Opportunistic Microorganisms Research Articles

High variability of microbial diversity from lampenflora of two bas-reliefs in the Pommery Champagne cellar

Pommery Champagne cellar has the originality to be in the underground of Reims city (NE - France) and has got monumental bas-reliefs carved in chalk walls. Bas-reliefs were illuminated for tourist visits and led to a lampenflora growth with different coloured areas which mar the beauty of the artworks. This study was focused on the characterization of the lampenflora of two bas-reliefs (named Fete de Bacchus and Silene) with the hypothesis that the different visual aspects of biofilms are associated to different phototrophic components. The goal was to control the proliferation of the lampenflora. Molecular analysis revealed distinct exogenous and opportunistic microorganisms in the two bas-reliefs though the bacteria:fungi ratio was remarkably constant. Pseudomonadota, Acidobacteriota, Bacteroidota and Actinomycetota were surprisingly dominant on Cyanobacteria. Bacchus had a higher microbial diversity than Silene. The different areas within Bacchus were composed of distinct communities while this was not the case for Silene. Phototrophs reflected specificity of each pit, Bacchus was mainly colonised by Chromochloris algae whereas Embryophyta and Stichococcus rather grew in Silene. The perspectives of this study are to propose a sustainable management of the cellar, notably the lighting strategy and visitor circuit, as well as preventive and curative treatments.

Uterine lavage microbiological composition of dairy subclinical endometritis

The article presents the data on the dairy cows’ uterine lavage microbial composition characteristics suffering from subclinical endometritis. Subclinical endometritis is accompanied by the normal microbiota composition changes in the cow uterus and the disease-causing and opportunistic microorganisms’ growth. To perform uterine contents lavage, polystyrene disposable pipettes connected to a 50 ml disposable syringe using a plastic adapter were used. Subclinical endometritis was diagnosed in 22 cows (17.19%). Sixty-one dairy cows out of 128 (47.66%) were healthy. Microorganisms of the Enterobacteriaceae family: E. coli, P. vulgaris, S. enteritidis, pathogenic streptococci: S. agalactiae, S. pyogenes and staphylococci: S. aureus, S. epidermidis were selected. The total microbial contamination of the lavage samples was 64.72±8.80 CFU/ml. The most common microorganisms were microorganisms of the Enterobacteriaceae family: E. coli, S. enteritidis and P. vulgaris with 2069 CFU /ml. Pathogenic streptococci amounted to 1989 CFU /ml and staphylococci to 1,579 CFU /ml.

МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ И БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ СУЩЕСТВОВАНИЯ BACILLUS ANTHRACIS В СРЕДЕ ОБИТАНИЯ

The article is devoted to the morphological and biological features of the existence of Bacillus anthracis in the environment. At present, the study of the existence of especially dangerous infections common to humans and animals remains an important and pressing problem. The paper presents studies of the morphology of Bacillus anthracis using electron and light microscopy methods, carried out by I.B. Pavlova in the period 1960-1969. In the course of the study it was established that the multilayer capsule of Bacillus anthracis is a cell structure, unlike biofilms, which have a polysaccharide nature, are formed during the growth and vital activity of a population of microorganisms, carry out the function of protection from unfavorable external factors and serve as an important adhesion factor. Data on the stages of spore formation inside the bacillary cell were obtained. The results of the studies allowed us to conclude that Bacillus anthracis is characterized by the same patterns and phases of existence (population, biofilm formation and the presence of an uncultivated form caused by the phenomenon of heteromorphism and necessary for the survival of the species in unfavorable conditions) as other pathogenic and opportunist microorganisms.

A preliminary study of fumaric acid, called allomaleic acid, as a pharmaceutical antimicrobial compound

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms and the adverse effects associated with antibiotic use have necessitated the exploration of new, natural substances for antimicrobial treatments. Fumaric acid, or allomaleic acid, is a natural bioactive compound primarily derived from plant-based products. Fumaric acid has potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-psoriatic, chemopreventive, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties. So far, studies on the antimicrobial activity of fumaric acid have used a plant ingredient. The antimicrobial activity was attributed to fumaric acid because it was detected in large amounts in herbal products. In this preliminary study, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of pure fumaric acid (99+%) were determined by the microdilution method. As a result of the antimicrobial study, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of fumaric acid against Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis were 9.375, 37.5, 4.687, 4.687, and 1.172 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, bacterial cells were found to be approximately one hundred times more sensitive to fumaric acid than Candida cells. The MIC values of fumaric acid against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter aerogenes were determined as 150 µg /mL, and against Staphylococcus aureus was 75 µg /mL. These results showed that pure fumaric acid has a potent inhibitory effect against pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms. Its unique properties and potential as an antimicrobial agent make it a compelling study area. Therefore, the usability of fumaric acid in the pharmacotherapeutic field is promising for future advanced in vivo studies.

The Inhibitory Effects of Taxifolin, namely Dihydroquercetin as a Pharmaceutical Agent on the Growth of Bacterial and Fungal Species

Aim: Taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) is a natural bioactive flavonoid with antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and is a valuable compound in the medical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. This study aims to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of pure taxifolin (99.25%) against pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms for the first time in the literature. Materials and Methods: The antibacterial and antifungal activities of taxifolin against two Gram-positive (E. aerogenes, S. aureus), three Gram-negative (P. aeruginosa, K. pneumonia and E. coli), and four yeast strains (C. krusei, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. albicans) was determined using agar and broth microdilution methods. Results: The MIC value for tested Gram-positive bacteria is 1 mg/mL, which is 2 mg/ml for Gram-negative bacteria. At the same time, the MIC value was 8 mg/mL for all Candida species tested except C. glabrata (MIC: 4 mg/mL). Conclusion: In conclusion, it was determined that the antibacterial property of taxifolin was more pronounced than its antifungal properties. Taxifolin is a natural compound with high medical and pharmacological value. This study proved the effectiveness of pure taxifolin as a pharmacotherapeutic agent on pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. The preliminary data collected in this study should be further supported, and in vivo and bioavailability studies should be detailed in future studies.

Bacterial contamination of autologous blood in reinfusion in neurosurgery: a phenomenon or a problem?

To analyze safety of blood reinfusion with white blood cell filtration and X-ray irradiation for blood decontamination in neurosurgery. The study included 57 patients with various neurosurgical diseases. We used intraoperative blood reinfusion in all patients considering high predictable risk of major blood loss due to neurosurgical diseases, features of neoplasm topography, anamnesis and examination data. Microbiological examination of autologous blood was carried out at different stages before reinfusion. Bacterial contamination of autologous blood samples was observed in 42% of patients. Enlargement of surgical access to paranasal sinuses in patients with craniofacial lesions poses a potential risk of bacterial contamination of autologous blood. Additional methods of decontamination including white blood cell filtration and X-ray irradiation reduced bacterial load. The above-mentioned methods were less effective for decontamination of microflora not typical for human skin compared to saprophytic ones. There were no postoperative infectious complications. Combination of white blood cell filtration and X-ray irradiation reduces bacterial contamination and increases safety of reinfusion although these methods do not completely free autologous blood from opportunistic microorganisms. Decontamination quality significantly depended on microflora and surgical approach.

Development of a method for collecting bronchoalveolar lavage from calves for microbiological diagnosis of bronchopneumonia

A serious problem for the health of cattle, especially in highly productive animals, is infectious bronchopneumonia, which occurs when exposed to numerous adverse environmental factors and opportunistic microorganisms. Infectious bronchopneumonia is an important problem in the livestock industry and remains a major cause of significant economic losses in dairy herds and feedlots due to high morbidity and mortality rates, in addition to negatively affecting growth, reproductive performance and life expectancy. Therefore, the development of a new method for intravital minimally invasive diagnosis of calves with acute catarrhal bronchopneumonia using bronchoalveolar lavage sampling for subsequent microbiological studies is relevant. The invention relates to veterinary medicine and can be used in intravital diagnostics of bronchopneumonia in calves by isolating microorganisms that initiate the purulent-inflammatory process from samples of bronchoalveolar contents taken in the area of the tracheal bifurcation. A method for intravital diagnosis of bronchopneumonia in calves includes transnasal introduction to a sick animal of a sterile silicone medical tube with a diameter of 4 mm (the internal diameter of the hole is 3 mm), a wall thickness of 1.0 mm and a length of 150 cm, until slight resistance and a repeated cough reflex appear, upon reaching in the area of the tracheal bifurcation, the nasogastric tube is moved back 1 cm, a disposable syringe with a volume of 50 ml is attached to the free end, and with its help, 30-40 ml of sterile isotonic saline solution (0.9% NaCl solution, 37° C) is injected into the trachea, and then immediately aspirate up to 10 ml of bronchoalveolar contents.

Potential of antagonistic activity from associated bacteria from healthy and bleaching acropora corals of Blitar Waters, East Java, Indonesia

Global warming leads to high coral bleaching phenomena in marine ecosystems. The bleach condition of corals can cause a disease that is enhanced by opportunistic or pathogenic microorganisms. This research aimed to investigate the antagonistic interactions between healthy and bleached coral-associated bacteria. Isolation of coral-associated bacteria was carried out using the spread plate method in half-strength Zobell 2216E medium. Antagonistic activity was observed using a double-layer method, with each layer of medium inoculated with healthy or bleached coral-associated bacteria. The interactions between healthy and bleached coral isolates were analyzed using correspondence analysis. Twenty healthy and 11 bleached coral isolates were found in the six coral samples. Approximately 14 bacterial isolates from healthy corals demonstrated antagonistic (inhibitory) activity against 11 bacterial isolates from bleaching coral samples, with isolate AcD.14 from bleached coral, inhibited by 57.14% of the active isolates from healthy corals. Correspondence analysis resulted in isolate AcD.16, a bleaching coral bacterium with sufficient pathogenicity to elicit an antagonistic response from healthy coral bacteria. This study showed that there is high potential for finding bio-control agents for coral diseases using their natural microbiomes from healthy corals.

Scientific and production substantiation of the effectiveness of the product for dry hoof baths

This paper presents the results of a study of the adsorption activity of a developed complex product for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the distal extremities of cattle and its effectiveness with individual and group use using the method of dry hoof baths in a number of agricultural enterprises with tethered and freestall housing of cattle. It was shown that the developed product has a porous structure and a wide range of adsorption. The main cause of infection causing mass lesions of the fingers and hooves of cattle in the surveyed agricultural enterprises was an increase in the threshold number of the diversity of saprophytic and opportunistic microorganisms transmitted directly from one animal to another. Associations of bacteria and micromycetes determined the cause of the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases of the fingers and hooves. The test results of the developed complex product, which includes inorganic adsorbents and active substances with pronounced fungicidal, bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties indicate the possibility of its introduction into the system of control measures with diseases of fingers and hooves in disadvantaged agricultural enterprises with both tethered and free-stall livestock keeping.

Microbiological and parasitological risk analysis of novel food sources obtained with the use of insects

The problem of food safety being an important component of the country's food security, provides not only for continuous improvement of the methodology of hygienic standardization, but also for the formation of requirements for novel food, in particular, those obtained from non-traditional sources. The accumulated practical and theoretical competence in the food hygiene area, as well as knowledge of current trends of the food base broadening, allow us to analyze the risks associated with novel food obtained of insects. The purpose of the research was to analyze the microbiological and parasitological risk of novel food sources obtained with the use of insects, suggest the effective risk management measures. Material and methods. The analytical part of the work included literature search, collection of information and statistical materials published in domestic and foreign scientific editions. The search was carried out using the Google Academy retrieval system and electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, eLIBRARY), mainly in the last 25 years, using the keywords: Hermetia illucens, Tenebrio molitor, Acheta domesticus, insects, parasite, nematode, pathogen, cysts. Results. Based on the published materials' analysis, a systematization of microbiological and parasitological factors potentially capable of colonizing edible insects has been carried out. There were identified representatives of 24 groups of pathogenic and 18 opportunistic microorganisms and helminths related to microbial and parasitic pathogens, the spread of which is significantly influenced by inappropriate conditions of feeding and keeping insects. As there are currently no veterinary requirements for insect breeding and farming conditions, contamination of end products with infectious and parasitic pathogens can vary over a very wide range. Conclusion. The use of native insect biomass carries certain risks associated with its microbial and parasitic contamination, and the development of measures to prevent them requires significant resources. The possibility of deep processing of such raw materials can be considered as one of the solutions to mitigate these risks. For use in the food industry, insects should be subjected to processing similar to that currently used for soybean seeds, which includes separation of protein (entomoprotein), fat and chitin fractions, each of which would have an independent use. Thus, at present, insects should be considered as a source of novel food ingredients, first of all, complete protein of animal origin.

Occurrence of COVID-19 in cystic fibrosis patients: a review.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic ailment caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. This autosomal recessive disorder is characterized by diverse pathobiological abnormalities, such as the disorder of CFTR channels in mucosal surfaces, caused by inadequate clearance of mucus and sputum, in addition to the malfunctioning of mucous organs. However, the primary motive of mortality in CF patients is pulmonary failure, which is attributed to the colonization of opportunistic microorganisms, formation of resistant biofilms, and a subsequent decline in lung characteristics. In December 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of the radical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a worldwide public health crisis, which unexpectedly spread not only within China but also globally. Given that the respiration system is the primary target of the COVID-19 virus, it is crucial to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the pathogenesis and mortality of CF patients, mainly in the context of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Therefore, the goal of this review is to comprehensively review the present literature on the relationship between cystic fibrosis, COVID-19 contamination, and development of ARDS. Several investigations performed during the early stages of the virus outbreak have discovered unexpected findings regarding the occurrence and effectiveness of COVID-19 in individuals with CF. Contrary to initial expectancies, the rate of infection and the effectiveness of the virus in CF patients are lower than those in the overall population. This finding may be attributed to different factors, including the presence of thick mucus, social avoidance, using remedies that include azithromycin, the fairly younger age of CF patients, decreased presence of ACE-2 receptors, and the effect of CFTR channel disorder on the replication cycle and infectivity of the virus. However, it is important to notice that certain situations, which include undergoing a transplant, can also doubtlessly boost the susceptibility of CF patients to COVID-19. Furthermore, with an increase in age in CF patients, it is vital to take into account the prevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in this population. Therefore, ordinary surveillance of CF patients is vital to evaluate and save the population from the capability of transmission of the virus given the various factors that contribute to the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in this precise organization.

The effect of fermented feed on the intestinal biocenosis of piglets

By the thirtieth day of life in the feces of piglets, whose mothers and they themselves received biofermented microbiological starter culture of Lesnov compound feed, a significantly higher content of beneficial microflora was found: bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, enterococcus, escherichia in comparison with animals receiving standard compound feed, which indicates a faster quantitative and qualitative formation of obligate microflora. A high quantitative level of normal microflora prevents the reproduction of opportunistic microorganisms in the intestines of young animals and protects piglets from nonspecific gastroenteritis.

Probiotic combinations for women. Effectiveness and safety from the points of evidence-based medicine

To date, probiotic medicinal products have a significant number of clinical studies, which is the basis for the formation of an evidence base and their inclusion in modern treatment standards. However, ideas about the optimal composition of a probiotic preparation and effective dosage remain problematic issues in modern medicine. Choosing an effective probiotic in gynecological practice is a particularly difficult and important issue.Objective of the review: to analyze the available clinical studies aimed at identifying strains of beneficial bacteria, their dosage, possible combinations in order to choose the optimal composition of a probiotic agent for the treatment of dysbiosis, including vaginal.Materials and methods. Modern methods recommended for theoretical analytical research were used: method of analysis, method of synthesis, method of induction. An electronic search was conducted in bibliographic databases, including PubMed, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL. 58 scientific publications were analyzed. Inclusion criteria were the following keywords: probiotics, optimal dosage, optimal composition, dysbiosis.Results. The most important probiotic microorganisms for restoring health in women are Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. crispatus, L. jensenii, L. gasseri, L. rhamnosus. Each of these lactobacilli maintains the normal vaginal pH, produces hydrogen peroxide, suppresses growth and prevents the reproduction of obligate anaerobes and opportunistic microorganisms when interacting with the peroxidase of cervical mucus.The mechanism of action of the above-mentioned probiotic microorganisms was analyzed. It was established that the effective dose of each of the components should not be less than 1-2 billion colony forming units.Conclusions. The analysis of scientific publications in the bibliographic databases was sufficient to establish that the oral use of probiotics in the treatment of gynecological patients is effective. The optimal components of the probiotic agent, which are effective for the therapy of vaginal dysbiosis, are L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. jensenii, L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus.

Стан мікробіоти піхви і матки в жінок із безпліддям та внутрішньоматковою патологією

This article examines the features of microbiocenosis of the vagina and endometrium in women with infertility and intrauterine pathology. Purpose - to study the peculiarities of the spectrum of microorganisms of the vagina and endometrium in women with infertility and intrauterine pathology in order to increase the effectiveness and prevention of complications of hysteroscopic interventions in such women. Materials and methods. An examination and dynamic observation of women was carried out for 6 months. The results of clinical-morphological, ultrasound, immunohistochemical and bacteriological monitoring are included. All patients underwent diagnostic and therapeutic hysteroscopy followed by bacteriological, morphological and immunohistochemical examination. Results. The study of quantitative indicators and species composition of the microbial flora of the uterine endothelium in women with infertility and intrauterine pathology showed a much wider spectrum of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. Among the detected microorganisms are Esherichia coli (4%), Staphylococcus aureus (6%), Streptococcus B (2%), Lactobacillus spp. (2%). In a much larger number of women, pathogens of sexually transmitted infections were noted - Chlamydia trachomatis (12%), Mycoplasma hominis (14%), Ureaplasma urealyticum (10%). Obviously, one of the causes of the inflammatory process in the endometrium of the uterus is the imbalance of the microbiocenosis. Bacteriological research data showed a significant proportion of deviations in the vaginal biocenosis in the presence of intrauterine pathology, which is manifested by a significant decrease in the frequency of excretion of the main acid-forming lactobacilli compared to healthy patients. Thus, lactobacilli (21 strains) were detected in only 23 (46%) patients of the study group at a concentration of 6.2±1.1 lg CFU/ml, while in the control group - in 17 (85%) women at an average concentration of 6.8±1.2 lg CFU/ml. Conclusions. The obtained research results make it possible to determine the scientific position regarding the important role of an infectious factor in the development of intrauterine pathology, and the normalization of the microbiota of the genital tract is not only an important component of the treatment of hyperplastic processes, but also contributes to the prevention of possible relapses, the treatment of morphofunctional disorders in the endometrium of women with infertility. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The research protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution mentioned in the work. Informed consent of the women was obtained for the research. No conflict of interests was declared by the author.

Nasal cavity microbiota features among people who have had COVID-19

The new coronavirus infection of 2019 is accompanied by damage to a number of organs, tissues, systems of the human body, including the microbiome. However, some aspects of the influence of this infection on the state of the microbiota of individual biotopes in individuals vaccinated with the Gam-COVIDVac vaccine require further research.Purpose: to study the characteristics of the nasal microbiota in vaccinated Gam-COVID-Vac and non-vaccinated individuals who have had COVID-19.Materials and methods: 60 people aged 18 to 23 years old were examined, divided into 3 equal groups: group 1 – vaccinated, sick after vaccination, group 2 – not vaccinated, recovered, group 3 (control) – not sick and not vaccinated. In all examined persons, muconasal secretions from the nasal cavity were examined using conventional bacteriological methods.Results. In the group of unvaccinated and recovered patients, the coronavirus infection caused a significant change in the composition of the nasal cavity microbiota in the form of a significant increase in the number of opportunistic microorganisms (S. aureus, E. coli, Streptococcus spp;) relative to similar indicators in the control group (who had not recovered from the disease and were not vaccinated). In vaccinated and recovering individuals compared with the control group, the changes are unreliable.Conclusion: Transmission of COVID-19 in individuals vaccinated with the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine does not lead to changes in the nasal microbiota. Significant changes in the microbiota with an increase in the number of opportunistic microorganisms were found in unvaccinated individuals who underwent COVID-19.

BIOFILM FORMATION AND VIRULENCE FACTORS DISTRIBUTION AMONG CLINICAL ISOLATES OF Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic microorganism frequently isolated in the hospital environment and has been classified by the World Health Organization as a critical pathogen due to its resistance to antibiotics and its varied virulence factors. Objective: To evaluate biofilm formation and the expression of virulence factors of 30 clinical isolates and 2 standard strains of P. aeruginosa. In addition, this work aims to analyze the distribution of virulence factors in the different categories of biofilm formation. Methodology: Biofilm formation assays were performed in polystyrene microplate with crystal violet coloring and the strains were classified in groups. Other virulence factors were studied with specific phenotypic detection methods. Results: All P. aeruginosa were able to form biofilms, with 46.9% classified as strong formers, 25% as moderate and 28.12% as weak biofilm formers. Most isolates expressed the virulence factors analyzed and among them, pyoverdine was the most prevalent, followed by the production of lipases B, hemolysin, and protease. Lipases A showed the lowest incidence. Conclusion: Although no significant correlation was detected between biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa clinical isolates and virulence factors, it was observed that in the strong formers group there was expression of alkaline protease and lipases B in all strains. The results suggest that the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa is a multifactorial phenomenon and that virulence factors, although present in most isolates, occur independently of the biofilm formation category of the studied strains.

Влияние солей железа на ростовые характеристики и антагонистическую активность почвенных изолятов Bacillus cereus

The research is devoted to study of the effect of iron salts on the growth characteristics and antagonistic activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhimurium bacteria Bacillus cereus. 9 strains of B. cereus bacteria, previously isolated from soils, were used as objects of research, which showed different resistance to solutions of iron salts in the concentration range from 1 M/l to 0.031 M/l. In the course of the work, the following methods were used: serial breeding, seeding and cultivation of bacteria on nutrient media, MALDI ToF MS, agar wells and nephelometric. The maximum values of tolerance and growth were recorded in the B. cereus strain OCT2022.6, which was slightly inferior to OCT2022.2 and OCT2022.9, showing relative resistance to both nitrate and iron sulfate. The pronounced antagonistic properties of the strains were manifested against the background of pre-incubation with iron nitrate in relation to E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and in the sulfate variant, suppression was noted only for 3 strains against P. aeruginosa. Iron sulfate has a more pronounced toxic effect on the growth of the tested B. cereus isolates. The OCT2022.6 strain had the highest resistance to iron nitrate and the ability to suppress opportunistic microorganisms. Keywords: BACILLUS CEREUS, IRON, TOLERANCE, ANTAGONISTIC ACTIVITY, SUPPRESSIVENESS

Bacterial vaginosis as a factor associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common disease of the genitals and affects 20–70% of women. This non-inflammatory syndrome is characterized by dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota and is accompanied by a decrease in the number of lactobacilli. Bacterial vaginosis in 60% of pregnant women is asymptomatic, but can lead to obstetric complications such as late miscarriage, premature birth, fetal growth restriction, premature rupture of membranes, choriominionitis, postpartum endometritis, and sepsis. The clinical picture of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women is the same as in non-pregnant women, namely homogeneous whitish-gray discharge from the genital tract, often with an unpleasant “fishy” smell, rarely itching and/or burning in the genital area and urethra, as well as soreness during urination (dysuria), with no signs of an inflammation detected in the genitals. Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women, as well as in non-pregnant women, is based on the use of clinical and laboratory methods. Multiplex tests based on the nucleic acid amplification method, such as real-time polymerase chain reaction, are very popular for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis in this country. The Femoflor-16 Reagent Kit (DNA Technology CJSC, Moscow, Russia) is designed to detect the DNA of opportunistic microorganisms, lactobacilli DNA and human genomic DNA (as a control for taking biological material). Examination of pregnant women, especially in case of complaints of vaginal discharge, should be carried out when registering for pregnancy in order to start treatment early and prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes for the mother and fetus. Biofilms formed by microorganisms in bacterial vaginosis, especially G. vaginalis, limit the penetration of antibacterial agents to bacteria, their concentration being lower than therapeutic one, which leads to ineffective treatment. There remain many unexplored issues related to changes in the epidemiology of bacterial vaginosis, an increase in the frequency of relapses against the background of increasing resistance of microorganisms associated with bacterial vaginosis to antibiotics, and the development of agents that affect bacterial films.

Mycobacterium ulcerans-Bordetella trematum chronic tropical cutaneous ulcer: A four-case series, Côte d’Ivoire

Background Chronic tropical cutaneous ulcers remain a neglected medical condition in West Africa, particularly Buruli ulcer, which is caused by mycolactone cytotoxin-secreting Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans). Medical management of this highly debilitating and necrotising skin infection may be modified by colonisation and co-infection of the ulcer by opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms, which considerably delays and increases the cost of treatment. Methodology/principal finding We diagnosed chronic tropical cutaneous ulcers in nine patients in Côte d’Ivoire using M. ulcerans-specific PCRs and culturomics. This revealed M. ulcerans in 7/9 ulcer swabs and 5/9 control swabs as well as an additional 122 bacterial species, 32 of which were specific to ulcers, 61 specifics to the controls, and 29 which were shared, adding 40 bacterial species to those previously reported. Whole genome sequencing of four Bordetella trematum (B. trematum) isolates in four Buruli ulcer swabs and no controls indicated cytolethal distending toxins, as confirmed by cytotoxic assay. Conclusions/significance In four cases of Buruli ulcer in Côte d’Ivoire, B. trematum was a co-pathogen which was resistant to rifampicin and clarithromycin, unmatching M. ulcerans antibiotic susceptibility profile and counteracting the current treatment of Buruli ulcer in West Africa and Australia. Thus, we report here chronic mixed M. ulcerans-B. trematum chronic tropical ulcer as a specific form of Buruli ulcer in West Africa.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BACTERIOSCOPY IN THE COMPLEX OF DIAGNOSTICS OF COMPLICATED FORMS OF DENTAL CARIES OF PATIENTS WHO PREVIOUSLY HAVE COVID-19

The issues of the complexity of diagnosing diseases of the pulpoperiodontal complex of teeth of patients who had previously recovered from COVID-19, as well as the need to select the most adapted algorithm for the treatment of pathology, depending on the clinical manifestations in the oral cavity, were studied. An increase in the activity of opportunistic microorganisms, which normally do not show activity in the oral cavity, gives rise to the development of various pathologies of hard tissues of the teeth, the pulp and periodontium. The expediency and necessity of including in this category of patients, in addition to the standard dental examination, also additional examination methods (for example, blood test, bacterioscopy, bacteriological tests, testing of the microvasculature, and others) before the start of any dental treatment. Emphasis is placed on the elimination of a certain type of microorganism, identified with the help of additional examination methods, thereby preventing the occurrence of long-term complications after endodontic treatment of the tooth.