the same time in each zone, it can be determined that the results match, thus confirming the accuracy of the test results shown.

Investigating the impact of nanoplastics in altering the efficacy of clarithromycin antibiotics through In vitro studies

Plastics have significant global implications due to their environmental contamination from extensive use and improper disposal. Among plastic particles, nanoplastics (<1 μm) pose notable risks to organisms and ecosystems due to their high surface area, reactivity, and potential to carry environmental pollutants. This study explores the interaction between polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) and clarithromycin (CLA), a broad-spectrum antibiotic, focusing on their combined impact on insulin (INS) and antibiotic-resistant (AMR) bacteria. PSNPs can adsorb CLA, leading to structural changes in insulin and affecting its physiological functions, potentially causing insulin resistance. Additionally, PSNPs reduce CLA's inhibitory effects on pathogenic bacteria, facilitating antibiotic resistance. Our research utilized UV–Vis Spectroscopy, FTIR, Fluorescence spectroscopy, and Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy to assess INS structural changes, alongside the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method for microbiological examination. The findings highlight the synergistic and antagonistic effects of PSNPs and CLA, underscoring the enhanced toxicity of CLA when adsorbed onto PSNPs and the complex interactions affecting both human health and bacterial resistance. Further studies are essential to fully understand these mechanisms and their broader implications.

Microbiological examination of ready-to-eat cow hide (Ponmo) sold by street vendors in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Microbiological examination of ready-to-eat cow hide (Ponmo) sold by street vendors in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Indicators of Microbiological Examination of Periodontal Pockets in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Based on Materials from the National Center for Maternal and Child Health

An analysis of the microbial flora in the periodontal spaces of children with autism spectrum disorders was carried out based on the materials of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of the National Center for Maternal and Child Health for the period 2020-2022. A comparative analysis of the microbial flora of periodontal pockets shows positive dynamics of the proposed algorithm for providing dental care to children with autism spectrum disorders compared to the generally accepted traditional method (p&lt;0.05).

Etiology of nosocomial infections and antibiotic resistance (level of antibiotic resistance) of identified pathogens in patients with traumatic chest injuries

Background. Chest injuries and wounds are common during armed conflicts, with frequent nosocomial infections and mortality up to 35-45% [1-4]. Infectious complications associated with multidrug-resistant microorganisms are an urgent issue in the management of patients with trauma. Aim. To conduct a retrospective review of the main causative agents of infectious complications in patients with traumatic chest injuries and evaluate antibiotic resistance of isolated pathogens. Materials and methods. Samples for microbiological examination were obtained from 160 patients with chest trauma and nosocomial complications. The samples included sputum, pleural fluid, bronchial washings obtained by fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and tracheal secretions. Antibacterial susceptibility tests were performed, and the antibiotic resistance mechanisms in isolated microorganisms were determined. Results. Gram-negative pathogens accounted for 93% of cases. The following organisms prevailed: Klebsiella pneumoniae – 42%, Acinetobacter baumannii – 28%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa – 18%, Escherichia coli – 9%. Of note, 91.4% of K. pneumoniae strains produced extended-spectrum β-lactamases and carbapenemases. The percentage of multidrug-resistant and pandrug-resistant strains was 48.2% and 52%, respectively. Conclusion. The data obtained indicate a wide spread of gram-negative microorganisms and their multiple resistance in patients with traumatic breast injuries complicated by nosocomial infection.

Investigations on the Health Status and Infection Risk of Harbour Seals (Phoca vitulina) from Waters of the Lower Saxon Wadden Sea, Germany.

Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) are the most common pinniped species in the Wadden Sea of Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg and Lower Saxony, Germany. Their numbers have recovered after significant depletion due to viral outbreaks and effects of anthropogenic activities like pollution and habitat disturbance. Within the Wadden Sea National Park of Lower Saxony the harbour seal is protected. As a top predator in the Wadden Sea ecosystem, the harbour seal is a sentinel species for the state of the environment. Between 2015 and 2017, a total of 80 stranded dead harbour seals were collected along the coastline of Lower Saxony and submitted for pathological investigations. Of these, 70 seals were born in the same year (0-7 months, age group 1) and eight in the previous year (8-19 months, age group 2), due to high mortality rates in these age groups. However, two perennial animals were also available for examination during this period, one of which was in good nutritional condition. Many of the seals that had been mercy-killed and found dead were in poor nutritional status. Histopathological, microbiological, parasitological and virological examinations were conducted on 69 individuals (86% (69/80)) in a suitable state of preservation. Respiratory tract parasitosis, cachexia, and bronchopneumonia were the most common causes of death or disease. Overall, there was no evidence of a relapse of a viral disease outbreak. Macrowaste, such as plastic waste or fishery-related debris, were not found in any gastrointestinal tract of the animals examined. There was also no evidence of grey seal predation. Weakness and cachexia were prominent causes of disease and death in harbour seals found within a few weeks after birth, but bronchopneumonia and septicaemia also developed in slightly older animals. Frequently found microbial pathogens in seals from Lower Saxony were similar to those found in other studies on seals from the Wadden Sea region in Schleswig-Holstein, for example streptococci and Escherichia coli/v. haemolytica, Brucella spp. and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, potentially human pathogenic germs. The results of the examinations of dead harbour seals from Lower Saxony show that pathological investigations on a representative number of animals deliver urgently needed information on the health status of the population. The results represent an important contribution to the state of the top predators of the Wadden Sea as part of the obligations within the Trilateral Wadden Sea Agreement, Oslo and Paris Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR) and the Marine Framework Directive. The investigations should be continued as a matter of urgency and the stranding network should be expanded.

Diagnostic Utility of Canine C-Reactive Protein, Haptoglobin, and 25-Hydroxyvitamin-D in Dogs with Nasal Cavity Disease

In this prospective blinded study, canine C-reactive protein (c-CRP), haptoglobin (HPT), and 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (25(OH)D) were investigated for their diagnostic value in 55 dogs with nasal cavity disease (ND). After comprehensive diagnostics including a culture-dependent microbiological examination (ME) of nasal swabs, 17 dogs were excluded due to additionally detected systemic diseases or steroid pre-treatment. Included were 25 dogs with malignant ND (13 carcinomas and 12 sarcomas) and 30 dogs with benign ND (7 benign tumors, 13 idiopathic rhinitis (IR), and 10 others), as well as 10 controls. In none of the 72 dogs with ND was primary bacterial rhinitis diagnosed. Although within the reference interval, compared to the controls, c-CRP was significantly higher in dogs with ND in general and in every subgroup except for benign tumors. Serum HPT concentrations were not different among groups. Compared to the controls, 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly lower (p = 0.041) in malignant ND and sarcomas (p = 0.025). Despite pre-treatment with antibiotics (40/54; 74.1%), in 23/51 (45%) dogs, the ME was positive. Cultivated bacteria did not differ significantly between nasal diseases. The serum markers were not significantly different regarding the positivity of ME. In conclusion, the investigated serum markers were not clinically useful for the reliable detection of canine ND, as was the ME. Because of the low number of dogs with IR and positive or negative ME, further studies regarding c-CRP are needed in a larger group of IR dogs without concomitant diseases to reliably evaluate its utility in IR dogs with suspected secondary bacterial nasal infection.

Successful treatment of Keratitis caused by Mycobacterium chelonae and an overview of previous cases in Europe

Introduction and purposeMycobacterium (M.) chelonae is responsible for a half of relatively rare nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) keratitis. We report a case of M. chelonae keratitis in a woman following sclerocorneal suture extraction after cataract surgery.ResultsA 70-year-old woman presented with a red eye and corneal infiltration of her left eye six weeks following sclerocorneal suture extraction after an elective cataract surgery in another institute. She complained of a sharp, cutting pain and photophobia. Since initial corneal scrapes and conjunctival swabs proved no pathogen using culture and PCR methods, non-specific antibiotics and antifungal agents were administered. As keratitis was complicated by an inflammation in the anterior chamber and vitreous, samples of the vitreous fluid were sent for microbiologic examination. DNA of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was repeatedly detected. Since the intrastromal abscess had formed, corneal re-scrapings were performed and M. chelonae was detected using culture, MALDI-TOF MS and PCR methods. Therapy was changed to a combination of oral and topical clarithromycin, intravitreal, topical and intracameral amikacin, and oral and topical moxifloxacin. The successful therapy led to stabilization. The optical penetrating keratoplasty was performed and no signs of the infection recurrence were found.ConclusionsThe diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacterial keratitis is difficult and often delayed. An aggressive and prolonged antimicrobial therapy should include systemic and topical antibiotics. Surgical intervention in the form of corneal transplantation may be required in the active and nonresponsive infection. In the presented case this was necessary for visual rehabilitation due to scarring.

Disinfectants efficacy in reducing pathogens related to health-care infection associated in universities hospitals of Gorgan, North of Iran

BackgroundDisinfection has a fundamental role in the control of pathogens in the hospital environment. This study was designed to assess the efficacy and functional impact of disinfectants in reducing pathogens related to healthcare associated infections (HAIs) in hospitals.MethodsThis observation study was conducted at three university hospitals in Gorgan, Iran, from May to Oct 2023. The data including used disinfectants and microbiological examination were obtained from the infection control unit of each hospital.ResultsThe results showed that a variety of disinfectants from intermediate to high levels were employed in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) protocols. The microbial result revealed that 31.6% (286 out of 906) of the sample had at least one microorganism. Among identified organisms, Bacillus spp. were the predominant species followed by Staphylococcus epidermis, fungus genera, Enterobacter spp., Enterococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, Alcaligenes spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter spp., Corynebacterium spp., Klebsiella spp., Acinetobacter spp., Micrococcus spp., Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Serratias spp. The highest prevalence rates of microorganisms were observed in the wards of ICU, emergency, internal medicine, and women’s ward. The chi-square test revealed a significant relationship between the presence of organisms and hospital wards (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe presence of pathogens indicates a defect in the disinfection process, probably due to both little attention to disinfection protocols and multidrug resistance. It is not yet possible to eliminate pathogens from the hospital environment, but it can be minimized by education intervention, standardizing disinfecting processes, and monitoring by the infection control committee.

Mucormycotic late seroma after Poland syndrome correction with implant-enhanced latissimus dorsi flap – A case report

Introduction. Breast malformation correction with implants is a com-mon procedure, and a potential complication is the development of a late seroma, defined as occurring more than one year post-implan-tation. Etiologies include infectious, auto-inflammatory, and neoplastic factors. This case report presents an unusual case of seroma due to mycosis emerging 15 years after amastia correction using a latissimus dorsi flap (LD) and implants. Materials and methods. In 2006, a 44-year-old patient underwent amastia correction with an LD flap and implants in Ecuador. She pre-sented with sudden breast volume increase, tension, and pain in the left breast. Urgent intervention involved implant removal, collection evacuation, and total capsulectomy. Cytological/histological analysis ruled out neoplasia, while microbiological examination identified Muco-rales as the cause. After an uneventful postoperative period, a definitive breast prosthesis was implanted two years later, following ultrasound evaluation and inflammation indices. Discussion. Mucorales are opportunistic pathogens, particularly in im-munocompromised or uncontrolled diabetes patients, causing infections in sinuses, brain, and lungs. Mucormycosis linked to breast implants in immunocompetent individuals is rare and poorly defined in literature. Conclusions. Late seroma onset post-breast implants is rare, and a prompt differential diagnosis is crucial due to potential malignancies like BIA-ALCL. Mucormycosis, a potentially lethal condition, requires medical and sometimes surgical intervention. The incidental discovery of Mucorales infection facilitated complete eradication of the patholo-gy, resulting in full recovery.

Expression of CD14+CD282+, CD14+CD284+, CD14+HLA-DR+, CD14+CD11b+ receptors and sIgA level in premature infants with K. pneumoniae

K. pneumoniae is one of the leading microorganisms causing nosocomial infections among premature newborns. The ineffectiveness of immune defense, morphofunctional immaturity, length of hospitalization and invasive procedures create the prerequisites for the implementation of the infectious process in a hospital setting. The question of the reasons for the development of infection, the etiological agent of which colonizes the intestines, remains open. Purpose of the study: to evaluate the expression of CD14+CD282+, CD14+CD284+, CD14+HLA-DR+, and CD14+CD11b+ receptors on blood monocytes and the level of sIgA in coprofiltrates in premature infants with intestinal colonization by K. pneumonia with different genetic profiles. We examined 11 children with the uge gene (group 1), 20 newborns with the uge + fim genes (group 2), and 12 children with the kfu + uge + fim genes. Microbiological examination of feces included identification and antibiotic sensitivity of microorganisms. Detection of the uge, fim and kfu genes in K. pneumoniae strains was carried out by PCR. The expression level of monocyte activation markers was determined by flow cytometry. Gestational age and anthropometric parameters did not differ between newborns. Children identified with the fim gene in combination with other genes were more often discharged home with K. pneumoniae than with the uge gene. In these children, a decrease in the level of expression of CD14+CD282+, CD14+CD284+, CD14+CD11b+, CD14+HLA-DR+ receptors at birth and upon reaching postconceptional age, and a low sIgA content in coprofiltrates during 24 days of life were recorded. Thus, a decrease in the expression of CD14+CD282+, CD14+CD284+, CD14+CD282+ and CD14+HLA-DR+ receptors by blood monocytes and insufficiency of sIgA production in the large intestine determine a long period of colonization of K. pneumoniae strains with the presence of the fim gene in combination with other genes (from 15 to 180 days), as well as the possibility of Klebsiella infection occurring in subsequent periods of the child’s life. Much more often, children with the combination of genes uge + fim and kfu + uge + fim were discharged from the hospital with a diagnosis of anemia; only in these groups of children was the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia recorded.

A novel method for equine embryo transfer from contaminated recipient mares into second healthy recipients for surviving embryos

Embryo transfer (ET) is regarded as one of the reproductive methods for genetic improvement initiatives in the horse business. The current study aimed to increase the success rate of ET by re-flushing and re-transferring of embryos from contaminated recipient mares into second healthy recipients. The study involved 25 recipient mares that demonstrated embryonic vesicles inside intraluminal fluid (ILF) on ultrasound scanning 2 ± 0.5 days after ET. Seven recipient mares were left without re-flushing and re-transferring of embryos (control group) and 18 recipient mares (treated group) were subjected to re-flushing and re-transferring of the embryos to second healthy and prepared recipients. The retrieved fluid from treated mares was subjected to microbiological and cytological examinations. The results revealed mixed and single infections, as well as polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). The total bacterial count and cytology findings revealed that all first recipient mares had endometritis. All control mares showed embryonic death at 14 ± 1.1 days (13–15 days) of embryonic age. In treated group, microscopic evaluation of retrieved embryos revealed a well-developed thick capsule in 12/18 (66.7 %) of them and a normal capsule in 6/18 (33.3 %). The pregnancy rate in well-developed capsule embryos was greater (66.7 %) than in typical capsule embryos (33.3 %). This study illustrates the value of swabbing the uterus of the recipient mares during estrus prior to ET and their checking at 2 days after ET. In addition to boosting pregnancy rates in ET commercial programs, our novel method can protect the embryos from the harmful effects of the inflammatory process and help them survive.

Zonulin — effective biomarker for the diagnosis of intestinal lesions in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in COVID‑19

The SARS‑CoV‑2 virus mainly attacks the respiratory system, but can also affect several organs, in particular, causing gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain in the early stages of the disease. Intestinal dysfunction leads to a change in intestinal microorganisms and an increase in the content of inflammatory cytokines. Liver dysfunction is also relatively common in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19). Objective — to investigate the efficacy of zonulin in determining intestinal damage in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with COVID‑19. Materials and methods. The study included 76 patients with non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who had complaints indicating intestinal disorders during the outpatient stage of follow‑up after ­COVID‑19. From the anamnesis, it was found that all examined patients had a confirmed diagnosis of infection with SARS‑CoV‑2 virus. All patients had a mostly mild course of COVID‑19, which did not require hospitalization. Patients with NAFLD were divided into two groups depending on defecation violation: group I — 36 patients who, after an acute respiratory infection caused by the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus, developed periodic diarrhea (on average, in (38.7±5.2) days after a negative PCR result for SARS‑CoV‑2 virus); group II — 40 patients with constipation, which began to bother on average in (86.9±7.4) days after a negative PCR result. The control group included 20 practically healthy individuals. The level of zonulin was determined in blood serum and faeces by enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay. Patients underwent faecal culture to assess the quantitative and qualitative composition of the colon microflora. Results. During the anthropometric examination, overweight and first‑degree obesity were detected more frequently in patients of both groups: overweight was diagnosed most frequently in patients of group I (38.9%) and first‑degree obesity in patients of group II (35.0%). The microbiological examination of faeces in both groups of patients revealed a decrease in the number of bifidus and lactobacilli, as well as Enterococcus and E. coli with normal enzymatic properties. In group I patients, Citrobacter and Staphylococcus were statistically significantly (p &lt;0.05) more often detected in increased concentrations in faeces, whereas in group II patients Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Clostridium were detected (p &lt;0.05). Significant changes were found in the analysis of zonulin levels in both serum and faeces in patients with NAFLD after COVID‑19. Serum zonulin levels in patients of group I increased 6.5‑fold, and in patients of group II—8.6‑fold (p &lt;0.001). An increase in the concentration of zonulin in the faeces was also detected — by 7.5 and 9.7 times, respectively (p &lt;0.001). A correlation was established between the level of zonulin in both blood serum and faeces and a decrease in the number of bifidus and lactobacilli in faeces in patients of both groups. Also, a strong correlation was found between the number of Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Clostridium and a medium intensity correlation between the number of Staphylococcus in the faeces in patients of group ІІ. In patients of group І, a correlation was found between the number of Staphylococcus and Citrobacter. The level of zonulin (both in blood serum and faeces) directly depended on changes in body mass index in the patients we examined, namely, overweight in patients of group І and obesity of the first degree in patients of group ІІ. Conclusions. In patients with NAFLD after COVID19, changes in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the colon microflora were found in the intestinal lesions, including a decrease in the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, as well as an increase in the content of Staphylococcus and Citrobacter in the faeces in patients with predominant diarrhoea and Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Clostridium in patients with predominant constipation. An increase in the level of zonulin in the blood serum and faeces in patients with NAFLD after ­COVID‑19 was detected. A more pronounced deviation from the norm was found in patients of group ІІ (with complaints of constipation). A direct correlation was established between the level of zonulin in the blood serum and faeces and changes in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the colon microflora, as well as an increase in body mass index in patients with NAFLD after ­COVID‑19.

Retrospective clinical and microbiologic analysis of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the microbiological diagnosis of cutaneous infectious granulomas

BackgroundCutaneous infectious granulomas (CIG) are localized and chronic skin infection caused by a variety of pathogens such as protozoans, bacteria, worms, viruses and fungi. The diagnosis of CIG is difficult because microbiological examination shows low sensitivity and the histomorphological findings of CIG caused by different pathogens are commonly difficult to be distinguished.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to explore the application of mNGS in tissue sample testing for CIG cases, and to compare mNGS with traditional microbiological methods by evaluating sensitivity and specificity.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study at the Department of Dermatology of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University from January 1st, 2020, to May 31st, 2024. Specimens from CIG patients with a clinical presentation of cutaneous infection that was supported by histological examination were retrospectively enrolled. Specimens were delivered to be tested for microbiological examinations and mNGS.ResultsOur data show that mNGS detected Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, fungi and bacteria in CIG. Compared to culture, mNGS showed a higher positive rate (80.77% vs. 57.7%) with high sensitivity rate (100%) and negative predictive value (100%). In addition, mNGS can detect more pathogens in one sample and can be used to detect variable samples including the samples of paraffin-embedded tissue with shorter detective time. Of the 21 patients who showed clinical improvement within a 30-day follow-up, eighteen had their treatments adjusted, including fifteen who continued treatment based on the results of mNGS.ConclusionsmNGS could provide a potentially rapid and effective alternative detection method for diagnosis of cutaneous infectious granulomas and mNGS results may affect the clinical prognosis resulting from enabling the patients to initiate timely treatment.

Metagenomic analysis of atheroma plaques for identification of microorganisms indicates presence of Toxoplasma gondii as a possible etiological agent

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Vital organs like the heart are affected by the occlusion of blood vessels due to atherosclerotic plaque formation. However, the role of infectious agents has always been an essential subject of investigation. This study investigated the presence of microorganisms, including nanobacteria, in atherosclerotic plaques removed from human carotid arteries by microbiological and metagenomic examination. MethodsAtheroma plaque samples were obtained from 20 patients with carotid artery stenosis who had atherectomy by surgery or percutaneous intervention. Nanobacteria were grown by culturing homogenates of the atheroma plaques. Whole genome sequencing was done for samples. Because of the high percentage of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) DNA, PCR investigation was applied to detect T. gondii DNA in the samples. ResultsA molecular analysis of nanobacteria revealed them to be made of human proteins, supporting the theory that they are not living organisms. According to sequencing results, samples showed that more than 50 % of the metagenomic sequences belonged to Toxoplasma gondii. PCR investigation indicated that T. gondii DNA was positive in 8 (40 %) of 20 plaques. ConclusionsFurther evidence regarding the role of T. gondii in the etiology of plaque formation may help determine the strategy for prevention and treatment of infections in preventing atheroma plaque formation in the future.

Associations between Fetal Symptoms during Pregnancy and Neonatal Clinical Complications with Toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitism transmitted by Toxoplasma gondii, part of the TORCH complex, the most prevalent parasitism worldwide. It is asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals but causes severe infections and developmental abnormalities in pregnant women, mainly affecting the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal system. In our prospective study, we analyzed cases of recent maternal Toxoplasma infections confirmed by serological testing between 1996 and 2020 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University. Amniocentesis, followed by PCR, was performed in cases of recent infection confirmed by serological testing during pregnancy. After birth, a neonatological, microbiological, pediatric neurological and ophthalmological examination and a follow-up was carried out. During the study period, a total of 238 cases of amniotic fluid Toxoplasma PCR testing due to Toxoplasma recent infection were performed. In terms of pregnancies, there were 219 deliveries and seven abortions. Twelve cases had no data available on the outcome of the pregnancy. In total, 133 cases of ultrasound abnormalities were detected during pregnancy, while in 105 cases, no abnormalities were detected on ultrasound examination. During amniocentesis, eight cases of Toxoplasma infection were revealed in amniotic fluid samples by PCR, and in 230 cases, the result was negative. Neonatal follow-up was performed in 139 cases, with no abnormalities during follow-up in 117 cases, and in 22 cases, there was a detectable complication that was likely to be related to Toxoplasma infection. In all 22 cases, amniotic fluid PCR Toxoplasma testing was negative. The most common ultrasound abnormalities involve the nervous system and the gastrointestinal system. In cases of suspicion, it is recommended to perform amniocentesis Toxoplasma PCR testing besides the indirect methods to help the pregnant woman decide whether to carry the pregnancy to term. During follow-up, a multidisciplinary team experienced in pregnancies complicated by toxoplasmosis must carry out the follow-up, care and subsequent development.

A case of treatment of chronic constrictive pericarditis of tuberculous etiology

An observation from practice is given tuberculous constrictive pericarditis, which has been occurring for a long time with symptoms of polyserositis without identifying of etiology. The recurrent course of the disease, the constant accumulation of effusion in the abdominal and pleural cavities was the basis for the diagnosis: "compressive pericarditis complicated by calcification of unknown genesis and of constant patronage of cardiologists. Considering the tuberculous process suffered more than 10 years ago, to exclude the tuberculous etiology of polyserositis, the patient underwent pericardial resection. According to the results of microbiological examination of the surgical material, the tuberculous nature of pericarditis was established, however, according to the results of histological examination, no foci of necrosis and granuloma elements were found. The clinical case demonstrates the complexity of the diagnosis of tuberculous constrictive pericarditis with the phenomena of pronounced polyserositis, which was detected only as a result of diagnostic surgery: partial excision of the pericardium.

The effect of organic fruit juices on physicochemical, microbiological and antioxidative aspects of organic goat's and cow's fermented whey beverages produced on laboratory and industrial scale

Fermented milk beverages have been known for years and are characterized by excellent health-promoting properties. Therefore, consumer attention has been drawn to this product type in recent years. In the presented research, the technology of production in laboratory and industrial scale of controlled fermentation of whey beverages containing sweet and sour organic cow's or goat's whey with the addition of organic fruit juices (apple, blackcurrant juice or Kamchatka berry), has been described. Food production on a laboratory scale involves small batch processes designed for experimentation and refinement, often with precise control over variables and conditions. In contrast, industrial-scale food production in enterprises focuses on large volume output with an emphasis on efficiency, consistency, and adherence to regulatory standards for mass consumption. In this study was examined the amino acid content and nutritional value of the obtained products. Tests were carried out on fermented whey drinks' microbiology and antioxidant properties. The significance was determined using an ANOVA (ANOVA)-each prepared drink was characterized by better antioxidant properties and nutritional values compared with product without juice addition. Microbiological examination proved that only one product was not fit for consumption according to the Polish norm. Using whey (goat and cow) as a base for a fermented beverage with enhanced health benefits is a positive step toward using products commonly regarded as waste.

The Presence of Lactobacillus spp. and its Effect on the Occurrence of Other Microorganisms in the Reproductive Tract of Polish Women.

Disorders of the vaginal microbiota can lead to many complications and affect fertility. This study evaluates the role of Lactobacillus in the vagina and its impact on the incidence of colonization by pathogenic microorganisms, analyzing the results of 1,039 women of reproductive age (18-49 years) who underwent a microbiological examination of the reproductive tract in 2020. Samples were examined by microscopy, culture, and NAAT. As the number of Lactobacillus increases, the chance of developing symptoms decreases. In fact, it has been shown that the higher the number of Lactobacillus spp. the less frequently Gardnerella vaginalis and Streptococcus group B are observed. As the concentration of Lactobacillus spp. increases by one category, the risk of G. vaginalis after adjustment to age and pH decreases by 80% (p < 0.001). Similarly, the correlation between Lactobacillus spp. and vaginal pH was shown. After adjustment to age, the odds of prevalence pH > 4.5 for people with Lactobacillus category higher 1 is 76% lower.