Intestinal Pathogenic Bacteria Research Articles

Yeast culture supplementation alters the performance and health status of juvenile largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ) fed a high‐plant protein diet

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of yeast culture on the growth, hepatic antioxidant capacity, intestinal barrier and microflora of fish fed a high-cottonseed protein diet. The largemouth bass (initial body weight: 12.17 ± 0.02 g) were randomly allotted into three treatments, fish meal-based diet (FM), cottonseed protein concentrate-based diet (CPC, 36% of the fish meal replaced by cottonseed protein concentrate) and CPC diet with yeast culture (CPCY, CPC+3% yeast culture) for 8 weeks, respectively. The results indicated fish fed 3% yeast culture diet could enhance specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and feeding rate (FR), while the hepatosomatic index (HSI) and liver glycogen content were significantly decreased compared with the CPC group (p < .05). Compared with the FM group, the CPC diet resulted in liver tissue damage accompanied by upregulation of pro-inflammatory factor (IL-1β and TNFα) expression, while adding yeast culture significantly increased the relative expression of liver anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10) and antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT and GSH-Px) (p < .05). Meanwhile, yeast culture can reduce the accumulation of liver glycogen and improve the disorder of liver glucose metabolism caused by CPC. Furthermore, compared with CPC group, CPCY group significantly up-regulated the expression of ZO-1, Claudin and Occludin and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT) in intestine (p < .05) as well as down-regulated diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, D-lactate (D-lac) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contents in serum (p < .05). In addition, the abundance of probiotics (Lactobacillus) increased significantly, and the abundance of intestinal potential pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio, Brevundimonas) decreased in CPCY group (p < .05). In conclusion, yeast culture can alleviate the adverse effects of concentrated cottonseed protein on the growth of largemouth bass and might be used as an effective probiotic for farmed fish.

Relationship between immune performance and the dominant intestinal microflora of turbot fed with different Bacillus species

Intestinal microorganisms have been shown to influence the health status of fish. Probiotics such as Bacillus can promote the healthy growth of marine organisms by balancing the structure of intestinal microflora. To study the effect of Bacillus as an effective probiotic on turbot in aquaculture, the growth performance, immune parameters, and intestinal microbiota of turbot were investigated in this study. The correlation between the dominant bacteria at the genus level and immune/antioxidant parameters was also analyzed. The experimental fish were categorized into the treated groups B1, B2, and B3, which were fed diets supplemented with Bacillus subtilis SMF1, Bacillus licheniformis LMF1, and Bacillus siamensis DL3, respectively; the control group (T0) was given a diet without any probiotics. The results showed that the growth performance as well as the immune and antioxidant enzyme activities of turbot were significantly (P < 0.05) improved when the fish were fed with different Bacillus species, and the order of growth performance and feed effect of turbot in each group was: B2 > B1 > B3 > T0. The specific growth rate of group B2 was 1.4 times as that of the group T0. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Bacillus in group B2 was the highest (24.18%), B. licheniformis LMF1 was more conducive to Bacillus colonization in the intestine of turbot than B. subtilis SMF1 and B. siamensis DL3. The immune and antioxidant activities of turbots in groups B2 and B3 were higher than those in group B1, owing to fewer probiotics being induced by B. subtilis SMF1. The RT-PCR analysis of immune-related genes also verified the effects of different Bacillus species. Spearman's correlation analysis at the genus level revealed that most of the immune and antioxidant parameters were significantly positively correlated with intestinal microorganisms such as Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Ralstoni, and Bacillus, while being negatively correlated with some pathogenic intestinal bacteria such as Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Paeniclostridium. These results could guide the rational use of different Bacillus species in aquaculture.

Low frequency hydromechanics-driven generation of superoxide radicals via optimized piezotronic effect for water disinfection

Water transmission of pathogenic microorganisms can lead to infectious diseases and potential pandemics. Piezocatalysis is an emerging technology for water disinfection, however, current piezocatalysts often have low catalytic performance due to limited charge utilization and require the use of high-frequency ultrasound. Herein, low-frequency hydromechanics is employed as mechanical energy resource to achieve efficient disinfection via a rationally-designed piezocatalyst, BaTiO 3 @Au. The interfacial position of Au cocatalyst was optimized by in situ piezodeposition instead of random chemical reduction, which facilitated charge separation and promoted the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). By simply vibrating (e.g., stirring) the piezocatalysts dispersed in aqueous solution, efficient degradation of organic molecules as well as inactivation of model bacteria and virus could be obtained. This approach allowed us to take advantage of low-frequency hydromechanical energy to significantly reduce intestinal pathogenic bacteria and total organic carbon content in hospital wastewater, which could provide a green and feasible way for water disinfection. • Efficient water disinfection was achieved by simply stirring a rationally-designed piezocatalyst. • The hydromechanics-driven piezocatalysis was enabled by optimized piezotronic effect. • A simple in situ piezodeposition of gold on piezocatalysts was introduced. • This strategy was successfully applied for the treatment of wastewater from a local hospital.

Effects of Bacillus velezensis Supplementation on the Growth Performance, Immune Responses, and Intestine Microbiota of Litopenaeus vannamei

In the present study, Bacillus velezensis (BV007, CGMCC No. 20039) was isolated from the gut of Litopenaeus vannamei, and the effects of BV007 on the growth performance, immune responses, and intestine microbiota of the shrimp were investigated. A total of 1,200 healthy shrimp (3.0 ± 0.3 cm, 0.32 ± 0.8 g) were randomly divided into four groups, and fed diets supplemented with different levels of BV007 (C: 0; BV1: 1 × 105 CFU/g; BV2: 1 × 107 CFU/g; and BV3: 1 × 109 CFU/g) for 8 weeks. The results showed a significantly increased final body length (FBL), length gain rate (LGR), final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), plumpness index (PI), and specific growth rate (SGR) in shrimp fed with BV007 for 42 days compared with shrimp fed with control diet. The activity of α-amylase in hepatopancreas was also significantly increased in the BV007-administered groups. After 42 days of growth trial, the challenge test with Vibrio parahaemolyticus was conducted for 2 weeks. The enhanced immune responses were exhibited by shrimp fed with BV007 after V. parahaemolyticus challenge, particularly in respiratory bursts and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and alkaline phosphatase activities. Moreover, the administration of BV007 could considerably increase the abundance of potential probiotics (Bacillus) and reduced the abundances of potential pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio) in shrimp intestines. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation with B. velezensis BV007 could promote the growth performance, enhance the immune responses, and modulate the intestine microbiota of shrimp, and 107 CFU/g feed was recommended to be used as a feed additive to enhance the growth and health status of shrimp.

A case\u2013control study on the association of intestinal flora with ulcerative colitis

The association between intestinal flora and ulcerative colitis (UC) was studied in order to provide a basis and method for clinical treatment. Fresh fecal samples were collected from 30 active UC patients and 10 healthy controls. The intestinal flora DNA from each sample was extracted and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was carried out using HiSeq platform to identify the intestinal flora in fecal samples. The richness and diversity of intestinal flora in UC patients were significantly lower than those in healthy control group (P < 0.05). Significant differences were observed between the intestinal flora-species of UC patients and healthy controls. Synergistetes (P < 0.01) and Firmicutes (P < 0.05), along with probiotics Veillonella (P < 0.01), Ruminococcus and Coprococcus (P < 0.05) in the UC patients were lower than that in the healthy controls significantly. Furthermore, compared with the control group, Tenericutes (P < 0.01) and intestinal pathogenic bacteria, including Bacteroides (P < 0.01), Escherichia and Sutterella (P < 0.05) were significantly increased. The incidence of UC is significantly associated with the changes in intestinal flora. Changes in intestinal flora may lead to a decrease in the diversity of intestinal flora or to the enrichment of a particular intestinal flora.

Phage resistance of conditionally pathogenic intestinal microbiota bacteria in children with microbiocenosis disorders

Objective: to study the circulation and prevalence of phage-resistant strains among opportunistic enterobacteria, isolated from children with disorders of intestinal microflora, in relation to domestic preparations of bacteriophages.Materials and methods. A bacteriological study of the fecal microflora of the colon in 970 young children for dysbiosis was carried out. The sensitivity of 720 antibiotic-resistant strains of opportunistic enterobacteriaceae (S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis and P. vulgaris, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, coagulase-negative staphylococci) isolated from children to domestic mono- and polyvalent drugs was studied (coliprotein, staphylococcal, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, purified Klebsiella pneumonia bacteriophage, “Sextafag”, Intesta bacteriophage). Determination of sensitivity to bacteriophages was carried out by the “sterile spot” method. Antibiotic sensitivity was determined by the disk diffusion method. Statistical processing of the results was carried out using the Microsoft Office Excel 2007 software package.Results. A large percentage of phage-resistant strains with low sensitivity to bacteriophages was revealed among opportunistic bacteria, amounting to 54,2%, with the highest circulation among coagulase-negative staphylococci, Proteus, Klebsiella (more than 50%). A significant spread of intestinal dysbiosis was established in young children (87,5%), characterized by a low content of bifidobacteria and a high level of allocation of opportunistic enterobacteria, including in associations.Conclusion. As a result of the studies, a significant prevalence of phage-resistant strains in children with dysbiosis was revealed, which indicates the need for preliminary determination of their sensitivity to bacteriophages in order to resolve the issue of their possible inclusion in the intestinal microflora correction system.

Multi-Nutrient Fortified Dairy-Based Drink Reduces Anaemia without Observed Adverse Effects on Gut Microbiota in Anaemic Malnourished Nigerian Toddlers: A Randomised Dose-Response Study.

Prevalence of anaemia among Nigerian toddlers is reported to be high, and may cause significant morbidity, affects brain development and function, and results in weakness and fatigue. Although, iron fortification can reduce anaemia, yet the effect on gut microbiota is unclear. This open-label randomised study in anaemic malnourished Nigerian toddlers aimed to decrease anaemia without affecting pathogenic gut bacteria using a multi-nutrient fortified dairy-based drink. The test product was provided daily in different amounts (200, 400 or 600 mL, supplying 2.24, 4.48 and 6.72 mg of elemental iron, respectively) for 6 months. Haemoglobin, ferritin, and C-reactive protein concentrations were measured to determine anaemia, iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) prevalence. Faecal samples were collected to analyse gut microbiota composition. All three dosages reduced anaemia prevalence, to 47%, 27% and 18%, respectively. ID and IDA prevalence was low and did not significantly decrease over time. Regarding gut microbiota, Enterobacteriaceae decreased over time without differences between groups, whereas Bifidobacteriaceae and pathogenic E. coli were not affected. In conclusion, the multi-nutrient fortified dairy-based drink reduced anaemia in a dose-dependent way, without stimulating intestinal potential pathogenic bacteria, and thus appears to be safe and effective in treating anaemia in Nigerian toddlers.

In vitro examination of antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities of cinnamon, white thyme, and clove essential oils

• Cinnamon EO showed a highest antibacterial activity against intestinal pathogenic bacteria. • Essential oils inhibits probiotic bacteria growth at the 0.1% (v/v) concentration. • Cinnamon EO present better inhibitory and immunomodulatory properties than the rest of the EOs. • Cinnamon EO seems to modulate IL-2 secretion and TLR signalling pathway in Caco-2 cells. The present study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial effect of three essential oils (cinnamon, white thyme, and clove) on selected intestinal pathogen bacteria, probiotic strains, and commensal bacteria. Additionally, their effects on inflammatory gene expression were also evaluated in a well-known intestinal human cellular model (Caco-2 cells). Cinnamon showed the highest antipathogenic microbial activity, followed by white thyme and clove. In the case of the probiotic strains, the inhibitory effect was observed at 0.1% (v/v), although growth recovery was seen after 24 h of incubation. Besides, cinnamon down-regulated the expression of genes related to the Toll-like receptor, nitric oxide, and apoptosis pathways. Similarly, secretion of interleukin 2 was inhibited by cinnamon. Results support the potential use of essential oils in the food industry for their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects; however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown and warrant further research.

Pengaruh Rimpang Kunyit (Curcuma domestica, Val.) terhadap Bakteri Usus secara in vitro

The use of turmeric rhizome to treat diarrhea is written in the original Indonesian medicinal manuscript. Diarrhea disease is still a public health problem in Indonesia, because of its high morbidity and mortality. The morbidity survey conducted by Indonesian Ministry of Health shows an increasing incidence trend. One of the causes of diarrhea is an uncontrolled increase in the number of intestinal bacteria and infection by intestinal pathogenic bacteria. This study aims to determine the effect of the turmeric rhizome preparation process, both traditionally and by extraction method by maceration and soxhletation on antibacterial activity, especially intestinal bacteria, so that it can be applied by the traditional medicine industry as well as traditional herbal medicine sellers (“jamu gendong”). The research method used was to test the antibacterial activity of fresh turmeric juice, pre-dried turmeric juice, turmeric extract by maceration using 95% ethanol, and turmeric extract by soxhletation at 100°C using 95% ethanol. The intestinal bacteria used in this study were Escherichia coli, Yersinia enterolitica, Vibrio nonagglutinable, and Shigella flexneri. The results of this study indicate that the treatment process using the traditional method, both fresh turmeric juice and pre-dried turmeric juice, does not show any antibacterial activity. Turmeric extract by maceration showed antibacterial activity against all bacterias and the greatest against Vibrio nonagglutinable bacteria. Turmeric extract by soxhletation showed antibacterial activity against all bacterias and the greatest against Vibrio nonagglutinable bacteria. The conclusion of this study is that the most appropriate method used to process turmeric rhizome as a medicine for diarrhea caused by bacteria is the extraction method by maceration or soxhletation. The greatest antibacterial effect is against the Vibrio nonagglutinable bacteria.

GLOBIGEN JUMP START APPLICATION WITHIN THE PRE-STARTER FEED TO THE POST-WAENING PIGLETS

Balanced addition of essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, easily digestible proteins, namely proteins of animal origin is an important factor for efficient feeding and pigs performance, that leads to a systematic search for new solutions when using feed additives. They provide digestibility, better absorbtion of protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Such supplements include blood plasma, meat and bone meal, fish meal and others.&#x0D; Besides fishmeal, other protein groups are dangerous in relation to African swine fever. Furthermore blood plasma additionally to the protein group contains immunoglobulins that can passively affect the immune system of piglets, An alternative to blood plasma is the animal nutrition supplement Globigen Jump Start, which is made from chicken eggs, containing essential and replaceable amino acids with a high percentage of absorption. Another important factor is the presence of specific IgY immuno-globulins, which being ingested have a negative effect on the pathogenic intestinal microflora, namely viruses, bacteria and cryptosporidium. Knowledge of the feed additive Globigen Jump Start effect gave impetus to the study of its effect on the piglets’ performance during the stressful period after weaning.&#x0D; The objective of the work was evaluation of the effect of the Globigen Jump Start fed within the pre-starter feed on the productive characteristics of post-weaning piglets. Based on the obtained research results, the best ones were shown in the experimental group, which was fed compound feed containing Globigen Jump Start in the amount of 2 kg / t of compound feed. It was found that at the end of the experiment, the weight of piglets in the control group was 19.2 kg, and in the experimental group - 21.0 kg, which is 1.8 kg or 9.4% more comparing to the control.

Supplementation of Dietary Nano Zn-Phytogenic on Performance, Antioxidant Activity, and Population of Intestinal Pathogenic Bacteria in Broiler Chickens

Zinc is one of the essential minerals that are important for poultry. The disadvantage of Zn in the conventional form is its low bioavailability. One of the efforts to increase the bioavailability of Zn is to make it in a nano form. Nano Zn-Phytogenic (NZP), is a combination of Zn and phytogenic compounds of plants in nanoparticle size. The NZP was self-produced utilizing the green synthesis process of inorganic Zn and guava leave extract (Psidium guajava). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation NZP in diet on the performance, antioxidant status, and population of pathogenic intestinal bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp) of broilers chicken. This study used 180 males and 180 females of Lohman broilers day old chick (DOC). The experiment was subjected to a completely randomized design with 6 (six) treatments and 5 (five) replications, and each experimental unit consisted of 12 DOCs (6 males and 6 females). The treatment given in this study were; R1= basal diet; R2= R1 + Zn Sulfate (90 mg Zn/kg) + 5.32 mg/kg guava leaf flour with 12.82% water content (added as a source of phytogenic compounds); R3= R1 + NZP (45 mg Zn/kg); R4= R1 + NZP (90 mg Zn/kg); R5= R1 + NZP (135 mg Zn/kg); R6= R1 + NZP (180 mg Zn/kg). The variables observed were performance, antioxidant activity in meat, and population of pathogenic intestinal bacteria (E. coli and Salmonella sp) of broiler chicken. The results showed that the addition of NZP up to a dose of 90 mg Zn/kg in the diet improved (p<0.05) body weight gain compared to the basal diet. The addition of NZP had no significant effect on the FCR. The addition of NZP increased (p<0.05) SOD activity in meat when compared with the dietary treatment without NZP. Groups of chicken fed NZP (R3, R4, R5, R6) had significantly (p<0.05) lower E. coli and Salmonella sp population. It could be concluded that the addition of NZP up to a dose of 90 mg Zn/kg in the diet of broiler chicken had positive benefits in improving performance, increasing antioxidant activity, and reducing pathogenic intestinal bacteria (E. coli and Salmonella sp).

Protective function of surface layer protein from Lactobacillus casei fb05 against intestinal pathogens in vitro

Escherichia coli and Salmonella are common pathogenic bacteria in human intestine, which can infect epithelial cells and cause diseases. Adhesion to intestinal tissue is the first step of pathogen infection. This work was to investigate the protective function of surface layer protein (SLP) from Lactobacillus casei fb05 against the harmful effects of E. coli and Salmonella on intestinal tissue (collagen and HT-29 cells). The SLP of L. casei fb05 was identified by transmission electron microscopy and SDS-PAGE. The purified SLP could reduce the adhesion of E. coli and Salmonella to collagen and HT-29 cells as observed by light microscope. The flow cytometry results showed that the L. casei fb05 SLP decreased the two pathogens-induced apoptosis of HT-29 cells by about 45%–49%. In addition, the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 caused by the two pathogens was significantly declined by the interference of the L. casei fb05 SLP. All the findings demonstrated that the L. casei fb05 SLP could decrease the deleterious effects of E. coli and Salmonella on intestinal tract in two ways: reducing pathogen adhesion and inhibiting pathogen-induced apoptosis. The potential of L. casei fb05 SLP in the treatment of intestinal diseases might be explored in this work.

Integrative analysis of DNA, macroscopic remains and stable isotopes of dog coprolites to reconstruct community diet

Paleofeces or coprolites are often used to reconstruct diet at archaeological sites, usually using macroscopic analyses or targeted DNA amplification and sequencing. Here we present an integrative analysis of dog coprolites, combining macroscopic analyses, stable isotope measurements, and DNA shotgun sequencing to examine diet and health status. Dog coprolites used in this study were recovered from the Janey B. Goode and East Saint Louis archaeological sites, both of which are located in the American Bottom, an extensive Mississippi River floodplain in Southwestern Illinois. Based on the context of recovery, coprolites are assigned to the Late Woodland and Terminal Late Woodland periods (ca. 600–1050 AD). Given the scarcity of human remains from this time period, these dog coprolites can be useful as a proxy for understanding human diet during the Late Woodland period. We find that the Late Woodland dogs consumed a variety of fish as well as bird and plant taxa, possibly including maize, and also harbored intestinal parasites and pathogenic bacteria. By sequencing the fecal microbiome of the coprolites, we find some similarities to modern dog microbiomes, as well as specific taxa that can be used to discriminate between modern and ancient microbiomes, excluding soil contaminants. As dogs are often used as a surrogate to assess human diet, humans living with these dogs likely had a similar diet and were affected by similar parasites. These analyses, when integrated, show a more comprehensive view of ancient dog and human diet and health in the region during the initial expansion of maize agriculture than any individual method could alone.

Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1 Restricts the Internalization of Bacteria Into Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells Through the Inhibition of Rac1.

Pathogenic intestinal bacteria lead to significant disease in humans. Here we investigated the role of the multifunctional protein, Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), in regulating the internalization of bacteria into the intestinal epithelium. Intestinal tumor-cell lines and primary human epithelial cells were infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium or adherent-invasive Escherichia coli. The effects of APE1 inhibition on bacterial internalization, the regulation of Rho GTPase Rac1 as well as the epithelial cell barrier function were assessed. Increased numbers of bacteria were present in APE1-deficient colonic tumor cell lines and primary epithelial cells. Activation of Rac1 was augmented following infection but negatively regulated by APE1. Pharmacological inhibition of Rac1 reversed the increase in intracellular bacteria in APE1-deficient cells whereas overexpression of constitutively active Rac1 augmented the numbers in APE1-competent cells. Enhanced numbers of intracellular bacteria resulted in the loss of barrier function and a delay in its recovery. Our data demonstrate that APE1 inhibits the internalization of invasive bacteria into human intestinal epithelial cells through its ability to negatively regulate Rac1. This activity also protects epithelial cell barrier function.

Effects of bamboo charcoal powder, bamboo vinegar, and their combination in laying hens on performance, egg quality, relative organ weights, and intestinal bacterial populations.

This experiment examines the effects of bamboo charcoal (BC) powder, bamboo vinegar (BV), and their combination (BCV) in the diet of laying hens on performance, egg quality, relative organ weights, and intestinal bacterial populations. A total of 320 laying hens (36weeks of age) were divided into 4 treatment groups, with 10 replicates per treatment and 8 hens per replicate. They were fed on a control diet, the control diet supplemented with 0.8% BC, the control diet supplemented with 0.4% BV, or the control diet supplemented with a combination of BC (0.8%) and BV (0.4%) from 36 to 51weeks of age. Egg production increased in the hens fed the BV and BCV diets during 48 to 51weeks of age (P < 0.05). Damaged egg rate decreased in the hens fed the BV and BCV diets for the whole experiment (P < 0.05). Shell thickness was highest in the BCV-fed group at week 43, and shell strength was higher in the BV-fed group at week 51 (P < 0.05). Supplementation of BC or BCV in the diet resulted in a decreased abdominal fat pad (P < 0.05). In the ileal content, the population of Salmonella spp. decreased in the BV and BCV groups and the population of Lactobacillus spp. increased in the BV group (P < 0.05). The present results indicate that feeding BV or BCV alleviates damaged egg rate and decreases intestinal pathogenic bacteria, while feeding BC benefits by reducing abdominal fat. These results suggest that the effect of BCV seems to be induced by the synergistic effect of BC and BV, and that the BCV contributes to the effective use of bamboo on the laying hen's production.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Gastrointestinal Carriage of Pathogenic Gram Negative Enteric Bacteria among Apparently Healthy Food Handlers of Public Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background. Foodborne diseases are major public health problems in developing countries like Ethiopia. Food handlers with poor personal hygiene working in hospitals could be infected with different intestinal parasites and pathogenic enteric bacteria. Therefore, they could pose a potential risk of foodborne infection to patients and the community. Methods. An institutional based cross-sectional study conducted from March to June 2017. Besides, sociodemographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire, freshly passed stool specimens for direct wet mount smear examination, and formalin ether concentration techniques performed for the detection of parasites. For bacterial identification culture, biochemical tests and antimicrobial sensitivity (Kirby-Baure disk diffusion method) have been performed. Finally, validated data were analyzed using statistical package for social science version 20 (SPSS). Results. From 368 food handlers who participated in the study, 81% were females. 119 (32.34%) were positive for at least one intestinal parasite. The most prevalent parasite was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 48 (13%), followed by Giardia lamblia 36 (9.78%), Taenia Species 21 (5.7%), Ascaris lumbricoide 8 (2.2%), Trichuris trichiura 5 (1.4%), and Hook worm 1 (0.3%). Regarding the prevalence of enteric bacteria 17(4.6%), food handlers were positive for Salmonella 14 (3.8%) and Shigella flexneri 3 (0.8%). No E. coli O157 : H7 was isolated. All 100% (n = 14) Salmonella isolates were resistant to ampicillin (10 µg) and erythromycin (15 µg). Similarly, 100% (n = 3) of Shigella flexneri isolates were resistant to ampicillin (10 µg) and tetracycline (30 µg). 14.3% (n = 2) Salmonella and 66.7% (n = 2) Shigella flexneri isolates were MDR. Conclusion. The study showed significant carriage of pathogenic microorganisms among food handlers. Therefore, hospital administrators and other stake holders should put measures in place to break chain of transmission routes from silent carrier to other peoples particularly patients at hospital and the community at large.

Effects of dechlorane plus on intestinal barrier function and intestinal microbiota of Cyprinus carpio L

Dechlorane Plus (DP) is a typical polychlorinated flame retardant that has been emerged in chemical products. Due to its accumulation and amplification effect, the toxicity of DP has become a widespread environmental safety issue. However, whether DP can affect the intestinal tract of teleost fish remains largely unclear. To understand its effects on the intestinal barrier, morphological characteristics and intestinal microbiome of common carp, different concentrations (30, 60 and 120 μg/L) of DP were exposed to common carps for 4 weeks. The results indicated that DP evidently shortened the intestinal folds and damaged the intestinal epithelium layer. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of occludin, claudin-2 and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) were significantly decreased with increasing DP concentrations. Furthermore, the relative abundance of some microbiota species were also changed significantly. Our study first demonstrated that DP could cause damage to the intestinal epithelium and destroy the intestinal barrier and increase the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria, thereby increasing the probability of contact between intestinal epithelium and pathogenic bacteria, which in turn lead to an increased susceptibility to various diseases and poor health. In summary, our findings reveal that chronic DP exposure can have a harmful effect on the intestinal flora balance and is potentially linked to human disease.

Hydrolytic bacteria associated with natural helminth infection in the midgut of Red Sea marbled spinefoot rabbit fish Siganus rivulatus

Fish infected with intestinal helminths or pathogenic bacteria can pose a serious risk of foodborne disease, threatening human and animal health, and require high attention. The current study investigates the diversity and composition of the microbiota in the midgut of rabbit fish Siganus rivulatus naturally infected with helminths. Six species of helminth parasites, including the digeneans Hexangium sigani and Gyliauchen volubilis, the acanthocephalans Sclerocollum rubrimaris and Neorhadinorhynchus macrospinosus, and the nematodes Procammalanus elatensis, and Ascaridoid larvae were recorded in the fish intestine. P. elatensis had the highest prevalence, occurring in 65% of infected fish; 72.2% of infected fish had concurrent infection with two or more helminth species. The total count of aerobic bacteria ranged from 1 to 305 colony-forming units (CFU)/g midgut contents. Four hydrolytic bacteria were recovered from the infected samples: Escherichia coli (ASU 31), Bacillus cereus (ASU 36) MN955553, Bacillus thuringiensis (ASU 34) MN955550, and Novosphingobium aromaticivorans (ASU 35) MN955552, which were identified using 16S rRNA genes. Bacterial richness was significantly correlated with concurrent parasitic infection and high content of extracellular hydrolytic amylases, proteases, cellulases, and lipases. The present results showed that the composition of the microbiota was affected by natural helminth infections in Siganus rivulatus, and the significant interaction between parasitic load and intestinal pathogenic bacteria, which may be primary in fish diseases etiology.

Effects of probiotic supplementation on selected health indices among a group of competitive cyclists (effect of probiotic therapy on health indices)

Introduction: In scientific reports from recent years, a significant relationship is clearly indicated between the intestinal microbiota and chronic diseases, and the role of selected probiotic strains is emphasized not only in maintaining good health, but also in achieving optimal physical fitness among athletes. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of supplementation with multi-strain probiotics on selected health indices among professional road cycling competitors. Material and methods: The study group comprised cyclists aged 18-26 (N=26), randomly assigned to 2 subgroups: experimental (n=13) and control (n=13), who were administered a multi-strain probiotic or a placebo for 4 months. The experiment was a double-blinded, randomised trial. Assessment of health status, within the context of analysing selected values of haematological and biochemical indices of the blood, urine and faeces, was performed before the examination, after 1 month, 3 months and following completion of the experiment. Results: The 16-week intervention of supplementation with a probiotic preparation was associated with a change in some biochemical blood indices of the studied men. Decreases in the concentration of total protein and alkaline phosphatase were found. The applied 4-month supplementation did not affect the levels of haemoglobin, glucose, keratin kinase or total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides. Probiotic supplementation contributed to inhibiting the growth of intestinal pathogenic bacteria, simultaneously influencing the growth of selected strains of symbiotic bacteria. The changes in the values of the indices measured before and after the end of the experiment and between the groups, were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The assessed blood indices in both subgroups were within the reference ranges, both before starting the probiotic/ placebo and after the supplementation period. The demonstrated changes in the index values suggest a beneficial effect of the probiotic preparation on the composition of the faecal microbiota.

Altered intestinal microbiota induced by chronic hypoxia drives the effects on lipid metabolism and the immune response of oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense

Feed management and seasonal changes can cause long-term episodes of hypoxia in prawn ponds during aquaculture. Changes to prawn morphology and their intestinal microbiota in response to chronic hypoxia are poorly understood. In the present study, we exposed the oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense to normoxic, moderately hypoxic, and hypoxic conditions for four weeks, and then studied their fatty acid composition, metabolic and immune enzyme activities, and intestinal microbiota. Hypoxia clearly affected the intestinal microbiota and mucosal morphology. Compared with the normoxia and moderate hypoxia groups, the prawns in the hypoxia group had a significantly higher levels of intestinal pathogenic bacteria and a clearly different microbial community structure. Functional prediction revealed that the prawns' adaptation to hypoxia might involve microbiota-induced modulation of lipid metabolic pathways. Furthermore, significant decreases in the levels of intestinal short-chain fatty acids and the levels of hepatic highly unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., eicosapentaenoic acid and eicosapentenoic acid) were observed on prawns in response to hypoxia (P < .05). Hepatic metabolic enzymes activities and haemolymph metabolites were also markedly affected by chronic hypoxia (e.g., fatty acid synthetase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, lipo-protein lipase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase I, and the free fatty acid content). Hypoxia also significantly reduced intestinal immune enzyme activities in the prawns (e.g., phenoloxidase, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase) (P < .05). During hypoxia, the prawns' intestinal microbial communities correlated significantly with the intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity (P < .05). The results suggested that chronic hypoxia negatively affected M. nipponense intestinal health by altering the composition of the microbiota, inhibiting the immune response, and decreasing the content of short-chain fatty acids in the intestines.